Good old Shanghai bund

Finally amazing Shanghai!
My friend brought me to Pudong to show me the beautiful bund from Pudong. The park that I used to go in the past only has a Starbuck, but now flooded with many dessert stores and restaurants. Frankly speaking, I still preferred the park 3 years ago where it was less commercialised.
Anyway, it is really good to be back to Shanghai. Despite of the hot and humid weather, I still find my sense of belonging to this place.
Well, I found myself in Shanghai!

P/S: Beautiful Shanghai bund by Night (view from Pudong)

Hua Shan Lu

The road is located in the French Consession area. I don't know why I picked this title, perhaps my hotel is just by HuaShan Road or perhaps the view of my hotel room is at the junction of HuaShan and XingGuo Roads. I never cherised the French consession area when I first arrived in 1997. However, as I read on books about Shanghai 1930's, I began to get interested in this subject matter. Anything about Shanghai at 1930's is appealling to me. From that on, I always followed the books in search of the old Shanghai and pondering on the different people that once upon a time stayed in some of the big mansion along this area.
I don't know why I choose this topic, it doesn't look very french, very chic now, but if I could follow those books and imagine about the time in 1930's, it really seems very enchanting and memorable to me.
Photo 1: The quiet road of HuaShan Road
Photo 2: The junction of HuaShan and Xinguo, view from my room

Heavenly Massage

Tonight, after the drinks and dinner, I suggested to go for body massage to recover from the tiring long haul flights and jet lag.
I brought my colleagues to my usual massage salon (thanked God the place still exists). I had a wonderful 2 hours body massage.

Radisson Xing Guo Hotel

Well how to I described the hotel ...it is situated at the French Conssession area (which in fact is my favorite area to explore by foot in search of 1930s Shanghai. The hotel comes with some famous history and is built within a park where apart from the Hotel tower, there are a couples more bungalows and President Mao has stayed in one of them before.
For some reasons, I was given the executive suites which sounds really promissing when I first entered the door. A massive bed(photo 1), a proper working table (photo 2) and also a really big dressing room (photo 3), let alone the marble both room and the reading and TV area.
For the moment, I count it a blessing although I kept doubting despites of the 'grand' design, the room wasn't built for practicality.

Shanghai Actually

Finally after 11 hours, I have arrived Shanghai safely. As soon as I stepped out of the airport, I was overwhelmed by the heat (34C) and the humidity must be about 95 %. The client arranged transfer pick up from the airport and brough me to Radisson Xing Guo in style. The photo was taken from the limo during my journey from Pudong Airport to Hotel. I was given a executive suites.

Op weg naar Shanghai

Today I finally departed for Shanghai... after much uncertainties and many months of waiting... finally the client still decided that I should go.
I know the Lord is granting the desire of my heart too. This is a special trip because it is also the first time that I am flying business (in the sense buying a business class ticket) long haul to Shanghai.
The photo taken at the Schiphol immigration gates, look how excited about the departure...
Shanghai here I come

Happy Birthday Johannes, my beloved husband

On this special day I wish you the very best from our Lord Jesus. I hope our very dream will come through soon. May God bless you and keep you.

The end of a new beginning

After a month of waiting, the project that I am working on in London finally announced the decision. The client decided to continue the partnership with my company but will switch to another technology.
Perhaps this is really in line with my prayers or rather God has answered the desire of my heart.
Working in London is fun but it also produces the side effects of long working hours and stress. What can I say..., working in London is just the same as working in Hong Kong, long over time, stressful environment, dynamic and decision changes over seconds... I have been there, done that and I don't want to be in that sort of environment any more. Despites of the fun of London, a bustling city with lots of good restaurants, musical and going on (especially in summer months), I still feel the need to draw everything to an end.
Now that the decision is made by the client, the choice is clear that I have to start rolling off the team members over the next few weeks. Due to the transition, I will be the last person to roll -off perhaps in September.
Anyway, I have seen London in Spring, Summer and perhaps a bit epilogue to the Autumn, but I don't see the need to remain here to ochestra the 12 countries which will consume all my energy.
I would be delighted to conclude my life in London sometime in September so that I can gain my real life with SOL2 perhaps starting in September.
Thank You Lord for answering my heart's desire.....

Footloose

26th July is the first time I stepped into the theatre after many months in London. I supposed I picked the 'right' day as it was the warmest day in the year so far, the temperature was soaring as high as 37 degree even after the dark.

First of all, due to the temperature, the ride on the London underground was indeed an experience. If I am allowed to associate this with an experience of having sauna in a very packed sauna cabin that moving on the track, the ride is certainly match to that description.
The pre-theatre dinner took place at Convent Garden, food was alright but eating during pre-theatre rush hour was no real enjoyment to me.

