Experiencing London : Indoor and Outdoor (June 2010)

12th June- BBQ at Wei's Place

It was a nice weather to have a BBQ on this sunny and warm day. After gym, we left to Wei's place for the annual summer BBQ. It was only about 30 mins train journey from Waterloo. We had a great time chatting, eating and drinking under the warm sun at the neat garden of the couple. We had James delicious cheese cake and his usual lethal chocolate cake.We also talked about their newly bought GBP450 (or was it GBP495) blender from JLP which was rather amusing. We also bought Fiona along to join the fun. It was indeed a great day and as usual, I've already started looking forward for next year's BBQ with an addition of little Emily.

17th June- Project Management Forum/Seminar

I was invited by a friend for a project management forum and seminar at the Middlesex University. It was quite good. I came to know that my ex-lecturer, RM was the supervisor of my friend's thesis. There were many good speakers and panels from the risk consultancy and project management industry who were present. Some of the topics which we talked about were the recent volcanic ash crisis, Heathrow Terminal 5 project, transportation projects in London, etc. Though the venue was rather far, I was glad that I went.


20th June - "Out of the Piano" Show and "Elephant" Parade

Today is mum's birthday and also Father's Day. Initially we wanted to go to Zizzi to take advantage of their promotion, whilst at the same time to catch up with the other friends who we wanted to meet. But we ended up merging several gatherings and held a dinner at an Indian restaurant on the 19th instead, which were not really impressive as B&I did not feel well after the food. But getting to meet the others superseded the so-so food.

We also went to a show called "Out of the Piano". The composers compete among each other with their pieces sung by West End singers (apparently the singers include those who sang in the the 'Phantom of the Opera', 'The Wicked', etc). The lyrics are either composed by the composers themselves, or picked up from famous quotes and books like William Shakespeare. It was really impressive. Even the MC of the show was hilarious and kept us glued on our seats for the entire 3 hours. It was brilliant!

We then headed to Leicester Square to have a final look at the elephants which were paraded around London since the last few months. Now, the elephants were brought together and lined up along a street near Leicester Square where locals and tourists could take a final picture with these cute creatures. If you think that the elephants are real animals, I am afraid that you have misunderstood because the elephants which I meant here were the sculptures of the elephants, painted and designed with patterns and styles by art studios and celebrity artists. This effort is meant to support the effort of protecting the real elephants which are at the brink of extinction. The last look was worth while. We then walked home, feeling really tired, but satisfied.


25th June- "Ditch" Play @ The Old Vic Tunnel
I've got 2 tickets for the "Ditch" Play. The play is set during the war and how illegal immigrants and locals survive with meager food and condition. The content of the play was not easy to understand, to be honest. But what the heck, I reckon we went for the experience. I won't elaborate about the play but if you are really interested, just click on the link below:

http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whatson.php?id=64

What really impressed us was the venue of the play. The theater was actually set up in a tunnel, under the London Waterloo Station. Interestingly, we were seated on soft red, chairs like you can find in any top notch theater with different levels up from the stage. The props on the stage and around the tunnel, the atmosphere, lighting and the whole production were good. It was original and different from the rest of the popular musicals, shows or plays I have been and watch. There was also a nice bar with the 1950's setting in the tunnel, equally impressive. After the show, we left feeling really tired but were glad that home is just around the corner.

27th June - Beach at South Bank, London & 2010 Summer Science Exhibition

We went for a stroll at the South Bank for fresh air. The artificial beach set up by the Greece Ministry of Tourism welcomed us in the hot weather. The walk on the real, soft sand were so comforting. Ooooh la la, the natural foot massage on the sand was so good! :) We then left to the foyer near the National Theatre with the intention to see an outdoor exhibition but was welcomed with the sculptures of the flying dinosaur. We were eventually led into the Royal Festival Hall and awed by the 350th anniversary Summer Science exhibition. It was indeed a good stroll. Plus, we've got three bonus as well : fresh air , foot massage and food for the brain (knowledge). A perfect bargain:)

Cash & Materialism

I've learn one thing from the sermon last Sunday

"I give, and I learn to let go the grip of materialism."

Life is not about materialism or how much cash you have. I think most importantly, we appreciate what we have now which money cannot buy such as happiness, love, friendships, relationships, and life itself. Eventually, we will leave this earth and obviously we will leave all the material things which we have stored on earth. We can't bring them with us. What left with us, truly are the memories of the life we have lived in.

Humans are naturally greedy. I have seen friends who desire more cash/rewards for instance higher salary, more bonus even though they are blessed with decent jobs. On a higher end, I have friends working as expatriates in foreign countries , earning big bucks and living a more than a decent life. Some wanting even more material benefits, whilst some are keen to serve. On the other hand, I have also friends who were struggling to look for decent office jobs after many attempts whilst working as temp workers in coffee shops.

A story below inspires me :

A guy who earn $30 now, lives on $28.He donated all of his savings $2. A year later, he earns $60, still lives on $28, and he donated $32. 3 years later, he earns $100, still lives on $28, and he donated all if his savings $72. 5 years later, he earns $1500, this time he lives on $30, yet he donated all of his remaining $1470.

He says to himself, "The more I give, the more I can let go of the grip of materialism. I feel FREE! ". How many of us are actually selfless enough to actually do that? Give up all of your savings to serve God and others in need and live life to the fullest, with no regrets and without any material motives?

Every moment, THANK GOD..