The New Year

Hello all,

Firstly, my New Year Greetings to all of you. It is my hope that each and everyone of you is pursuing what you find truly meaningful in life, and if you haven't, to never stop searching for it.

In the spirit of the prior posts, I shall pitch in with my 2-ringgits worth. Went to Penang for a few days last week. The change in scenery was a much-needed breather for my mind and spirit. Counted down in the nightlife district in Georgetown (the main town in Penang Island) - my first time ushering in the New Year outside of Spore I think. It was a refreshing change from the sterile 'celebrations' back here.

As usual, had alot of good cheap food. Movies and taxi rides are also cheap there so of course I indulged a little. Went parasailing in the beach too. ( still haven't done the bungee and skydiving)I also saw the effects of the Boxing day tsunami on a portion of the coastline where the sea has retreated quite a bit to leave a flat muddy coast, in the process of taking 52 lives. I particularly enjoyed exploring Georgetown, which everyone in the the older generation says looks alot like colonial and newly-independent Spore. The stately colonial architecture and old shophouses tell stories of a harder but simpler life, providing much-needed warmth and direction to the people of today, who live such fast-paced lives they are unaware of where they've been or what they're doing. Walked around watching life in general go by - the old-school coffee shops and street food, small businesses and tradecraft, historical landmarks, modern malls, public and private transport, localised languages, mannerisms and interactions among a diverse population.

I also visited a few places of worship, which were calming and peaceful for a restless mind - particularly liked the 33m long Sleeping Buddha. Also took a train ride up to Penang Hill to enjoy the cool morning breeze and an aerial view of Penang. Was actually getting quite used to jaywalking like nobody's business before I got back; but Penang's definitely a place worth visiting every now and then.

Like many of you, I try not to take things and people in my life for granted too, but I strive hard to do and be what I want. What exactly I don't know yet, but I believe i'm on the right track. One more week of vacation for me, so got to start getting ready for another crazy semester. Its been a mixed 2007 for me; 2008 will be no less challenging. Unlike many of you, I don't live such a 'happening' life. My academic life is important to me - I'm enjoying life as a student of Political Science. I find meaning in viewing life through the perspective of my chosen discipline. I appreciate the importance of being critical and even cynical, and to question things and people around me. My social life, as it has been for awhile, can be best described as 'minimalist'. I'm still a fan of going for supper or makan sessions filled with talking-cock and laughter; but i also enjoy deep and stimulating conversation and quiet contemplation of life away from the noisy and crowded concrete jungle that is this tiny island. 'Be civil to most, social to some, known to few' - thats how I would sum up myself now.

As for the soccer part, I don't push myself that much anymore. As much as I want to, I have certain reasons that hold me back, and thus i'm not that physically fit.

And I apologise for not joining the Xmas Dinner this year - not in the best frame of mind to do so.

Again, my best wishes to everyone in the coming Year of the Rat.

Cheers
Kumar

and i think i overheard an uncle saying lao sip kong in Penang..haha