Signs
Sweet short film =)
Thanks Geeky Christian for this video!
Sweet short film =)
Thanks Geeky Christian for this video!
ganbatene, baka inu
Hey peepz,
Its been another long while.
It been another long journey. And I've just closed another chapter of life. Essentially, a year exchange to Japan.
I'm glad to have taken my chances where I could. And regret those opportunity costs that I have chosen to forgo.
Friends made, affections lost. Thats the circle of life.
We just have to keep on living.
Right now, I'm in Graz, Austria. Doing a 3 month volunteering/internship project trying to raise awareness of global issues in high schools. The project is called "Piece Together." While running along the River Mur, it dawned on me how apt that title applies to my own life as well.
To the best of my own abilities, I shall try to fix what's broken.
Its been another long while.
It been another long journey. And I've just closed another chapter of life. Essentially, a year exchange to Japan.
I'm glad to have taken my chances where I could. And regret those opportunity costs that I have chosen to forgo.
Friends made, affections lost. Thats the circle of life.
We just have to keep on living.
Right now, I'm in Graz, Austria. Doing a 3 month volunteering/internship project trying to raise awareness of global issues in high schools. The project is called "Piece Together." While running along the River Mur, it dawned on me how apt that title applies to my own life as well.
To the best of my own abilities, I shall try to fix what's broken.
ganbatene, baka inu
Agnes Carlsson - Release Me
Release me , release my body.
I know it's wrong, So why am I with you now.
I say release me, Cause I'm not able to
convince myself
That I'm better off without you.
Yeah, it's perfectly clear
That love's not what you need
I tell you I don't care
But I don't want to
Anything that you say
I hear myself agree
And I don't recognize
What I've turned into,
I don't know why I want you so
'Cause I don't need the heart break
I don't know what addictive hold
You have on me I can't shake
No, I'm not in control
So let me go
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you
I could sleep by myself
I would burn me alive
Find me somebody else
But I don't want to
Try to leave out the love
That goes against the grain
But I can rationalize it
If I have to
I don't know why I want you so
'Cause I don't need the heart break
I don't know what addictive hold
You have on me I can't shake
No, I'm not in control
So let me go
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you..
I'm not in control
So let me go
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you..
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you..
Release me , release my body.
I know it's wrong, So why am I with you now.
I say release me, Cause I'm not able to
convince myself
That I'm better off without you.
Yeah, it's perfectly clear
That love's not what you need
I tell you I don't care
But I don't want to
Anything that you say
I hear myself agree
And I don't recognize
What I've turned into,
I don't know why I want you so
'Cause I don't need the heart break
I don't know what addictive hold
You have on me I can't shake
No, I'm not in control
So let me go
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you
I could sleep by myself
I would burn me alive
Find me somebody else
But I don't want to
Try to leave out the love
That goes against the grain
But I can rationalize it
If I have to
I don't know why I want you so
'Cause I don't need the heart break
I don't know what addictive hold
You have on me I can't shake
No, I'm not in control
So let me go
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you..
I'm not in control
So let me go
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you..
Release me
Release my body
I know it's wrong
So why do I keep coming back
I say release me
'Cause I'm not able to
Convince myself
That I'm better off without you..
ganbatene, baka inu
Pussycat Dolls -- Hush Hush
Oooooh ooooh
I never needed you to be strong
I never needed you for pointin' out my wrongs
i never needed pain,i never needed strain.
My love for you was strong enough you should've known.
I never needed you for judgement
I never needed you to question what i spent
I never asked for help, I take care of myself, I don't know why you think you got a hold on me.
And it's a little in the conversations
There isn't anything that you can say.
And my eyes hurt, hands shiver, so look at me and listen to me because,
I don't want to
Stay another minute
I don't want you
To say a single word
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
There is no other way
I get the final say
Because
I don't want to
Do this any longer
I don't want you
There's nothing left to say
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
I've already spoken
Our love is broken
Baby Hush Hush
I never needed your corrections
On everything from how i act to what i say
i never needed words, i never needed hurt, i never needed you to be there everyday
I'm sorry for the way i let go
Of everything i wanted when you came along
But i am never beaten, broken, not defeated
I know next to you is not where i belong
And it's a little late for explanations
There isn't anything that you can do
And my eyes hurt, hands shiver, so you will listen when i say baby
I don't want to
Stay another minute
I don't want you
To say a single word
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
There is no other way
I get the final say
Because
I don't want to
Do this any longer
I don't want you
There's nothing left to say
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
I've already spoken
Our love is broken
Baby Hush Hush
No more words
No more lies
No more crying ooh ooh
No more pain
No more hurt
No more tryin' Oh Oh Yeah
Because
I don't want to
Stay another minute
I don't want you
To say a single word
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
There is no other way
I get the final say
Because
I don't want to
Do this any longer
I don't want you
There's nothing left to say
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
I've already spoken
Our love is broken
Baby Hush Hush
Yeah Oh
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
I've already spoken
Our love is broken
Baby
Oooooh ooooh
I never needed you to be strong
I never needed you for pointin' out my wrongs
i never needed pain,i never needed strain.
My love for you was strong enough you should've known.
I never needed you for judgement
I never needed you to question what i spent
I never asked for help, I take care of myself, I don't know why you think you got a hold on me.
And it's a little in the conversations
There isn't anything that you can say.
