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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Hard Facts

At the point when my fingers start to type these words, they feel a kind of nostalgic feeling as well as a sense of guilty for abandoning this once enthusiastically travel-devoted blog aimed to share and not to deny boast a little at times some of the places that a young chap like me has the privilege to visit.


However, this time it's not another travel documentary that triggers those loyal fingers of mine to start tapping gracefully on the ever-exhausted keyboard, despite the fact that yes...from the last post till today, I've again had venture out farther...both physically and mentally. 


Ignore the former, let's focus on the latter. Why so? I would credit all mental nurturing I had throughout the past 10 months certainly to the things I've seen, smelt, heard, touched and felt. From the ever mouth-watering gastronomies to people who came and went by whom all left their signatures behind. From the new place I never thought I could set foot so soon to doing somethings which to others might seems trivial yet enormous for me being able be part of...all these has grown literally a bigger Ming Lee out of me also with the fact that I have crossed the 'Under-age' border last summer.


Got a feeling me trying to beat about the bush? Yes, you are absolutely right. Many episodes of my life did went by and rightfully sufficient to be compiled into a series and perhaps to few seasons shall there be any enthusiast viewers. Guess this place is not a stage to even post a summary or a trailer out of it. But I would really like to share some of my insight with you, my dear reader, about a Hong Kong Drama series which seems rather popular today especially among us medical students. (I put the blame to my colleagues who 'promoted' this movie and posted a link to watch it online...it's terrible I know). The title of the movie is "On Call 36 Hours" in chinese or in english- "The Hippocratic Crush".


Definitely it's the title of the movie (chinese version) that caught my eyes and dug the curiosity out of me to click the 'play' button. Yes I did and I've never regretted doing so as I felt this drama has bring a whole lot of reality about Medical Life to the audience regardless whether you are the-profession related. Why so?


Let's ditch all those 'drama' and 'love-story'. Turn the light on to the practice of a Medical Personnel potrayed in it and you'll agree with me that being a 'Doctor', it's not just all about - "I want to help people and save alot of lives". Undeniably being one you could definitely got a chance to do so. BUT...there's always a 'but' as they always say. BUT only if the situations allow(if you have time watch Episode 4). 


I do not wish to touch on the fundamental requirement to be a doctor as that is prerequisite before one dare to claim oneself as a practitioner. I wish to share views on the 'How-to-Carry-Yourself' part. The actors in this drama clearly depicts that an hospital itself is a community. It comes with a starter- a mixture of people of different characters, personalities and perspectives, a team of friends and rivals developed over-time for the main-course and last but not least, a range of customers or patients in this case from all walks of life as dessert. For all working friends out there I bet you understand this scenario well. However, I would like to add that a hospital should has slightly different settings given the fact that it is not a usual work-place eg. to compete with one another in earning more commissions but in reality, it's still an arena of life where not only you need to do your part well, definitely you need to 'do well' with others just like any other working places to survive let alone to achieve your childhood aspiration as the superhero in saving the world. 


In societies nowadays, it's difficult to be the excellent or competent one as one will be despised for being arrogant and self-fish or you made it through 'relationships'. It's even difficult to be the lousy one to not only face the fact one will eventually be phased-out in this high flowing and dynamically demanding working condition but also be laughed our butt off. When you think to be just normal will be the solution, I would say you've given up your that very first aspiration aforementioned because you are just accomplishing your chores and not pursuing your dreams...simply because you can't. Not to praise this movie again but this 3 situations clearly played by the actors. Why? For being the best, you get 'red eyes' from your superior and juniors. If you don't start making smart move in pacifying them, you'll end up breaking loose of both end. Being the 'dumb' one could be dangerous as said but it's also a trick to stay safe if competency level would just be enough to make ends meet.


Obviously I'm being neutral here in commenting my thoughts. But I feel it's necessary for us as medical students not only to learn our books well throughout our studies but at the same time should pick up skills that are extracurricular..like our older generation always say, 'something that cannot learn in school but only in society'. And as a person, if you are capable, do not shy and hide away but to make good use of it in a politically-correct manner. On the other hand if you think you can't, honesty is always the best policy. As for on-lookers, I always hold fast to the phrase and principle of, "Condemn when it is appropriate, but Praise when it's due" in making some contribution in a constructive manner. Yet, in this matter, it doesn't matter how good your grade is or how skillful are you in practical or how high your rank is, no one has yet being able to proclaim a "Professor" status on this as all are always a student themselves. Except you could be the Absolute-Genius, we all have to learn through the hard way. 


