Brain Drain?

I read with a great interest the article “Brain Drain is Color Blind” by Dina Zaman. I was caught by her words: “One must be practical. Sentimentality only works in fiction” (http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/20/focus/19820231&sec=focus). It makes me contemplate on my future. I am on the verge of my studies and inevitably at the crossroads of making one of my biggest decisions in life. Perhaps I might be one of the potential “brain-drainers”, leaving my own country for a different (better?) life abroad. Felt guilty? Maybe a tinge. Not too sure of the term “different”(or "better" as some claimed) because in my opinion the term is very subjective. I guess part of me is still Asian-rooted, despite being exposed to many Western cultures and norms. I am definitely open yet I hold to my Asian values too. However, one thing I am pretty sure is that I am always looking for challenging experience, professionally or personally. No, I never thought of my country as being “not the better one”. Neither have I ever thought of forsaking my motherland. How could one compare an apple with an orange? They are just different in their own unique ways. But again, quoting Dina’s phrase, feasibility should be the priority; sentimentality comes later. Despite the love for my country, family and friends, somehow, the practicality spells career, professional and personal goals. Yet, I do desire stability, security and a real home. On the other hand,exploration has always been part of me. I guess,you’ve just got to know what you really want in life, regardless where you are. They say, a home is built on dreams and hopes. I have my dreams and hope. Most importantly, I believe in God and I have Faith in Him.

A Place called Home

Suddenly, I am just overwhelmed with the warmth of a home. They say "Home is not where you live, but where they understand you. A home is built with love and dreams." Perhaps in the coldness and darkness of the winter in Umea, a sudden twinge of loneliness swept me. I longed for the warmth, laughter, understanding, joyous and sharing moments with my family and loved ones. I guess I am seeking for a home with warm love and dreams. It doesn’t matter if your family is miles away in another continent. It doesn’t matter if your friends are busy with their lives or away. It also doesn’t matter being a nomad since where one lives is of no importance. But it matters where you can be understood, loved, cared and belonged. It matters where the place are built on the basis of unconditional love, dreams and hopes. It matters when you know there is someone who will care, accept, understand and love you for what you are. "Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to." You just know that the place u can call a home-not a house, mind you, where you feel just right. I seek for my home.

Christmas Candle Light Dinner

Missed the last CNY and Christmas reunion dinner with my loved ones made me felt really grateful having spent a nice, memorable candle light Christmas reunion dinner with my corridor mates in the cozy kitchen of Block 9B in Alidhem. .Swedish crackers, sausage, meat balls,cheese, salad, 'glogg', boiled ham, Swedish 'sushi' (herring in mustard),black granite Shiraz and Swedish liquor were placed for our savouring. The dinner went well with nice chats (mostly in Swedish though;)) along with the tradition Swedish 'bottoms-up' with the 38% alcohol liquor in between meals. It's rather funny to see Swedish being talkative during parties while they are drunk, in contrast to the steroptype of typical Swedish being reserve and quiet:) Nonetheless, the night amazingly went by with a rather cozy and merry mood along with the Christmas songs played in the midst of our laughter. I have retired early,however, despite the fun, I guess due to the alcohol. Haha..an excuse for me to sleep early-I don't wanna get hangover the next day, despite the invitation of going to Corona after drinking. Nonetheless, it was a great dinner!My first typical Swedish Christmas Dinner with my lovely Swedish mates.:)

Heaven is a place nearby (Lene Marlin)

One of my favourite song. Specially dedicated to MSPME 2006/2007.Cheers.

Nobel Prize in Sweden

Today is the award day for the Nobel Prize winners. This award is given every year on the 10th December in memory of the Alfred Nobel's death anniversary, the creator and also the contributor (94% of his total wealth= SEK 31 million) [Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobel_Prize#Alfred_Nobel.27s_will]. Being close to the venue(Stockholm and Oslo) where this award are presented to the 'noble' people globally, and also witnessing the grand event on the TV over here in Umea, somehow makes me wanna mark this day in my blog.This day reminds me of the great works of great people towards the betterment of our society. The Noble prizes consists of the prize in Peace, Economics (we have met Prof Eric Maskin, one of the Nobel Prize winner who visited Umea University a few months back), Medicine, Physics, Chemistry and Literature.Ironically, this award has been transformed from a traditional local Swedish event into a renowned international events.Ha, I do marvel at the extend of pulicity media can do today. It makes me think though; what genuinely motivates people to make great contribution to the society: sincere inner desires or mere awards and recognition? Also, has the world really becomes a better place for each human being on the earth to live in? Honestly,I am still wondering...