Footloose taken place at a rather small and old theatre. The musical is acceptable, not really great as the vocal and singing didnÂ’t live up to the show case performance.
However, I do like one of the story where city boy Ren was trying to convince the village to breakfree for dance again. He uses the example of King David where he quoted dancing is a form of worship and God delighted in it.

For more information : http://www.footloosethemusical.co.uk/main.html

3 in 1 Birthdays

It is coninsident that a few of us within the circle of family celebrating birthday on the same month and what's more on the same day or a day before.
Here Christiaan Khauw and me born on the same day (different year :p) and the next generation Johnathan Khauw also celebrating his first birthday on 14th July.
Of course the little one gets all the attention.
God bless us, the birthday boys and girl.

Time Square in London

This is the street view of Picadilly circus. On a rather warm summer evening, my colleague and me walked all the way from Marybone to China Town area in crave for some serious food. After our hunger was satisfied we decided to walk back to hotel instead of taking any form of transportation. We passed by this square and I paused and wonder am I in NYC? Indeed the light and the triangle junction and of course the crowd that trafficing the cross over ressembled New York City and also the number of theatres around this area that match up to the reputation.
Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to me

Today is my 35th Birthday. This year I have chosen to celebrate in a quiet way, not because I am anti-social but it is just that I want to spend more quality time with my husband.
I am too busy lately, spending most of my days in London and so having time together with him is already a blessing to me.
It is also for the first time I took the flight to Rotterdam. The journey was alright as it was a clear and sunny day.
I also finally managed to find time to go to hair salon to have my hair cut. Look a lot more summery now.
The photo shows the birthday gifts given by my beloved husband. He just knew what I wanted and it was exactly the shower cream that we both love so much.
Well, if you ask me what I really desire for my special day? I guess nothing more than granting me a child, I want to be a mother. That's all I asked for Lord!
Happy Birthday to me, and may my wish come true!

A new home for me

Today as I returned home past midnight and the new house welcomed me.
New house not because it is the new one but simply because we have just made a few renovation to our house.
We now have a new front pavement and most importantly the word B.E.T.H.E.L is now up on the wall. Finally it marked the official declaration of our desires of wanting to call our new house BETHEL, which means the House of the LORD.
JESUS may You dwell days and nights in our humble home and may our home be a blessings to others. Let your fragances fill our house in Jesus' Name.

Suprise from HRX

Today HRX surprised me with a box of donuts (in replacement of birthday cake) during the break hour of the Blueprint workshop.

Worldcup Final - Viva Italia

Tonight I watched the worldcup final with about 30 people, squashing in a nice house somewhere in Notting Hill. We had the majority of Italians present, I believe there are more than 20 of them with Italian blood somewhere back in time or real die hard Italian. The Dutch, French and Malaysian are really the minority.
That was a good games, it was fun watching the match with Italians. They are so expressive, and shouting and screaming in Italian.
Finally the worldcup concluded with Italy wining the cup.
What a good way to conclude tonight!
Viva Italia.

Notting Hill

Remember the movie Notting Hill? Where Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts acted and the shoots were taking wholly in Notting Hill.
Today, I decided to took the stroll in Notting Hill and the Portebello Road. It was already late afternoon when we set off, despites of that we still have some good late afternoon sunlight.
The Portebello of course is quiet but as I walked passed I did like this area very much. There are enough expensive housing, my favorite Ngonya restaurant and also Kesington Temple.
I also walked passed the private garden where I recalled in the movie, both of them climbed in through the gate in the middle of the night....

Dinner at James Street

This is the rather famous along Oxford street and these days I frequented quite oftenly for dinner.
The terrace was great, today (8th July) a group of us came here for our dinner. Eva is still with us, and so it was fun. The key word of the night was 'massive'. Trully the portion of the food is massive. I ordered a lamb nuckle and it turn out to be much bigger than I expected, let alone finishing it.

London Roof Garden

This weekend I couldn't make it home due to the workshop. Friday night after the work, the crew decided to give ourselves a break before continue to work on Saturday.
Our dear friend Eva Luisi was in town. Someone came out with an idea to go to Roof Gorden in South Kesington Street. Apparently if you were not on the guest list, it was almost impossible to get into the club. Fortunately Anouk has some connection and expand the guest lists for us.
We arrived and noticed the long queue of people waiting to go in. It looks exclusive and reminded me of those Sex in the City series where Samantha has to use her PR connection to get into the club. We managed to walk in without standing in the line. The roof Garden has the view of London. It was quite impressive!
The dinner was great although it was rather pricey. Finally we got into the club and realise there is another open space with some spanish/mexican live band. The weather was perfect for openair and so Eva and myself chatting and drinking all night. It was past 4am when we were ascorted out the club.

