Back to Bicheno

My sister and I made a trip to Bicheno after my parents went back. We were accompanied by Eric and Serena.

For those of you who have not a clue what Bicheno means to me. It's my dream retiree place. Hahhaa... "Man perish without vision" mah...

The blue sky and sea of Bicheno is simply alluring.

The wind was abit strong that day, though the weather was perfect. Eric decided to take up the extreme measures of protecting himself from the harmful ultra violet rays and bone-cutting wind.

The fishermen were having a southern rock lobster harvest that day. We tried to pursade the man to sell us some lobsters, but no to avail. There were even policeman guarding the harvesting process.

Steph decided to give herself a go at camwhoring...

Once again, the blue sky and sea at the Gultch.

The Gultch makes it an ideal place for ships to dock itself and also serves as a roosting place for the seagulls.

The magic of Bicheno lies at the red bill beach, which provides the access to Diamond island.

Although this is my second time walking to Diamond island, the experience was different from the previous attempt. This time round, we had what the locals recognized as the "Old Jack Russell" to guide us. This adorable dog was our tour guide to Diamond island. Not only did she tested the tide level for us by running across the passageway to Diamond island; which was submerged by water. She also chased away a flock of seagulls and guided us across.

I took the opportunity to take a video of it barking and jumping at our kite.. !!!

Enjoy!!

Apples in the backyard

My mum and aunt were very fascinated with the apple tree I had at the backyard of my Launceston house. They insisted that I take photos of them.

The apples are yet to be ready; as you can see they are grown in clusters, removing (thinning) them leaving behind 2 to 3 apples per branch will allow the remaining apples to grow bigger and stronger.

My aunt can't wait to sink her teeths into them. Hehehe..

My mum prefers to remain demure. :P

More photos on my family's adventure in Tasmania will come soon.

Graduated with Grace

Time flies, situation changes, as fast as the eye blink, the fragile life passes.

Months of planning were cut to a compacted 3 days.

It took me an intriguing 3 hours drive to reach Hobart. Not long after our cark was parked, we received news of my grandma's death. All the excitement died, effort were made to comfort my mum and aunt and to arrange for an earlier flight. Though time was short, we managed to visit Salamanca market, Island Market, Zoodoo safari park, Cherry and Berries farm, fishing and had stingray, smoked trout and abalone for dinner. It was comforting to see my mum stop crying after the 2nd day, as she looks like she is enjoying her surroundings. My aunt gave a comment that if she were given a choice to migrate to either UK or Tassie; she would choose Tassie. She added that even though it was only a short 3 days, she enjoyed herself very much. My dad was the most hilarious; he commented that he wanted to sell his house in Singapore and move to Tassie. So Much of a dream for everyone !!!!

Though I was pretty disappointed that my parents wouldn't be able to attend my graduation, I was glad that my sister was still with me.

We had our first dry-run the night before the graduation. You know you have the gown, the top hat and the sash. Well.... beneath that is your normal attire and you will need to match that to whatever u wear. It was like a graduation fashion walk way; hearing comments from a panel of friends.

(Steph and myself)

(Foe Hae, Sarah and myself)

(Sarah, Bernice and myself)

(Sherry, Sarah and myself)

(Sarah and myself)




A sponge-bob square pants bag from Karen! COOL! Thanks!!

(Steph and I at Albert Hall)

(Eric, Catherine, Sarah, myself and Serena)

(Dr John Purser.. My favourite lecturer)

(Myself, Sarah, Dr Chris Burke, Dr John Purser, Assoc. prof Natalie, Kwan)

Graduation day didn't go as smoothly as I would like it to be. It was raining cats and dogs on that morning. To make matters worst, I was almost late for my graduation. Rushing into the hall partially drenched, I was ushered to my seat immediately.

After the entire ceremony was over, I was hoping to take photographs with Eric and Serena whom were representing my parents. To my disappointment, Eric had to picked up another student that was not even having her graduation ceremony in the next 2 hours.

That was not all, my car's head lights were not turned off and the car battery was dead. I had to rush to return the gown in order to avoid the fine and then rush back to get RACT to restart the car battery. I waited for almost 1 hour before my car's battery was fixed.

I was hungry and cold, so was Steph and she began to throw tantrum.

If I were to continue typing all that had happened that day, my graduation day would have sounded really pessismistic. Nevertheless, I believe God is preparing me for more to come.

The Living Stones

Many attempts on growing them in Singapore has left me disappointed.

This time round was different,

a different place, a different climate and a different fate for the plants.

They are known as lithops or as the "living stones".

I call them the "Pi Ku Cao" (Backside plant)

Serena described them as boring plants as they don't grow much.

The plant spilts in the middle (just like your butt_LOL) and out comes another fresh new plant.

Depending on the level of moisture and nutrients the plant receives, the new "butt" gets smaller or bigger.

Desire

It was all worth it.

I have fulfilled my responsibility and He has fulfilled His.

My desire to see the lupins flower before I leave Tasmania came to past.

I shall name this plant "Desire".

* I am hoping to collect some seeds from it and have requested for Serena to do me this favour.

Brassica

After 8 months of toil and watering,

I finally get to eat my broccoli

Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Do you know?

That the broccoli is from the same family as the

cabbage, kai lan, cabbage, brussels sprouts

You reap what you sow! Broccoli seed gives you broccoli.

As simple as this principle might sound, many of us fail to understand it at times.

Don't agree with what I say??? Do your self-reflection and think about it!

Sherry suggested that the housemates (minus Er Li) make a trip together.