Long story cut short, we are humans after all. Most importantly, we need to be one with open heart and ready to learn and not just stay in our own world and always want others to compromise. Let us together make this world a better and more comfortable place to live in.


Oh, before I'll pen off, did I mention that I've got my next holiday plan set? Yes, kancil90 will be on the move again and hopefully am able to share more experiences here! If not, become my 'friend' in Facebook for pictures update. 


ps- here's the link to the drama I mentioned...it's a good one...watch it. =)
       
http://www.kenh88.com/xem-phim-4981/the-hippocratic-crush-on-call-36-tvb-2012.html 


Cheerios.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

On the contrary...

Let's start the sentence again with ~ It has been so long, 3 months to be exact since I last updated my blog...again...succumbed by laziness that is thicker than 7 chapters of Harry Potter books put together and heavier than 10 kilos of cotton laid on you ~. Sound paradoxical? Depends if you look at the "10kilo" or "cotton"...either...it's some weight when you put them together. =) Plus, if you would notice....it grew to the extent that I have yet to put up my winter holiday's trip I went in February to London and Dublin!

Apparently if you would read such a beginning in my travel blog...you should have already guessed, " this guy must have stayed at home and have so much time thinking of such lame joke and not been for travelling this time". Bingo...you are right. While almost everyone is taking the opportunity of the fine and sunny weather this year spring break offers to travel...apparently this travel nerd just stayed at home with an initial high spirit of get back to the study desk and get ready for school reopen which however instead spent most of his time on Facebook and watching Mr Bean comedies on Youtube. A little pathetic no?

Well, at least I did spend a good 30 minutes to write this blog. So some compliment will you? *claps claps*

Now this is more like it...thank you. =)

Ok...I am not going to crack your curiosity on why I opt not to go anywhere this time. Well, everything happens for a reason they say. It's also true in my case. Staying alone at home just doing nothing does up my level of becoming the King of Laziness. Despite that, I've had the chance to see more of my surrounding...although the time spent on it was just a small portion. It does give some enjoyment to share as people throw some admiration as I put these up on my facebook photo album :-


One of the Wawel Castle Tower

UNESCO World Heritage site...just a stone throw away

The garden...

So...with a camera in hand...I managed to capture few of these while I was wondering around while showing some guests these sights. As a consolation for myself I can say....my home is just as beautiful too! Sometimes...we just don't realise what we have surrounding us as we are always busy on the look out and wondering for better things out there.

This period have also been a good serendipity for myself. One fine evening while I finally dragged myself out for a jog along the park surrounding the city...I find many colours of life too. Yes, I do felt the love in the air as couple by couple just cuddling up by the bench in the park...some just laid on the fresh green grass....gaze upon the great blue sky up there....with patches of cotton white clouds here and there lined with the golden ray from the evening sun....ah....and this point you must be triggered to say..."You are a lucky man...be in Europe to see all this"....while I would say, " You are even more lucky than I do...you don't have to be in Europe just to see this....you can actually see these just from a distance of your own home sweet home" (okay, face the fact...so minus the couple cuddling part)...yet...the sun and the sky? Why not step outside and see what you find today?

Wait wait...chill..not now...I mean after finish reading this. The point is...life is more vibrant that it seems to be. It's just we get to cramped with all the troubles of reality and hard facts of life that we have to face and we forgot to give ourselves a break.

Indeed...to go for holidays for me is not too much a break actually...mind you, the planning and logistics...it's not an easy piece of job if you wish to make a dream holiday yourself. In short...I am taking a break from my breaks. Ironic but true. Yet...certainly is worth all the work when you get to see what you want...I still look forward to more holidays coming soon. Hope everything goes well and SUMMER is here!

Till then....cheerios!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

A Swiss' Train Tale, a French Christmas and an Upcoming New Year

The same old excuse for not updating this wall for quite a long long time...I am lazy. Partly true, I was also quite occupied not by school...but of more holidays that are to come pretty soon. So, just not to let things pile up...I certainly have to share this year's Christmas holiday's vacation for it is yet another outing that I must say I am very blessed and lucky to have the chance experiencing the beauty of Switzerland.

Needless to describe in detail the natural beauty of Switzerland....we all have picture in mind about Watches, Trains, Chocolates and Alps when the word Swiss spark in our vocabulary...you are certainly right but also do let me just add two more to the conventional description of yours....Punctual and Worthily-expensive. A lil' something bout the trains...they come in all type, be it modern or classic, regular or panoramic, they bring you whenever you want in Switzerland without a miss in minute...so guess how punctual they are? So now since you have those description in mind...let see some real sights shall we?

