The New Chapter of My Life

Well, 2011 is gone. That means that chapter has ended. It is a happy one.

I am officially graduated from my studies. I am officially have my post-study-work visa.

You know what that means? Yes, I will continue to stay on in the UK for another two years.

What am I going to do? I am going to search for jobs in my related field which are mostly in London.

The new chapter of my life? The career stage and commitment to Soka Gakkai activities.

After I came back from the SGI Trets course in November, I took some time to think what am I going to do. Basically, what are my determinations? I decided to have full commitment and effort on searching for the right job and involved myself in Soka Gakkai activities to develop myself with faith, courage, and wisdom.

At the middle of January, I am heading back to Malaysia for the Chinese New Year. Ah....It's been like almost a year that I didn't go back to Malaysia. I miss my friends and family. Not to forget, the Malaysian food that I craved for a lot. Serious, I am not joking. Even though I cook my meals that suit my taste, but I do miss the Malaysian food badly. I am really looking forward to my three weeks to one month holiday in Malaysia. I have a lot of things to catch up over there.

Anyway, to end this post, I decided to type out a personal quote which is related to the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012.

'A new year, a new beginning, a new chapter'.

Challenge yourself and do not escape from problems. It is better to take risks with, of course, reasonable paces. I believe that we can develop our faith, courage, and wisdom stronger along the path of our life. The world and life is our stage and canvas. It is our determination to take action of what to do with our life. We learn and develop ourselves to blend in diverse environments and people. We connect and understand people without considering the differences.

Let's create great memories of not only in the year 2012 but also in our life.

Cheers.

-lu yin-

The Evening Walk in Monaco, French Riveria (22/9/11)

Do you remember where the action movies were filmed, like Mission Impossible and James Bond, in Monaco? Also, the place where the rich and famous people, including celebrities, come down for the holidays in their own personal home?

Well, that's where I headed during the evening. Right after having the fun in the sun, it was time to enjoy the evening walk in Monaco.

I was enjoying the view of the Mediterannean Sea while the soundtracks from Mission Impossible and James Bonds films played. Sounds like I was on a mission. A secret agent. Haha. Kidding.

I miss them a lot. I told myself that one day, yes one day, that I will come and visit them in their home countries.

Stopped by at the perfume factory were actual perfumes and soaps were made with pure and natural ingredients. I didn't buy even though I was told the price of the products is cheaper than the ones that are sold in shops.

Look what I saw before heading over to Monaco?

These are the houses where the rich and famous stayed for their holidays.

Finally, we have reached Monaco.

The Maritime Museum

This is where Grace Kelly got married at this church.

Continuing walking through the paths which lead to the next part of Monaco.

This is the whole view of the city of Monaco including seeing the Mediterranean Sea.

In the evening, we all decided to go to a restaurant where there's 'reasonable' price meal. I had red wine and steak for dinner. A perfect and affordable meal in Monaco.

The highlight of the day. The night sceneries of Monaco.

Monte Carlo. It's a casino. I was not allowed to bring the camera inside to take photos and I don't gamble that much. I was just going to use my other precious time some place else. That is: the night walk in Monaco.

I was looking at the wide sea, enjoying the night view, and thinking about the good and bad memories that I had in my entire life. There were times that I laughed and there were times that I had felt the tears that flow out. It's either happy tears or sad tears. However, I felt relieved that I made this far. I tell myself that I'm moving forward and creating great memories in my life.

I realized that this is where football stars placed their signature plaque (can't remember what is was) along this path. Something like the one at Hollywood.

I said goodbye and good night to Monaco before heading back to Nice to stay one last night in French Riveria.

That was the last day for me to spend time in French Riveria. I moved on the next European destination. Take a guess. Where did I head next? Look forward to the next post.

-lu yin-

Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year to all my friends and family across the world.

Wishing you good health and happiness in not only the year 2012 but also in life.

Have wonderful and unforgettable moments in 2012.

-lu yin-

Fun in the Sun at Nice, France (22/9/2011)

What is the thing that we all need to do when we are in Monaco? Have fun in the sun especially by the beach of course.

We were at the Central Square while the weather was absolutely perfect.

With my flips flops, sunnies, and relaxing clothes to suit this lovely weather.

Before heading down to the beach, we decided to check out the shops and flower markets at the other part of the city.

Beautiful bouquet of flowers which were displayed along the row of stalls.

Next stop, the beach and ocean. Woohoo!!!

People were enjoying and relaxing by the beach. Some enjoy the sun while some are suntanning their bodies especially when they are naked. Really, naked suntanning in public.

