1. Greetings (verbal)
When you meet someone you know, be it the bus driver, you friends, etc... say "Hi. How are you? (pause) Good".
It's interesting to know that it's about the same as we use to say as "Hi!" or "Good morning/afternoon/evening". Believe me on this because I tried saying "Hi, I'm not okay. How about you?", and most of the time, they will reply "...good".
2. Greetings (action)
American = Firm hand shake
Mexican/South American = Kiss at the cheek on one side, your right cheek, if I'm not mistaken
French = Kiss at the cheek on both sides
Japanese = Just say hi. Remember not to do a kiss on the cheeks! especially in front of their wives!!! :D
3. Tips
15% tips. You only need to give it when you go to a restaurant, taxis, delivery, etc. You don't have to give it when you go to McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, Bookstores. Although it is sort of recommended that you do give a bit of your change to the person at the counter at the food court. Otherwise they'll just give you a weird stare.
4. Shopping for cheap designer clothings
If you like things like DKNY, Tommy Hilfinger, etc... (not that I really care about designer goods). Shop at Filene's Basement at Downtown Crossing. For shoes, the people here seem to like DSW and Aldo. They do seem to have good discoutns at times. If you really wanna get something at a discount, but not via eBay, check out www.overstock.com for nearly everything.
5. Stores equivalent to 7-Eleven
Walgreens. I can't help it. I've been doing most of my last minute/lazy 'shopping' at Walgreens. It helps when it's just downstairs from my apartment. hehehehhe
6. Stores equivalent to Watson
They don't have Watson or even Guardian here. They have CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens instead.
7. Gift cards.
Just look at Itunes, you have gift cards for iTunes music/games/video. Same thing here, they seem to have gift cards for nearly everything here. Right from TGIF, iTunes, callcards to airplane tickets. It's sort of equivalent to our angpow system just that it's catered more towards the specific store.
that's it for now...
need to sleep and study. That's all I feel like I ever do here.....
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
First Snow at last!
Finally, my childhood dream to see snow has come true. hahahahahhahahahh!!! i'm so happy.
It all started last saturday when my groupmates and I went to Vermont to visit the Ben & Jerry's factory for our school project.
Gaga (Yamaga from Japan), Tim (from USA), Irina (from Germany), Abhi (from New Zealand) and I went up to Vermont last weekend. On our way to Ben & Jerry's, as we were asking for directions, Tim called out to me and said "Hey, you've never seen snow before right? Come over here and look". There we were standing out in the cold at around 30 degrees (F) even though it was a bright sunny day, and I said "Where? all I can see are debris?" Tim rolled his eyes and said "It's not debris, it's snow. Look!" and he pointed to his jumper. True enough, when I looked closely, it was the tiniest small particle of snow. It was so pretty. I practically jumped up and down excitedly. Giggling all the way. Tim wanted to get in the car and I told him to wait as I wanted Gaga to take a picture of the snow on his jumper. Gaga and Irina was laughing all the way. Gaga told me that I sounded like a kid. I couldn't care less. Even when we were in the car long after that, I couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear.
Oh Joy! Oh Joy!
It snowed even heavier today in Boston (monday), but the feeling isn't the same anymore. It was a wet snow experience. There's no turning back now. It's just gonna get colder and colder from here onwards.
It all started last saturday when my groupmates and I went to Vermont to visit the Ben & Jerry's factory for our school project.
Gaga (Yamaga from Japan), Tim (from USA), Irina (from Germany), Abhi (from New Zealand) and I went up to Vermont last weekend. On our way to Ben & Jerry's, as we were asking for directions, Tim called out to me and said "Hey, you've never seen snow before right? Come over here and look". There we were standing out in the cold at around 30 degrees (F) even though it was a bright sunny day, and I said "Where? all I can see are debris?" Tim rolled his eyes and said "It's not debris, it's snow. Look!" and he pointed to his jumper. True enough, when I looked closely, it was the tiniest small particle of snow. It was so pretty. I practically jumped up and down excitedly. Giggling all the way. Tim wanted to get in the car and I told him to wait as I wanted Gaga to take a picture of the snow on his jumper. Gaga and Irina was laughing all the way. Gaga told me that I sounded like a kid. I couldn't care less. Even when we were in the car long after that, I couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear.
Oh Joy! Oh Joy!
It snowed even heavier today in Boston (monday), but the feeling isn't the same anymore. It was a wet snow experience. There's no turning back now. It's just gonna get colder and colder from here onwards.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Thanks Giving in Texas
Finally! Thank God!
I was burning out towards the last few days of class before our thankgsiving break. Not that I manage to catch up with sleep while I was in Texas, but I now feel more refreshed after a short breather away from school.