                                                                       Village by the hills...

Mountains by the Valley

        Train cruising by the lake...

                                                                    From the train...

                                                        A magnificent natural masterpiece...

 Godly nature...

 I didn't cheat you bout the chocolate did I?


Yeap, there we have it....a summary of what I see in Swiss for just a mere 5 days...certainly it's just a few of the finest pics that could be captured...there are indeed much more that unfortunately could only be stored in mind as long as memory allows. Nonetheless...one word...breathtaking. Certainly this trip undoubtedly is one of the many trips that I've uttered the most, both silently and loudly...."Wow..."

Ultimately, what is a Christmas break is there's no Christmas celebration. I'm lucky indeed this year to experience a White Christmas, the french-way. So there I was in Strasbourg, the Christmas capital...ushering in the eve with french's snail, Le Escargot as starters, home-baked Patisserie with Salmon as main course and definitely Le Fromage and Alsace Vin Blanc to complete the meal.


Escargot...

Can't find elsewhere...it's home-made

                                                                       Voila....Bon Appétit!

From there...it's all followed by customary Christmas carols all night long, exchange of gifts...and certainly visits of families. For their celebration is comparable to our CNY...I feel like warm at home. Mentioning about CNY....it's just exactly 1 week away from now. No doubt it'll be my second year of CNY away from home...my heart is still reaching far to my family to celebrate with them. How I miss again the New Year eve dinner and the first thing get up on the 1st day's morning to wish my parents and get the 1st Ang Pau of the year, then outings with friends for Ang Pau hunting expeditions and "open-table"....and....and....haha, well, pretty greedy in wanting all those even now but it was all great time together.

Nevertheless...I would never realise much fun of those if I haven't been away and had to celebrate it in a Polish way. So Mum, Dad & Bro, all my Heng Dai out there and certainly to You...an advance Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy Chinese New Year!

                                                                                                                                      Lots of Love,
                                                             Ming Lee


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas Comes Early

Sometimes you just wonder...where have all my seconds ticked away? For me...most of them did went down the drain literally, but I still cherish those that made my days worthwhile. Of day and night, rain and shine...we've finally approach the last month of the year...a time of celebrations for most...a time of sharing for some...but a time of vacation for me! I still vividly remember what I am doing on this exact same day, same time and same moment...I was in my dreamland. No doubt, it now remained as one of the most wonderful time of reminiscence I could ask for ever since.


The Paris Disneyland



So what am I up to this time around? I would love to tell you now but best to keep it as a moment of surprise as I yet to discover it myself! Nonetheless...I am anticipating a classic White Christmas.

Speaking of that, the place where I'm living now, Kraków is no doubt white...and in this particular part of the world, the Christmas atmosphere is indeed undaunting for just anyone. Hence the come-about of the title for this post of mine. Apart from where I was and where I am going in Christmas period...which they are all secondary, an early Christmas for me also mean an early dedication of love from me to all my loved ones...both far and near. Scenarios might have been changed so far...from me assembling the Christmas tree to now only admiring others...from me anticipating a present to be anticipated for present (I'm still anticipating though...haha) but one thing doesn't change is the exchanging wishes of Merry Christmas. So...to those who can hear me...

                                   ~ Merry Christmas!  
                                                  Wesołych Świąt!
                                                                Joyeux Noël!
                                                                        圣诞节快乐! ~



Sunday, October 10, 2010

Once in a Millennium

Well, it's 10.10.10. What is so significant on this date? Nothing so special to me but to sit in front of my laptop, thinking of what to blog about after about 2 months abondoning this page. However, I can't deny that such perfection on a date like this...what is more it's a Sunday...I need to commemorate it somehow before it ends (according to Polish time)...in a rather simpler manner of just pure out-from-the heart words without pics unlike the conventional style of mine.

Allow me to begin where have I been since the last post of my blog dated August 6th. A week after that date, 10 days to be exact...I left this 2nd home of mine namely Krakow to be back to my sweet homeland. I guess I should save the space on the elaborations of what makes me opt to rather go through the enduring journey of approximately 20 hours of flight one way to have a 5 weeks holidays back home, by just summarising them into..."to satisfy all my emotional needs".