And my eyes hurt, hands shiver, so look at me and listen to me because,
I don't want to
Stay another minute
I don't want you
To say a single word
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
There is no other way
I get the final say
Because
I don't want to
Do this any longer
I don't want you
There's nothing left to say
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
I've already spoken
Our love is broken
Baby Hush Hush
I never needed your corrections
On everything from how i act to what i say
i never needed words, i never needed hurt, i never needed you to be there everyday
I'm sorry for the way i let go
Of everything i wanted when you came along
But i am never beaten, broken, not defeated
I know next to you is not where i belong
And it's a little late for explanations
There isn't anything that you can do
And my eyes hurt, hands shiver, so you will listen when i say baby
I don't want to
Stay another minute
I don't want you
To say a single word
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
There is no other way
I get the final say
Because
I don't want to
Do this any longer
I don't want you
There's nothing left to say
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
I've already spoken
Our love is broken
Baby Hush Hush
No more words
No more lies
No more crying ooh ooh
No more pain
No more hurt
No more tryin' Oh Oh Yeah
Because
I don't want to
Stay another minute
I don't want you
To say a single word
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
There is no other way
I get the final say
Because
I don't want to
Do this any longer
I don't want you
There's nothing left to say
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
I've already spoken
Our love is broken
Baby Hush Hush
Yeah Oh
Hush Hush, Hush Hush
I've already spoken
Our love is broken
Baby
ganbatene, baka inu
Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
Tonight’s the night night
Let’s live it up
I got my money
Let’s spend it up
Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Let’s get get off
I know that we’ll have a ball
If we get down
And go out
And just loose it all
I feel stressed out
I wanna let it go
Lets go way out spaced out
And losing all control
Fill up my cup
Mozoltov
Look at her dancing
Just take it off
Lets paint the town
We’ll shut it down
Let’s burn the roof
And then we’ll do it again
Lets Do it (x5)
And live it up
Lets Do it (x5)
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
A feeling
That tonight’s gonna be a good night (x2)
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
“I Gotta Feeling” lyrics are provided by Geniusbeauty.com
Tonight’s the night
Let’s live it up (Let’s live it up)
I got my money
Lets spend it up (Lets spend it up)
Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Lets get get off
Fill up my cup (Drink)
Mozolotov (Lahyme)
Look at her dancing (Move it Move it)
Just take it off
Lets paint the town
We’ll shut it down
Lets burn the roof
And then we’ll do it again
Lets do it (x4)
Let’s live it up
Lets do it…
Here we come
Here we go
We gotta rock
Easy come
Easy go
Now we on top
Feel the shot
Body rock
Rock it, don’t stop
Round and round
Up and down
Around the clock
Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday
Friday, Saturday
Saturday to Sunday
Get get get get get with us
You know what we say
Party every day
Pa-pa-pa-party every day
And I’m feelin
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
I gotta feeling tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
Tonight’s the night night
Let’s live it up
I got my money
Let’s spend it up
Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Let’s get get off
I know that we’ll have a ball
If we get down
And go out
And just loose it all
I feel stressed out
I wanna let it go
Lets go way out spaced out
And losing all control
Fill up my cup
Mozoltov
Look at her dancing
Just take it off
Lets paint the town
We’ll shut it down
Let’s burn the roof
And then we’ll do it again
Lets Do it (x5)
And live it up
Lets Do it (x5)
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
A feeling
That tonight’s gonna be a good night (x2)
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
“I Gotta Feeling” lyrics are provided by Geniusbeauty.com
Tonight’s the night
Let’s live it up (Let’s live it up)
I got my money
Lets spend it up (Lets spend it up)
Go out and smash it
Like Oh My God
Jump off that sofa
Lets get get off
Fill up my cup (Drink)
Mozolotov (Lahyme)
Look at her dancing (Move it Move it)
Just take it off
Lets paint the town
We’ll shut it down
Lets burn the roof
And then we’ll do it again
Lets do it (x4)
Let’s live it up
Lets do it…
Here we come
Here we go
We gotta rock
Easy come
Easy go
Now we on top
Feel the shot
Body rock
Rock it, don’t stop
Round and round
Up and down
Around the clock
Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday
Friday, Saturday
Saturday to Sunday
Get get get get get with us
You know what we say
Party every day
Pa-pa-pa-party every day
And I’m feelin
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
I gotta feeling tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good night
That tonight’s gonna be a good good night
ganbatene, baka inu
David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland - When Love takes over
It's complicated
It always is
That’s just the way it goes
Feels like I've waited so long for this
I wonder if it shows
Head underwater
Now I can't breathe
It never felt so good
'Cause I can feel it coming over me
I wouldn’t stop it if I could
When love takes over
You know you can’t deny
When love takes over
'Cause something’s here tonight
Give me a reason
I gotta know
Do you feel it too?
Can't you see me here on overload
And this time I blame you
Looking out for you to hold my hand
It feels like I could fall
Now love me right like I know you can
We could lose it all
When love takes over
You know you can’t deny
When love takes over
'Cause something’s here tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
And I'll be loving you all the time, it's true
'Cause I wanna make it right with you
When love takes over (repeat)
When love takes over
You know you can’t deny
When love takes over
'Cause something’s here tonight
It's complicated
It always is
That’s just the way it goes
Feels like I've waited so long for this
I wonder if it shows
Head underwater
Now I can't breathe
It never felt so good
'Cause I can feel it coming over me
I wouldn’t stop it if I could
When love takes over
You know you can’t deny
When love takes over
'Cause something’s here tonight
Give me a reason
I gotta know
Do you feel it too?
Can't you see me here on overload
And this time I blame you
Looking out for you to hold my hand
It feels like I could fall
Now love me right like I know you can
We could lose it all
When love takes over
You know you can’t deny
When love takes over
'Cause something’s here tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
And I'll be loving you all the time, it's true
'Cause I wanna make it right with you
When love takes over (repeat)
When love takes over
You know you can’t deny
When love takes over
'Cause something’s here tonight
ganbatene, baka inu
PitBull, Calle Ocho (I know You Want Me)
Haha
Its Mr. 305 checkin' in for the remix,
you know that S 75 Street Brazil?
Well this year gon be called Calle Ocho,
Hahahaha
Que ola cata, Que ola omega
and this how we gon do it
Dale,
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want ya)
I know you want me
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want you)
I know you want me
You know I want cha (want cha)
(Hahaha) 1-2-3-4 Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Si me trake dwele wapa,
Yo te wapo de busar
Tu tiene la boca grande dale punte a jugar (Como)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto (Woooo-ooo!)