'Tis funny how I wasn't so sure what to expect about Austin, Texas. Growing up, I always associated cowboys, guns, horses, cactus and the desert as part of Texas. All I could think of apart of trying to complete knitting a very elegant scarf for my friend (who graciously welcomed me into her humble abode, heheheh) as "buah tangan" in the airplane, was how wonderfully warm the weather will be and I get to getaway from the cold autumn weather in Boston!
I like Austin. I nearly can say I love Austin. Only if I have a car that is. I couldn't find any convenient public transportation, but the place is so great because there's a lot of greeneries despite all the buildings around it. Or should I say a lot of trees around the buildings? I even saw a couple of tame wild deer 'loitering' about at my friend's housing area. How cool is that? Be it daytime or even night time. I didn't manage to get a nice good picture though.
Hey dad! Remember about the red eyes on the deer that you told me when I was a kid? These must be the good deer then since I only manage to get white eyes from the flash! :P
Since I was visiting a friend, I didn't manage to tour around Austin that much though. But us being typical Malaysians, we ate a lot from different restaurants. Hahahahah!
I also manage to get a taste of the cranberry sauce (yummy! drool... drool) and turkey for Thanksgiving at my friend's place.
The only tourisy thing I manage to do was visit the Inner Space Cavern. At least now I can 'proudly' say I've been into a cave once in my life even though I'm claustrophobic. Yay! :D
I was nearly reluctant to leave Austin, but study comes first. Once in school, I didn't realise how much i missed my close friends till I saw them once again.
Yes mam! Yes boss! I am I am concentrating in my studies.... that's the whole reason why I'm here in the first place. :)
I was burning out towards the last few days of class before our thankgsiving break. Not that I manage to catch up with sleep while I was in Texas, but I now feel more refreshed after a short breather away from school.
'Tis funny how I wasn't so sure what to expect about Austin, Texas. Growing up, I always associated cowboys, guns, horses, cactus and the desert as part of Texas. All I could think of apart of trying to complete knitting a very elegant scarf for my friend (who graciously welcomed me into her humble abode, heheheh) as "buah tangan" in the airplane, was how wonderfully warm the weather will be and I get to getaway from the cold autumn weather in Boston!
I like Austin. I nearly can say I love Austin. Only if I have a car that is. I couldn't find any convenient public transportation, but the place is so great because there's a lot of greeneries despite all the buildings around it. Or should I say a lot of trees around the buildings? I even saw a couple of tame wild deer 'loitering' about at my friend's housing area. How cool is that? Be it daytime or even night time. I didn't manage to get a nice good picture though.
Hey dad! Remember about the red eyes on the deer that you told me when I was a kid? These must be the good deer then since I only manage to get white eyes from the flash! :P
Since I was visiting a friend, I didn't manage to tour around Austin that much though. But us being typical Malaysians, we ate a lot from different restaurants. Hahahahah!
I also manage to get a taste of the cranberry sauce (yummy! drool... drool) and turkey for Thanksgiving at my friend's place.
The only tourisy thing I manage to do was visit the Inner Space Cavern. At least now I can 'proudly' say I've been into a cave once in my life even though I'm claustrophobic. Yay! :D
I was nearly reluctant to leave Austin, but study comes first. Once in school, I didn't realise how much i missed my close friends till I saw them once again.
Yes mam! Yes boss! I am I am concentrating in my studies.... that's the whole reason why I'm here in the first place. :)
Saturday, November 18, 2006
When Autumn Leaves Starts to Fall...
Most of the leaves have fallen. All within one week's time (from the last time I took a picture)...
yes, that's my foot. while attempting to study on a saturday evening. It gets dark pretty early now. aroudn 4:30pm. Well mom, no worries about me waking up early in the morning anymore. I'm usually awake by 8:30am no matter what time I sleep! It's too bright. :) I guess it would have helped if my bedroom windows have curtains instead of blinds.
Yesterday, after exam, a few of us decided to hop to the bar/restaurant/cafeteria in our school building. As I sat there chatting with some of my classmates, it just striked me. Wow! How lucky can I get? Here I am, chatting with my friends who are all basically representatives of their own countries (max. student from 1 country is roughly 5, there's 110 of us). Never would I have thought I'll be in this situation unless it's something formal, like a UN meeting? or international/global meeting?
And people think I'll get an american accent? I think not! ;) probably a global accent by the end of the course! Hahahahahah!
I was talking to one of my seniors the other day, just congratulating her, the fact that they only have 30+ days left to graduation, and she said "Graduation? I'm really going to miss this place, studying here..."
I've just started, and yet, I know what she means by that. I will definitely miss it too. All the more for me to just enjoy and appreciate everything right now, no matter how tough the subjects and the competition is here.
