when your dream is beyond weird, you'll begin to ponder if you really really content with the current life. Because if you are, you wont dream about it.
They said dreams are the unconscious wishes of the dreamer.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Ghost Bride - Yangsze Choo
I'm a big fan of Lisa Lee, Anchee Min, Amy Tan, and Adeline Yen Mah. Well there's others as well but these authors had one thing in common. They're Chinese authors. Which equally means that im a HUGE fans of story with chinese culture/history as the background.
Peony in Love by Lisa Lee is my FIRST 'chinese' novel - and since then, i hunt for more chinese-culture-related novels. Shortly after Peony in Love, my next love are Anchee Min's rich Chinese history novels- Empress Orchid and The Last Empress (and of course other book by hers as well)- i even surprise a bookstore owner (that i happen to make friend with somewhr in PJ) that these type of books doesnt bore me or even lull me to sleep. nah-ah.
All these book by the authors are a dear collection to me and i treasure it much. It doesnt surprise me when i saw this new book by a new author; The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo. I only read the synopsis halfway before i picked it up and paid to the counter without doing any research (you see, i'm pretty picky and stinky too about books and i always google the synopsis, read reviews from GoodReads, Amazon and Nobles & Barnes before i decided to buy or not. This book average rating is 4.5+ in amazon btw hehe).
But this book - the title itself just enough to trigger my interest and i couldnt help relate that this book might purposely released for the Hungry Ghost Festival Celebration
And boy that purchase was worth it. After i read it in less than 2 days, some character had imprinted into my mind until today (today mark 2 weeks already and i on the 3rd book after Ghosy Bride). That is how i perceive a good book. You can easily remember your fav. character in the book despite reading so much other books (with so many characters and story).
Anyway here's the synopsis of it. and yeah - it does related to ghost festival somehow hahaha. and you will find that the story back ground is familiar because it is in Malacca. haha!
This book deserve 5 star from me. Its a refreshing genre instead of the typical cliche twilight's or the paranormal world or the Fifty Shades of Grey, black, pink watever.
"One evening, my father asked me if I would like to become a ghost bride..."
Though ruled by British overlords, the Chinese of colonial Malaya still cling to ancient customs. And in the sleepy port town of Malacca, ghosts and superstitions abound.
Li Lan, the daughter of a genteel but bankrupt family, has few prospects. But fate intervenes when she receives an unusual proposal from the wealthy and powerful Lim family. They want her to become a ghost bride for the family's only son, who recently died under mysterious circumstances. Rarely practiced, a traditional ghost marriage is used to placate a restless spirit. Such a union would guarantee Li Lan a home for the rest of her days, but at a terrible price.
After an ominous visit to the opulent Lim mansion, Li Lan finds herself haunted not only by her ghostly would-be suitor, but also by her desire for the Lim's handsome new heir, Tian Bai. Night after night, she is drawn into the shadowy parallel world of the Chinese afterlife, with its ghost cities, paper funeral offerings, vengeful spirits and monstrous bureaucracy—including the mysterious Er Lang, a charming but unpredictable guardian spirit. Li Lan must uncover the Lim family's darkest secrets—and the truth about her own family—before she is trapped in this ghostly world forever.
Anyway i thought this is funny. hehehe.
"What did the ghost bride throw to her bridesmaids? Her boo-quet."
Anyway, if you have an account at Goodreads, add me - Feon Feonn!
Peony in Love by Lisa Lee is my FIRST 'chinese' novel - and since then, i hunt for more chinese-culture-related novels. Shortly after Peony in Love, my next love are Anchee Min's rich Chinese history novels- Empress Orchid and The Last Empress (and of course other book by hers as well)- i even surprise a bookstore owner (that i happen to make friend with somewhr in PJ) that these type of books doesnt bore me or even lull me to sleep. nah-ah.
All these book by the authors are a dear collection to me and i treasure it much. It doesnt surprise me when i saw this new book by a new author; The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo. I only read the synopsis halfway before i picked it up and paid to the counter without doing any research (you see, i'm pretty picky and stinky too about books and i always google the synopsis, read reviews from GoodReads, Amazon and Nobles & Barnes before i decided to buy or not. This book average rating is 4.5+ in amazon btw hehe).
But this book - the title itself just enough to trigger my interest and i couldnt help relate that this book might purposely released for the Hungry Ghost Festival Celebration
And boy that purchase was worth it. After i read it in less than 2 days, some character had imprinted into my mind until today (today mark 2 weeks already and i on the 3rd book after Ghosy Bride). That is how i perceive a good book. You can easily remember your fav. character in the book despite reading so much other books (with so many characters and story).
Anyway here's the synopsis of it. and yeah - it does related to ghost festival somehow hahaha. and you will find that the story back ground is familiar because it is in Malacca. haha!
This book deserve 5 star from me. Its a refreshing genre instead of the typical cliche twilight's or the paranormal world or the Fifty Shades of Grey, black, pink watever.
"One evening, my father asked me if I would like to become a ghost bride..."
Though ruled by British overlords, the Chinese of colonial Malaya still cling to ancient customs. And in the sleepy port town of Malacca, ghosts and superstitions abound.
