Who does this look like to you?

The ‘Crazy Gang’ joined the ISC outing to Stirling yesterday and was joined with two new members – Ida and Mandy.

We met in front of ISC office and proceeded to Waverly train station to catch a train to Stirling.

Stirling is an extraordinary quaint quiet town. It is as small as St. Andrews but without the sense of boredom surrounding St. Andrews. I know a lot of golf enthusiasts out there would love to differ with me. Stirling is like a miniature size of Edinburgh with its cobbled and steeped streets, surrounding hillside and the weather.

We visited Stirling Castle and of course one can’t miss the Wallace Monument.

For those who aren’t familiar with William Wallace, he is famously acquainted with Mel Gibson who played Braveheart aka William Wallace (or should it be Mel Gibson is famously acquainted with him?). William Wallace fought for Scotland independence during the battle between England and Scotland.

We took a bus to Wallace’s Monument, passed by Stirling University. We were in the middle of nowhere when the driver yelled “Monument!” So okie...where is the monument? So we walked along a deserted lane and suddenly it pops right in front of us. Snapped a few pictures in the drizzly cold weather. Bought our tickets and waited for the shuttle van to send us to the base of the Monument. It isn’t such a distance on foot but since it was wet we decided to wait for the shuttle.

I had to climb 246 steps up the monument which is something like Scott’s Monument back in Edinburgh. The stairs are less narrow and the stairway space up to the top of the Monument is constantly wide. So there is no need to stoop on the way up to the Monument. There are 3 galleries in the Monument – the first one showcases the Battle of Stirling and William Wallace, the second one highlights the famous people of Scotland which includes a bust of Robert the Bruce 1 and the last level has information about the erection of Wallace’s Monument.

The view from the top of the Monument is breath taking and totally out of this world. When we went to the top of the Monument it was already raining. There was a strong wind and it pelted the rain down on us. Freezing cold to the extent where I couldn’t feel my hands. Totally the opposite when I climbed up Scott’s Monument. One could see the rain clouds rolling in followed by the mist and when the rain starts to clear, the view of the hills with its majestic green smacks you right in the middle of your eyes.

Enjoy the video and the pictures here and here!

Last Friday, 26^th Sept...I finally made my first visit to a bar in Edinburgh. Very popular bar though – it was really packed. The name of the bar – Candy. It seems my very knowledgeable friend, Dev, knows that there is a 2 for 1 promotion before 2000. This 2 for 1 promotion is the order one pitcher of cocktail and you get the next one free. I nursed 3 glasses. After drinks we headed off to Pizza Hut for dinner.

We just had a great time talking and making fun of each other.

Check out the pictures here.

(L-R) Ruth, Me and Jess – TESOL Mates

I attended my first ceidilh organized by my programme or specifically Dr Rosemary. It’s a traditional Scottish dance party. We did 3 dances – Gay Gordon, Canadian Barn Dance and Strip the Willow. It was great fun – something like doing AIESEC square dance but with much simple steps.

At this gathering, I got to know my classmates a little bit better and also the tutors showed they aren’t as intimidating as tutors are supposed to be.

Most TESOL tutors are much the same character and knowledge-wise. We addressed them as tutors here and not as lecturers. Perhaps the word ‘tutor’ here holds true compared to ‘lecturer’ as I always say to people I am an ‘educator’ opposed to a ‘teacher’.

Well you can watch the steps of ‘Gay Gordons’ demonstrated by my tutors – Dr Joan Cutting and Yvonne Foley (She is teaching me TESOL Methodology). Also if you notice my video, you would be able to spot my Programme Director – Ruby Rennie and also my other 2 tutors:- Dr Brona Murphy (2^nd Lg Acquisition) and Dr Rosemary Douglas (TESOL Curriculum). Their knowledge is as vast as the ocean and bottomless like the black hole.

‘Gay Gordons’

My tutor - Dr Rosemary waving goodbye

Do click here for more pictures!

Burning some time at Black Medicine Coffee till the next class.

It was a great day with the sun shining and the foose ball table just itches to be photograph.

It was a really brilliant day!

The first day of autumn brings forth images of wilting leaves, tress with barren twigs and branches, cold wind with light drizzle to send that cold shiver down your neck.

