Fireworks at Guy Fawkes Night

Last Saturday, is the Guy Fawkes Night aka Bonfire Night at Cheltenham RaceCourse

Let me intro about Guy Fawkes. He's actually the one who trying to destroy the British Parliament by placing bombs via Gunpowder Plot. However, he fail to do so. In the end, he is being punished and tortured badly. So, on that day, they call the Guy Fawkes Night as the celebration of not having the place destroy. Not to mention, the burning Guy Fawkes cutom. On that day, they will also be fireworks and carnivals.

Took a lot of pictures of fireworks.

Went to the carnival. I feel nauseous after I took the first thrill ride. Looks like I'm getting old. XD It's not like the last time that I used to take the crazy rides at Disneyland Paris.

Overall, it's a wonderful night including the night walk in the cold night.

October has ended and November has just begun. It's almost the time that I have to pass up my first 4500 words assignment. The following weeks more things to do and I realized that the tension is heating up. I have already enshrine the gohonzon. I attended discussion meetings. Well, let's just say I'm happy that I got some leisure time to do other than sticking to the notes and books.

End right here. Back to my study.

-lu yin-

PS. Although it's like a month away, but I can't wait for Christmas.

Shakespeare with Love

Last Saturday was the day trip with international students like me to Startford Upon Avon - the birthplace of Shakespeare (one of my favorite playwright and writer).

I'm sure most of you heard of Shakespeare's work which consist of comedy and drama that brings out the sense and emotions. Quotes, poems, and plays which make us realize certain things in life that we may encounter.

Took a boat ride along the Avon River.

Met Nadiah. She's from Malaysia.

Marie - Nadiah - Sneha - Darius (While waiting to go inside Shakespeare's Birthplace)

This is Shakespeare's Birthplace where he grew up during his childhood days.

Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare's grave is.

A nice day at Stratford. I did bought a few souvenirs which is related to Shakespeare including a few books that has poems and romantic plays. Hehehe.

Alright, back to my research and doing assignments.

-lu yin-

Busy as Always and Change of Plans

It's Week 3 of my Semester 1 and this week's gonna end soon. As time goes by, the leaves have change and autumn has come.

Every Friday I go to LA Fitness gym to work out including the Dance Fusion session which I like it so much.

Day by day with the readings and assignment.

From time to time, I attend SGI-UK meetings and keep up with the daily gosho and study materials to keep myself motivated.

Day by day, there's homecook meal...

and packed lunch which I made so I won't hunger myself to death.

I bought a few mini cookbooks just to think to something really nice to cook.

Looks like I can't go for the Winter Europe Tour. Oh well, there's always the next season for the Europe Tour which is a must for me to go. Looks like I need to do something with my plans during my 1 month long semester break between December and January. Not to mention, the Christmas and New Year. I'm not the kind of person who always stuck at home all day long. Maybe visit a few friends from other parts of UK. There's always something that comes up unexpectedly.

But for now, I need to concentrate on my assignments and studies including during the weekends. I need to pass up one of my assignments in one month time.

It's getting late and it's 12.30am. Feel my head is spinning and I'm tired. Gotta get some sleep.

-lu yin-

P.S. This Sunday, I'm going to make Bak Kut Teh for dinner.

Time - Life - Lucks - Faith

As I wake up in the early morning like yesterday, I saw the sky is crying. It's been like this continuously in the mornings. Good thing is I feel calm. Bad thing is sometimes I feel sleepy.

As day goes by, every time I walk along the Poole Way road, I saw the color of the leaves change from green to yellowish. It'll become orange and red when it's late autumn.

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The student life is like the same as usual during my college days in TARC and good ole days at Liverpool. The first day of lecture and discussion on Wednesday is good. A small group where we can discuss and share our point of view on the topics related to the media. Ya, five person including me in a group. Meals? My own homecook meals. Haihz, I miss my mom's cooking and the food back in Malaysia. I know I've been here in Cheltenham for like less than 2 weeks and I miss the food.

I finally enrolled via online and got my university student card. I've been in my room looking into the readings and online activity with the Moodle which is like an e-learning site. Books which I borrowed from the learning centre aka library are by my side.