Just chilling with the sun and ocean breeze.

Love the clear blue ocean. Love the ocean, beach, and sun.

Woohoo!!! XD Kudos to the sun and ocean breeze.

I was so hungry that I told them that I will go to a nearby cafe which is just across the road by the beach. I had my snack at the cafe while the girls were still having fun at the beach.

I was craving for some crepe. Yes, I had Fruit Crepes and Ice Cream. Perfect for this sunny weather.

That's my fun in the sun at Nice, Monaco. I miss the great times I had by the beach with great weather. I want to have fun at the beach again during the summer and when I am back in Malaysia.

Look out for my next post about my night in Monaco.

-lu yin-

PS. Sorry for the long long wait. I've been settling some things recently for the past two months. However, I will keep telling myself that I will update my blog with smooth sailing when I have the chance. My travel experience in Europe hasn't end yet. Stay tuned.

Night in Nice, French Riveria

After seeing the snow, it was time to head on to my next destination where there's beach and sea: Nice.

Clear blue sea.

6 girls including check in at a nearby hotel. During my stay in Nice, I accidently bumped my head at the ceiling like six to seven times. T T

The first thing I did after I checked in was settling my laundry. Yup, my stinky clothes need to be cleaned up before I can enjoy the food and fun in Nice.

After the laundry, we went to the French restaurant. The food is way better than the one I had in Paris.

Salad as Starter

TopDeck Cocktail

The most tastiest main course I've ever had. ^ ^ Beef, potatoes, and carrots.

Mouth-watering dessert. Crispy on the outside and ice cream inside. Mmm~~

After the meal, went to the pub and have drinks.

With James

With James and Dahee

There's a group photo with me and the rest of the people in crazy (a good thing XD) TopDeck gang but I can't seem to find it. ><

I had Jagger Bomb. I had a pint of beer. I had a glass of Mojito.

Somebody put the coin in my drink. It's called 'Save the Queen'. It means that if somebody put the coin in your drink, you have to drink it all in one shot. Then, basically, you have save the queen. I have to drink the whole thing continuously. T T No chance for me to enjoy my Mojito.

We decided to go to the next stop where there is live band music.

FYI, the lead singer is so hot. XD

We all danced, singed, and enjoyed ourselves while the night is still young. Some of us, including me, danced on the table. We all just have a good time.

It was another best night I have ever had.

Lights out for me after the great night. Stay tuned for the fun in the sun at Nice.

-lu yin-

The End of My Student Life, A New Chapter Begins

I attended my graduation which I got my Masters. Finally, all my hard work effort and, sometimes, tireless nights with notes and assignments. I have earned what I've got and I'm fully satisfied.

Here's me on my way to Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse where the graduation was held. The weather was so moody that I almost fell asleep. ><

I'm already in my graduation gown. My mom and I were hanging around and having tea and pastries.

My mom who came all the way from Malaysia to attend my graduation and also the following days of having mother and daughter times.

My coursemates

It was getting more crowded.

My course lecturer who has been guiding me and my couresmates throughout the whole course.

My mom and I went inside and take our seats. I was somewhere at the front with the graduates while my mom was at the guest seats. Throughout the graduation process, the photos are taken by my mom.

It's really kind of a 'Harry Potter' feeling. Chancellors, higher officials, and lecturers got onto the stage while someone was playing the organ.

Graduates' names were called out one by one. Shook hand with the Vice Chancellor. Just that. By the way, I got my certificate at the reception. So, it's fine. But still. Something is not right. Couldn't get a good picture of me shaking hand with the Vice Chancellor.

Before ending the ceremony, a few people giving their speeches and 'advice' of what we are going to do next in our lives. The next chapter in our life, to be precise.

The graduation ceremony has ended. Yipee. I officially ended my student life.

Yes, this is the end of my chapter of my life. Although I enjoyed my student life, but it does have to end somewhere. I can't be a student forever. I have goals in my life. I have chapters from my story that I want to share with others who are willing to listen. Time does pass by fast, yes. However, I need to move on with the path of my life.

The next chapter of my life: Work. Yes, I know it is going to be tough. Staring from looking for a job, going through interviews, and lots of process of before and after getting a job. Yet, I am still willing to challenge myself and not ignore these kind of situations. There is no escape from that. I am willing to take the working experience, internships, and graduate schemes to develop myself even better. As a better person. A better me. I made this decision long ago during my student life. I am going to move forward with the right decisions I made. I believe that whatever I did, I can become a better person. Again, a better me.

Looking forward to my new chapter which I will share my experiences of ups and downs in life.

-lu yin-