Right. Back to Study for Exam!!!
yes, that's my foot. while attempting to study on a saturday evening. It gets dark pretty early now. aroudn 4:30pm. Well mom, no worries about me waking up early in the morning anymore. I'm usually awake by 8:30am no matter what time I sleep! It's too bright. :) I guess it would have helped if my bedroom windows have curtains instead of blinds.
Yesterday, after exam, a few of us decided to hop to the bar/restaurant/cafeteria in our school building. As I sat there chatting with some of my classmates, it just striked me. Wow! How lucky can I get? Here I am, chatting with my friends who are all basically representatives of their own countries (max. student from 1 country is roughly 5, there's 110 of us). Never would I have thought I'll be in this situation unless it's something formal, like a UN meeting? or international/global meeting?
And people think I'll get an american accent? I think not! ;) probably a global accent by the end of the course! Hahahahahah!
I was talking to one of my seniors the other day, just congratulating her, the fact that they only have 30+ days left to graduation, and she said "Graduation? I'm really going to miss this place, studying here..."
I've just started, and yet, I know what she means by that. I will definitely miss it too. All the more for me to just enjoy and appreciate everything right now, no matter how tough the subjects and the competition is here.
Right. Back to Study for Exam!!!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
The duck is learning to fly
Autumn leaves, so pretty, near my apartment.
I'm learning so much here. About studies, values, other people. But most importantly, about myself. Although I may stumble at times, but rest assured, I believe I will get my bearings, my footing by myself, just like the chicks when they're about to leave their nest and fly.
Confidence, Networking:-
Although still a bit shy, I'm finally able to 'socialize/network' during events. Lastest being the cyberposium held by Harvard Business School.
Redefining Values:-
The problem with values, there's no such thing as right or wrong. It's just different values. One of the thing that's stuck in my mind since I was a child was dad telling me, "Just because society thinks it's right, doesn't mean it's right". My values are nearly constantly tested here again and again, from all angles. When do I do something about something? What should I do about something?
Finding myself:-
Nope. I have yet to learn how to cook excellent meals. :) no time for that. But through the challenges that I'm going through in and out of school, interestingly, I'm finding myself, learning about myself and learning that I'm not alone.
Education:-
I'm really trying my best to get out of my 1010 mindset, but sometimes it's just so hard.
The other day, I asked a lecturer on weather he can give me a sample of a correct answer to a problem that he gave to the whole class. He told me, "I don't want to teach you how to get the right answer, because there's no such thing as a right answer in the real (working) world. You probably will never face this question again in the real world. I want to teach you how to think and how to stand by your argument. You have it in you currently, you just need to improve and refine it".
Either the lecturer is pretty good at 'slithering' out of extra work by giving us the answer, or he has a point there. :)
The best part that I enjoy and really value about my school so far, is that it's really 'value for money', where even the professors have the same belief system that I have, that all that they teach has to relate to the real world, not just theories.
I'm learning so much here. About studies, values, other people. But most importantly, about myself. Although I may stumble at times, but rest assured, I believe I will get my bearings, my footing by myself, just like the chicks when they're about to leave their nest and fly.
Confidence, Networking:-
Although still a bit shy, I'm finally able to 'socialize/network' during events. Lastest being the cyberposium held by Harvard Business School.
Redefining Values:-
The problem with values, there's no such thing as right or wrong. It's just different values. One of the thing that's stuck in my mind since I was a child was dad telling me, "Just because society thinks it's right, doesn't mean it's right". My values are nearly constantly tested here again and again, from all angles. When do I do something about something? What should I do about something?
Finding myself:-
Nope. I have yet to learn how to cook excellent meals. :) no time for that. But through the challenges that I'm going through in and out of school, interestingly, I'm finding myself, learning about myself and learning that I'm not alone.
Education:-
I'm really trying my best to get out of my 1010 mindset, but sometimes it's just so hard.
The other day, I asked a lecturer on weather he can give me a sample of a correct answer to a problem that he gave to the whole class. He told me, "I don't want to teach you how to get the right answer, because there's no such thing as a right answer in the real (working) world. You probably will never face this question again in the real world. I want to teach you how to think and how to stand by your argument. You have it in you currently, you just need to improve and refine it".
Either the lecturer is pretty good at 'slithering' out of extra work by giving us the answer, or he has a point there. :)
The best part that I enjoy and really value about my school so far, is that it's really 'value for money', where even the professors have the same belief system that I have, that all that they teach has to relate to the real world, not just theories.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Tis the season to be thankful...
i don't know why, but lately, my gadgets are starting to stop working (still refusing to say 'malfunctioned'). I'm blaming it on the cold weather. :)
so here's my list of people i would like to give my thanks to for making my day this week. :)
1.Tungau
Thanks s'yang. Somehow, my bracelet watch stopped working. So now, I'm really using the watch that you gave me everyday.