6 to tha clock, on my way to the top uh,
Pit got it locked from brews to the locker,
All I.P uh, big and packer,
That he's not, but damn he's hot,
label fly but pit wont stop,
got her in the car, quit playin' with his (Como?)
watch him make a movie like Alba Hitch Hock, Enjoy Me
I know you want me (want me)
you know I wancha (want you)
I know you want em
you know I wancha (want you)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I wancha (want you)
I know you want me
You know I wancha (want you)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Si me trake dwele wapa,
Yo te wapo de busar
Tu tiene la boca grande dale punte a jugar (Como)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto (Woooo-ooo!)
Mami got an ass like a donkey, with a monkey,
look like King Kong, welcome to the crib,
305 thats what it is,
with a woman down ya s*** dont play games,
they up the chain, and they let her do everythang and anythang, hit tha thang
and they love it gettin' it in, gettin' on,
all night long (Dale)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want you (want you)
I know you want me
you know I want you (want you)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want you (want you)
I know you want me
You know I want you (want you)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Si me trake dwele wapa,
Yo te wapo de busar
Tu tiene la boca grande dale punte a jugar (Como)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Baby you can get it, if you win it we can play,
baby I got cribs, I got condos we can stay,
even got a king size matress we can lay,
baby I dont care, I dont care, what they say
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want you (want ya)
I know you want em
you know I want you (want ya)
I know you want em (want ya)
you know I want you (want ya)
I know you want em
You know I want cha (want ya)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Si me trake dwele wapa,
Yo te wapo de busar
Tu tiene la boca grande dale punte a jugar (Como)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Haha
Its Mr. 305 checkin' in for the remix,
you know that S 75 Street Brazil?
Well this year gon be called Calle Ocho,
Hahahaha
Que ola cata, Que ola omega
and this how we gon do it
Dale,
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want ya)
I know you want me
you know I want cha (want cha)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want cha (want you)
I know you want me
You know I want cha (want cha)
(Hahaha) 1-2-3-4 Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Si me trake dwele wapa,
Yo te wapo de busar
Tu tiene la boca grande dale punte a jugar (Como)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto (Woooo-ooo!)
6 to tha clock, on my way to the top uh,
Pit got it locked from brews to the locker,
All I.P uh, big and packer,
That he's not, but damn he's hot,
label fly but pit wont stop,
got her in the car, quit playin' with his (Como?)
watch him make a movie like Alba Hitch Hock, Enjoy Me
I know you want me (want me)
you know I wancha (want you)
I know you want em
you know I wancha (want you)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I wancha (want you)
I know you want me
You know I wancha (want you)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Si me trake dwele wapa,
Yo te wapo de busar
Tu tiene la boca grande dale punte a jugar (Como)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto (Woooo-ooo!)
Mami got an ass like a donkey, with a monkey,
look like King Kong, welcome to the crib,
305 thats what it is,
with a woman down ya s*** dont play games,
they up the chain, and they let her do everythang and anythang, hit tha thang
and they love it gettin' it in, gettin' on,
all night long (Dale)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want you (want you)
I know you want me
you know I want you (want you)
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want you (want you)
I know you want me
You know I want you (want you)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Si me trake dwele wapa,
Yo te wapo de busar
Tu tiene la boca grande dale punte a jugar (Como)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Baby you can get it, if you win it we can play,
baby I got cribs, I got condos we can stay,
even got a king size matress we can lay,
baby I dont care, I dont care, what they say
I know you want me (want me)
you know I want you (want ya)
I know you want em
you know I want you (want ya)
I know you want em (want ya)
you know I want you (want ya)
I know you want em
You know I want cha (want ya)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Roomba (Si)
Ella queres un Roomba (Como?)
Si me trake dwele wapa,
Yo te wapo de busar
Tu tiene la boca grande dale punte a jugar (Como)
1-2-3-4
Uno-do'-tres-quarto
ganbatene, baka inu
Here are some suggestions for small, but powerful ways you can give to those around you today:
* Drop the expectations that you have for your partner and your family. Instead of expecting them to behave a certain way to you, see how you can show them how much they really mean to you.
* Give away your attitude. This is really one of the most awesome ways you can give to others. Your attitude and positive energy has an amazing effect on those around you. Darkness, when approached with light, becomes illuminated. In the same way, low energy, when approached by higher energy, dissolves. Help dissolve others’ lower energy patterns by bringing your higher, positive energy to them.
* Gift your intention. Whenever you encounter someone, say a silent blessing or send them a positive intention, instead of judging them.
* Show your gratitude. Write a simple note or letter expressing to someone how much they mean to you and the reasons you love them. The impact this will have on the receiver is amazing.
* Simply offer your help. If there’s nothing specific you can do for another person, simply let them know that if there is ever a way you can help, you would like them to let you know.
These things may seem small, but I think the world is changed by a profusion of micro ideas. Revolutions start with small actions.
* Drop the expectations that you have for your partner and your family. Instead of expecting them to behave a certain way to you, see how you can show them how much they really mean to you.
* Give away your attitude. This is really one of the most awesome ways you can give to others. Your attitude and positive energy has an amazing effect on those around you. Darkness, when approached with light, becomes illuminated. In the same way, low energy, when approached by higher energy, dissolves. Help dissolve others’ lower energy patterns by bringing your higher, positive energy to them.
* Gift your intention. Whenever you encounter someone, say a silent blessing or send them a positive intention, instead of judging them.
* Show your gratitude. Write a simple note or letter expressing to someone how much they mean to you and the reasons you love them. The impact this will have on the receiver is amazing.
* Simply offer your help. If there’s nothing specific you can do for another person, simply let them know that if there is ever a way you can help, you would like them to let you know.
