Cherry Blossom Girl May 29, 2007
Posted by dianetang in Diane's Thots.add a comment
Pink petals raining all around me,
Announcing your arrival.
Drifting, swirling in the wind,
Slipping through my open palms.
In 2 weeks’ time,
All will be gone,
It’s beauty fleeting,
Just like your transient existence.
36 weeks I have to wait,
Before I see you again.
Lonely,
So lonely,
I sigh softly.
Cicadas begin to play,
Sweet music surrounds me,
The moment you are gone.
Quietly he crept into my life,
And the days seem to pass faster.
My world turn technicolour,
With everything in vibrant hues.
Then he is gone too,
And I’m left waiting alone again,
Lonely,
So lonely,
I sigh wearily.
The rain starts to fall,
In orange, red, brown & gold.
The world is renewed,
After the rain has gone.
Like a blank white canvas waiting,
For you to fill it pink again.
1.25am
Wise Friends May 26, 2007
Posted by dianetang in Diane's Thots.2 comments
Sometimes, during our usual conversations, some friends will say some things that are very inspiring, meaningful or makes a lot of sense …
Here are some I’ll always remember and live by:
"Do what u really want to do, cos at the end of your life, the only person who can answer for your life is u."
"You cannot blame others for the choices u make, or sacrifices u choose to make."
"Remember…those who are honest to you may not be good to you… and those
who are good to you may not be honest."
Let me be May 25, 2007
Posted by dianetang in Diane's Thots.3 comments
It’s not that I don’t love her,
I try not to take her for granted,
but our point of views are really different.
She heard me,
but she never really listen to what I have to say,
she never listen when I tell her my hopes and dreams
and what will make me happy,
she just want me to do
what she thinks will make me happy.
Enough. Why can’t she listen? Why can’t she understand?
All these years I’ve been trying to make her understand,
understand that I am a free spirit.
I am the free spirit that she never release from herself.
Let me be free.
I was never strong cos’ I was never given the chance.
Let me be strong.
I am much stronger now. I am much stronger than she thinks.
Why can’t she accept that I am different from her?
That what she wants of me is not what I want?
Don’t she know that her good intentions often makes me sad?
She should be the one who knows me the best
since I was a part of her,
Yet she don’t know me …
Let me do what I love. Let me be where I want to be.
Let me have the chance to be closer to my dreams,
Let me tell my own story
Don’t hold me back,
Just let me be.
A friend at every turn May 24, 2007
Posted by dianetang in LucyD's Mood.add a comment
LucyD made many friends recently. Some are old friends found, like big bro Jojo and Joeyeoy the choc fudge surfer. Some are brought to LucyD by the dreams and beliefs they shared, like Trodee Trodee and Rody. And one came from a faraway place where Goblins steal the sun and hang out the moon in the day, and hide the moon and bring out the sun at night – Ramuramy. It seems like every turn LucyD makes, she meet a friend. It makes LucyD feels that life is full of wonderful surprises and friends can be found everywhere, anywhere, everyday and anyday. And that makes her happiee, looking forward to each day with anticipation, wondering who she will meet at the next turn.
LucyD hopes that she’ll meet Rody one day at Caramello, a place where their dreams live. 12.40am
LucyD’s Friends:
Trodee Trodee: The adventurous spritely sprite who is full of gumption. A dream glider. An inspiration to LucyD. LucyD wants to go where Trodee went.
Rody: The leprechaun who is patiently waiting for his own rainbow to appear. Is it gonna be a pot of cereal or a pot of gold waiting for him at the end of the rainbow?
Star light, star bright May 21, 2007
Posted by dianetang in LucyD's Mood.add a comment
LucyD is so excited. She can’t think about anything else. She wished upon every star she can spot in the sky. Even the tiniest one. Hoping each one of them will carry her dream and help her make it come true. It has been a looong time since she last wanted something so much and she is willing to do anything. Kneeling on the soft ground of the Garden of Marshmallow, resting her elbow on the toadstool with her palms clasp, she whispered:"Please, please make my wish come true!". 9.30pm
___________________________________________________________________________
Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time May 18, 2007
Posted by dianetang in Books.add a comment
I’ve come across this book uptenth times b4 in the bookstores. But i was
always skeptical about it. I thot it would be one of those pretentious
contemporary story about nothing at all, packaged with a cute cover
and a weird title to entice you to pick it up to read. And when you read, it
makes you feel like you are watching somebody’s boring life. I had so many
of such experiences.
When somebody recommended me this book, I took the chance to satisfy my
curiousity since I really came across it too many times and I love to read
anyway (can’t do without books). It is simply a delightful read.
The way Christopher sees and interpretes things around him is so concise and to the point, which makes me wonder why I have to think in a roundabout way.