Yet in reality, today was a spectacular bright breezy sunny day! It couldn’t be any better. No sign of rain clouds over the horizon nor the cold dreadful wind.

Just lovely.

I had no class today. :P

What I did in the morning wasn’t important. Satoshi came over to look for Steven but Steve wasn’t in, so we had a little chat while waiting for Steven to come back.

Then head out to lunch with ‘The Crazy Gang’ minus Linn. She wasn’t feeling so well.

Had lunch at Café Numedia. I think it is a Turkish/Moroccan café.

I didn’t order anything heavy as I had a big brunch. Ordered Moroccan Mint Tea and a tiny piece of Baklava. The tea was definitely different and it taste really really good! Very fragrant and refreshing. And you can make it yourself – just add mint leaves to Chinese green tea and voila you have your Moroccan Mint Tea.

But there is a certain way of serving this tea (I dunno whether it is this tea or all tea in this shop).  The owner poured the tea from the pot into a styrofoam cup. Poured it back into the pot and as he poured the tea into a small glass, he pulled it like how Malaysians do the ‘teh tarik’.   

Then we headed off to ISC to sign up for the Stirling trip this weekend.  More crazy antics coming up this weekend.

Then I remembered I haven’t done my RailCard yet, so I headed over to Waverly Station to get the form.

Since it was such a sunshiny day – I was ‘what the heck’, I think I will climb this really gothic looking tower situated at Princes Street. This gothic looking tower does actually have a name. It is the Scott’s Monument named after one of Edinburgh’s famous son – Sir Walter Scott who wrote Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, Waverly, The Lady of The Lake, The Heart of Midlothian and The Bride of Lammermoor. Personally I have only read the first two.

This monument looks really dark and chilly which I think mainly generates from its colour as well as the statues, carvings and gargoyles decorating the structure. From afar it gives off the ‘cursed’ sensation which either attracts visitors or just makes them turn away. It looks even more foreboding during one of the wet drizzly weather. It is an interesting structure. It is like a ‘kampong’ house built on stilts but imagine a gothic cathedral on four stone pillars.  

Bought my flu and dry cough meds. I was down with flu and cough 3 days ago but getting better. Perhaps the different type of meds sitting on my table had the necessary effect on my body. Don’t even need to consume them and I am feeling a bit better.

Okie back on the right track. Went up to Arthur’s Seat with Mae.

No stamina people please don’t push yourself.

There were elderly folks hurrying past me - so humiliating. :P

But i know what is my limit - so didn't push myself because i know i would just trouble people if i go over my limit. 

It is no easy climb but the view waiting for you at the top is just stunning!

I was huffing and puffing like the old steam engine up the hill. Just so stamina-less but I vow to change that.

In the end didn’t even reach Arthur’s Seat, just the foot of Arthur’s Seat. I will go up there.

Take a look here!             

Attended a live gig at the Tron.

The bouncer at the door asked for my ID. Didn’t think that I look 18.

Compliment!

Even the bartender asked for my ID.

Aiyoh don’t make me so full of myself.

The gig started at 2130 and we were there at 2030 to grab a seat.

The first performance was by ‘The Marvel(l)’ followed by ‘White Heath’.

‘The Marvel(l)’ is quite a good band…I love the tune and music hammered out by the group.

‘White Heath’ is more of a percussion band which comprises of a bassist, drums, trombone, keyboard and violin.

I am a bit tone deaf but I do know what good music is when I am lambasted at with full blast. And the drummer was definitely cute (The Marvel(l)).

I do not know how to spell the group’s name – either with one L or two Ls.   

The basement where the gig was playing had a nice dark ambience (not dark goth like), and by the time White Heath started playing, the basement was jam-packed.

Check out a snippet of the music.

Yes the hodge podge of instruments bring a depth of music never heard before.

Really different.

Also Mae got hit upon by this really old dude.

This fella also commented on my hair.

We left the pub at 2330.

Loved it.

Check them out here!

White Heath

Golfing has never been my favourite sport but I do know a birdie from a putt to an eagle to a FORE! So it is only right that I make a visit to St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland to witness the alma mater of its most recent and prestigious alumnus, Prince William.

