I realised that just before I started typing this post, I straightened my back and sat up to type this out properly.
I guess the feeling of being a foreigner in a way is quite strange. Wow, I just said foreigner and followed it by strange. As though it's not obvious enough.
I'm officially in this country for just over 2 years since I came here to do my Level 3 in LLB and have sinced worked in a Scottish company carrying out interviews with "locals" to ask them about how they feel about the gov etc. Damn sein. But also little did I know, one year on the job, I've learnt so much about the people here.
Let's talk about the every day life.
Ok don't get offended if I say Chinese/White/Black or any other term for an ethnic group because I can't honestly think I can describe a certain race without using these terms.
Walking on the streets on most days in Bristol, something that me and some of my friends have observed is that we rarely get stared at as there are an increasing number of foreigner here to study. So there's really no biggie there though I remember getting the occasional, "Go back to your country!" from the Big Issue selling guy who's probably uneducated and ignorant? I mean why don't you get a real job rather than standing by the street and sell Big Issue with your dog right? Better still, why don't you spend sometime to flick a few pages on the magazine you're selling to get the jizz of what's the real Big Issues that's really going on rather than hurling abuses at someone who looked different from you?
Oh and that triggered another memory of that Primark cashier who's such a stuck up arse to their customers. Let me guess, he thinks that people who shops at Primark are a bunch of cheapskates therefore they don't deserve a smile or a thank you? Why are these people so ignorant? Haven't they read in the papers that Primark is now a place where people from all walks of life shops? Hello, stockings from Zara will rip off too so why not pay less for the same thing if you can?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that who are these "cashiers" to even try to judge people who walked in to that place, grab something and pay it later. They are either students who are working part time or someone who actually relies on it to earn a living. Let's put the students aside for a minute as it was never the student-typed of cashier I actually came across and got pissed off to my core with. It's usually the middle aged person who've got the most fucked up face you've ever seen. Hey look, if you think you're any better than me you won't be here working as a cashier right?
Now, I believe that every job is an important job, even working as a janitor isn't a disgrace at all but it's when them being in their position, they tried judging you that ticks me off. I think everyone deserved some respect. Even if they didn't mean the thank yous or please come agains, it'd be nice to hear it. I didn't think anyone deserved to be treated like a scum to shop there. Or anywhere really.
"Maybe it's cos I'm Chinese." This were quite a famous phrase used. Funny but in a way, I can't help but to think so too sometimes. Not to mention I'm quite short and petite in comparison to them there fore I looked harmless and an easy target. Hey just because I looked sweet and pretty doesn't mean I don't have a mouth. In fact I have quite THE mouth.
When I first came to this country, I can be so blatantly honest with you that I was very intimidated by them even though I could speak the language fluently and probably spell even better than that handful by the bus stop, still I was quite concerned to voice up. So unlike me, I never ever not voice up back in Malaysia if I feel I'm right. My silence didn't last too long though, especially after I realised that I was being treated unfairly due to my colour and am petite and was being deprived to a certain benefits that I was entitled too just because they can't be arsed to get it done for me because "they were so sorry they couldn't help me" and that "there's nothing they can do about it". Well, of course that was only good while it lasted. The moment I demand to speak to someone of a higher rank or asked for their names and where's the best place to file a complain against them, miraculously, everything now seemed to be "POSSIBLE!". Wow.
I can ensure you I'm not a pain in the ass. I don't complain for no reason. I just found it being too convenient for them to say no to me just cos I was being polite and for the way I looked. They always seemed rather unhelpful till they realised you do speak English and are bitchy enough to go all the way with them to get what you're entitled for before that look and the tone of their voice changes. How sad.
Phoo... That was really a mouthful isn't it?
But then again, I realised most of them who have these tendencies are those ulu and not very educated ones. I mean I shouldn't generalise but those who have the unwelcoming attitude towards foreigner are usually the ignorant ones. The more worldly ones usually showed some courtesy and tried to at least fake a smile and never ever showed that they have anything against your race, even though you down right know that deep down it's not sincere. But hey, it's for courtesy purposes only, who said we need you to be sincere to us?