2.Dad
Thanks for the phone. I got myself the new blackberry pearl to replace my dead handphone. IT"S SO COOL!!!! :D
3.Mom
Thanks for the packets of briyani & rendang. Housemate and I cooked extra yesterday, and I manage to exchange a bit of it for some homemade raya cookies with my classmate. I can't believe it. It actually made me drool just thinking of eating chocolate almond cookies and pineapple tart.... drool drool.....
4. JB
Thanks for the 5 in 1 memory card reader. You shouldn't have. :) I'm really greatful for that.
5.Hakeem
KEeeem! I got your raya card just today. Am so happy. :) Thanks buddy!
6. Wai Seng
Thanks for giving me a call. It's so good to hear from you. I think I should be free during thanksgiving. Will definitely try to meet up with you before you go back.
Home is where the heart is. And my heart is with my clan.
Sincerely,
Me.
so here's my list of people i would like to give my thanks to for making my day this week. :)
1.Tungau
Thanks s'yang. Somehow, my bracelet watch stopped working. So now, I'm really using the watch that you gave me everyday.
2.Dad
Thanks for the phone. I got myself the new blackberry pearl to replace my dead handphone. IT"S SO COOL!!!! :D
3.Mom
Thanks for the packets of briyani & rendang. Housemate and I cooked extra yesterday, and I manage to exchange a bit of it for some homemade raya cookies with my classmate. I can't believe it. It actually made me drool just thinking of eating chocolate almond cookies and pineapple tart.... drool drool.....
4. JB
Thanks for the 5 in 1 memory card reader. You shouldn't have. :) I'm really greatful for that.
5.Hakeem
KEeeem! I got your raya card just today. Am so happy. :) Thanks buddy!
6. Wai Seng
Thanks for giving me a call. It's so good to hear from you. I think I should be free during thanksgiving. Will definitely try to meet up with you before you go back.
Home is where the heart is. And my heart is with my clan.
Sincerely,
Me.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Salem & Selamat Hari Raya....
What do these things have in common? Nothing of course.
Apart from it being Hari Raya today, and US is not on holiday at all, and the fact that I had a 8:30am till 8:30pm class. To top it all off, we're all given a last minute reading and homework to do and pass up for class tomorrow. I am already convinced that we humans do not need 8 hours of sleep everyday in order to recharge ourselves. Sleeping around 2-3am and waking up before 8am just comes so natural nowadays.
Selamat Hari Raya everybody, and maaf zahir batin. :)
Anyway, back to Salem MA. I went to Salem with 2 of my batchmates last Saturday. Quite a number either couldn't make it that Saturday or didn't want to go because they were scared (????). I just had to go within this month because it's halloween month.
I'm glad I went for it as even the normal tourists like me were dressed up in their halloween costume. It takes around 30minutes to reach Salem via the Commuter from the North Station in Boston. We were there for 12 hours and still it wasn't enough time for us to cover the whole place.
Interesting things happened along the way. Even before we reached Salem, we already had one missing person. Apparently Jean is not a morning person and fell asleep like a dead log. So after numorous missed calls, the rest of us decided to go along without her. She joined us later on in the evening.
Rueben and I even manage to go to a witch shop, and the witches' annual convention. Lots of fortune telling. hmm... didn't bother to waste my money on that. Look see look see enough lah. Something interesting though, was that we even have to line up in order for us to go into one of the small shops.
I accidentally burnt my hair during one of the night tour!!! I had to cut some of my hair off. And this coming from vain old me, when it comes to my hair. That night, the temperature was as low as 45degrees (farenheit)/ 7 degrees celcius. I could hardly even feel my hands when I was holding the candle stick that they (the guide) gave us for the tour. I couldn't even feel much of the warmth from the candle. Being too engrossed with the guide's explanation/story, I didn't realise that I held the candle too close to my hair. And to think I have short hair!!!! hahahahah
All in all, we had fun in Salem. I bought lots of souveniers for my family and friends. They have so many cool stuff. I wouldn't mind going there a second time around. Who knows? mayhaps I'll be able to befriend a real witch someday?
:)
Apart from it being Hari Raya today, and US is not on holiday at all, and the fact that I had a 8:30am till 8:30pm class. To top it all off, we're all given a last minute reading and homework to do and pass up for class tomorrow. I am already convinced that we humans do not need 8 hours of sleep everyday in order to recharge ourselves. Sleeping around 2-3am and waking up before 8am just comes so natural nowadays.
Selamat Hari Raya everybody, and maaf zahir batin. :)
Anyway, back to Salem MA. I went to Salem with 2 of my batchmates last Saturday. Quite a number either couldn't make it that Saturday or didn't want to go because they were scared (????). I just had to go within this month because it's halloween month.