Ginger Cookies in the making

P, our host picked us up at the Aildhem Centrum for the ginger cookies baking session. We were warmly greeted by A and P's daughter, C. We had 'Glogg'-the Scandinavian version of mulled warm red wine,a typical traditional drink for the Swedish during Christmas.Almonds and raisins were also mixed with the beverage. It was indeed an excellent 'welcome drink' for me as it warmed me up from the cold, and it tasted especially superb in the warm, cosy kitchen of P, despite my empty stomach. Oh yeah, we also had traditional Swedish Saffron buns with the shapes of cats (well they were supposed to look like one at least;)). Pretty delicious and a perfect complementary to the 'Glogg'.We made ginger bread after the "brunch"(for me),and we had great fun.A,B,A, I,C and P ; all teamed up to make ginger bread of many different shapes: Love, star,man, angel,pig, moose,women and lots more. Then we started baking and decorating them with M&M candies and sugar cream. All in all, it was really something being able to immerse into a Swedish family, baking Swedish ginger cookies.Our day was capped with a nice dinner (toasted bread with seafood toppings, cabbage soup with meat balls, Julmust (another Swedish typical drink during Christmas-the taste is like cola+beer) and Swedish waffle.. Ah, we also played the compatibility game before we called the day off.Speaking of A, she's just so cool.Being probably in her forties or more, she has an amazing collection of music!!Anja and I saved some songs in my USB including some Swedish ones for our listening pleasure.Also not forgeting Christmas songs to keep me company during the festive season:)We also chatted with 2 of P's daughters and it was really interesting to learn about Swedish social welfare. Honestly, I am amazed by how Swedes are taken care of despite the high taxes. Additionally, I've grown accustomed to the warmth and generosity of this family.Oh, did I also tell you that A lent me her 'super warm waterproof' red trousers, to keep me warm during my coming trip to Kiruna? I am speechless-I just love this family: warm hearted, nice,kind, friendly and open.

Keiko Matsui - Light Above the Trees

One of the best piece I've ever heard.It touches my heart.Hope you like it too!Cheers.

The (Almost) Last Supper with Fi

7th Dec 2007.

We had a farewell dinner with Fi today, before she leaves for Stockholm the next day. H,N,V,E came from Marieham and B,I,B,P and M from Alidhem also joined the crowd to bid Fi a good farewell. We had "chi-kut-teh" (haha....with my last packet of the spices-never thought that it could be so priceless since we can't get that in Umea.So, I was really glad that I shipped it all the way from M'sia through Edinburgh and Milan to Umea.It has come a long way,across the oceans and continents, so it is indeed a treasure!;))I must thank YM for packing that for me before I left for Europe a year ago).Thanks YM!Also,M,P,V and H shared their specialties. Several things happen these few days. Some unfortunate events befall F. Also, at this moment of time, I am pretty sure that many of us are in the crossroads of making important decisions in our lives. Nonetheless, I for one believes that things do happen for (a) reason(s).I guess one just gotta be tough and hang on there to face the challenges ahead. Also, life experiences has taught me that life is a cycle. Bad moments will never last forever and are meant to be a test of faith.Yet happy and the best moments should always be cherished as you never know how long it will last (though I try to be optimistic). Frankly, I am trying to live up to that philosophy: "Live the Moment!"-ha..reminds me of Toru, a Japanese trainee whom I've met 5 years ago in Macedonia.

To cap this day, I came across an amazing piece of music by Keiko Matsui at the youtube.So, hope that you enjoy it.

White, Northern most Birthday

For the past few weeks since our last class and presentation, several events happened. One of the most memorable was my birthday!

Date: 10th November 2007

First, I was greeted with a splendid panorama out of my window screen when I woke up. It was white.Yeah, it was snowing-my first white birthday. It was a pretty sight, romantic and ...just different. At night, there was a birthday bash at Fiona's kitchen to celebrate my day:) H,V,N, E, K and J came all the way from Marieham despite the snow.Not forgetting I, P, B,F and M from ALidhem whose presence made the day more memorable. It was a pretty nice birthday dinner, celebrated with friends around- the coldness of the Umea winter was forgotten at that moment. Instead the warm friendships and cosiness were shared among some of my coursemates. Nice! The great day was capped with a Motown Musical Show downtown. A superb show and guess what, we saw one of our professors there.Haha...he must think that we are so free to enjoy the music and not doing our term paper due on the 13th Nov. Nonetheless, life is about balance, sir! Certainly, we work hard and we play hard. We came back strolling down the 'white' lanes, playing snow balls on the way. Also, I've made my first Umean Snow Angel on our way back too. An evidence of this mark is a photo taken by Fiona which she has posted in her blog on the 14th Nov 2007 at http://www.fiogblog.blogspot.com/. This would be one of the days which I will never forget!