Call me a chink after I turned my back for all I care. I just don't want to see your fucked up faces when I'm obviously someone who pays so much more school fees to obtain an education here in comparison to the locals. I just wonder if they know how much us foreign students help to keep the economy running in this country for paying triple the amount of the actual school fees.
That made me really proud of being a Malaysian where we are always so inviting and welcoming to Caucasians that visits our country.
I also wonder sometimes why does Malaysians seems to worship them as though they are so much better than us as a human being? Their bloods that run in their veins are red too. So why should we kiss the grounds they walk upon when this is the kind of treatment we get when we visit their country to have a jolly good time?
Still I don't think we should be less welcoming. I just feel we should not stoop down to that level to hurl abuses or be unhelpful to someone just because they are different.
I think everyone deserved to be respected. So next time you go to the bank to ask for something you need and they turn you down even though you know that they could very well help you, ask yourself if you want to turn away and just feel pissed off about it later or at least demand for them to find you an alternative. The key word was DEMAND.
It's their jobs after all to help you with your enquiries! Hello, they get paid for it.
Just fully utilise it.
Half way around the Globe as a Foreigner.
Psycho Housemates that Double Dates?
Slurpsss!
SFL!!
Ms. Double Chin.
Bored Boyfriendsss!
This is what it has came to..
Nommmmm!
Jack Daniel Sauce is the BOMB!
Yummy Desertss!
The gelojohness of The Emersoners.
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Venue: TGIF. Everyday is Friday there, kononnya.
Romantic 1st Year Anniversary with my Bim
25.11.09
I woke up to a bouquet of flowers and a card. Melts!! <3
(no pictures sorry!)
Ever have that melting feeling of love because someone you love threw you a big surprise to celebrate this day last year that you got together?
The day started off like this.
The night before I received a text from him to pack a nice dress, some warm clothes, bikini and something casual. My reply was to ask what are we doing on our anniversary.
He wouldn't tell. I have been pestering him for almost a week but he was really determined to keep it a secret till the day itself. Unbelievable. Even the if-you-love-me-you'll-tell-me won't work.
Yikes. I was really curious and really really really wanted to know. Sigh. Have to wait lor what to do. I can't say I don't like la but usually he will give in and tell me. Defeated.
So on that day I went to work in the morning as usual. Our journey begin right after work.
He drove me to the destination and I remembered that day he told me that i'm not allowed to use the car boot at all. So bad. So ok, it doesn't help I always have loads of shit to carry around now, I have to throw it to the back seat. Two door cars sucks man.
Ok, then he finally gave his first hint. It'll be in Wales. I was thinking to myself where would it be lehhh...????
Then we drove towards Cardiff Bay. And then...
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TADAAAA!!!!
It's St David's Hotel & Spa! Apparently it's a 5 Star hotel. So his surprise is the getaway??? Wow!!
He said we still have another surprise for after dinner.
Wooo....so exciting!
Ok so here's the hotel from the outside. It's by the sea. Well, as literal as it is, Cardiff Bay used to be a dock. Apparently the biggest supplier of coal back in the days. It's like the petrol station for ships.
I love it's futuristic interior. Though it's not as majestic as older and novelty hotels like the Marriot or Hilton, it still have a touch of class to it. Likesss!
I love the room and the view. Loveee!
The only way to be in the picture together (apart from setting timer) has become a habit :)
View outside the balcony. Need to bear the cold to capture the moment!
Loving the bum sculpture in the bathroom :D
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Lunched at Nandos where we had out first date ever..
By the bay
The luncheon that soon became a weekly ritual :) Sunday lunches except that anniversary wasn't on a Sunday :D
Napped after lunch!
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Check out the transformation!!
Before dinner, on the way to swimming. And after getting ready, heading down for dinner!
I do need make up as u can see to look prettier! Bim so lucky, he looked great however.
Eh he so sweet cos I told him I wanted to go swimming for long time but we couldn't find time to go, that why he looked for a hotel that comes with spa and swimming pool. So nice! I loved the swimming pool and it's cool huge ass jaccuzi but I didn't take pictures cos got a few fat tai tai mat salleh woman. Later they think I wanna take pictures of their fat asses. So tak jadi. But the pool quite nice la. I like it.
Loving my cheeky boyfriend! He always have the weirdest poses for pictures. So unlike me, same same same only. lol!