I'm glad I went for it as even the normal tourists like me were dressed up in their halloween costume. It takes around 30minutes to reach Salem via the Commuter from the North Station in Boston. We were there for 12 hours and still it wasn't enough time for us to cover the whole place.
Interesting things happened along the way. Even before we reached Salem, we already had one missing person. Apparently Jean is not a morning person and fell asleep like a dead log. So after numorous missed calls, the rest of us decided to go along without her. She joined us later on in the evening.
Rueben and I even manage to go to a witch shop, and the witches' annual convention. Lots of fortune telling. hmm... didn't bother to waste my money on that. Look see look see enough lah. Something interesting though, was that we even have to line up in order for us to go into one of the small shops.
I accidentally burnt my hair during one of the night tour!!! I had to cut some of my hair off. And this coming from vain old me, when it comes to my hair. That night, the temperature was as low as 45degrees (farenheit)/ 7 degrees celcius. I could hardly even feel my hands when I was holding the candle stick that they (the guide) gave us for the tour. I couldn't even feel much of the warmth from the candle. Being too engrossed with the guide's explanation/story, I didn't realise that I held the candle too close to my hair. And to think I have short hair!!!! hahahahah
All in all, we had fun in Salem. I bought lots of souveniers for my family and friends. They have so many cool stuff. I wouldn't mind going there a second time around. Who knows? mayhaps I'll be able to befriend a real witch someday?
:)
Monday, October 16, 2006
Away from home, with no festive holiday....
the medford fire brigade and police department are really efficient here. Twice, the alarm went off within a month in my apartment, twice they all came within less than 10 minutes. Nah, make that 5 minutes. The first time, the oven in the restaurant downstairs was too hot that it triggered the alarm. The second time, apparently somebody got stuck in the lift (a.k.a elevator). If only bomba and the rest were that efficient in KK, who knows? I probably wouldn't have clautrophobia? I'm scarred for life now!
:D
Back to the main topic... Malaysians should feel happy that we celebrate all the main festivals in the world that i can think of. They don't do that here. Hence, we have no holidays for Eidil Fitri and Deepavali@Diwali here. I miss homeee........ and my family, aunties, uncles, cuzzies... ect.!
Hence, I'm trying to organize a DeepaRaya... half pot luck and half whatever, open house to the whole 100++ classmates?
Calling all relatives, calling all relatives. Can somebody please pass me these recipes? Don't care if you people think wether I know how to cook or not. Don't care if you people think wether I can get the ingredients here. I'll figure that out myself. I'm not totally hopeless, you know. :P
I want:
1. Rendang
2. Satay
3. Klupis
4. Nasi Bukhari
5. Sticky Date Pudding
6. Ayam masak kuah satay (??? at least I think that's what you call it)
p/s: apart from my malaysian and singaporean friends, the rest of my international friends wouldn't know what's the difference anyway.
;P
Can anybody please, help?
:|
:D
Back to the main topic... Malaysians should feel happy that we celebrate all the main festivals in the world that i can think of. They don't do that here. Hence, we have no holidays for Eidil Fitri and Deepavali@Diwali here. I miss homeee........ and my family, aunties, uncles, cuzzies... ect.!
Hence, I'm trying to organize a DeepaRaya... half pot luck and half whatever, open house to the whole 100++ classmates?
Calling all relatives, calling all relatives. Can somebody please pass me these recipes? Don't care if you people think wether I know how to cook or not. Don't care if you people think wether I can get the ingredients here. I'll figure that out myself. I'm not totally hopeless, you know. :P
I want:
1. Rendang
2. Satay
3. Klupis
4. Nasi Bukhari
5. Sticky Date Pudding
6. Ayam masak kuah satay (??? at least I think that's what you call it)
p/s: apart from my malaysian and singaporean friends, the rest of my international friends wouldn't know what's the difference anyway.
;P
Can anybody please, help?
:|
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
the hills are alive, at a place called VERMONT...
There's actually a place called the Von Trapp family lodge in Vermont. Fantastic view, but I still can't afford it. hahahah
I went up to Burlington , Vermont to visit a high school friend of mine for the long weekend. I took the bus, which took me roughly 5 hours (although the ticket says it only takes 4 hours), to reach Vermont. Great to know that it's the same no matter where you go. I always have this experience where the bus is always at least 1 hour late compare to the stated time. I sat next to a 'spiritual,hippie' kid halfway along the way. First thing that came out from his mouth was 'I have ADT'. At least I was entertained along the way. :)
If anybody's interested to go to Vermont, all I can say is BRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! IT'S COLD!!!!