These things may seem small, but I think the world is changed by a profusion of micro ideas. Revolutions start with small actions.
ganbatene, baka inu
お久しぶり。
今日、どうして疲れがちだった？ 多分夕べ寝た時間は足りなかったんです。 今日気分が悪かったんです。
いろいろ未だ完成したことはしなければいけなくて、体の力はどこへ残してしまいました。
シンガポールへちょっと帰りたくない。なぜなら未だ経験しません。
ユーロパへいきたい。新しい世界もみたいんです。
今夢をつくったり、ブログを書いたりしています。
未来の計画はどうやって作れる？今度のインタンシープによって、どこへ行きます。
今日、どうして疲れがちだった？ 多分夕べ寝た時間は足りなかったんです。 今日気分が悪かったんです。
いろいろ未だ完成したことはしなければいけなくて、体の力はどこへ残してしまいました。
シンガポールへちょっと帰りたくない。なぜなら未だ経験しません。
ユーロパへいきたい。新しい世界もみたいんです。
今夢をつくったり、ブログを書いたりしています。
未来の計画はどうやって作れる？今度のインタンシープによって、どこへ行きます。
ganbatene, baka inu
Shelter by Corinne May
Just discovered this song from one of my favourite singers, the US-based Singaporean Corinne May. Someone made a fan vid with this song to art works of on my favourite anime, Naruto.
Warning: there is some yaoi (boy to boy love) in this vid, so dun get offended! I didn't make the video! If you like anime girls, watch the second video, which is a 処女 classification.
The song is great. The lyrics are meaningful. And I hope I can a shelter to my family and friends too.
What's wrong, whats getting you down
Is it something I might have said?
You're walking around
with your head to the ground
and your eyes are watery red
I know you've been through rough times
Kicked around, thrown to the ground
but you've always been the strong one
So don't tell me that nobody gets you
'cause I'm standing in your corner
Knocking at tour door
You don't have to be alone
Just call my name
Let me be an answer
'cause it hurts me to see you this way
I wanna ease your pain
Help me understand
Let me be your shelter my friend
We share a bond
You and I we belong
We're like coffee and morning trains
You strip my defenses
I catch your pretenses
The same blood runs through our veins
I swore I'd be your lifeline
Made a vow that I'd surround you with love at every milestone
I'll listen when nobody gets you
I'm still standing in your corner
Waiting by your door
You don't have to be alone
Just call my name
Let me be an answer
'cause it hurts me to see you this way
I wanna ease your pain
Help me understand
Let me be your shelter my friend
It was not too long ago
You sought to understand
You helped me mend
Remember when
So promise me you'll
Call my name
Let me be an answer
'cause it hurts me to see you this way
I wanna ease your pain
Help me understand
Let my be your shelter my friend
Just discovered this song from one of my favourite singers, the US-based Singaporean Corinne May. Someone made a fan vid with this song to art works of on my favourite anime, Naruto.
Warning: there is some yaoi (boy to boy love) in this vid, so dun get offended! I didn't make the video! If you like anime girls, watch the second video, which is a 処女 classification.
The song is great. The lyrics are meaningful. And I hope I can a shelter to my family and friends too.
What's wrong, whats getting you down
Is it something I might have said?
You're walking around
with your head to the ground
and your eyes are watery red
I know you've been through rough times
Kicked around, thrown to the ground
but you've always been the strong one
So don't tell me that nobody gets you
'cause I'm standing in your corner
Knocking at tour door
You don't have to be alone
Just call my name
Let me be an answer
'cause it hurts me to see you this way
I wanna ease your pain
Help me understand
Let me be your shelter my friend
We share a bond
You and I we belong
We're like coffee and morning trains
You strip my defenses
I catch your pretenses
The same blood runs through our veins
I swore I'd be your lifeline
Made a vow that I'd surround you with love at every milestone
I'll listen when nobody gets you
I'm still standing in your corner
Waiting by your door
You don't have to be alone
Just call my name
Let me be an answer
'cause it hurts me to see you this way
I wanna ease your pain
Help me understand
Let me be your shelter my friend
It was not too long ago
You sought to understand
You helped me mend
Remember when
So promise me you'll
Call my name
Let me be an answer
'cause it hurts me to see you this way
I wanna ease your pain
Help me understand
Let my be your shelter my friend
ganbatene, baka inu
郭静 - 下一个天亮
词:姚若龙
曲:陈小霞
用起伏的背影 挡住哭泣的心
有些故事 不必说给 每个人听
许多眼睛 看的太浅太近
错过我没被看见 那个自己
用简单的言语 解开超载的心
有些情绪 是该说给 懂的人听
你的热泪 比我激动怜惜
我发誓要更努力 更有勇气
等下一个天亮 去上次牵手赏花那里散步好吗
有些积雪会自己融化
你的肩膀是我豁达的天堂
等下一个天亮 把偷拍我看海的照片送我好吗
我喜欢我飞舞的头发
和飘着雨还是眺望的眼光
用简单的言语 解开超载的心
有些情绪 是该说给 懂的人听
你的热泪 比我激动怜惜
我发誓要更努力 更有勇气
等下一个天亮 去上次牵手赏花那里散步好吗
有些积雪会自己融化
你的肩膀是我豁达的天堂
等下一个天亮 把偷拍我看海的照片送我好吗
我喜欢我飞舞的头发
和飘着雨还是眺望的眼光
时间可以磨去我的棱角
有些坚持却永远磨不掉
请容许我 小小的骄傲
因为有你这样的依靠
等下一个天亮 去上次牵手赏花那里散步好吗
有些积雪会自己融化
你的肩膀是我豁达的天堂
等下一个天亮 把偷拍我看海的照片送我好吗
我喜欢我飞舞的头发
和飘着雨还是眺望的眼光
Let me appreciate the now while it lasts.
