Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Blatantly Something You Wouldn't Care About
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Kiwi Experience Day 3 - John Paul College
If I were to say Rotorua is "Second Lake", it wouldn't make that much of a sense. Te Rotorua nui a Kahumatamomoe in short, Rotorua, got it's name from the lake, where the chief of the Maori found as the second major lake and honoured it to his uncle. Roto means lake while Rua means Two (From Tahi - 1; Rua - 2; Toru - 3; Wha - 4). By all means, "Second Lake".
--------------------
Cold, cold, cold, cold...
Te Ngae Road, Rotorua
21st Nov 6.30am (AKL Local Time)
--------------------
Got up at the break of dawn. I had first hand experience of how cold New Zealand is in the mornings. A chilly 8ºC despite the summer season. I do indeed hope I wasn't snoring the night before, as said, my flight to New Zealand was a bit off ease.
Eggs, sausages, toast, cornflakes...Sum it all up and you'd have one delightful breakfast to start off your day. True to their reputation, they are fitness & sports crazy. You see swarms of people jogging before work in the morning and immediately after in the evening straight from the office and if I haven't emphasised it enough already, Rotorua streets rise & fall like there's no tomorrow so a simple jog is demanding. In my trying spirit, I followed the locals, jogging around. Needless to say, even for a person like me who swims daily, I cannot explain how tiring it was.
Then I was off to junior college.
--------------------
Kareti Hoani Paora
Kahu Street, Rotorua
21st Nov 8.30am (AKL Local Time)
--------------------
Today being a Friday, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to start off school at New Zealand just yet. Instead, I was introduced around the school and got invited into the school's Marae. Dena, one of the friendliest person I've ever met was there to show me around as staff of the international department.
The Marae (Pronounced Mae-Rai) - Meeting Area. For many Maori, the marae is just as important to them as their own homes. The marae itself represents an ancestor or otherwise in rare cases. On the front top of the marae, a Tekoteko, or carving is found that represents the ancestor's head.
The carved part of the tekoteko which slides downwards represents the arms of the ancestor, held out as a welcome to visitors.
The pole, which runs down the centre of the whare from front to back, represents the ancestor's backbone. This is a very solid piece of wood which is used, as when the backbone is strong, the body is strong. The rafters from the carved figures on the inside of the whare represent the ribs of the ancestor. The smaller and larger "Koruru" carvings may be seen on the outside of the whare. The protruding tongue often seen is in defiance of the enemy, and is also a defiant gesture during the haka (war dance).
The glittering paua shell (New Zealand abalone shellfish) eyes of the koruru represent the Ruru, Maori name for the New Zealand native owl. The Ruru was a fierce little fighter bird. Also said was the deeper the carving is, the older the story was.
The window however, portrays the eyes and the door as the mouth. As you enter the marae, you're entering the body, through the mouth. The Maori believe that the living enter from the door while the dead will enter from the window.
In this particular case, meeting house of the school. It was built in honour of John Paul. Along side the Maori pope.
I was also brought around the whole school only to find that there's a room for everything, literally. Drama room, music room, arts room, math room, German room, etcetera. Who knows, there might even be a room for a room.
Malaysia has a lot to do with catching up, the library there uses the magnetic sensor panels to prevent theft of books while we use people as magnetic sensor panels that doesn't beep.
There's also a boot camp like "playground". Pictures will be posted later on summary post...Not to mention a cafeteria with good food, 2 rugby fields, 3 tennis courts, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, and a multipurpose gym.
I was introduced to people shortly after. Madison was my buddy for the week, along with her friends, to familiarise me with the school and also how things work out for the week.
--------------------
English Experience Class with Kay
John Paul College
21st Nov 1.10pm (AKL Local Time)
--------------------
It's impossible to master any language in less than even 3 years. Especially English - being my first language, I decided to notch it up with Kay - dedicated English guru. Not only does she understand your level, she goes by your level. From that point on, I know there's something up for me on the following week.
--------------------
Oh! Windows XP desktop picture
The Farmhouse, Rotorua
21st Nov 3.10pm (AKL Local Time)
--------------------
Schools at New Zealand begins at 9.00am and ends at 3.00pm. For that, it's rather relaxing and flexible. You wouldn't have to wake up at 6 out of nowhere in the dark and start banging your head on walls you can't really see just to attend school at 7.30am.
I headed over to the farmhouse for horse riding. Tho I was never really a fan of sitting on top of horses while they trot around, it's exceptional here at New Zealand. The panoramic view of the lush greenery just hits you. It's just like those movies were 2 people run against each others. Ya know what it really reminds me of? The Windows XP default wallpaper. No shit!