They (my highschool friend and her husband) took me around Stowe, Vermont. I had fun acting like a tourist. Bila lagi bah kan? Tapi, of course, acted macam tourist on a budgetlah. :D
Stowe -
We went to Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory. For just USD3, you get to go for the factory tour and free (one scoop, and depending on the flavour of the day) ice-cream. What really tickled me pink was that they actually have a cemetry for their discontinued favourite popular ice-creams. Hey bro', maybe that's what happened to Haagen Daaz Bailey ice-cream too? I haven't manage to find it here in USA too.
We also went to look at how they make apple cider at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Apples there were so cheap! 10cents each! We had free sampling of the apple cider. I never knew that there's such thing as a real Macintosh Apple. I always thought that Macintosh is, well, apple macintosh, as in the computer. Jokes on me. hahahahha
We did go to one of the nicest and probably expensive lodge in Vermont, the Trapp Family Lodge.They do sell 'the sound of music' cds too. A pretty scenic place.
I did sort of dragged my friends to go for the 24th Annual Stowe Foliage Art & Craft Festival. Me and my crafts. :D I'm glad I went for the fair. They had so many interesting things. Handcrafted jewelries (waterpaint, blown glass, sterling silvers, etc...), ikebanas, suncatchers, and even homemade jams, soups, bakey etc... I did see a lot of nice and cool earrings. but alas! I can't afford it. USD65 onwards for just a pair of earrings while I'm not earning money is just way too expensive in my opinion. :( End up just taking some pictures here and there instead. hehehheh
Vermont is also known for their maple syrup (yup, i bought some syrup) and beer brewery.
I wanted to go and check out the Teddy Bear Factory but we didn't have enough time.
It was fun while it lasted. Now it's back to hitting the books...
I went up to Burlington , Vermont to visit a high school friend of mine for the long weekend. I took the bus, which took me roughly 5 hours (although the ticket says it only takes 4 hours), to reach Vermont. Great to know that it's the same no matter where you go. I always have this experience where the bus is always at least 1 hour late compare to the stated time. I sat next to a 'spiritual,hippie' kid halfway along the way. First thing that came out from his mouth was 'I have ADT'. At least I was entertained along the way. :)
If anybody's interested to go to Vermont, all I can say is BRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! IT'S COLD!!!!
They (my highschool friend and her husband) took me around Stowe, Vermont. I had fun acting like a tourist. Bila lagi bah kan? Tapi, of course, acted macam tourist on a budgetlah. :D
Stowe -
We went to Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory. For just USD3, you get to go for the factory tour and free (one scoop, and depending on the flavour of the day) ice-cream. What really tickled me pink was that they actually have a cemetry for their discontinued favourite popular ice-creams. Hey bro', maybe that's what happened to Haagen Daaz Bailey ice-cream too? I haven't manage to find it here in USA too.
We also went to look at how they make apple cider at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Apples there were so cheap! 10cents each! We had free sampling of the apple cider. I never knew that there's such thing as a real Macintosh Apple. I always thought that Macintosh is, well, apple macintosh, as in the computer. Jokes on me. hahahahha
We did go to one of the nicest and probably expensive lodge in Vermont, the Trapp Family Lodge.They do sell 'the sound of music' cds too. A pretty scenic place.
I did sort of dragged my friends to go for the 24th Annual Stowe Foliage Art & Craft Festival. Me and my crafts. :D I'm glad I went for the fair. They had so many interesting things. Handcrafted jewelries (waterpaint, blown glass, sterling silvers, etc...), ikebanas, suncatchers, and even homemade jams, soups, bakey etc... I did see a lot of nice and cool earrings. but alas! I can't afford it. USD65 onwards for just a pair of earrings while I'm not earning money is just way too expensive in my opinion. :( End up just taking some pictures here and there instead. hehehheh
Vermont is also known for their maple syrup (yup, i bought some syrup) and beer brewery.
I wanted to go and check out the Teddy Bear Factory but we didn't have enough time.
It was fun while it lasted. Now it's back to hitting the books...
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Six Flags New England, here we come! arrggggghhhh!
Six Flags New England
Hooray!
Our final presentation is finally over! Going with the old adage, study hard and party hard, a group of us decided to go to six flags to celebrate yesterday, before we have to struggle and hit the books (and also deal with group issues for some) for module A (second semester).
So, we rented 3 cars and 25 of us adrenaline junkies (or at least most of us) went to six flags. It's an amusement park. The scariest ride was definitely the superman - ride of steel. It's a roller coaster ride, but the drop was so steep! nearly felt as if I was about to fly out of my seat! I couldn't even leave my hands up in the air all the way. I actually broke 2 fingernails by the end of the day!
I finally get to try the 20-story turbo drop freefall ride, called scream. Funny enough, the scariest part was when it was going up and you can see everything starting to look really tiny. Dropping down was only scary for a mili-second, at least for me.
All in all, I had fun. Now it's time to hit the books before class begins tomorrow.
Hooray!
