Fragments from an urbanscape

Saturday, May 10, 2008

There was a boy by the name of Santiago. He was a shepherd who sold his flock and travel distances in order to follow his dreams. He had not a cent in his pocket, but he had faith. One day he came across a crystal merchant, a devoted muslim whos obligation would be pilgrimage to the holy sites in the city of Mecca. When he was young he worked hard selling crystals and thought that someday he will be rich enough to visit Mecca. When he is finally rich enough to do so, he remains at the crystal shop looking at other pilgrims heading towards Mecca. The boy didn't understand why the merchant no longer want to go to Mecca now.

"Because it's the thought of Mecca that keeps me alive. That's what helps me face these days that are all the same, these mute crystals on the shelves, and lunch and dinner at that same horrible cafe. I'm afraid that if my dreams is realized, I'll have no reason to go on living."

"I just want to dream about Mecca. I've already imagined a thousand times crossing the desert, arriving at the Plaza of the Sacred Stone, the seven times I walk around it before allowing myself to touch it. I've imagined the people who would be at my side, and those in front of me, and the conversations and prayers we would share. But I'm afraid that it would all be a disappointment, so i prefer just to dream about it."

-The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The merchant felt that having a dream was more important than fulfilling it, while Santiago was trying to fulfill his.

I am feeling somewhat like the merchant.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!

Anyone who had work with me in the lab will know that i totally love this! No more scraps of M-fold towels!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

My new holga 135bc!

Photo 15, originally uploaded by Abducted by pirates.

Taking a photo using photo booth on a macbook - the alternative to buyin a pop art camera. But this is not even the thing for my insatiable appetite for cameras. And yup i like kitschy stuff ;)

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Some random thoughts..

1. The wind is always against me when im skating (Sometimes regardless of the direction im heading). And i start to wonder if im really lightweight or i have a really huge surface area.

2. If i drive a cab one day i will never drive one of the super old yellow top cabs. People get really disappointed that the next cab in line isnt the brand new Hyundai Sonata but a smelly-lookin cab (At least i do.).

3. When i see someone wearin crocs i knew in that instant that we seriously have nothing in common (I dont care if they are waterproof or not).

4. I think im a geek. I download my media, music, books and games online and i buy my clothes, bags, accessories, books, electronics and even food off the web. Oh my and books appeared twice. Or maybe i should say im a geek chic (Sounds more like im making a fashion statement here. But again it still sounds kinda derogative.).

5. I could never understand why is 3 pieces of stones stacked on top of each other considered zen. They might as well use a creative mp3 player instead.

Whatever.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Uploaded with Skitch!

I happened so quickly.

Within a split second i am reduced from such an intricate machine, to a conventional notebook of paper. How depressing. It felt like as if im a millionare who had just filed for bankruptcy or my home was burned down. Seriously, its that drastic. Now i start to understand the importancy of backup. I could never understand why will people buy software to remind you to backup, make a schedule to back up and as a matter of fact backup your entire hdd to ANOTHER hdd. Freakkks. But yup now everything is gone.

Anyway, the occasion epicure is takin over me again. (Though Epicurus was not exactly my favourite philosopher but not that i know of many more anyway). Im havin this terrible cravin for a lemon meringue pie these days but i couldnt seem to find anywhere sellin. But for the time being, any french pastry will do. Or to eat at some branded lookin patisserie that look more like they are sellin some handbags instead of real food. Having some macaroons from Pierre herme will be nice. Or some dessert startin with creme d'something or ganache au chocolat something or endin with blanc or a la vanille.

Im hungry.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Guangzhou and Hongkong June 2007

DSC00579,
originally uploaded by Abducted by pirates.

The weather was too hot in Guangzhou and too rainy in Hongkong. But overall it was still quite a nice trip, although its always better if you were there with friends instead where you can skip some boring stuff and go straight to the interestin parts. But again, its a different kind of experience. Here are some photos taken.

DSC00561

DSC00561
Originally uploaded by Abducted by pirates

They sure have land and manpower, theres even a security guard standin by the gate and salute whoever or even cars that goes into the hotel. I think his only purpose is to make others feel superior and add some life to the gate.

DSC00560

DSC00560
Originally uploaded by Abducted by pirates

This is so much cheaper and nicer than the ones in hongkong.

DSC00566

DSC00566
Originally uploaded by Abducted by pirates

A rather nice place to live in.

DSC00576

DSC00576
Originally uploaded by Abducted by pirates

One of their little pastime that im not as passionate about. First you have to dig some tea leaves using a spatula and smell them while rubbin between your 2 fingers. Next, waste the tea by rinsing the cups, teapot and everything with the tea. Finally, serve them in ridiculously small cups that you will need a thousand of them to quench your thirst. In fact im yearning for a can of coke as i took the photo.