Li Lan, the daughter of a genteel but bankrupt family, has few prospects. But fate intervenes when she receives an unusual proposal from the wealthy and powerful Lim family. They want her to become a ghost bride for the family's only son, who recently died under mysterious circumstances. Rarely practiced, a traditional ghost marriage is used to placate a restless spirit. Such a union would guarantee Li Lan a home for the rest of her days, but at a terrible price.
After an ominous visit to the opulent Lim mansion, Li Lan finds herself haunted not only by her ghostly would-be suitor, but also by her desire for the Lim's handsome new heir, Tian Bai. Night after night, she is drawn into the shadowy parallel world of the Chinese afterlife, with its ghost cities, paper funeral offerings, vengeful spirits and monstrous bureaucracy—including the mysterious Er Lang, a charming but unpredictable guardian spirit. Li Lan must uncover the Lim family's darkest secrets—and the truth about her own family—before she is trapped in this ghostly world forever.
Anyway i thought this is funny. hehehe.
"What did the ghost bride throw to her bridesmaids? Her boo-quet."
Anyway, if you have an account at Goodreads, add me - Feon Feonn!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
15 Rules or Tips For Driving In Sarawak
this one crack me up. heh.
credits: Thank You!
The Unofficial Highway Code - 15 Rules or Tips For Driving In Sarawak
1. Traffic Lights
Slightly different rules apply.
Green = Go but as slow as possible.
Orange = Go as fast as possible
Red = Have a quick look and then go
2. Yellow Lines
Contrary to popular belief these are not 'No Parking' zones. They normally indicate the location of a particularly fine Sarawak Laksa stall. In Kuching, yellow lines, numerous parked cars and Sarawak laksa are found within meters of each other. If you don't believe me drive along Ban Hock Road one morning.
3. Overtaking
Do this on the inside without using indicators (see below)
4. Indicators
Never use them.
5. Sunday Drivers
Watch out for these slow movers. Every country has its Sunday drivers but Sarawak has a particularly large population of them, and what's more they drive everyday.
6. Accidents 1
If you see an accident remember the Unofficial Highway Code dictates that drivers must slow down to a crawl, stare at the crash scene and do everything in their power to cause another accident. Knowledge of this rule helps significantly in avoiding participation in any knock-on crash. (Quick tip: Keep one eye on the rear mirror, when the driver behind you looks sideways to view the accident, get ready to hit the horn to stop him kissing your rear bumper)
7. Accidents 2
So why do drivers in Sarawak behave so erratically upon seeing an accident? Simple. To obtain an auspicious 4D Lottery number. An understanding of Chinese culture helps explain this one away. If a car has been involved in an accident is has had its fair share of bad luck and should be in for some good luck soon. Therefore why not take down that number plate and head to the nearest 4D shop to buy a lotto ticket. Sounds crazy but I know many a stupid Ang Moh that follows this local practice. When in Rome...
8. Police Road Blocks
Don't be alarmed if you are driving along and come to a road block that looks like something out of Jackie Chan movie, i.e. a lot of police and a lot of guns. Malaysian police are armed and like policemen anywhere in the world they do like to work in big groups. A foreigner will probably just get waved through. If you are stopped, the policeman may ask for a quick look at your license and then quickly move on to asking you which football team you support. Seeing as 50% of Malaysians are Manchester United supporters there's no harm in sometimes becoming a temporary Man U fan. After a quick chat you'll be on your way.
9. Pedestrian/Zebra Crossings
Good News here. Sarawak is the only place in Malaysia where motorists actually stop for pedestrians when the little green man says it's time to walk. Try that in Kuala Lumpur and you are likely to be rammed.
10. Motorcyclists
Beware of these nutters. 99.99 % have a death wish and 100% have an annoying habit of performing death-defying slalom-type manoeuvres, weaving in and out of cars until one day they meet their maker.
11. Cars With No Visible Driver
If you spot a car that is cruising along without a driver, don't be alarmed but do keep a safe distance. Look closely and you will actually see a pair of shrivelled, prune-like hands grasping the wheel and perhaps a tiny old lady sitting in the front seat. If she is wearing glasses then keep your distance, if not then change down a gear and give it 6,000 revs to get away from this blind midget who should not be allowed on the roads without an additional cushion on the seat and a good pair of strong specs.
12. Hondas
If you spot a Honda in your rear window, watch out. These cars are popular with the local Boy Racers, perhaps the most reckless drivers in the world. Only relax after the young pup of a driver has gunned his engine, swerved past you and raced off. If the Honda has stripes, a body kit, the window down and cigarette-wielding tattooed hand poking out, then avoid direct eye-contact as half the samsengs (gangsters) in Kuching use jazzed up Hondas.
13. Always Expect The Worse At Junctions
If you are approaching a junction and have the right of way, always bear in mind that the car waiting at the junction is only waiting there until you are 20 feet away. As you approach it will come charging into your path. Forward planning is the key. Always expect the worst.