Sarah Connor - Love Is Color Blind

It don't matter if you're black
white or yellow, if you're brown or red
let's get down to that
love is color-blind....

.....take it out to the world
tell every boy and every little girl
be proud of yourself
cause you're as good as anybody else
put away your prejudice
open your mind, don't need a stick to this
try to make this earth
a better place without a racial curse

Breaking Free

"There's not a star in heaven
That we can't reach
If we're trying ...
Yeah we're breaking free...

You know the world can see us
In a way that's different than who we are"
-From the High School Musical

I watched part of the movie when I was in the gym today and I was inspired by this song! And here is it, just wanna share it with you...
Cheers,
Yours truly^^)Amy

The Notebook - Feels Like Home

An amazing story, great movie!

Sunset or Snow?

Sunset or Snow ?
Somehow I felt so calm and peaceful.
Somehow a sense of beauty swept through me.
Somehow, I came to realize just how almighty God is.
Somehow, I felt that I am in a different world.
Somehow, I simply love being here.
I felt so romantic.
Sunset or snow-which do I prefer?
I simply love them both.

Reflection: Four Days in Umea

18/10 KPMG Case Competition -nice dinner, great learning experience!
19/10 Attended the Prof Eric Maskin(Nobel Prize Winner) talk: "procrastination".
20/10 Strolled the path to IKSU whilst experiencing the first snow of Umea. A day capped with a Swedish AIESEC party at Jonas's place.
21/10 Chatted with KY,who is in Brasov now, who shared her travel experience.-A truly courageous girl!

Works by Ansel Adams-AMAZING!

I just love them-"Evening McDonald Lake, Glacier National Park"(left) and
"Adams Church,Taos,Pueblo"(right).
Elegant, stylish and expressive in their own way...

Which Famous Artist Are You?
	You are part Ansel Adams. Your artistic tool of choice is the camera, but you've got lots of other skills as well. Spoiled when you were young, you grew up to be a loving person and you have a deep affinity for nature and all things black and white.
	You are part Andy Warhol. Your artistic talent became clear at an early age. As a result, you are still developing your talent now, chasing the dream. A big fan of commercial art, you see greatness in the ordinary.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Yesterday 12th Oct, we went to Marieham and kinda celebrate the Muslim New Year with 3 of our Muslim coursemates B,H and G. I must thank H for sending the Petronas 2007 ad (http://www.petronas-raya.com/index2.html), reminding me that it is new year again for the Muslims back in Malaysia today and yesterday for Sweden.(Apparently, the Raya is celebrated at a different time according to the moon).This also prompts me to look up in youtube on the previous years Raya ad of Petronas.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78LjuiDnLNg&mode=related&search=selamat%20hari%20raya)

What can I say-they are really touching as always.Two key things I've learnt from these ads: 1) Love is unconditonal 2) Never overlook what our parents have done for us, no matter what.

Till then, "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri" and Maaf Zahir Batin.

Yours truly.

Which Disney Princess Are You?
	You are Pocahontas. You defy convention and sometimes do what is considered taboo. Unfortunately, others do not always appreciate your differences, so it's good that you are so strong-willed. You are loyal and you believe in fate. Your true love will find you one day.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

Pocahontas-The Disney Princess within me?
Hmm, maybe ...

Pocahontas: Colors Of the Wind

One of my favourite songs.
"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you'll never know,never know."

Time flies

10th October 2007.Suddenly I am overwhelmed with the sense of how time flies-at the speed of a breeze! It’s merely about 3 more months that my study is going to end. This implies lest we are going to say adios to our friends very soon. But does that mean my life journey also ends? I guess not.

"To meet, to know,
and then to part,
Is one of the saddest things
To a human's life"

In some sense it might be true. But I guess if you have never meet and never know, you can never part, and life would be monotonous. Sad it may be, but the friendship one built is priceless. The moments and memento shared are certainly worth a zillion of gems. Words seem inadequate to explain my deep feelings. Nonetheless, I definitely want to live my last few moments here to the fullest. On the other hand, somehow part of me knew that one day our paths might cross again.Why then, all these whines and sense of loss? Destiny may bring us together again.Ineluctable though, I am still a pretty sentimental person. Till that moment arrives, I humbly offer my sincere best wishes and gratitude for my dear friends who have made my life more colorful.

Yours truly.