The scenery and environment weren't exactly enjoyable that day, however, with the right company, what more can we complain right?

Seaport_Launceston

The seaport is definitely one of the prime location for sunset scenery in Launceston.

A stroll along the broadwalk leads you to a row of cafe, restaurants and fish and chips place.

We decided that we will settle for fresh Tasmanian ice cream.

Everyone was pleased with the decision on having a sweet dessert after the meal.

2 more weeks in Launceston in comparison with the last 2 years.

Sorry guys.. getting sentimental again. Yucks!

The last week of spring

The sweet peas are blooming, with the pinkish purple ones giving the best smell of them all.

The strawberries.... Oh yes.. the strawberries. Right after the day I took their photos, the birds jump the queue before me. They took half of each fruit; how brillante'

THE lupins... yes... Please flower before I go... wouldn't you?

The lavender remain as pretty but smells like "cockroaches

(as described by my housemates) How on earth do they know what cockroaches smell like???

These carnivorous plants had been with me for the whole academic year and had brought much excitment and joy to me. They are something which I definitely want to carry on next year.. :)

Oh.. yes.. The venus fly traps had been with me since last year.

Can you see the bunny ears? (Utricularia sandersonii)

Trout fishing trip

Despite being pelted with eggs and receiving racism remarks from the locals before, there are always some that are particularly interested in asians like us; our culture, our behaviour, our friendship. I was privilege enough to know Hugh, a buddy who is always there to bring us out for fishing and for being so hospitable towards us. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to learn fly fishing, even though I could have possibly be your worst student.

I am sad to hear that you are not selected for the police job in Tasmania and to know that you will be leaving Tasmania soon. Nevertheless, I hope we'll continue to keep in touch. Take care buddy and see you soon!

Self-organized Graduation Dinner.

Right after a day of fun at the Bay of Fires, we met up with Sherry at Smokey Joe's to have our very own self-organized Graduation dinner.

Not only the company was good that night, but also the food. I mean it's a classic.. Each of us had our special dish and was guided by the owner on what's the best way to eat each one of them. He was also kind enough to gave us some dried mexican chilli to take home; which is way hotter than our normal chilli padi.

Well... I will just let the pictures do the talking...

Sherry

Me

Sarah and Kwan


Er Li

Bernice

More pictures coming...

Last day of the year

All good things have to come to an end.

This day was liken to my last day of the year;

a last outing that we had together as a family.

We met each other in Leprena.

I introduced Sarah to Bernice and Er li to Sarah.

That's how it all started. After spending a few months together, I've decided that you guys would make good housemates and hence I plotted for us to be together. Yes! For a good cause!

Thanks for being my friend, my family, my brothers and sisters.

I hope I have impacted your life for Christ and if I haven't, please forgive me.

Let all these beautiful memories remain in our hearts.

It's strange, a part of me wants the happy ending that is happening now, yet the other side of me was hoping that what others said about "housemates showing their true colours at the end" would come true. Perhaps, it just my way of escape from the feeling of leaving you guys.

Life and more abundantly

The flowers are blooming as it enters late spring.

The presence of busy bees are a common sight everyday.

I begin to wonder about the things that God has in store for me.

Life that is so full of mysteries, which makes me nervous at times,

yet having that store of surprises.

Knowing that I need not worry about my needs,

for the same God that created the lilies of the field is the one that made me.

Some shots of the plants that I've grown since Autumn. The sweet peas seeds were a gift from Clayton. Thanks Clay!

Look at the lupins!! They are finally budding.. I never thought I will get to see them flower..!! I have sowed these seeds since the begining of Autumn. I am really excited about the flowers that they are producing. I've bought the seeds from Salamanca when Lester visited earlier this year.

. Another great reward.. Just as I was reaping the fruit of my labour (academically), I get to experience the fruit of my labour (physically too). The brocoli are "flowering" and I can't wait to eat them with my housemates. A pity that Er li doesn't get the chance to eat them.

International Night

The thing that I did right after my last paper for the degree wasn't to celebrate with all my friends, but rather to tie up all the loose end preparations for the International night. Intense effort that was placed into it along with the lack of sleep and constant worries caused my eyes to appeared rather small in all the photos. Nevertheless, the event turned out really successful, with the most common compliment as a "very well organized event".



As happy as I might sound with the results of the outcome, the process was a rather intriguing one and had affected me quite badly during the period of time. Many reasons had contributed to this, first the lack of time for planning, next the lack of manpower, and the worst one of all, my mistake in under-budgeting the cost for printing. This had lead to a shortfall of $500 plus, which had been laid aside for the lucky draw prizes. Self-blame and disappointment begin to sink in, affecting my exam revision and sleep. I cried out to the Lord and requested for a miracle. I told my fellow committee member whom is also a brother in Christ, that if the Lord do this miracle for me, I will testify of His goodness. Praise the Lord for His goodness, true to His words, His faithfulness endures forever, the printing company took up the sponsorship for the $500. God is so amazing!!! Even one of my housemate was really surprised and starting proclaiming that Christ is real when I testified to him.



On top of that, I am really grateful to have such a good team for the event. Oh well.. enough of the planning part. Now for the actual photos

Presenting to you my Amazing housemates.

Can't bear to leave them. They are the reason why I've been so emo for the past few days.

Er Li and Me
Bernice and Me

Sarah and Me

Sherry and Me

Joanne and Me

Candice and Me

Fo Hae and Me

Ross and me

My fellow committee member, brother in Christ and fishing buddy, Kwan (on the extreme left) with the rest of us.