Ah, the study mode has returned. I notice one thing. There are times when you tell yourself what you need to do. There are times that you need to have some fun and not sticking to the books too long until you become a zombie. There are times when you burn the midnight oil when you feel like you had no enough time. In conclusion, arranging the time properly for both work and studies.

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Yesterday, I got a call from Rita who is the Women District Leader in Cheltenham. She lives nearby my area. While having the phone conversation, I have the excited feeling within me. I'm like "thank goodness" there's SGI-UK members in Cheltenham. Also, few days ago, I receive messages of good luck for my studies from my friends and family.

The thing is this. I brought my faith with me when I'm walking through the path of my life. Anywhere I go, the faith is with me. Friends and family, I thank you for giving me the support as I have decisions I made in my life. I believe that we all have faith in doing something what we love and take initiative to do so.

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Based on the events and plans which I wrote in my diary, I'm gonna come up with posts related to these in my blog.

This is Lu Yin signing off.

-lu yin-

The Window of Thoughts

Typing out this post while outside it's raining and while I'm listening to Daesung's song "Bubblegum". Yup, I might say it's a quite good atmosphere when these elements are combine together.

Just saw a new housemate who is doing PhD move in. 8 people under one roof. I'm the only Malaysian Chinese in the house living with the locals.

Suddenly, when I'm looking out my window, I have the mood to type out something for this blog of mine.

It reminds me of the scene from Sex and the City drama. The part where Carrie Bradshaw writes articles at her home office while facing the window outside if I'm not mistaken.

Today is just another day to laze around before lecture starts tomorrow. Made a few phone calls. 1st was about LA Fitness Club which brings up interest to go there to attend dance classes as part of my free time. I do need to keep fit and healthy from time to time. Already book a place to take a look at the club. Next, SGI-UK. Made another round of phone calls. Hopefully, things will go smoothly that I could think of.

Another thing is that I have made some choices of undergraduate subjects which I find it interesting and useful for my goals which I aimed to do so.

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The life story of me in UK. A journey and path that I'm walking. I will type out things which I encounter and experience while I'm here.

I remember a quote that Jennifer told me while I was in Sheffield during my summer semester course. I gave a surprise call to her who is in Australia. She said "expand your horizons and find my true self". That quote has been with me up until now. To be honest, I am doing that. At the same time, I decided to do traveling during my breaks to not only to have good experience but also find my true self.

My feelings and thoughts written as days goes by will be continued...For now, time to enjoy another round of dramas and mesmerize the view from my window.

-lu yin-

Settling Down in Cheltenham.

Here I am in Cheltenham. The weather, environment, atmosphere.....amazing. Also, I can't wait for the autumn where I can see the red and orange leaves that blends in to the season itself. While settling down, walk around town just to get the hang of it.

TESCO is just near my place. XD

Typical All Day Breakfast at Butler's Cafe and Restaurant.

Yuki

My room in the nice and comfy house at Market Street.

My "S" cuties - Squirt, Stich, and Simba

Not to forget one thing - Shopping!!! ^ ^

Well, the great days I had while settling down in Cheltenham.

The study life begins tomorrow.

-lu yin-

Meet Ups and Food (Part 2)

That particular week for me. I was moody that time because of the visa situation which I waited and waited for so long.

But I did meet up around the PJ area.

Meet up with Gin Nin, Kar Yin, and Kok Hoe and have the "yum cha" session at mamak.

There was also the time where I went to attend the Mid-Autumn Fest Dinner and Gathering at Subang.

That's it. Nothing much really. Because that time I was settling my own things before leaving to UK.

After I got my visa, my mood has become from sad to happy. The feeling that I can fly and expand my horizons.

There is one thing I learn this week. Enjoy while you can before leaving even though you got a slight of worries like the visa at hand.

-lu yin-

New Chapter in My Life

The new chapter? My story continues as I am continuing my studies in University of Gloucestershire. Taking up MA Media and Creative Enterprise.

Before I came here, I was in Malaysia being moody while waiting for my visa. Ya, with all the tension and anxious within me. Finally, I got it.

Here I am. At Market Street. With new housemates.

Finally, I can settle down after a long day flight from morning till night. Legs tension and all. You know what I mean. I went there together with a new friend, Yuki.