Our final presentation is finally over! Going with the old adage, study hard and party hard, a group of us decided to go to six flags to celebrate yesterday, before we have to struggle and hit the books (and also deal with group issues for some) for module A (second semester).
So, we rented 3 cars and 25 of us adrenaline junkies (or at least most of us) went to six flags. It's an amusement park. The scariest ride was definitely the superman - ride of steel. It's a roller coaster ride, but the drop was so steep! nearly felt as if I was about to fly out of my seat! I couldn't even leave my hands up in the air all the way. I actually broke 2 fingernails by the end of the day!
I finally get to try the 20-story turbo drop freefall ride, called scream. Funny enough, the scariest part was when it was going up and you can see everything starting to look really tiny. Dropping down was only scary for a mili-second, at least for me.
All in all, I had fun. Now it's time to hit the books before class begins tomorrow.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
HAYMARKET -where everything is cheap and the sellers are rude!
"We don't give back pennies (change). Why honey, are you gonna cry just over a penny?"
"What are you staring there? If I like something, I'll just buy it. Why are you comparing prises for? You need it for your school project or something?"
"Lady, I choose my car faster than you choose your cauliflower. And my car is worth more than 300,000 bucks!"
"No choosing the food. I'll do it for you. Otherwise, sorry I won't sell it to you"
Some of these phrases, I experienced it for myself, some I heard people yelling at the background. Phew! I manage to survive my second week in Haymarket. Actually, the area is called Haymarket, the Haymarket 'tamu' is only there twice a week if I'm not mistaken. So maybe I should call it as the Haymarket tamu?
The sellers are so rude that even the first-time visiting locals (US but not bostonians) are shocked. If you ever wanted to know how someone can be rude without using foul-languages and 'orang putih', come to Haymarket. If you talk back to them, they will just retaliate and keep on shouting even though you've left his stall! Talk about culture shock.
Why do I, and alot of people still go there? Simple. Because there's nowhere else can you get 3 box of strawberries for $1 (yes, the food is fresh and really yummy). In other words, it's very very cheap. It's just that you really have to try to finish the food as soon as possible before they turn bad. they sell nearly everything by the pound.
articles on the net
http://www.boston-online.com/cityviews/haymarket.html
"What are you staring there? If I like something, I'll just buy it. Why are you comparing prises for? You need it for your school project or something?"
"Lady, I choose my car faster than you choose your cauliflower. And my car is worth more than 300,000 bucks!"
"No choosing the food. I'll do it for you. Otherwise, sorry I won't sell it to you"
Some of these phrases, I experienced it for myself, some I heard people yelling at the background. Phew! I manage to survive my second week in Haymarket. Actually, the area is called Haymarket, the Haymarket 'tamu' is only there twice a week if I'm not mistaken. So maybe I should call it as the Haymarket tamu?
The sellers are so rude that even the first-time visiting locals (US but not bostonians) are shocked. If you ever wanted to know how someone can be rude without using foul-languages and 'orang putih', come to Haymarket. If you talk back to them, they will just retaliate and keep on shouting even though you've left his stall! Talk about culture shock.
Why do I, and alot of people still go there? Simple. Because there's nowhere else can you get 3 box of strawberries for $1 (yes, the food is fresh and really yummy). In other words, it's very very cheap. It's just that you really have to try to finish the food as soon as possible before they turn bad. they sell nearly everything by the pound.
articles on the net
http://www.boston-online.com/cityviews/haymarket.html
Monday, September 18, 2006
Gayung
Yay!
Thank god for chinese supermarkets. I found a gayung! :D
They also sell Milo, Horlicks and Maggi products too. I can't find instant maggi mee noodles though. But the Nissin brand is not too bad.
Thank god for chinese supermarkets. I found a gayung! :D
They also sell Milo, Horlicks and Maggi products too. I can't find instant maggi mee noodles though. But the Nissin brand is not too bad.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Miss & Love
It's been nearly a month since i left my country. Here are a list of material things that i love & miss so far.
I love:~
The 'dry' cold air
or at least for now, since it's still summer. I don't really miss not driving, even when i have to lug a lot of groceries with me, carrying, walking all the way back home. I don't get sweaty or warm. Plus, my nose does not feel as if it's block most of the time anymore.
Fruits!
Gosh. The fruits here are so cheap. Even the strawberries. I can even get 2 packets of strawberries for $5 sometimes. Sometimes, even cheaper.
Shopping
I went on a shopping spree to buy stuff (electrical to pots to utensils, you name it, you got it) for the kitchen and also my bedroom, and it is so cheap! especially if you are not particular about brands. the quality is not bad at all. I even manage to get a radio alarm clock (a nice bed clock) for only $2.50 after a double discount sales.