词:姚若龙
曲:陈小霞
用起伏的背影 挡住哭泣的心
有些故事 不必说给 每个人听
许多眼睛 看的太浅太近
错过我没被看见 那个自己
用简单的言语 解开超载的心
有些情绪 是该说给 懂的人听
你的热泪 比我激动怜惜
我发誓要更努力 更有勇气
等下一个天亮 去上次牵手赏花那里散步好吗
有些积雪会自己融化
你的肩膀是我豁达的天堂
等下一个天亮 把偷拍我看海的照片送我好吗
我喜欢我飞舞的头发
和飘着雨还是眺望的眼光
用简单的言语 解开超载的心
有些情绪 是该说给 懂的人听
你的热泪 比我激动怜惜
我发誓要更努力 更有勇气
等下一个天亮 去上次牵手赏花那里散步好吗
有些积雪会自己融化
你的肩膀是我豁达的天堂
等下一个天亮 把偷拍我看海的照片送我好吗
我喜欢我飞舞的头发
和飘着雨还是眺望的眼光
时间可以磨去我的棱角
有些坚持却永远磨不掉
请容许我 小小的骄傲
因为有你这样的依靠
等下一个天亮 去上次牵手赏花那里散步好吗
有些积雪会自己融化
你的肩膀是我豁达的天堂
等下一个天亮 把偷拍我看海的照片送我好吗
我喜欢我飞舞的头发
和飘着雨还是眺望的眼光
Let me appreciate the now while it lasts.
ganbatene, baka inu
Steve Job's Standford University's Commencement speech
ganbatene, baka inu
Hey peepz!
Its been a while (again) since I actually wrote something substantial. So here is a short update with my life.
I've had a really exciting life in Japan so far! Its has been a great learning experience so far.
After 5 months in Japan, I had the chance to go to Turkey for 2 months for an unpaid internship and undertook a project of educating Turkey High school children about Singapore and Japanese culture. And in turn, I learned about Turkish, as well as Taiwanese, Chinese, Weierzhu, Bosnian, Italian, Kazakhstan, Polish, German and Slovakian cultures as well.
It was a great opportunity to see the world in one place and make the sort of comparisons a comparative political scientist would take delight in.
Now I'm back and completing my Spring Semester studies in Waseda. I have deliberately chosen two business modules: Comparative Corporate Governance (I'm attracted to anything that has the word 'Governance') and Financial Management (in the light of the current economic crisis, I want to know more about stocks, shares and other business terminology that is being thrown over my head everyday). I am also taking a module called Intercultural Communication. Being in a intercultural environment (more complex that the 4 layered multi-cultural categorization of Singapore, while ironically being in "homogeneous" Japan), I think I had better gain some more sensitivity in my inter-personal relations across differences.
Speaking of differences, I have experienced more so than in Singapore, what it means to be examining who I am, when faced with such diversity and differences. And the more I examine, the more I think its essential to celebrate such diversity and difference.
Having made many friends, I learn more the necessity of trying to keep up with friends across vast distances and the importance of constant and consistent effort in communication. Its a matter of discipline, effort and interest in keeping up.
I have opined to a well-travelled friend of mine, that now that I have actually travelled out to Japan, I realize the importance and joy of travelling to other places. For me its about getting out of my comfort zone and shocking myself once in a while. Its about opening my eyes to the many options I have laid out in front of me. At the same time, its experiencing the conundrum of being out here, still as a student and a dependent, and looking at my peers diving into their careers and eking a living out for themselves.
It can be perceived as the "unsettled life" vs the "settled life" dilemma. The whole, get down, get married and get a family kind of life. At the same time, I do recognize the eventuality (and opportunity costs) of it all, especially when I see my friends and brother get married.
In any case, while being here in Japan, there are still loads to do! Just went to the infamous Yasukuni Shrine and Yuushuukan Museum of Japanese military history. They were very interesting to say the least.
Am planning to go on more of these kinds of trips in and around Tokyo over the weekends. Am planning to go Kyoto and Oosaka in July to visit dear dear Yui-san with a Turkish friend who's coming over for a conference.
Currently, I'm also trying to look for job opportunities around the globe. Except Mexico. Hope the flu is not getting any serious, since I'm also going to Korea in 3 weeks time to attend my elder brother's wedding to his Korean wife. Am going to meet up with my parents as well! so am very excited about that. I just hope that the wedding won't be attended by mask-wearing guests and pastors. Imagine a pastor reading the wedding rites through a mask. Imagine my brother and sister-in-law reciting the vows through masks! That would be a medical sight to behold. Maybe there should a medical theme to the dress code, rather than simply "Formal." Hmmm...
Well, just a shout out: "I'm doing great! And I am going to be back at the end of August or early September! Try not to expect any presents. Horrible exchange rates."
Miss ya'll.
Its been a while (again) since I actually wrote something substantial. So here is a short update with my life.
I've had a really exciting life in Japan so far! Its has been a great learning experience so far.
After 5 months in Japan, I had the chance to go to Turkey for 2 months for an unpaid internship and undertook a project of educating Turkey High school children about Singapore and Japanese culture. And in turn, I learned about Turkish, as well as Taiwanese, Chinese, Weierzhu, Bosnian, Italian, Kazakhstan, Polish, German and Slovakian cultures as well.
It was a great opportunity to see the world in one place and make the sort of comparisons a comparative political scientist would take delight in.
Now I'm back and completing my Spring Semester studies in Waseda. I have deliberately chosen two business modules: Comparative Corporate Governance (I'm attracted to anything that has the word 'Governance') and Financial Management (in the light of the current economic crisis, I want to know more about stocks, shares and other business terminology that is being thrown over my head everyday). I am also taking a module called Intercultural Communication. Being in a intercultural environment (more complex that the 4 layered multi-cultural categorization of Singapore, while ironically being in "homogeneous" Japan), I think I had better gain some more sensitivity in my inter-personal relations across differences.
Speaking of differences, I have experienced more so than in Singapore, what it means to be examining who I am, when faced with such diversity and differences. And the more I examine, the more I think its essential to celebrate such diversity and difference.
Having made many friends, I learn more the necessity of trying to keep up with friends across vast distances and the importance of constant and consistent effort in communication. Its a matter of discipline, effort and interest in keeping up.