Of family, friends, and food...they all leave me no regrets although it was rather a short period of time I must say. From Melaka to Putrajaya, then PJ and Shah Alam...to have a rendezvous...back to Melaka for family and old pals...eg dinner at home (which indeed is what on my top list of my itineries), playing with my baby nieces, yum cha till wee hours in the morning etc etc, nonetheless to complete the trip back home with more trips...to Sibu and Bintangor, a long anticipated temptation that become the main factor in converting my MI to MP if you know what they stand for. Finally, a completion of yearly trip with my parents, this time to Singapore.

Above all, I must say, I have been treated well...even to the level of laziness...of not even need my energy to think what's up next on my to-do-list, especially on all the trips. You know who you are...*shy la me to say out 1 by 1...lol*

Nevertheless, there might be some imperfection of me that tingled, scratched, or the worst case scenario, hurt someone of you in any possible way from it begins...I also would like to say here a sincere  ~"I am sorry...let bygones be bygones?
*with those charming little eye of mine  (^66^)*
Could we still be friends?  Could we always be friends? =)"~

Anyway, it's back to school time. Facing a new terms...with the not-so-used-to-be-me attitude of me to kick off with...yet still anticipating a fun and exciting one with those who I have around. The past 1 year in my academic year has really been a colourful one...filled with all sorts that myself would just sit back,rewind and have a good laugh. Nowadays, I am indeed just a simple man with simple needs. ~tat's my dad's quote alrite~ So what lies ahead? Will slowly wait and see.

 So what actually is this post have anything to do with 10.10.10? Nothing in specific I must say but on such a perfect day...it's to point out how a imperfect me could live a rather quite perfect life, have the opportunity to spend this perfect date in my lifetime with all those people around me that perfectly fit into my life, both near and far...I could not appreciate more but just with a perfect smile.

And yea...it'll be once in a millenium too for me to say all this. So it's a perfect post on a perfect date after all.

Signing off...

Friday, August 6, 2010

Really Italy...

It was indeed another fun trip in Italy...this time the cities in nothern and middle part of Italy namely Arona & Lake Maggiore, Pisa, Florence and Bologna

                                                       A view in Arona at Lake Maggiore
Rendezvous with my Cousin

I must say...Italy was once a country that only reachable by imagination - a place famous for pasta and pizza ( it's pronounced as 'pit-za' not 'pi-za' ) and no doubt of her histories and arts ~ where the Renaissance was evoked - has now even became a meeting place with my cousin! Oh...how ironic things can be.

Spent a good 3 days of catching up with each other's life after 2 years from the last meeting, savouring good food and wine and enjoying some holiday's mood in a beautiful place call Arona...so pristine and calm...a city by the great Lake Maggiore, overlooking the Alps from the Swiss' border...a mesmerising weekend indeed.

Bidding adieu to him...I went on solo to visit the city famed by mens' art blended into nature's will ~ voila...Pisa (now this is pronounced as 'pi-za' ) and her leaning tower - the onced was one of the 7th wonders of the world.


Me...the Leaning Tower of Pisa...and...the lady with style

Who say Pisa is boring as the only thing worth to visit Pisa is to see the tower? Well, I can't deny that fully but you have to have some local to help you in diving Pisa more...not literally...I mean for real. So I went down the beach of Pisa for some sunbathing, "eye"-bathing and a swim on this hidden Italian coast with my kind CS host.


                                    
                                                             Down at the Pisa beach

Done with Pisa, headed on to the city of Renaissance ~ Florence. The city of Leonardo Da Vinci, Michangelo, Galileo Galilei, the Medici family and the least ancient, Florence Nightingale is no doubt a charming one. I could just sit by the side of the square and be fascinated away by the intricate façade of the Duomo.

The 'il Duomo'

And not to be missed is also to check out those market that sells leather goods...aah..felt as if back in KL's Petaling Street...

Florence's Petaling Street
~ psst...don't forget to bargain...it's all the same technique in Europe & Asia ~

We are almost done here. Last leg- Bologna. This medieval city is grand...I mean the architecture. Never come across a city with huge rows of shop-building and covered walk ways- over 45km of roofed "kaki lima".

                                                     
                                                             The Walkway all the way...            
Iconic Two Towers
                                  *the shorter one is actually more lean than the tower in Pisa

As to close the story about my trip...let's check this out ~ Bologna hidden mystery


                                  Notice the what's more on the up that the down doesn't have?