For more information, check out http://www.roofgardens.com/home_flash/

Our 1st Marriage Blessing Ceremony

3rd July became a very special day since our marriage was blessed by our Senior Pastors at DCF church.
It is rather a good day because it will always be in the summer, whilst our official wedding date 25 October is always a groomy day as the winter time usually set on around that period.
We were both very busy with our work, but despite of that we made a point to celebrate this very special occassion even it fall on Monday.
We went to Schevenigen and it was way passed usual dutch dinner timing. We ended up at a seafood restaurant by the beach. Despite the food was not as great, but the sunset was romantic. It was a special day to remember because since that day, our relationship has turn ever better.
Thank you Jesus, for everything, for my wonderful husband.

First ever real summer BBQ

Yesterday the temperature finally soared above 25 degree.
It was rather hot, but not really unbearable though.
Johannes invited his friends Natasha and Daniel, Aaron and a Chinese friends to the BBQ at our garden.
The weather was lovely, we grilled slowly and by the time we ended our BBQ it was almost past midnight and yet we were sitting and chatting at the garden.
What a perfect weather, nice companions and enjoyable dinner.

Laat het huis gevuld zijn

Laat het huis gevuld zijn met wierook van an-bidding
Laat het huis gevuld zijg met de wolk van Mijn Geest
Laat het huis gevuld zijn me thet Brood van eeuwig leven
Laat het huis gevuld zijn met Mijn geur

Want ik wil koment met Mijn Geest
En doorwaaien heel het huis
Ik wil het maken tot een tempel waar ik woon
Laat Mijn leven in je zijn
Ik maak je heilig, puur en rein
Laat het levend water stormen door je heen

Laat het huis bekleed zijn met kleden van fijn linnen
Laat het huis bekleed zijn met gerechtigheid en trouw
Laat het huis gekleurd zijn door het bloed van Uw Zoon Jezus
Laat het huis gereinigd zijn en schoon
Want U wilt komen met Uw Geest
En doorwaaien heel het huis
U wilt het maken tot een tempel waar U woont
Lat Uw leven in ons zijn
Maak ons heilig, puur en rein
Laat het leven water stromen door ons heen

Heer wij roepen tot U
Kom opnieuw met Uw vuur
Wij verlangen naar echtheid
Bewerk het diep in ons hart

Heer wees welkom met Uw Geest
En doorwaai nu heel het huis
Kom en maak het tot een tempel waar U woont
Laat Uw leven in ons zijn
Maak ons heilig, puur en rein
Laat het leven water stromen door ons heen

Lommerijk - A summer wedding

24th Jun is one of my closest sister in christ's wedding.
The Lord blessed in many ways, the weather was just fine and resembled a typical summer day should be. The location made the whole even t perfect as it was a warm summer day and we were partying at a restaurant by a lake.
I trully feel blessed because we were one of the previllage that being invited to the wedding. The location has a limitation of 300 people and surely it is hard for Amelia to decide and I am delighted to be one of 300.
Lord bless Amelia and John Markus, both of them love you and desire to serve you.

Longest day

I watched the news in the morning and realised that today or tomorrow will be the longest day in the sense with the longest daylight.
I went out for managers dinner with our senior executive, and returned to my hotel and still see the nice sunray of the late evening. The photo is the view from the hotel room.
I quickly took my camera and capture the very moment.
The daylight will be getting shorter and very soon, we will be in the cold dark winter again.
Just as the old wisdom says 'There is a time and season for every activity under the sun'.

Dinner with the ladies

Today, 5 ladies from our cellgroup went out for dinner.
It is amazing that all of us actually made a point to leave our beloved the other half and spending time together.
We had Thai food somewhere at the old town of Scheveningen.
The food was excellence, the fellowship was great. It was a great day too..

Efteling

Today, we went to De Efteling. The weather was just fine, a bit chilly in the morning but as the day progress it became really hot in the afternoon.
I was thrilled as I walked into the part and met with Efteling.
The photo showed me and Mr. Efteling.

Rose Garden

It is to my surprise that all the flowers are blooming in my garden. I am impresed with the red roses that fully over blossom. Also the white ones and the two new climb roses that we purchased not too long ago and transplated to the ground and is climbing high and started blooming.
I am also impressed by the Lavender that we planted in our front garden. Everything is so colourful and beautiful.
The Lord has made it perfect, despite of the wildly grown grass, we are still blessed by beautiful flowers.

I remember some rylic of the song goes "...Roses are red, violet are blue, true love is sweet my love...but not as sweet as you..."
I welcome you roses...