The ‘Crazy Gang’ met in front of Richmond Place to began our 5 minute walk to Buccleuch Place where the rendezvous point starts. The ‘Crazy Gang’ comprises of Vinicy (HK), Bono (Taiwan), Dev (India), Linn (Norway), Amie (Nigeria), Angela (HK) and me.

The bus ride took an hour and 30 minutes where Dev and I were just talking to make the time pass quicker. The panoramic scenery were just breath-taking what with sheeps dotting the landscape and large bales of hay in fields of recently harvested wheat. Didn’t take any pictures because on the bus you can’t get really nice pictures.

We were given this piece of paper which was supposed to be our map to St. Andrews. The ISC representative nonchalantly informed us that we wouldn’t get lost because St. Andrews is so small. Yeah right! Luckily we had Linn who brought the trusty Lonely Planet.

We did the ruins of St. Andrews castle as well as the Cathedral. The vista was stunning. I would love to be in St. Andrews for a day to catch the morning sun and the evening sun. The view of the cliffs at St. Andrew’s castle ruins was just amazing. Besides that, the structure and remain s of the cathedral is just amazing. A few from the crazy gang did the unthinkable. There was this stone coffin which was opened, Bono and Linn decided to go lie in it and we took shots. Insane. Amie thinks it is blasphemy and I think so too but it is different depending on culture and I take my hat off to this people who can be so out-going about it! Great for them.

We had lunch at ‘Rush’. Got a bit lost in St. Andrews. Then a really cute guy helped us and point the way to St. Andrews campus location. St. Andrew is like Edinburgh only that Edinburgh Uni is much spread out. I saw a Scottish wedding took place at St. Andrews Hall. The whole package of bagpipes and antique cars.  Linn and I thought the bride was the one in grey, turns out that was the matron of honor I think, the bride came a few minutes later. It had such a special feeling  and we started planning to go to each other weddings. Vinicy commented it was such a waste that they knew me later or not they would be able to come to mine. I kinda believe these guys would do it. Linn and I discussed with Amie what a Nigerian wedding would be liked – after listening to her description I would really like to attend one.

We took few pictures of the old course. The shops in St. Andrews specialize in golf accessories. I am truly amazed how 5 shops in a row can actually survive with competition from its neighbor selling the same products.

Can anyone guess why this picture is important?

I accidentally bumped into it when I did my ISIC card at STA Travel.

Oh, visited Greyfriars Kirk as well!

Check it out here!

Today I did my Laundry inclusive of drying and none of my clothes shrink.

It was 2 pounds.

Yippie!

Breakfast today: Oatibix with banana, cranberries and raspberry yogurt drowned in milk

Overwhelming.

That is how I felt when I attended my first meet with my school.

I met the lecturers/tutors. Here they termed them as tutors rather than lecturers. The word really represents that they aren’t lecturing rather guiding the students.

My class has 65 students.

Majority of them are Egyptians and Taiwanese. Last year there were 14 Malaysians and this year maybe only one.

I met Mark from Edinburgh and Tetsuya from Japan.

The bond is not there yet but I think it will improve next week during the party night where there is going to be a ceidilh hosted by my school. It’s a dance with pot luck – so wondering what to bring.

Besides the fun part comes the overload information part.

I have to take 4 core subjects (not the correct terms, but yeah basically) this term

(a)    Methodology

(b)    TESOL and the Learner (SLA)

(c)     TESOL curriculum

(d)    Research Methods  

Lectures are just one hour each week where the rest are just workshops. Workshops lean towards group discussion, presentation (either individual or group), micro teaching (for methodology…*groan*) and other stuff.

Essays are the meatier parts where it is either a do or die thing. During one senior’s time, they got to redo their essay (only the first) but not this time.

A lot of reading has been mentioned and reminding us constantly that the library is our never ending source of information.

Yup I heard the message loud and clear! One good thing is that you don’t have to cram for examinations.

So all you have to do is read read read read, reflect, analyze and reanalyze, write and rewrite so you learn something.

During the session, I actually heard the whining and grinding sound of rusty cogs in my brain moving. Shocked but glad because I know that I am ready to hit the ground running.

But one thing I do know is that if you are close to the tutors, they can be really warm and fun. Witnessed one student hugging this really serious tutor and he transformed into a different person.