Of couse no, you....ish ish...it's the same statue! ~ the famous Neptune Statue in Bologna, it's just the hand and it's finger from different perspectives. It has a history and interesting story behind...so I leave it for you to check it out yourself! Ciao!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Along the Way

A typical saying- "Hour ticks away, day passes by,month comes and goes but memories are here to stay". It is true indeed when you don't realise, time just flew by. The transition of the peak of my 1st year final examination period to my much anticipated weeks of travelling then back again to reality of life of summer clerkship happened like just in a blink of an eye. The past weeks although I had ventured wider across Europe, it is no doubt more than just a journey. To over 5 different countries and 8 different cities, I must admit this is no easy feat but we had all conquered them with victory. As for description for each places we had been over the 2 weeks period of hardcore travelling...I will try my best to highlight although not in-depth.

Let's begin from my 1st stop, Budapest. With new acquaintances but of common souls...I stepped into the city with the "Charlie's Angels"- Fiona, Christine and Ivy. It is also the only place we had CS-ing experience and again, a wonderful one from a nice lady named Judit.

2 cosy nights at Judit's

Budapest indeed is much more than anticipated...of sights of course!

                                 
                                                        A caption of Parliament at dawn...

A day after,with a bus...we are in Vienna- famous for music and art- an elegant city with distinctly pretty architecture...totally different from the norm of any Eastern Europe cities...not to mention the prices too. Also, you would not miss a sights of Mozarts from chocolates to miniatures.


                                           
                                                Even a Fake Mozart is not to be missed!


It's rare to be able to get a cheap flight connectng Vienna and Milan but with the "house-fly" plane(FlyNiki)...we buzz it thru. Milano- the centre of world fashion is no joke...but it's see-no-touch for us. Best area would be the Duomo region and the Gallery...where you can find the bull! In Milan, 2 new faces, Sam and Candice join in the voyage and that had boost the journey to greater excitement and fun.

                                     
                                           Me and the famous Bull with a hole right there...


                                                                   
                                                             Sam and Candice into the fun!

From Milan, we also made a day trip to the city of Juliet- Verona. Beautiful medieval city away from bustling city atmosphere, it's certainly worth the 2 hour train ride on purpose.

                                 
                                                                  Beautifully Verona....

Done with Milan and Verona, it's time to the ancient city of Athens. Although just a short 1 day trip roaming on the ruins and rubbles of Zeus and Hercules' city...we saw mostly all of them including the Olympic Stadium as well as tasted some authentic Greek food- best is Mousakka.


                                    
                                                                 Parthenon- the original...

Tired already? No way, more to come...after Athens, we took a 9hr ferry to one of the most beautiful island in Aegean Sea...Santorini. Sunset there is just breathtaking, not to mention the sea, the hill, and the houses...oh...Santorini.

                                    
                                                                          Santorini's Icon...

                                     
                                                      Volcanic sand beach, sea and people

                                                 
                                                                          Testing the water...

                                    
                                                                           Sunset in Oia...

It was indeed a long journey to and fro this amazing island but it's all worthwhile. Credit to Miss Ngui for suggesting such place which had never cross my mind as a travel spot...what's more to visit for real. Our stay at Tony's, food at Uncle Miami's and tanned from Santorini's sun made the stay even more memorable.

That was all for Greece, and now Espanol! Barcelona is our final stop for this euro trip. Everyone was nothing but tired and exhausted. Although this last leg hasn't been explored too much, but all essentials are done. Managed to enjoy some Gaudi's and had some real good seafood feast...worth the price...worth the price.

                                                   
                                                            Me & Ladies in Sagrada Familia

                                            
                                               Savouring my 1st lobster in La Rambla! Mmm...

                                         
                                            A day out to Montserrat, Barcelona (1hr train away)...

A pretty relaxing 4 days 3 nights in Barcelona wraps up the series of episodes of my Euro tour with 4 ladies and a buddy.

To have made a 2 weeks trip, covering over 5 countries, almost 8 cities for 6 persons...it's certainly a task nearing to that of Herculean...was glad I wasn't alone in making this trip a reality. Additionally, it is the people that had fill this trip with the essence of laughters, sweats and tears, and above all...it is the process from strangers to friends that brings about a friendship that was built over mere 14 days and are meant to last forever that matters the most.

                                     
                                                                   From a friend to friends...



Glad to have you both as my guests, companions and friends throughout the journey...
                                             Hope it did leave us all a memory to be remembered...
                                    So long ladies, also to Sam and Candice....till we meet again.



Dedicated to my companions ~

Ivy Koh
Fiona Ngui
Christine Ng
Sammuel Chan
Candice Ti