14. Lizards, Snakes, Dogs & Assorted Wildlife
On a trip up country its wise to keep a look out for animals on the road. On one trip from Kuching to Sibu with a friend at the wheel we unintentionally managed to wipe out a range of wildlife. The body count including two stupid birds which flew into the windscreen, one snake, a jumbo-sized frog, the slowest moving monitor lizard in Borneo and two incredibly scabby dogs that were in the middle of the road bonking silly (what a way to go). The last collision was particularly sad or funny depending on how sick you are. A blast of the horn gave some advance warning but these two dogs were glued together and could not separate until my friend's Suzuki jeep ploughed into them.
15. Purpose Built Car Parks
Always empty as most drivers prefer to save a couple of bucks and park illegally.
credits: Thank You!
The Unofficial Highway Code - 15 Rules or Tips For Driving In Sarawak
1. Traffic Lights
Slightly different rules apply.
Green = Go but as slow as possible.
Orange = Go as fast as possible
Red = Have a quick look and then go
2. Yellow Lines
Contrary to popular belief these are not 'No Parking' zones. They normally indicate the location of a particularly fine Sarawak Laksa stall. In Kuching, yellow lines, numerous parked cars and Sarawak laksa are found within meters of each other. If you don't believe me drive along Ban Hock Road one morning.
3. Overtaking
Do this on the inside without using indicators (see below)
4. Indicators
Never use them.
5. Sunday Drivers
Watch out for these slow movers. Every country has its Sunday drivers but Sarawak has a particularly large population of them, and what's more they drive everyday.
6. Accidents 1
If you see an accident remember the Unofficial Highway Code dictates that drivers must slow down to a crawl, stare at the crash scene and do everything in their power to cause another accident. Knowledge of this rule helps significantly in avoiding participation in any knock-on crash. (Quick tip: Keep one eye on the rear mirror, when the driver behind you looks sideways to view the accident, get ready to hit the horn to stop him kissing your rear bumper)
7. Accidents 2
So why do drivers in Sarawak behave so erratically upon seeing an accident? Simple. To obtain an auspicious 4D Lottery number. An understanding of Chinese culture helps explain this one away. If a car has been involved in an accident is has had its fair share of bad luck and should be in for some good luck soon. Therefore why not take down that number plate and head to the nearest 4D shop to buy a lotto ticket. Sounds crazy but I know many a stupid Ang Moh that follows this local practice. When in Rome...
8. Police Road Blocks
Don't be alarmed if you are driving along and come to a road block that looks like something out of Jackie Chan movie, i.e. a lot of police and a lot of guns. Malaysian police are armed and like policemen anywhere in the world they do like to work in big groups. A foreigner will probably just get waved through. If you are stopped, the policeman may ask for a quick look at your license and then quickly move on to asking you which football team you support. Seeing as 50% of Malaysians are Manchester United supporters there's no harm in sometimes becoming a temporary Man U fan. After a quick chat you'll be on your way.
9. Pedestrian/Zebra Crossings
Good News here. Sarawak is the only place in Malaysia where motorists actually stop for pedestrians when the little green man says it's time to walk. Try that in Kuala Lumpur and you are likely to be rammed.
10. Motorcyclists
Beware of these nutters. 99.99 % have a death wish and 100% have an annoying habit of performing death-defying slalom-type manoeuvres, weaving in and out of cars until one day they meet their maker.
11. Cars With No Visible Driver
If you spot a car that is cruising along without a driver, don't be alarmed but do keep a safe distance. Look closely and you will actually see a pair of shrivelled, prune-like hands grasping the wheel and perhaps a tiny old lady sitting in the front seat. If she is wearing glasses then keep your distance, if not then change down a gear and give it 6,000 revs to get away from this blind midget who should not be allowed on the roads without an additional cushion on the seat and a good pair of strong specs.
12. Hondas
If you spot a Honda in your rear window, watch out. These cars are popular with the local Boy Racers, perhaps the most reckless drivers in the world. Only relax after the young pup of a driver has gunned his engine, swerved past you and raced off. If the Honda has stripes, a body kit, the window down and cigarette-wielding tattooed hand poking out, then avoid direct eye-contact as half the samsengs (gangsters) in Kuching use jazzed up Hondas.
13. Always Expect The Worse At Junctions
If you are approaching a junction and have the right of way, always bear in mind that the car waiting at the junction is only waiting there until you are 20 feet away. As you approach it will come charging into your path. Forward planning is the key. Always expect the worst.
14. Lizards, Snakes, Dogs & Assorted Wildlife
On a trip up country its wise to keep a look out for animals on the road. On one trip from Kuching to Sibu with a friend at the wheel we unintentionally managed to wipe out a range of wildlife. The body count including two stupid birds which flew into the windscreen, one snake, a jumbo-sized frog, the slowest moving monitor lizard in Borneo and two incredibly scabby dogs that were in the middle of the road bonking silly (what a way to go). The last collision was particularly sad or funny depending on how sick you are. A blast of the horn gave some advance warning but these two dogs were glued together and could not separate until my friend's Suzuki jeep ploughed into them.
15. Purpose Built Car Parks
Always empty as most drivers prefer to save a couple of bucks and park illegally.
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