I have opined to a well-travelled friend of mine, that now that I have actually travelled out to Japan, I realize the importance and joy of travelling to other places. For me its about getting out of my comfort zone and shocking myself once in a while. Its about opening my eyes to the many options I have laid out in front of me. At the same time, its experiencing the conundrum of being out here, still as a student and a dependent, and looking at my peers diving into their careers and eking a living out for themselves.
It can be perceived as the "unsettled life" vs the "settled life" dilemma. The whole, get down, get married and get a family kind of life. At the same time, I do recognize the eventuality (and opportunity costs) of it all, especially when I see my friends and brother get married.
In any case, while being here in Japan, there are still loads to do! Just went to the infamous Yasukuni Shrine and Yuushuukan Museum of Japanese military history. They were very interesting to say the least.
Am planning to go on more of these kinds of trips in and around Tokyo over the weekends. Am planning to go Kyoto and Oosaka in July to visit dear dear Yui-san with a Turkish friend who's coming over for a conference.
Currently, I'm also trying to look for job opportunities around the globe. Except Mexico. Hope the flu is not getting any serious, since I'm also going to Korea in 3 weeks time to attend my elder brother's wedding to his Korean wife. Am going to meet up with my parents as well! so am very excited about that. I just hope that the wedding won't be attended by mask-wearing guests and pastors. Imagine a pastor reading the wedding rites through a mask. Imagine my brother and sister-in-law reciting the vows through masks! That would be a medical sight to behold. Maybe there should a medical theme to the dress code, rather than simply "Formal." Hmmm...
Well, just a shout out: "I'm doing great! And I am going to be back at the end of August or early September! Try not to expect any presents. Horrible exchange rates."
Miss ya'll.
ganbatene, baka inu
What someone is looking for in a relationship:
A tinge of cheekiness, a splash of humour, generous spoonful of intelligence before blending it with lotsa honesty, commitment and respect for each other space. Bake it under 200 degree celsius of intimacy. Chill with occasional sweet whispers. Sprinkle with some maturity, chemistry and patience. Garnish with smiles before serving. ;)
Made me hungry for some food of love in my life!
A tinge of cheekiness, a splash of humour, generous spoonful of intelligence before blending it with lotsa honesty, commitment and respect for each other space. Bake it under 200 degree celsius of intimacy. Chill with occasional sweet whispers. Sprinkle with some maturity, chemistry and patience. Garnish with smiles before serving. ;)
Made me hungry for some food of love in my life!
ganbatene, baka inu
Kiwi!
Some dreams are worth it all. It is sentimental and inspiration.
Ganbare!
Some dreams are worth it all. It is sentimental and inspiration.
Ganbare!
ganbatene, baka inu
Am here in Bursa, Turkey!
Things have been quite the experience so far! Both good and bad of course. Even though I have gone through the intercultural communications class, some things I can never get used to and the culture shock between Turkey and Japan has been a lot wider than that between Japan and Singapore.
That said, I must say I have begun to appreciate both Japan and Singapore even more despite my constant complaints about the little things. At the same time, I am also very appreciative of the good points that Turkish culture and people have over what Japanese and Singaporean cultures have to offer.
Turkish weather in winter is to say the least, dreadful. Its been raining non-stop here in Bursa. Miserable, wet and gloomy. Thats how i would describe the weather here. I have taken ill, with a cough and a sore throat. Thankfully I have an (overly) caring host family, fussing over me, even though i just requested for an early night, cough mixture and lozenges. -_-'''
I unilaterally decided to take the day off, instead of travelling to goodness know where, 2 schools, where me and my foreign friends will undoubtedly be treated with the warmth of prized fantastical creatures they have only read from story books. Because I am the only Asian guy in the group, it seems Im the most "prized." I have had girls running up to me and proclaiming they like me and they want to take me home. 0_o... Of course i enjoyed by 15 minutes of fame and my Facebook friends probably jumped 30 percent because of the hordes of high schools kids trying to get me on their list, kids I probably wont be able to maintain contact even if i want to because most of them can't speak English and I can't speak Turkish.
Haha! Of course, i don't think its a bad thing. If not I wouldnt be doing it. I realized that so many people in this world are ignorant. Especially myself. To discover the ignorance of people and being their to enlighten them (and in so doing myself), I feel accomplished. As if I have made the immediate world around me a little better. I just hope that my relating own experiences when i go back home will also do the same for those i will come across in my life.
the cocoon that governments weave over to protect their own people are so strong. That of Singapore, of Japan and of Turkey, each utilizing the many political and ideological tools to forge that national consciousness. Everywhere i go and everyone i ask, they only wish to be the nationality they were born with. The Turk wants to be Turk, the Japanese wants to be Japanese and the Singaporean wants to be Singaporean. What do you think this means for international cooperation? To deal with global issues? Just wondering how can we strengthen this avenue of international politics. Because thats why im here isn't? To promote intercultural understanding and global consciousness.
I just hope we will be in time, considering the huge mental barriers i witness here in Turkey. On the one hand Turkish men see us on streets and try to heckle at us, on the other, many stare at us like aliens, while some do smile when I smile back at them. Its going to be a hard task, as I see it.
Things have been quite the experience so far! Both good and bad of course. Even though I have gone through the intercultural communications class, some things I can never get used to and the culture shock between Turkey and Japan has been a lot wider than that between Japan and Singapore.
That said, I must say I have begun to appreciate both Japan and Singapore even more despite my constant complaints about the little things. At the same time, I am also very appreciative of the good points that Turkish culture and people have over what Japanese and Singaporean cultures have to offer.