Besides that, hopefully I can met up with my LJMU mates before they go back to Malaysia after their Europe trip which is gonna end like in the middle of next month.

Ok, I know I was gonna post up the part 2 of "Meet Ups and Food". But, right now. I am dead tired and I need to settle things at the university tomorrow. Probably will update the following day I guess. Just wait and see.

Till then.

-lu yin-

Meetups and Food (Part 1)

Last weekend, was having meals with my family.

The day I arrive Malaysia (Last Saturday) - we all went to Pantai Seafood for supper. I love the clams especially the Bamboo Clams.


Last Sunday was having lunch with my family - New Restaurant Ipoh Chicken Rice at Sunway Giza Mall

Yummy Tauge and Chicken. Mmmm~

After finishing settle the general student visa for one whole day (Monday), I was eating food and meeting up with people before I go back to UK to continue for Masters.

Monday night - Met up with Gatzhat and Magen at the Sunway Giza Mall

Magen

Gatzhat

Gatzhat and I were having beer and pizza at Modiva before Magen came.

Tuesday - Met up with Lime for movies and chit chat

Wednesday was at Wangsa Maju to meet with my "grandson". Also, went to KLCC to meet a few Acad R comrades of mine.

Thursday went to TBR to meet Soben they all for lunch.

Thusday dinner with my godmother and the family at Pantai Seafood.

Friday - Made dumplings at godmother's house.

Next, the happy moment? Meeting up with TT '08 gang and had lunch at San Francisco Steakhouse and Chillis, KLCC

Saturday - with my dear YWD sister, Teck Mun by having lunch (Bak Kut Teh) and desserts (at Tian Ping Ge Ge, SS2)

Sunday - lunch at Arisu, Kota Damansara for some delicious Korean BBQ which I waited for quite some time

My aunt and family join us for lunch and also visit me too.

Plans to do, people to meet, food to eat, and things to settle.

Wait up for the Part 2.

-lu yin-

Moments in Summer Semester Course

I'm back in Malaysia safely. Finally. After 14 hours long of flight and staying over one night at Park Inn Hotel, Abu Dhabi because of flight delay.

In my own comfy room right now.

Finally, a time to write my own thoughts. Here goes.

Throughout the 3 months in Liverpool, the summer semester course that my friends and coursemates including me had gone through, it is truly a wonderful experience for me. I'm sure it's the same with others too.

Within these 3 months, we make new friends and share the moments we had. From going classes, having meals, shopping, clubbing, to trips, and so much more. Every single little element during our summer semester courses. There are good ones and bad ones but we still deal with them.

I'm kindda lost of words to say but all I can say is....is nice knowing you guys during the summer semester course. I really do appreciate the wonderful and crazy moments we had during the pass 3 months.

The time when we all sent you guys off for the Europe trip or whatever plans you had, we of course shed our tears as we apart and move on.

Yes, like I said in one of my previous tweets: It's difficult to say goodbye. However, we have to walk along our own paths and dreams we had chosen. Memories...cherish them.

That's what I have to say to all of you.

Good luck to whatever is you are doing. Enjoy your Europe trip and have fun. Go crazy at every single country in Europe. XD

Also, most importantly, keep in contact. ^ ^

Feel tired right now. I just got back from KLIA. Time to rest.

For me, another new chapter of my story has just begun.

-lu yin-

PS. My dear friends in Malaysia find me to hang out within 2 weeks time before I go back to UK. XD

Abu Dhabi

As you see this title....ya, I'm stuck in Abu Dhabi.

Why? Because of flight delay. Suppose to wait for 7 hours for the flight. But....add 7 more hours to wait = =

But, the good news is Etihad Airways offer me and the others a place to stay.

It's at the Park Inn Hotel which I'm staying right now.

And...it's free of charge. Including dinner and breakfast.

Photos will be uploaded once I'm safely back in Malaysia at night of the following day.

Well, I'm off to bed. Too tired. Some more need to wake up early in the morning to catch the flight back to Malaysia.

Cheers.

-lu yin-

The Chapter Has End

Yup, the summer semester course has ended.

I'm packing right now.

Leaving Liverpool in 10 hours time.

Will be back in Malaysia.