I espcially love this excerpt:
“I looked at the sky alot. I like looking up at the sky in the garden at night … And when you look at the sky you know you are looking at stars which are hundreds and thousands of light-years away from you. And that makes you seem very small, and if you have difficult things in your life it is nice to think that they are what is called negligible, …” Chapter 179 – pg126
“Butterfly Man” May 17, 2007
Posted by dianetang in LucyD's Mood.add a comment
LucyD was restless in The Garden of Marshmallow. She can see the fairy lights from Jelly Valley beckoning to her from her toadstool. She had always wondered what it’s like on the other side. Instead of wondering any longer, LucyD packed her knapsack and off she went to Jelly Valley. Alone.
The fairy lights are even more dazzling up close. It’s so BEAUTIFUL … it took LucyD’s breath away. Surrounded by so many flickering lights, LucyD felt like she was in the milky way. It was all too overwhelming and soon LucyD felt disorientated. There were stalls selling all kinds of interesting trinkets and baubles. She was intrigue by a colourful prism and stopped to see. "You like this? it’s beautiful isn’t it? I can show you lots more if you follow me. I can show you a castle built with this. I see that you are a traveller, you can stay there. Come follow me.". Mesmerized by the prism, LucyD followed the Goblin with brown hat. Looking forward to staying at the beautiful, magical castle.
They walked and walked a looooong way. When LucyD was not paying attention, the Goblin was gone! LucyD was lost without the Goblin. She did not know where she was, all alone in a strange new place. She should have known better than to trust a Goblin, even one at Jelly Valley. She had been walking a long way and was hungry and thirsty. The sky is getting dark, the air is turning chilly. She felt faint and then she could not remember what happened next.
When she woke, she found herself not in a castle but in a cozy hut over-looking the woods with a creek running through it. Willow trees lining both sides of the banks. And there is a stone bridge over the river.
Though LucyD felt heavy-headed and the bed is as fluffy as the Marshmallows back home. But as curious as she is, she could not wait to find out what was on the other side of the bridge. She jumped out of bed and found a scrumptious breakfast waiting for her on the table with a note saying: "Hi LucyD! Welcome to my home. While I am away, make yourself at home and feel free to help yourself to everything. Enjoy your stay in Jelly Valley!" Signed off: Butterfly Man". "Butterfly Man"! He is LucyD’s long lost childhood friend, Jojo. Who is so aptly nickenamed by the kids for his inability to stay put at one place for long but loves to flit everywhere, hence LucyD lost contact.
LucyD remembered him as a helpful elf who is full of zest! LucyD felt safe here. The note also mentioned: "You must have been lead astray by the Goblin with a brown hat. He is notorious for that. Found you on the road ahead. Do not trust any goblin from now on." he warned.
LucyD is so touched by this act of generosity and concern from a friend that she had not seen for years. It felt good and it warmed her heart to know that there is actually someone watching over her when she thot she was alone. She would never forget this kindness showed by an old friend at a most unexpected time and situation. It made her happy for many many days. She wished that Jojo was here with her though, there are lots to catch up on. A friendship rekindled. A friendship rekindled by fate. 
LucyD learnt her lesson never to trust a goblin again.
As LucyD missed dinner last night, she gobbled down her breakfast. And she is ready for her new adventure. The moment she opened the door, she smelled fresh cool air. Excitement is waiting for her ahead. 2am
LucyD’s Friends:
Jojo: A helpful elf who is full of zest. Nickednamed "Butterfly Man" by the kids in The Garden of Marshmallow for his inability to stay put at one place for long but loves to flit everywhere. The "big brother" of the gang, he is always watching out for the others.
Pssst … LucyD thot the reason her trip was so smooth was cos’ she was smart. Little did she know that Jojo sent elves to help LucyD secretly on her adventure in Jelly Valley 
The Things I LOVE May 16, 2007
Posted by dianetang in Diane's Thots.2 comments
I LOVE walking in the drizzle
I LOVE daydreaming on long bus rides
I LOVE sunset in Fira
I LOVE the warmth of the sun on my skin
I LOVE being a tourist
I LOVE the smell of night air
I LOVE swimming at twelve noon
I LOVE cinnamon toast
I LOVE ice cold Oolong cha
I LOVE bossa nova
I LOVE chilling with a good book
I LOVE watching the stars at night
I LOVE to love
What do you LOVE?
Goodbye, Shanghai May 16, 2007
Posted by dianetang in Travel.add a comment
Day 10 : 6th May 2007 Sunday
I snoozed till 6.50am. The bed is too cozy, I wish I have another day here so that I can sleep till whatever time I fancy. I can only remember the last time I slept so "early" but not the last time I woke so early. I willed myself out of bed, determined not to "just come all the way here to sleep" and be a a laughing stock. I chop chop washed up and is out the door by 7.15am! It’s my last day! I have no time to lose.
First I crossed over to Leifeng Tower then took a bus to Dragon well where the famous Dragon Well tea (Long Jin Cha) is from. Knowing Wansong Acedemy was where Liang San Bo and Zhu Yin Tai got aquainted & studied together, I just have to go as the story is Oh, so romantic! But it is so out of the way, I was almost stranded there (most people went and leave by tour coaches)! many times I was almost stranded at one place or another as it was difficult to get a cab (due to the Golden Week again!!!).