Will try to go to classes early next week as still finding my way around the building– my classes are situated at areas where it is so winding, maze-like and I forgot where is where.

I don’t know if it is the weather or the new place but I am feeling really peckish these few days. Gosh, I hope I don’t put on unnecessary weight. L

I bought their shortbread here…so nice…so nice…so crumbly and nice…aiyoh just nice! Training myself to just have one a day. No unnecessary weight!

Today has been pretty drizzly…it aint nice to walk in the rain but needed to get the tedious but important things out of the way i.e registration and bank accounts. Stuck on the latter but it has been taken care of!

Going in and out of the heavy drizzle takes a toll on someone. In weather such as this all that matters is snuggling under the duvet. Going out really takes someone with loads of resilience…oh yah did I mention I wash my face and brush my teeth with water the same temperature as ice water. It is SHOCKINGLY refreshing.

It’s back to the ole ‘rain and cold’ weather

(Leona Lewis – In A Moment Like This)

Waking up today (15.09.08), the weather seemed to have reverted back to the drizzly and wet look. It must be the in thing to be wet nowadays. As since I have gotten back my luggage, I have ditched my England training kit windbreaker and the black sweater to the magenta waterproof jacket (Thanks YH). The only suitable clothing here is a waterproof jacket with a hood. Brolly is not advisable as the strong wind would just give it a week life span.

Today I had mandarin yogurt and milk with oatibeex and cranberries and detox tea. As Monday is a local public holiday and I have nothing much to do, I decided to walk up to Edinburgh Castle.

As the rain was just a drizzle I felt it was alright going out besides if you are going to wait for a sunny weather here you probably have higher chances of winning the lotto. So I packed my trusty SLR and my PS.

I walked along Nicholson Street, turn right into Hunter Square and this was where things started to get quirky and interesting. Instead of walking up the Royal Mile and straight to the Castle, I took Cockburn Street. Starting from the Royal Mile onwards, the roads are cobbled. The best thing, there are small alleyways which are called ‘close’. So far all I have seen are listed as “XXX” close. I discovered there were actually shops or restaurants situated along the close. So there are actually small alleys connecting one street to another. This is necessary in my opinion to cut short travelling time. The terrain along the Royal Mile is hilly so if you can cut time through the hill rather than making a big turn, the huffy puffy climb up the stairs doesn’t sound so bad. I was out of breath at one staircase…it felt so far and long and there was this working couple happily trotting up the stairs. Yes…trotting. I think after a year here…I will be the most fittest Muarian!

I entered St. Gilles Cathedral. Beautiful in its own way. Then walked past The Hub…it is like Ticket Axcess but housed in a really gothic building. I will visit the place soon. Then passed the Witchery, a restaurant and The Whisky Factory and up to Edinburgh Castle. The view is gorgeous but I rather do Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat will be next on my list for inspiration. It has such beauty, exudes strength with such serenity and is just awe-inspiring.

After getting my bearings, Edinburgh doesn’t feel so big though I have yet to visit the New Town and the neighboring areas. I have yet to take the bus as well which I will do so in the near future.  There is an Ikea and a Citibank but way out of Edinburgh center…so there are a few things here to explore yet and I still need to get my bearings.

(Listening to Sara Bareilles – Little Voice album)

It’s 0613. I woke up early then normal due to two reasons (actually 0430). One is the anxiety of getting back my luggages and the second my tummy was growling.

My journey began from Malacca where LM and ML sent me to the airport from my aunt’s place. When I was travelling from Muar to Malacca, I started to appreciate the sunshine, the green trees, the joy of just driving, the culture that make up Malaysia for who she is and going to miss the joy of hanging out with relatives and friends. It began to sink in that I am going to be gone for a year. It might not be long, everything will end in a blink of an eye, yet you can’t help feeling that it is going to be a long lonely journey.

I met up with my sisters and my brother-in-law at the airport. I wanted to treat them at Eden but I had to wait ½ hour for an empty table so decided to do McD’s. The laughter and teasing of my sisters and friends made me heavy hearted. Messages and calls from dear friends amplified this feeling. At 2130 I took my first step to realize my goal of doing my post-grad studies in Edinburgh. The last image of my family and friends of them was waving their hands when I was heading to immigration.