Turkish weather in winter is to say the least, dreadful. Its been raining non-stop here in Bursa. Miserable, wet and gloomy. Thats how i would describe the weather here. I have taken ill, with a cough and a sore throat. Thankfully I have an (overly) caring host family, fussing over me, even though i just requested for an early night, cough mixture and lozenges. -_-'''
I unilaterally decided to take the day off, instead of travelling to goodness know where, 2 schools, where me and my foreign friends will undoubtedly be treated with the warmth of prized fantastical creatures they have only read from story books. Because I am the only Asian guy in the group, it seems Im the most "prized." I have had girls running up to me and proclaiming they like me and they want to take me home. 0_o... Of course i enjoyed by 15 minutes of fame and my Facebook friends probably jumped 30 percent because of the hordes of high schools kids trying to get me on their list, kids I probably wont be able to maintain contact even if i want to because most of them can't speak English and I can't speak Turkish.
Haha! Of course, i don't think its a bad thing. If not I wouldnt be doing it. I realized that so many people in this world are ignorant. Especially myself. To discover the ignorance of people and being their to enlighten them (and in so doing myself), I feel accomplished. As if I have made the immediate world around me a little better. I just hope that my relating own experiences when i go back home will also do the same for those i will come across in my life.
the cocoon that governments weave over to protect their own people are so strong. That of Singapore, of Japan and of Turkey, each utilizing the many political and ideological tools to forge that national consciousness. Everywhere i go and everyone i ask, they only wish to be the nationality they were born with. The Turk wants to be Turk, the Japanese wants to be Japanese and the Singaporean wants to be Singaporean. What do you think this means for international cooperation? To deal with global issues? Just wondering how can we strengthen this avenue of international politics. Because thats why im here isn't? To promote intercultural understanding and global consciousness.
I just hope we will be in time, considering the huge mental barriers i witness here in Turkey. On the one hand Turkish men see us on streets and try to heckle at us, on the other, many stare at us like aliens, while some do smile when I smile back at them. Its going to be a hard task, as I see it.
ganbatene, baka inu
Hey Peepz!
Its been a while since I put up an entry! So im putting one up now!
I have been really busy of late, rushing my deadlines, completing my examinations and doing up my preparations for my 2 month trip to Turkey, and here I am in the apartment of some Turkish friends in Istanbul!
Was put up here for the night before we will move on to Bursa where I will be going around Turkish high schools telling them about Singapore and Japan, as well as facilitating them with discussions of global village.
Took an Aeroflot flight from Tokyo to Istanbul, transiting in Moscow. The trip was rather pleasant. The food was pretty decent and the inflight entertainment system too. Watched Ratatouille. Funny show! "Anyone can cook!" Such a positive show. On the whole, i still prefer SIA though with its smiling crew and KrisWorld with a wider variety. I must say there were some very pretty Russian stewardesses and people on board. Sake-san was remarking that the young Russian girls seem to jump right out a model magazine.
Moscow's transit airport was a little below expectations for me. I don't know where we docked but we had to get onto a bus transiting through a few minutes of minus 7 degrees temperatures. Sake-san and I tried to take some photos with the aeroplane but were (rather rudely by Japanese standards) asked to get onto the bus by Russian security. Getting through security took a long time because there was only one metal detector for our flight and there were quite a number transiting. Food was exorbitant, as expected of EU countries really. Two sandwiches and 1 drink came up to 15 Euro, or 1780 Yen or 23 SGD. I changed my mind on buying any Russian postcards thereafter... -_-''' And there was no internet access either wireless or computer terminals at the transit area. So Sake and I were rather bored. Luckily we met a Turkish man who spoke Japanese because his wife was Japanese. He spoke Japanese very fluently and he was only in Japan for 8 months! I have been in Japan for 6 and I can barely hear a word exchanged between Sake and him! So embarrassing! I could participate somewhat in the discussion though and I thought it was a pretty interesting conversation. So the transit didn't turn out to be all that bad. =)
Getting to Istanbul meant completing our 18 hour journey from narita. But of course the journey started a lot longer before that. By the time we got to Istanbul it was 0020 local time. Was so glad that Arda and Mune came to pick us up at the airport, provided a much needed sense of security. Then a Brazilian girl, Maria Fernanda joined us shortly and proved to be a crazy burst of Latin American energy to fatigued travellers.
We spent the night at the airport before setting out on the public transport that starts running at 6 in the morning. Traffic is crazy. Much like Japan. Expect more cars. One interesting thing about Turkey is that one of their bus services, the Metrobus has a dedicated bus lane, so it sped through its stops pretty quick and I got to see a good view of sprawling buildings and residences that spread over all the way to top of the rolling hills, and frequently spotted by the two distinctive spires of the many mosques.
Got to the apartment of Arda's friends. The apartment was huge by Japanese standards. Shall try not to stereotype the Turkish people, but the housemates love a few things: playstation, especially winning eleven, soccer, drinking and smoking. They are a relaxed, spontaneous and friendly bunch of people. After waking up in the afternoon trying to get over the jet lag, (Istanbul is GMT +7, singapore is GMT +8 and Tokyo is GMT +9), one of the housemates, Deniz, Maria and me started talking about Turkey and Deniz was so passionate about Turkey. He reminds me of Michi. Michi said he would always want to be Japanese. and Deniz proclaimed he wanted to be nothing other than Turkish. And on the spot, Deniz said if we wanted to go to look around Istanbul, and we did!
we met two more of his friends, Kagen and Rasit and we all had dinner at Taksim, which was the shopping street of Istanbul. 2 million people come here everyday. The Shinjuku of Istanbul. And boy was it crowded! We had a meal at a place called "Barcelona Cafe" and had crepes and cake. It was sooooo filling! The crepes were like chicken meat wrapped up in crispy bread with french fries. Deniz treated me to dessert which turned out to be this HUGE slice of strawberry with chocolate cake!
Then we went to Bosporus Bridge, a popular tourist spot to look at the glittering lights of the Bridge that joins Turkish Europe and Turkish Asia. It felt a little existential to be standing at the point that is said to divide two continents.