Kelly Clarkson :: Breakaway

Breakaway-'Brake-Away'

Adapted from Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway:

"I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly.
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky.
Make a wish, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away.
Out of the darkness and into the sun.
But I won't forget all the ones that I love.
I'll take a risk, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away "

"Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jetplane
Far away
And break away"

I paused and asked myself: "Have I breakaway?"-I think I did!

"Gotta keep movin on movin on...
Fly away"

Europe Safari-A Reflection

Reflecting what I have done sofar in more than a year in Europe, the longest time I have ever left my home consecutively, perhaps it is an achievement. A mixed feelings flooded me though.Should I be happy or grateful for the "one in a million chance" of being here? Or should I regret having quit my job, forgo a nice salary and the comfort of life, family and friends back home? Before I landed here, nostalgias of my previous trip in Europe kept haunting me.But now that I am here, how do I really feel? I seek the answers within myself.

I knew that deep within me, this is what I really wanted and I never looked back since. I wanted to come back here since I last left Europe. As a matter of fact,I never regret any seconds of it. This experience has indeed been my lifetime memento. However, this journey was somewhat different than the one I pursued 5 years ago. Eastern Europe were my main safari then. The feelings are really different,inexplicable. But I guess that's what makes it so personal. So special, so unique. "It's your memento, your very own senses and your very own treasure- no money can buy it,nobody could even rob it from you." Yeah, that's my very own gem,closely embraced within my heart and soul.Regardless good or bad, I will cherish them....and I definitely thank God for that!

My odyssey sofar:

Sept 2006-Feb 2007 Edinburgh, UK
Mac 2007-July 2007 Milan, Italy
1-15 Aug 2007 Greece (Santorini,Crete,Delphi,Meteora,Athens,Thessa..)
15-17 Aug 2007 Budapest(yes, I met Tamas again after 5 years!)
18-22 Aug 2007 Croatia (Split and Bled)
23-27 Aug 2007 Slovenia (Plitvice and Ljublana aka Beloved aka Amy)
27-29 Aug 2007 Venice,Italy (Bellissimo!-what can I say more?)
29-31 Aug 2007 Stockholm("The Venice of the North")
31 Aug 2007-today Umea (The little tranquil student city)

Cheers.

What European City Do You Belong In?

A pretty cool site.I took the quiz and apparently London is the city where I belong.
Neat!





"***You Belong in London***
You belong in London, but you belong in many cities... Hong Kong, San Francisco, Sidney. You fit in almost anywhere.
And London is diverse and international enough to satisfy many of your tastes. From curry to Shakespeare, London (almost) has it all!"


Check it out at: http://www.blogthings.com/whateuropeancitydoyoubelonginquiz/

Cheers

"Kanelbullens Dag" in Sweden

4th Oct 2007
An incredible day
Filled with great activities
and lasting memories

4th Oct 2007
A very special day
"Kanelbullens Dag"
or Cinnamon Roll Day
Celebrated since 1999
In the Nordic Land named Sweden

FarAway from home
In the midst of tranquil Umea
"Kanelbullens"
did I bake
A typical Swedish bun,
and so I say
Swedes savor them everyday

"Kanelbullens"
did I make
on "Kanelbullens" Day
with my mentor group
Swedes, Germans, French
Belgium, all came
to Jenny's at Nyadalahojd

Delicious "Kanelbullens"
did we bake
traditional Swedish bun
on this unforgettable day!


(http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanelbullens_dag
For Recipe: http://www.cherylmariecordeiro.com/blog/?p=482)

"Beautiful Day" by Kurt Nilsen

It's a beautiful Day!

How I marvel at the beauty of God's creation
The changing colors of the autumn leaves
The sun smiling so brightly
and of course the fact that
Module 1 is over in Umea
Ha..and no more exams!
Oh, isn't it a beautiful day?

If you can spend your day in a beautiful way
why not pursue it that way
I guess life is about how we perceive it
Because "the most beautiful things in life
cannot be seen or touched...
U have to feel deep within in your heart! "
Ahh..how these words were beautifully written
by a women whom I never met
yet quietly I admire
Helen Keller is her name

So is the day..so beautiful
in its own unique way
I can feel it
the powerful aura
No,I cannot touch it
Nor can I hold it, embrace it
But I can sense it, smell it
I just know that
It's a Beautiful Day!

This day inspire me to share with you one of my favourite song by the World Idol,Kurt Nielsen's "Beautiful Day". Hope your day is beautiful too.Cheers.^^)

My Blog Birth Certificate

Somehow I wanted a record,so here is it.

Name : My Europe Memento
D.O.B : 21st July 2007
Place : Zuccoli,Milan, Italy
Inspiration from : F & B