It’s funny how when you thought you’ve had an overdose of a place and that this would be the last time to visit it in a long time to come, the place shows you a different side, a side that amazes and surprises you, changing your mind.

When I proposed to T on renting a bike on one of the days to explore the other beaches, she asked casually, “You have license meh?!”. I shook my head and that was it. We went ahead and rent a bike anyways.

I drive but I have never ridden a bike till Bali last year. And my teacher was telling me, “Haiya! Very easy one, auto mah! Just turn the handle and off you go! Like riding bicycle like that.”

My foot.

I had such a hard time accelerating at the right speed when doing u-turn in small lanes and doing the balancing act when travelling at super low speed.

Anywho, bike is such a cheap (only 200baht! Cheeep cheeep!) and convenient mode for travelling, we went for it.

Little did I realise to access to the other beaches we have to ride up and down hilly windy roads. I got worried for awhile if this little bike has enough power to carry our weight up the steep road. But no worries! It managed well.

First stop, Karon beach.

Reminded me a little of Melbourne, St Kilda beach. It’s quiet, with a small market place and rows of rather new looking resorts/hotels. Beach was filled with deckchairs ofcos and the price is non-negotiable. Not happy.

I blame AB for his curse the night before I left, it rained every night I was there.

Dark clouds appeared over the hilltop while we were laying on Karon beach, and while we were shopping away in the market place, it poured. Heavily.

We loitered around abit, the rain got smaller and we hopped onto bike to hurry back to Patong before it turns completely dark. Won’t want to travel on the hilly windy road in dark ya. So danger right?

It got more dangerous.

While riding along the hilly windy road, the sky turned dark and the rain suddenly got really really heavy. So heavy it hurts when the rain hits our body and I couldn’t open my eyes. In the end I had to stop and put my shades on else I can’t see the road at all.

Not wanting to get my top wet, I only had my bikini top on with my board shorts and I was freezing to death when we finally reach Patong. We were never so happy to see the familiar stretch that leads to our guesthouse.

We rushed to our room for a much needed hot shower. But not before I almost knock down the kind guesthouse staff who helped shift the bicycle to make space for me to park the bike. Told you I have problem controlling the acceleration at low speed lor. I braked in time lah ofcos while he jumped up the steps in fright. Heh.

Next morning we went Surin and Kamala beach. Even quieter. The beaches were lined with eating places and we found this really cool looking place at Kamala beach, something like Ku De Ta, Bali. Not cheap I’m sure, but really cool.

I’m now patiently waiting for T to upload the pictures. Will post if there are nice ones.

There was this cheeky little boy who perpetually carries a smirk that I always have the urge to brush off his face with a broom.

He loves to sneak up to me and with his index finger flicks my chin like I’m a little girl. It annoys me to the max and I’ll always return with a good punch on his arm or back or wherever I get my hands on.

Cheeky little boy was on the phone when he saw me, I waved hi to him and continued walking. He grabbed me by the arm and gestured for me to wait.

He’s not tall, only about my height. He stared at me for awhile, asking about the big glasses I have on and commenting how different I look.

He told me I’ve lost weight, I said, “Well, but you’ve gained weight. Your face is so round now.”

He then examined me closer and asked my age now. I told him and he held his head in disbelief. “Don’t fake being surprise.” I retorted.

Someone came along and chatted with us. Being asked where his girlfriend is, he moved closer to me and gave a cheeky smile.

I glanced at him at the corner of my eyes and said, “Hello, I need someone who can take care of me lor. Not the other way round.”

I started walking away telling him old people cannot stand too long need to sit down. He stood waving goodbye, still with that smirk on his face.

Dined with T last night.

Suggested Haji initially, but we ended up at Holland. As always. She’s still not sick of the place tho she stays there.

I craved for nachos, so we settled for Mexican food. A case of eyes bigger than the stomach again as we over-ordered and over-ate.

She complained of heartburn after the meal. I brushed it off saying it’s an elderly ailment. That comment, ofcos attracted the death stare.

Nonetheless, we adjourned for a drink and listen to Mr Gorilla’s singing. And THAT is the main reason why we ended up in Holland.

We didn’t realise the group of 4 women seated at the table right behind T is so irritating and noisy until the band starts playing. They clearly have no interest whatsoever about the band and what they are singing. They are more keen in discussing about when and what number to buy for 4D and what happened to them at work today.

They were trying their best to speak over the loud music with their ultra irritating high-pitched voices, in Mandarin. Many stares were attracted from tables around them, and trust me, those are not friendly stares.

I told T they looked older and seemed totally out of place. Since they are so disinterested in the band, perhaps they can save their voices (and our ears) and move downstairs where they can chat to their hearts’ content. Or maybe to the kopitiam down the road where they would probably be more at home.

But nooo… they have to stay upstairs and speak as loud as possible. Unbelievable.

Thank goodness they left when the 2nd set begun. Peace at last.

Brilliant stuff! My favourites:

One man’s urine is another man’s drinking water.

A land that rewards foreign talents over locals, will soon be foreign of talents locally, and eventually be foreign of talents totally.

What goes up can never come down: Law of GST and PTC.

[via ah-neh]

Went to the gala premiere of 300. Almost froze to death in the theatre but what a fab movie!

Needless to say, the Spartan soldiers all have perfect bodies dressed in skimpy pampers and superman cape. Who needs armour when you have spear, shield and the body to show?!

But it’s abit far out when even the politician who sits in the council having meetings all day long, the old man who is aide to the queen and the little boys who are playing in the streets, all, I repeat, all have perfect bodies. Where is this place? I also want to be their citizen.

Anyways, wear so little not cold meh? Maybe they don’t have winter there. And why do all the little boys have to shave their heads? Like watching children version of Prison Break.

Ok I’ve asked too many questions. It’s a nice movie, if you don’t mind all the gory battle scenes.

We seemed so distanced now.

You don’t seem interested in talking to me anymore.

Tho we are in the same room, you kept your distance from me.

I’m sorry I left you.

But Tiga, it was only 10 days away in Hong Kong.

Originally uploaded by Mr. Mark.

I read these words somewhere and I quote them. That’s probably the best diagnosis of my condition.

If only there is a rehab program I can check myself in. If only at the first sign of danger I would stop, turn around and speed away as fast as my fat thighs would carry me. Instead of keeping the tiny spark of hope alive time and time and time and time and time again.

Perhaps we all need such naive optimism once in a while, as we face all the crap we get thrown at in life.