Another interesting things about Istanbul, is that the place features the Ataturk, or the Father of the Turks everywhere. He was the founder of the Turkish Republic and was responsible for many modernizing efforts as well as the establishing of a secular Republic amidst the majority Moslem population. Because of him, civil law, rather than the Shariat law was instituted and the Turkish could wear western clothes, smoke and drink alcohol. I would dare say that Turkey is so much more a modern developed religious country than say certain "neighbours" that seem to be trying so hard to put religion into their constitution if they havent already. My Turkish friend seemed a little shocked by the fact that there was an Islamic police force in that country, trained to catch Muslim adherents that drink alcohol or wear anything that reveals the slightest bit of skin.
Other than that, Istanbul is a popular destination spot for tourists. And it is definitely worth a trip if you wish to catch a glimpse of the mystique of middle east in a relatively safe environment. Of course, turkey does have its weakness and social and political issues like the extremist Kurds and their invasion of Turkish Cyprus, but I will need to do more research on them.
All right! Thats all for my report on my first day in Turkey! Hope to do more when I do have the time and internet access!
Take care everyone!
Its been a while since I put up an entry! So im putting one up now!
I have been really busy of late, rushing my deadlines, completing my examinations and doing up my preparations for my 2 month trip to Turkey, and here I am in the apartment of some Turkish friends in Istanbul!
Was put up here for the night before we will move on to Bursa where I will be going around Turkish high schools telling them about Singapore and Japan, as well as facilitating them with discussions of global village.
Took an Aeroflot flight from Tokyo to Istanbul, transiting in Moscow. The trip was rather pleasant. The food was pretty decent and the inflight entertainment system too. Watched Ratatouille. Funny show! "Anyone can cook!" Such a positive show. On the whole, i still prefer SIA though with its smiling crew and KrisWorld with a wider variety. I must say there were some very pretty Russian stewardesses and people on board. Sake-san was remarking that the young Russian girls seem to jump right out a model magazine.
Moscow's transit airport was a little below expectations for me. I don't know where we docked but we had to get onto a bus transiting through a few minutes of minus 7 degrees temperatures. Sake-san and I tried to take some photos with the aeroplane but were (rather rudely by Japanese standards) asked to get onto the bus by Russian security. Getting through security took a long time because there was only one metal detector for our flight and there were quite a number transiting. Food was exorbitant, as expected of EU countries really. Two sandwiches and 1 drink came up to 15 Euro, or 1780 Yen or 23 SGD. I changed my mind on buying any Russian postcards thereafter... -_-''' And there was no internet access either wireless or computer terminals at the transit area. So Sake and I were rather bored. Luckily we met a Turkish man who spoke Japanese because his wife was Japanese. He spoke Japanese very fluently and he was only in Japan for 8 months! I have been in Japan for 6 and I can barely hear a word exchanged between Sake and him! So embarrassing! I could participate somewhat in the discussion though and I thought it was a pretty interesting conversation. So the transit didn't turn out to be all that bad. =)
Getting to Istanbul meant completing our 18 hour journey from narita. But of course the journey started a lot longer before that. By the time we got to Istanbul it was 0020 local time. Was so glad that Arda and Mune came to pick us up at the airport, provided a much needed sense of security. Then a Brazilian girl, Maria Fernanda joined us shortly and proved to be a crazy burst of Latin American energy to fatigued travellers.
We spent the night at the airport before setting out on the public transport that starts running at 6 in the morning. Traffic is crazy. Much like Japan. Expect more cars. One interesting thing about Turkey is that one of their bus services, the Metrobus has a dedicated bus lane, so it sped through its stops pretty quick and I got to see a good view of sprawling buildings and residences that spread over all the way to top of the rolling hills, and frequently spotted by the two distinctive spires of the many mosques.
Got to the apartment of Arda's friends. The apartment was huge by Japanese standards. Shall try not to stereotype the Turkish people, but the housemates love a few things: playstation, especially winning eleven, soccer, drinking and smoking. They are a relaxed, spontaneous and friendly bunch of people. After waking up in the afternoon trying to get over the jet lag, (Istanbul is GMT +7, singapore is GMT +8 and Tokyo is GMT +9), one of the housemates, Deniz, Maria and me started talking about Turkey and Deniz was so passionate about Turkey. He reminds me of Michi. Michi said he would always want to be Japanese. and Deniz proclaimed he wanted to be nothing other than Turkish. And on the spot, Deniz said if we wanted to go to look around Istanbul, and we did!
we met two more of his friends, Kagen and Rasit and we all had dinner at Taksim, which was the shopping street of Istanbul. 2 million people come here everyday. The Shinjuku of Istanbul. And boy was it crowded! We had a meal at a place called "Barcelona Cafe" and had crepes and cake. It was sooooo filling! The crepes were like chicken meat wrapped up in crispy bread with french fries. Deniz treated me to dessert which turned out to be this HUGE slice of strawberry with chocolate cake!
Then we went to Bosporus Bridge, a popular tourist spot to look at the glittering lights of the Bridge that joins Turkish Europe and Turkish Asia. It felt a little existential to be standing at the point that is said to divide two continents.
Another interesting things about Istanbul, is that the place features the Ataturk, or the Father of the Turks everywhere. He was the founder of the Turkish Republic and was responsible for many modernizing efforts as well as the establishing of a secular Republic amidst the majority Moslem population. Because of him, civil law, rather than the Shariat law was instituted and the Turkish could wear western clothes, smoke and drink alcohol. I would dare say that Turkey is so much more a modern developed religious country than say certain "neighbours" that seem to be trying so hard to put religion into their constitution if they havent already. My Turkish friend seemed a little shocked by the fact that there was an Islamic police force in that country, trained to catch Muslim adherents that drink alcohol or wear anything that reveals the slightest bit of skin.
Other than that, Istanbul is a popular destination spot for tourists. And it is definitely worth a trip if you wish to catch a glimpse of the mystique of middle east in a relatively safe environment. Of course, turkey does have its weakness and social and political issues like the extremist Kurds and their invasion of Turkish Cyprus, but I will need to do more research on them.
All right! Thats all for my report on my first day in Turkey! Hope to do more when I do have the time and internet access!
Take care everyone!