Dinner time :)
Sulky boy! Just cos I told him that wheneve he does that facial expression he can almost get away with anything with me, he does it all the time. Naughty shit.
Food was great!
Can't resist the Christmas tree before heading back to the room! Eh, I like my dress lor. From boohoo. So cheap £5 only. Bargain. They got damn lots of nice clothes and their sales are quite really the SALES! Unlike in Malaysia, they really cut down the prices for normal pieces. But for those people who bought it before the slash of prices, I kesian la.
Love the futuristic interior! Nicee!
Nice hor?
***
We got up in time for sunrise :)
Shame that it was raining and cloudy. Still beautiful though!
Breakie downstairs. I love breakfasts in hotels, but this one ok ok only. The breakfast in that hotel in Paris was still the best ever. EVER!
Loveeees!
Leaving now :( - I thought I looked like Teletubbies with my ear muffs! Haa!
I don't quite know why I took pictures of John Lewis but I remembered we were glad that we found the entrance to their parking lot!! Hence the happy faces.
Means we didn't need to get wet! Rain rain rain. Damn shyte.
***
About the surprise after dinner, we didn't get to do it due to the weather..
But I was so so so touched after knowing what he wanted to do :) He wanted to take me to go star gazing just like what we did before we got together. As cliche as it might sound, I always have loved star gazing and if you have been following me since last year, I saw 5 shooting stars that night. Amazing. But that time was an impromtu sort of trip so we weren't prepared. We sat in the cold with gloves, socks and jackets as a floor mat on the beach. It was a clear night. How romantic! :>
Shame that it was raining though. This time, he got everything prepared in his car boot! He got us hot chocolate, duvet, floor mat, chicken wings + bbq set, jacket and loads of stuff to keep us comfortable when star gazing! He even got me the Hello Kitty paper plates and tissues to use for that surprise.
You know what?
Knowing what he planned, somehow made me felt as happy as I've already done it. He was so gutted that it could not happen but I'm so sure once the weather dried up a little we will!
It's so sweet. I really appreciate it! He's such a sweetheart.
I'm looking forward to the many many more years to come.
And yes we are really engaged, btw!
Love you Bimm! xxXx <3
Disney Again...Popo with Hairy in Cardiff :)
We had a fun time in Cardiff yesterday. I cannot resist taking Poli to the Disney shop in St David's Shopping Centre! It's so so so fun in there. And yes, we bought some cute adorable soft toys again! I bought Bim a Stitch cushion and Po Li a Mickey huggies. And Bim got me a Baby Pooh. Damn cute. I think we need to allocate a room for all of it eventually. Lol!
Hairy trying to dodge the camera. Too cool for Disney! :D
Spot the Hairy Man!!
Our Disney infested Christmas Tree and the huggies I got her :)
<3
One of The Best Place to Throw a Birthday Party!!
I hardly review restaurants at my own will unless it's really great!
And this was my first time going to Obento using one of their karaoke rooms. It's quite a disgrace considering I've been in Bristol for 2 years now and I haven't been there. It was my Bim (who's from Cardiff) who've been raving about the place and decided it'll be the best place to throw me the birthday party!
It was indeed!
The food was great and their staffs are really friendly and helpful. I was so pleased :)))
Here are some pictures with my bestest friends and fun timesss! Enjoy the picsss!
Details of the restaurant below:
Big room with ample spaces!
Great food and Excellent Service. Definitely worth your money!
The man of my life who made it happened! :-*
We are having a ball obviously!!
SAME Reunited. Thanks for the lovely braclet! xx
Fun happens on the table and under tooo!
Everyone who came (except for Daniel the camera guy for this pic)!!
My birthday cake from Bim! So sweeettt right!! xx
Me, belting out some tune. Hey it was so fun, I felt like I was holding a concert cos it's my birthday and I get to hog the mic! Yesssh!!!
Mr Sexy Armsss! How can I ever resist him?!
The remains of House 39!
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According to my boo, all you need to do is to spend up to £300 that night to be eligible to use the karaoke room for 4 hours. Sounds expensive? Not really, cos the £300 is all for food and drinks and you get hell lots of food obviouslyy!! I can promise you that!! (We couldn't finish ours and there were 13 of us!!) So I ta-paued some to bring home after the bash! Not to mention the wide choices of songs available too!