Coffee maker
People here love their coffee. It's quite normal to see people buying coffee from even dunkin donuts to starbucks coffee.Even the coffee maker machine, you have prices ranging from probably less than $10 to ++ for the branded ones.
I miss:~
Moist butt wipes (toilet tissue)
I actually have never used or ever heard of a moist butt wipe. What I really miss is that hose or 'gayung' in the public toilet. Especially if you're doing a biggie! Somehow, having lots and lots of dry toilet tissues to clean the butt still does not make me feel it's clean enough for me.
Gayung (imagine a very tiny pail with a handle)
This is one of the items i never thought i'd actually miss. I find the gayung pretty handy especially if you're doing a biggie, or let's say, i feel like cleaning the bath tub while bathing. Thanks to grandma's legacy. They don't sell gayung here and they don't sell even a 'toilet' hose. there'S no way on earth am i going to go and buy the garden hose to use it as a subsitution. it also feels weird to use a bowl as a substitute. How on earth am I gonna clean the toilet bowl???
Electric kettle
Surprisingly it took me nearly a week after visiting so many stores to buy a kettle. Even then, it's so expensive (especially once i convert it to malaysian money). I should have probably brought one from home. The closest that i manage to find at first was a hot pot.
My handphone
Technically not true. Thank god I decided to go and bring my handphone here instead of just buying a new one or getting one of those handphones with the handphone line plan. You would have thought that they would have better and new designs here. For the budget that I'm looking at? My current/old handphone is much much better. thank you very much. no thanks.
Things that i had/have fun trying out:~
Funnel cake
It's basically fried dough with toppings on top. I asked for a banana split topping, thinking that it's probably chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice-cream with banana. What I got was blueberry, banana and strawberry fruits with whip cream and chocolate sauce. I could hardly finish half of it, let alone the whole thing.
Discount coupons/cards
I'm starting to understand what is walgreens, walmart, CVS pharmacy, Stop & Shop etc...
Just last week, I actually cut my first coupon. Have yet to use it though. hahahahha. well, at least i tried and had fun trying it out.
:)
I love:~
The 'dry' cold air
or at least for now, since it's still summer. I don't really miss not driving, even when i have to lug a lot of groceries with me, carrying, walking all the way back home. I don't get sweaty or warm. Plus, my nose does not feel as if it's block most of the time anymore.
Fruits!
Gosh. The fruits here are so cheap. Even the strawberries. I can even get 2 packets of strawberries for $5 sometimes. Sometimes, even cheaper.
Shopping
I went on a shopping spree to buy stuff (electrical to pots to utensils, you name it, you got it) for the kitchen and also my bedroom, and it is so cheap! especially if you are not particular about brands. the quality is not bad at all. I even manage to get a radio alarm clock (a nice bed clock) for only $2.50 after a double discount sales.
Coffee maker
People here love their coffee. It's quite normal to see people buying coffee from even dunkin donuts to starbucks coffee.Even the coffee maker machine, you have prices ranging from probably less than $10 to ++ for the branded ones.
I miss:~
Moist butt wipes (toilet tissue)
I actually have never used or ever heard of a moist butt wipe. What I really miss is that hose or 'gayung' in the public toilet. Especially if you're doing a biggie! Somehow, having lots and lots of dry toilet tissues to clean the butt still does not make me feel it's clean enough for me.
Gayung (imagine a very tiny pail with a handle)
This is one of the items i never thought i'd actually miss. I find the gayung pretty handy especially if you're doing a biggie, or let's say, i feel like cleaning the bath tub while bathing. Thanks to grandma's legacy. They don't sell gayung here and they don't sell even a 'toilet' hose. there'S no way on earth am i going to go and buy the garden hose to use it as a subsitution. it also feels weird to use a bowl as a substitute. How on earth am I gonna clean the toilet bowl???
Electric kettle
Surprisingly it took me nearly a week after visiting so many stores to buy a kettle. Even then, it's so expensive (especially once i convert it to malaysian money). I should have probably brought one from home. The closest that i manage to find at first was a hot pot.
My handphone
Technically not true. Thank god I decided to go and bring my handphone here instead of just buying a new one or getting one of those handphones with the handphone line plan. You would have thought that they would have better and new designs here. For the budget that I'm looking at? My current/old handphone is much much better. thank you very much. no thanks.
Things that i had/have fun trying out:~
Funnel cake
It's basically fried dough with toppings on top. I asked for a banana split topping, thinking that it's probably chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice-cream with banana. What I got was blueberry, banana and strawberry fruits with whip cream and chocolate sauce. I could hardly finish half of it, let alone the whole thing.
Discount coupons/cards
I'm starting to understand what is walgreens, walmart, CVS pharmacy, Stop & Shop etc...
Just last week, I actually cut my first coupon. Have yet to use it though. hahahahha. well, at least i tried and had fun trying it out.
:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