I took a tram to Yue Fei’s tomb which is at the opposite side of the lake. Oh yes, as I can always see the whole lake, I thot that the lake is not that big, but when I started to walk, I realized it’s damn big! And to get to the opposite side of the lake takes half and hour by tram.
I ordered all the famous local dishes for lunch – Dong Po Rou & Duck Stew & ta bao
chicken wrapped with lotus leaf (Jiao Hua Chicken) for dinner. I know I can’t leave this place without trying all these dishes.
It’s time to head back to Shanghai. It took me another half hour to get back to the other side.
Left my hostel at 1.40pm & by the time I arrived at Joe’s apartment, it was 6pm.
After I packed everything, I had four big bags that weighed approximately 35kg. That
is more than three quarters of my weight!
Left Joe’s apartment at 9.30pm. My flight was scheduled at 11.55pm, but when I reached the airport, the flight was delayed till 1.20am!
Finally it’s time to board the plane. I love Shanghai & was reluctant to leave this place. So tempted to extend my holiday … The sky was clear, the moon shone bright, reflecting light off the silvery wing of my jet plane. Goodbye Shanghai, I’ll definitely see you again …
Paradise on earth May 16, 2007
Posted by dianetang in Travel.add a comment
Day 9 : 5th May 2007 Saturday
I fell asleep really late the previous night & woke up at 9.30am the next day. When I reached the Shanghai Train Station, It was already 1pm. This trip to Hangzhou was really badly planned, or should I say unplanned? Maybe I was over confident as my trip so far had been so smooth. I assumed too many things. When I got to the train station, I realized that the train tickets to Hangzhou had been sold out! Apparently train tickets, unlike bus, have to be pre-booked to ensure seats. And being the Golden Week, it had long been sold out.
I was approached by a man who asked me where I’m heading to and said that he can get me onto a bus to Hangzhou. I paid for my ride and got to a really old bus, the whole time taking care not to rest my head onto the yucky headrest. The 2 hrs ride (as promised) turned out to be three hours due to the public holiday jam.
I was dropped at a really urban place which did not look like what I imagined Hangzhou to be like. I have no idea where I was.
Again, a number of people approached me to tell me they can get me to Westlake, the most famous attraction in Hangzhou and where my hostel is located. I did not know why I did not take a taxi, I only know that I was way way too late on my own schedule and I did not want to waste any more time searching for my hostel, so I followed the first person who claimed he knows the way, an uncle with a motorcycle. He is HELL RIDER! I had many close encounters and many heart attacks on the road. Many times I wondered why I risked my life. The journey is far. Being ignorant, I did not expect Hangzhou to be so big. Hangzhou is BIG!!! With lots of shopping areas as well.
It turned out that he did not know the way well at all 
We had a hard time finding my hostel & I thot I made a bad choice on my hostel. But after I checked in, I realized the hostel is at a prime location just opposite Leifeng Pagoda (which can be seen anywhere around Westlake) & the expensive Zhejiang Xi’zi hotel. Lousy uncle! And I overpaid him!!
I couldn’t believe it, after checking in, it was already 5pm! I felt so foolish. The friendly people at the hostel asked if I came all this way just to sleep then check out the next day to return to Shanghai! Hahahaha! Thay laughed at me when I told them I arrived late cos’ I couldn’t wake up in the morning. When they know that I was from Sinapore, they commented that my Mandarin is too good. Yeah! *proud*
Finally, I get to go to my room. It was the last room along the corridor. When I opened the door, I was elated! It is such a cute little room that has a scandinavian feel to it, with a window on the roof! On top of that, it is spotlessly clean. Clean sheets, clean floor and most importantly clean bathroom. Everything looks brand new. There is even a LCD TV! All for a very reasonable price. It is such a good find. Worth mentioning is that the service is very good. The people who managed the place are a bunch of friendly and helpful youngsters. Travellers from all over the world stay there – England, Brazil (from so far!) & while I was there, other Singaporeans (never get to meet them though).
I took a moment to enjoy my room for a moment, waste no time and got out. But I am already looking forward to spending time in my room
I took the tram that goes round the lake & was just in time to watch the sunset. Breathtaking!!!
As the tram goes pass five bridges acrodd westlake, my eyes were fixated on the glowing orange ball until it dropped behind the mountains. With the lake mirroring the sunset and the willows lining the lake, I do agree with the ancient saying that this is paradise on earth.
Already with so little time, I still have one more task to do before I can enjoy Hangzhou. I am running low on cash and worried if I even have enough to go back to Shanghai! It’ll be so stupid if I don’t have money to visit the attractions after coming all the way here. I went to their shopping area & realized that it’s not easy to find an ATM. I found one and was relieved when I was able to get some cash with my credit card. Phew!
Now I can enjoy a good dinner at last. I strolled & scout for a nice place where I can finally relax. So many cool places to chill, it’s hard to make a choice.
Went back at 10pm and forced myself to sleep by Midnight. Target to wake up at 6.30am to make up for time lost. Good nite!
Places covered:
1. Hangzhou