Really easy to book your party too! Just ring one of their friendly staff and they'll tell you what you need to do!
They are currently having a promotion of the HALP PRICED DELICIOUS SUSHI that will be ending on the 3rd of December 2009!
So what are you waiting for??
I'm definitely going back for more sushi! One of the best in Bristol.
Obento's Contact details:
69 Baldwin Street, Bristol, BS1 1QZ
Don't say I didn't share with y'all!! xxx
Lady Luck!
Bim is a loyal customer to Marriot group and it finally paid off :)
Our room got upgraded to the Club rooms on my birthday! Special righttt!! So lucky. He got his Loyalty Reward Card on the same day too. Sweet!
Renaissance Kensington Hotel is our favourite so far. Our second time staying there during our visits to London. It's always great. I never feel like a second class citizen there due to their awesome service.
I hate racist scumbag receptionists in some other hotels who thinks that they're all that. Please man, do your fucking job right.
So if you ever go to London, that's a great hotel to stay in :)
But honestly, the room isn't much different from the normal rooms we usually stay in. Size of the toilet the same only! I love big nice toilets!!
Ready for the day!!
At the end of the night, before the next day we blow out the candle for the last time!
24 years old officially!
My booo! :)
I love him to bits. He's the sweetest thing in the world xxxxxxxx
About the interviews I hardly mentioned...
Just a quick one about the interviews I went for.
After I sent the first batch my CVs out for the first time two months ago, I have faith that I can get a job. Just not legal jobs, since LLB doesn't do much for a law firm if you do not have any additional legal office skills.
I managed to get called back for all the jobs that I have applied for and did really well for the interviews too *surprisingly*. I get responses like, "We are very impressed with your answers during the interview and you are hired if you were to accept the offer." And in another interview I get the offer to proceed to the second stage of my interview immediately after the first phone interview is done.
Then what were the problem I hear you ask?
Timing.
I sent my Passport to convert my driving license which I was promised that it would be back within 10 days. But it dragged on to 5 weeks. People would say anything to earn some extra dosh. But maybe it's my luck too. Postal strike.
For the first interview, they told me to come back once I get my passport back. Soon after I got another interview to a job that I wanted more so I did not head back.
And about this second job I wanted more, they waited two weeks for my passport to come back. Then there was another problem. My billing address. As you know, stupid Natwest takes forever for the billing address to be changed and THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP YOU. Like printing something off their outlet to say that your address are in the process for changing etc. I'm definitely filing a complain. Damn them. So obviously it's unfair for that position to wait any longer. I totally understand but gutted too.
Oh well, I guess I can't complain too much now that my current job is picking up again.
Poles said that it's a blessing in disguised. Bim said that maybe I might not be happy working there anyway. Esther said..I can't remember but I know she said something supportive.
I have great people around me. Me likes!
Ok so enough of all the rantings. My tummy is hurting from period cramp. Lucky my sweetheart heated Mimoo up to nurse my tummy! Lovess!
I'm gonna head out now. Early day today.
Laterss! xx
I finally gone onto the London Eye! Superb Experience!
This was the last day of my birthday London trip. Bim wants to take me on the Eye. As i've told you this was the happiest birthday yet! I did everything I have always wanted to do. What could a girl ask for you know? :)
I'm so thankful!
Ok so here're some pictures. I had so many pictures taken on this trip, which's why I had to combine the pictures. Otherwise there would be too many pictures to upload and y'all will go crazy scrolling down! Lol
Ok, so here goes!
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Puffy eyes in the morning! Again, take the tube to Embarkment. It's nearer I feel!
Anticipating to get onto the cubicle!
Happy people!! I didn't wait. When I got on I just snapped away. No shame. Other tourist sat down and pretended that they didn't care but soon, they couldn't resist!!
Breath taking!
Wow!!
Can't get enough of the Big Ben!
Perfect weather! So sunny!
Eye for Eye!
Fun time!
Going down!
He loves me!
Going to the toppp!
We are on top of the world!!!
Two is better than one!
Beautiful River Thames
Greens
I love you Bim!
***
I can finally say that I have experienced London properly!
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