Just now I send people off. They are going for the Europe trip.

Really tears with sad and joy flow through my eyes.

Of course I will miss those moments that I have here in Liverpool.

Now, busy packing. So, I'll continue to type out my thoughts in the next post.

See you all back in Malaysia.

Another chapter has ended. The new chapter of my story has just begun.

Stay tuned.

-lu yin-

Good Luck

Today, I was preparing for the final battle - Public Information Campaign Exam.

Then, I receive a message from my mom. Receiving the advices and good lucks from my parents.

I was happy when I got that message.

I also receive the wishes of good luck from my friends back in Malaysia.

Really truly happy that I have great friends throughout my journey. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.

To all Mass Comm students and friends, wish you all guys good luck for the exam. This is our final battle.

Once it's all settled, we all can go crazy and party. Not to mention, a few more days before leaving and go on our own separate ways. Let's make every single moment a memory that we will never forget.

-lu yin-

P.S: Happy Merdeka Day to Malaysia.

Choices

This was taken during my trip to Wicklow, Ireland.

Remember a poem by Robert Frost? "The Road Not Taken"?

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

It's just like this picture and poem. We have choices provided and we can only choose one or plan out. We all go to different ways of life. We choose one path with no regrets.

Our summer semester course going to end in 2 weeks time. Time really pass by so fast. I'm sure miss the wonderful moments with my friends in UK.

My story and experience in UK shall be said

.....

right after I finish 2 assignments and 1 exam. XD

Now, I have my own space to think because I have a lot of thoughts that I think about lately. Guess what is it?

Till then.

Cheers.

-lu yin-

I Miss You So

Over the past few months, I did make phone calls to my close friends and family back home in Malaysia.

Telling them that I'm fine. Telling them that things are okay when they ask me how I am.

When it comes to problems, I give them a call. Sharing these things while at the same time I shed tears.

When I think about them, I cried and hold my tears until these tears fell from my eyes. Not to mention, when I give them a call. For some people who are really dear to me, I cried really hard.

There is also even tears of joy too.

If I don't make any calls to them, for sure will be out of contact. Yes, to me, family and close friends of mine that are like a family to me. I miss them dearly.

It looks like a sign of homesick but then again I can't stick to them like glue 24-7. The mission I hold on to is different from others.

I believe that no matter where I go they are always be in my heart and soul including my thoughts about them.

In a few weeks time, I'll be back in Malaysia to settle with my general student visa. At the same time, I want to spend every moments with them before I leave to UK to continue my Masters.

I'm sure that every precious moments that I will encounter, I will keep them like a precious treasure box within my heart and lock it so that it will not be lost and forgotten.

All I can say is that. Treasure the precious moments you have with your loved ones especially those who are really close to you like a bond. Keep in contact with them when you are in a far distance. Remember that close friends and family are there for you when you need them.

Even though they are not there, you have to stay strong and independent and keep telling yourself that everything will be alright. You got to deal with them with all your might.

Like what one of Phil Collin's song title "You'll be In My Heart". That song really represents a lot of what I said. Friends and family are there in your heart.

-lu yin-

Edinburgh Trip (30/7/10- 1/8/10)

It was a 3 days 2 nights trip to Edinburgh with Brain and Elaine. Edinburgh where parents used to live there for two years during the time when my dad study there in Scotland.

It was either a sunny or a cloudy day when it comes to weather.

We stay over at the GlobeTrotter Inn and met new friend from Brazil. His name is Rapheal.

Places I've been to:

Edinburgh Castle

The City Centre of Edinburgh City

Scotch Whiskey Experience

Textile Weaving Factory

Ghost Tours

Calton Hill

and many more...

I even ate Haggis and I got to admit. It's not as bad as my parents told me about their experience with Haggis.

Been to the Elephant House for lunch where J.K. Rowling write her ideas of Harry Potter books.

The one thing that I love here in Edinburgh is the sceneries which I had taken. It's truly breathtaking.

Too bad I did not had the chance to climb to the Arthur's Seat due to time constraint and rainy weather. Oh well. There will be a next time.

Back from the trip and the study mode is on yet again.

-lu yin-

*Dublin, Dublin, Dublin this weekend.