The horse ride was rather short for it was the first outta four in the course. Yes, it's a course...
--------------------
Where are my car keys?!
The Farmhouse, Rotorua
21st Nov 6.00pm
--------------------
Had anyone thought that I would have actually danced the Haka? As my 2nd/3rd time in New Zealand, it would be scandalous for me not to know the Haka.
Lucky thing, I've learnt it the first time i came to New Zealand. So what Howie? Why are you still doing it now?
It's fun, it's challenging, it's mental and physical building. I've done it before, so I was leading a group this trip.
Being a leader isn't as easy as the cube root of 191. It's being chosen. If you think anyone can do that by luck, wait till you know that technically a leader must fight back the whole group both ways (the shout and the fury). Crazy right? I was up for the challenge, you should too, if you've done the Haka before that is.
The Haka, for people who have been living under a rock out there who don't know what's HAKA, is a dance from the Maori. Created to taunt enemies characterised by loud chanting, much aggressive flailing of arms and stomping of feet, fierce looks and, in the end, an angry sticking out tongues.
It signifies both hand and feet synchronisation of all respective group members. It's said in the olden days, that if one person goes out of sync, the whole group doesn't go for war
The origins of the haka are deeply rooted in the mists of time. It is a history rich in folklore and legend that reflects Maori heritage. While recent tradition suggest the haka was the domain of men exclusively, legend and history reflects a different story. Indeed, the story of the most famous haka, Ka Mate! proves to be about female sexuality.
Tho some people joke around saying the actions of Ka Mate! are said to be a dance when you loose your car keys (just think about it, you'd laugh), the dance itself WOULD taunt anyone in it's way.
--------------------
Moo all night long
The Farmhouse, Rotorua
21st Nov 10.00pm
--------------------
I went for my first day at Haoni Paora, got a glimpse of what it's like to school here, and I've got on a boring horse along side with doing the haka right after. Why wouldn't I spend a night in the farmhouse. No matter where you tend to sleep in New Zealand, it's just impossible for anything to disturb you, uhm, except if you're sleeping next to a cow...
Uhh...Moo?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Kiwi Experience Day 1/2 - Not So Awkward Auckland
--------------------
KUL - AKL
MH 131
19 Nov 9.30pm (KUL Local Time)
--------------------
Enrich points credited, Boarding Pass collected, off I was to Auckland International. 10 hours in Economy Class was not bad at all, it's more of something to enjoy. Airlines these days value their service so much that sometimes, well, economy class is more of a backpackers lodge of some kind. Especially on board Malaysian Airlines, cabin crew are friendly as ever, of course theres always 1 or 2 black sheeps of the family.
Having the New Zealand main course on board - Potatoes, the substitution of Rice kinda meal, with slices of Chicken, I soon realised they were now serving meals with Stainless Steel utensils again. Heaps of turbulence were experienced across the Indonesian islands. It was barely impossible for me to even sleep for it's seats were, in this case, not really the beds you could sleep in. After that previous night, I could have even sleep standing.
--------------------
Arrival Lane
Auckland International Airport
20th Nov 11.30am (AKL Local Time)
--------------------
Upon disembarkation, you'd immediately notice the strict biosecurity enforcement. Dogs were trained to sniff through all bags for any and every bio related products on the baggage collection carousel. Baggages, both checked-in and hand carried were checked and re-checked.
It was a mere 10ºC outside yet dry. Low flying clouds could only mean, uhh, well something a meteorologist should know.
Auckland, the city of sails, would easily be mistaken as the capital with 3/4 of their population being focused at Auckland. Not such, Wellington is the sole capital. Here, houses are moved, and I mean literally. You place an "order" of your house, you buy the land, and your house would be moved over after building.
Houses here are built with mostly timber and surprisingly, they are not equipped to face the outside cold. Electric heaters are used. Air conditioners would be turned up to 32ºC (Common weather of Malaysia). Traffic give way to right turning traffics. Hey, it's a kiwi thing.
New Zealand however, is a fairly liberal nation with homosexual marriage, prostitution, soliciting and brothel keeping being legal. Driving age at 15, consensual sex age at 16 and drinking at the age of 18.
Shane, my driver/guide around was outside to help us find our feet. Neglected by how tired I was, the fresh green scenery was immediately noticed. Unlike Malaysia's North-South Highway, New Zealand roads take you through small towns and hills - the ever-forming cliffs of it's location right above the pacific ring of fire, make New Zealand hilly. I was brought to Auckland City Centre.
