White Lies

I was pulled up the other day, for being sociable.

I never knew that making friends was an offense. That having personal time was a big no-no. And not telling people who don't need to know your private life what you are doing with your time is illegal. Because apparently it is.

I don't think that telling little half-truths is a sin. Because these half truths have allowed me to protect you from feeling the hurt of exclusion. And the hurt only comes from the attitude you give to others. Thus their reluctance to include you into their social lives. So why shoot the messager when you accidentally find out?

One day, I hope you realise that is it important to respect others. We are watching and waiting. I can tolerate a lot of bullshit. However, I draw the line at manipulation. My life is mine to live as I please. And you are not invited into it.

Fat Eagle has Landed

My big little brother is in town. And I am so broke.

But it's okay. He is my little brother. If I don't spend money feeding him, who should I be spending money feeding anyway? I don't like pets birds.

He shall be here until Monday and we are hitting all the major sights. That is, if it doesn't rain. -_-

The joy of having someone to kick and toss lame jokes! :)

And it's a Pandemic!

WHO declared the H1N1 virus, better known as Swine Flu, as a pandemic today.

It was surprising that Margaret Chan, did not declare that when Japan, then Australia had community outbreaks. But when Cantoland reported their first case of local human-to-human transmission, suddenly we were all worried and WHO decided to call the highest alert level. Did it help to note that she is from Cantoland originally?

The reason for calling in Phase Six is clear. There is wide global outbreak of this virus. Eventhough the number of fatalities are not very high, the fact remains that this virus affects many people in multiple countries. And we are just begining to see it spread to the developing and third world countries.

There have been reports that older people have immunity due to previous pandemics like the Hong Kong flu or the Spainish flu, while those of us below the age of forty have never been exposed to this virus.

There are two schools of thought:

1. Let everyone get it. Once we all get hit with this relatively mild virus, we would have immunity when it becomes more lethal later on.

2. Use Tamiflu and prevent everyone from getting this virus. However, once the virus mutates. We.are.screwed.

I've had my flu jab every year. And I have to say, when I fall ill. I fall really ill. And this has occured every time I have an annual flu jab. Should I be peeing my pants? Maybe.

Or I should just keep up on the hand hygiene, alcohol wipes and face masks.

Seoul 101

They make shopping appealing.Even for grouchy boys.

As I have very happily flaunted my holiday snapshots on Facebook, I am sure no one wants to see any more here.

Seoul is a brilliant city. In fact, it's so nice, I would love to move there tomorrow. Why tomorrow, because I have dinner plans today and I really want to eat dim sum this morning.

Essentially, there are a few things any discerning tourist must do in Seoul:

1. See the hot guys/girls whichever strike your fancy. The local population, contrary to popular belief, do not look like your typical Chinese Malaysian kid. They don't subscribe to the short spiked hair and geek glasses. Their features are more in line with Northern Chinese, with stronger Mongolian features. Either that, or they would have consulted one of the many plastic surgeons in Korea. After all, Korea is famous for it's plastic surgery.

They are experts at prostheses.

2. Visit the big drain! Korea is brilliant at landscaping. They have a stream right in the middle of the city that was turned into a sewage system and covered over. It has now been turned into a lovely green area with sit-out areas and lots of plants! I like! :)

3. See a Palace. there are five major palaces in Seoul. Go to the one that has traditional costumes to try on. They wouldn't let me be a palace guard, as it was not a position for women. But I got to wear their colourful Hanbok and parade about. I even got to be a cultural icon and had tourists snapping away! Korean palaces are way more colourful than Chinese ones. In fact, the whole country seems to be transmitting 'rainbow' vibes.

Cultural Icon No 132. They label people/buildings/stuff as icons with numbers!

4. Eat the local food. They have a lot of fantastic food and alcohol. I wouldn't be able to begin on which is my favourite. If I ever marry a Korean, I shall have to name my son Kimbap (triangular rice cake) and daughter Kimchi (fermented vegetable). I can't spell the rest.

The American may disagree that Krispy Kreme is a local Korean delicacy.

5. Go clubbing. The nightlife is heaving and way more exciting than Cantoland. Or I just have a tame existence? There are bars and clubs to cater for every whim. You have themed bars, street bars or just party-in-the-park clubs. Very chilled out atmosphere. None of the get-as-much-drink-down-in-as-little-time-and-make-as-much-trouble rubbish. I never knew cute little Korean girls could dance! Or nerdy boys either.

Street cocktail bars.

6. Go shopping. I got shopping fatigue. They love their shops as much as Cantoland. However, it was all local brands and the stuff was all to the local taste. If you like skirts that end half way up the thigh and slut shoes then this country is for you. Dirt cheap too. One redeeming factor for this prude, is that their shoes are wide-fitting.


Bonus tour: The ex-president commited suicide the week I was there. Thus, I got to watch a presidential state funeral and check out the riot police. :)

I want to go back to Seoul soon. But then the Dutchman may not be too pleased to have me cramp his style lol.