I stepped into the train to get to the satellite building and at this point it hadn’t really sunk in yet that I am really really starting my journey. I hung out at the Golden Lounge. It is a huge place for travelers on business and first class chilling out before taking their flight. There is a concourse area with plenty of comfortable settees. There is a massage room and spa at the end of the lounge. A putting room for avid golfers and a play area for kids. Didn’t hang out that long and decided to check in. I was lucky I got in early as the line to the waiting room was long.

For the first time in my life I didn’t have to wait for my seat number to get on the plane. I had hot towels, champagne, good appetizers and a good Malaysian breakfast and the best of them all is a full-reclining  seat – for the first time being able to sleep 8 hours. I didn’t even watch movies. It was that comfortable. I am going to miss travelling in this manner. When I woke up in the morning, it finally sunk in that I am FINALLY doing my post-grad in a RENOWNED university. It was such a humbling feeling. 

Got into LHR (London Heathrow) and had to transit to Terminal 5. This is when Murphy’s Law struck. First of all, I had to wait in queue for immigration, then was asked to fill in a medical form at the end of the immigration area. Thankfully I had all my reports with me so the process took less than 5 minutes. Entered the departure area at Terminal 5 which I had to wait ½ hour for the gate to start flashing on the electronic board. Terminal 5 departure area is really huge. I think it has the same area as KLIA satellite building. I enjoyed my first sunrise in England and then I was abroad the BA flight to EDI. The service aboard domestic flights is pretty much the same as the domestic flights back home but the one thing that stood out is the speech by the flight attendants. The captain chirping in with ‘…paying attention to the safety procedures demonstrated by our fabulous crew (a slight pause) as there might be a quiz at the end of the flight.’ (I grinned here). The head attendant reporting ‘…passengers are settling in nicely, and this would allow us to take off nicely but it’s not so nice for the carry-on baggages.’ (I grinned here as well.)

I touched down at EDI and waited for my luggages and voila it didn’t follow me on this flight. One baggage will come in with the 1245 flight and the other one will came in with the 1900 flight. The BA baggage service officer told me I would get both my luggages around 1500 – 1700. I told myself – oh that’s not so bad. Then 1700 came and gone, called back and they told me the dispatch service will be sending it with the 2^nd luggage ETA 2000 which will come in around 2100 – 2200 and guess what…it didn’t! So I am typing this  without my luggages which have all my essentials.

To overcome this slight problem – once I registered for my accommodation, I did a little grocery shopping at TESCO metro for breakfast and getting cutleries and other ‘room’hold stuff. Dumping my stuff back at my room and spend some time in the toilet – I took to conquering and getting my bearings of Edinburgh New and Old Town.

The first priority for me is getting a UK mobile no. Tick that. Then shopped for clothing – bought 2 tees, inner garments and towel and toiletries.  One question that is definitely preying on your mind is – why didn’t she packed some essentials if she knew such mishap will happen? Well – I had run out of quota for carry-on luggage.

My first impression of Edinburgh – it is NOT like London or Paris. The degree of bustling is 100x less then London. You might think that you are in Reading.  It has such a pleasant atmosphere. My residence faces Arthur ‘s Seat – a dead volcano…and the view is gorgeous when it is not misty or drizzling. Unfortunately my room doesn’t face Arthur’s  Seat.

(Listening to The Rapture – Pieces of the People album)

Some streets in Edinburgh are still cobbled. You can literally feel your teeth rattling if your public transportation travels those roads. I haven’t taken the busses yet but it is not worth it go on the bus as each trip costs 1£ 10 p. Your route could be as long as one stop of 12 stops but each trip is 1£10p…so people here opt to walk despite the fantastic transportation services.

Today will be a hectic day for me as I have an International Event to attend at McEwan Place, and hopefully to get my luggages today and a pizza dinner tonight with my residence.

Tomorrow will be a journey of many the miles.

When I leave for the airport tomorrow – these few lines will be going through my mind.

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday;
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own.

There won’t be news and updates immediately from me as I would need to find my bearings (and get CONNECTed as well).

Just something to tantalize your senses – reading my blog won’t ever be the same again. Watch out for the new and improve blog!  

This is definitely MY @ family. 

My TESL muses – one of them off to bemused in Melb