--------------------
First Ever
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
20th Nov 1.10pm (AKL Local Time)
--------------------
The first ever oceanarium ever built on it's concept of viewing underwater marine life from down below in a protected dome. It didn't fascinate me tho, having that anywhere possible, or it might just be me. Antarctic life however was cool.
--------------------
Still Standing
SkyTower, Auckland
20th Nov 2.30pm (AKL Local Time)
--------------------
Oh my, the 20s lift that brings us up to the peak of SkyTower somehow entangles me in question on why lifts aren't built at that speed for my condo?! The panoramic view of Auckland was seen on top of SkyTower - popular places such as One Tree Hill, the Auckland University, et cetera.
It was written on my to-do list to get some bunjee jumping in New Zealand, why didn't I do it on the SkyTower instead? I had locals telling me Taupo is gonna surprise me and so I'd listen, how long have I been in New Zealand anyway to decide on jumps?
--------------------
Kia ora kaiwhakatapoi! Haere mai kia a Whanau!
Rotorua
20th Nov 6pm (AKL Local Time)
--------------------
I was homeward bound at 3 towards Rotorua. The 3 hour tour gave me the chance to stretch my legs and sleep it through as a replenishment for yesterday's bad, bad, baaad flight.
It had always made me feel like I'm home being welcomed by Sandi and Mark's Whanau again, but I'm at a different homestay this time. Georgie and Ken were there to welcome me. Living at the beginning of the long stretch Te Ngae Road, their house was pleasant, warm, comforting. Just like how most of the kiwis know how to keep comfortable (Same Shirt, Different Day - Thats New Zealand alright). We weren't there as guests, we were part of the family.
Kiwis are genuinely friendly and warm. They are like your distant cousins. You would rarely see jaywalking here. Also, all New Zealanders are obedient when it comes to traffic light. Unlike most Malaysian who treat the yellow light as go faster. Being a foreigner here, you'd truly feel welcomed.
Kiwis are also generally very open, I was shocked to see Maori greet others by rubbing their noses, but it didn't take long for me to get use to it. They can go barefooted walking down the street to a local supermarket or butcher and also start an open conversation.
Schooling students here at New Zealand generally sleep at 8pm. Let all aside, I had my sleep with an electric blanket being so cosy. Needless to worry about jet lag that didn't overwhelm me, I dozed off the very minute I was on the bed.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Kiasuness of Kia Ora, Airlines and Airports
Friday, November 14, 2008
Desperate "Boredom" Calls For Desperate Measures
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Kia Ora New Zealand!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
20 Super Facts of Life (Pt. 1)
- Loosing an argument doesn't mean the winner has to shut up
- When someone stops arguing, continuing it would make you neurotic
- "Assumption" is what you think is happening
- "Actuality" is what's really happening
- Therefore, assuming actuality isn't the actual actuality
- Hello? We don't have to lead our lives by your rules
- Neither does it have to be the way you want it to
- Making the louder scream always shows obsession to win when you're not
- Sometimes, we don't have to say anything to proof that you're wrong
- Confucius say: "When you yap, we dare slab truth back"...or maybe he didn't say that...
- Arguing with someone dumb pulls you down to their level
- Put it this way, experience victors reading a brochure; By that, facts certainly victor reading a brochure
- "You're dumb" - Are you any smarter?
- "You always
- Are you any better? - "You better not do it some other time" - Will you ever stop then?
- "People always say that you
" - Is that right? Now show me proof; Btw, you've just released what others gossiped secretly - Body language shows mostly everything, so listen to it
- Body language however, ain't used for wanting "back up"
- Correction victors argument, so if you argue and I'm correcting, oh? I think we know how to sum it all up...
- The subject of adding curfews just makes it seem like you've been touché-ed
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Deemed Wasted...
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Nope...nah uh
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Not So Paralympic after all...
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Stop tagging me before PMR!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
After PMR Scaling
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Bug Fix for Bugzilla QA or Developer
Sunday, September 14, 2008
...backfires
- They have an endless desire on not to prosper in life.
- Of their ignorance, and their inherent laziness to overcome said ignorance.
- Shall attentions showered on others be a forsaken jealousy within them.
- "Insulting", the only word they managed to look up for in the dictionary despite "I" is not the first alphabet in it.
- Out of your sunken hearts felt towards those insults, they gain social status - "Idiot with a capital I" supposedly for them in full gratitude meant attention.
- Their tendency on using indirect insult salutations make it a joke for others that's on you.
- Their REAL NAMES are actually too popular to be spelt out and for that they use acronyms etcetera.
- Dude, "name calling" was stuck in the primary years, it's "be a man to reveal yourself" era.