Sometimes I even have a list all written out of all the things that I want to that day. I write the words 'To do' at the top of the page and number out all the things or activities that I plan on doing. Even better still, some of them even have sub-notes explaining in detail what I must do in order for that item to be completed extra well. Alas, rarely do such great dreams materialize into reality.
Without further a do, I shall now write how my week-long vacay went :
All in all I would actually say that it went pretty well. While in Penang, I sunbathed a bit (God know's why I did this, I mean I'm already so tanned, I blame the Americans I saw lounging around the pool. They made it seem so glamorous!).
I also did some shopping. Bought a few souveniers for myself and for my class' lecturers. Had quite a few nice and totally relaxing walks on the beach. Kicked my brother's sandcastle around (no lah, I ain't that mean).
The last I time I remember coming to Penang was about over a year ago. One thing that hasn't changed, in spite of all the talk on economic downturn and financial destruction, is the amount of foreigners I see around Penang. I think there's actually even more so now. I noticed there were quite a few Americans(Southeners, judging by their accent), Japanese, British and a spattering of Eastern Europeans. I thought that a hitch in the global economy would mean a decrease in tourism but apparently this is just not true. This is great, I was kind of scared that a decrease in tourists would hurt Malaysia's economy heavily, especially when they contribute so much to it.
Moving on to Langkawi. This trip was a family gathering of sorts. Ther was my family and like another 7 other families who were all related to me. Again, did some shopping. Okay, maybe a lot of shopping, but it really only involves chocolate-related items. Also, went sight-seeing. Saw the usual Langkawi historic sites and stuff.
School related :
Like, two weeks ago, we did a 'Translation Class', where the seniors have to translate what the lecturers are saying for the juniors and then translate the juniors' answer for the lecturers. It went okay, I guess. My junior was 'disarming', I guess. Not really sure how to explain that. But that's how I felt about the whole situation. He's nice enough, though.
So the topic we had to discuss was about the effects the KTM's lateness had on all the people who use its services. It's a well-known fact that KTM is notoriously late for every stop, every time. I don't get why they even give out timetables if they're going to be 20 minutes late all the time. I think it's really cruel to give poeple false hope of boarding on a train at 8.00 but then arrive at 8.18. Doesn't anybody else think so, too?
Moreoever, this lateness really pisses off my Japanese lecturers because they really take care of being on time. I totally understand this sentiment. Hopefully, somebody, somewhere out there does something about this soon. It really makes Malaysia look like a disorganized and lazy country where everything from functions or parties to trains have a habit of being late.
I remember reading an article that said KTM was going to buy more trains but I don't think this will really solve the problems. What they need to do is better watch their time. Yes, adding more trains will enable more passengers to board but if you're still late, what you get out of this is just a higher amount of dissatisfied boarders who go to work/school late. Thank you..NOT!
A great HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout-out to : Nurhakim and Aisyah from KTJ.
Both celebrate their birthdays this month.
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| My plans all disappear as the waves crashes upon them |
Ta...