Orange Fever

Well, it is world cup again. I have never seen that much of orange objects in the last 3 years apart from during the Queen's day. The photos above were my eye witness of the orange fever at my neighbourhood.
The Dutch team's performance was not bad, but not really excellence. Football really brings the world together, bring the family and friends closer. It also creates some sense of 'unity' and definately better spending power during the world cup period.

Life beside St Paul's church London

Today I was told that I need to stay over the weekend to help the proposal work. At 6pm, just as I started to feel really tired and grumpie over the workload and was expecting another long night work, the managers suddenly annouced and in face insist that all of us must leave the office now.
They have decided that we should not work on further but have an early day so that we can get going tomorrow.
Since the weekend work will be at the eastern part of London, I booked myself to a hotel nearby the office.
In fact I don't know how to react to this sudden annoucement of leaving early. It took me awhile to know that it is a good thing that happen to me. Anouk, Leonard and myself went out for a drink - the British way, ie. standing outside the pub and enjoying the late afternoon sun while German was playing the first world cup match.
IT was surprise that the hotel just next to St. Paul's Cathederal. Nice location, away from Marybone and bustling Oxford street.
God did answer my prayer afterall. :)

It there life afterall??

Finally the weather in London has turned two folds warmer. Yet, this is a week, I am working on a average of 20 hours a day.
The weather is so fine, but yet I am in the building all day. I sincerely hope that next week will be better.
Help me to endure this week and hopefully everything will fall back to the same again.
Sunshine, Summer I welcome you but don't leave me before I meet up with you and enjoy you.

A Passage to India

The last night in London concluded perfectly with a 'Passage to India'. We decided to have Indian food and by no better reason or whatsoever, we chosen La Porte des Indes which is probably the closest Indian restaurant that I know.
I definately didn't anticipate that there is an 'oasis' in the restaurant. I originally thought it was just a little indian restaurant but it turned out with an secret oasis and garden. The setting was in the British Indian colonial style. At the centre of the restaurant, there is a man-made waterfall with over blossomed paradise bird. This is definately going to be a high indian with a price and expectation to match.
The fact that there are lots of indians came here for dinner is an guarantee to the quality of the food served. We ordered our individual dishes and it came out perfectly done.
The Icelanders couple next to us also added extra conversation to our dinner experience.
Overall, the food was excellence, the embience was great, and the price is off course there to match.
Then again, how often we can enjoy life like that, a little pamper to ourselves would'nt hurt. I count it a blessing to be able to enjoy good food with my beloved half.

Our new HP printer

For years we have been using a laid back printing technology at home. Despite of recognising the need to replacing it and catch up with the technology, we just couldn't come to an agreement of the sort of printer we want. Johannes wanted an all-in-one laser which I felt is over spec for our humble home office.
Finally we decided on this one HP Office Jet 7210 All-in-One. Even though it of injet technology, I still marvelled at the speace and the high quality product of it. The copying and printing features were great, still need to get use to the scanning tool and yet too try out the faxing modem.
With HP 7210 in our studyroom, it does brighten up my printing, and it comes with colour. :)

A view from my London office window

Photo: (1st: a view of Wallace Collection on a groomy day from my desk, 2nd: the setting up of the shooting on another day)
As you may know I am now working on a project in London. The office is by Manchester Square and literally next to Wallance Collection. I am blessed to have a seat next to the window where I can pause and embrace the non-stop motion outside the window.
Wallace collection appeared to be a very attractive place, lots of visitors, tourist, stylish of that sort hopping in and out the mesuem. On a good sunny days, people lunching, picnicing at the fields.
Sometime I wonder why am I doing inside the office building while people are enjoying the good day outside.
I took this two pictures by my window, there was one morning where I saw the crews setting up the light as if there will be a shooting (movie or documentary) taking place in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn't see any rich and famous but just the motion of setting up and dismentaling all the equipment. Nevertheless, it keep me busy that day :D.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Reunion

Tuesday 16 May, I met up with Vicky and Charles, Yip and Marc in London.
Yip and Vicky are my goodfriends and we met in Hong Kong. We started as colleagues and eventually they both left the company earlier than me. We remain good friends since today.
Vicky and Charles lived briefly in Netherlands while Yip married to Marc not too long ago and they live in Richmond, greater London.
The meeting was fun, a lot of catching up and also thanks to Vicky who helped me to source for my new digital camera. I am now back in candid shots again. My new digital camera remain Canon IXUS, simply because I know the operating mode. This time I have the latest model IXUS 800IS.
We had Lebanese food along Egware Road, on Charles's recomendation based on close distance from my hotel, cheap and of reasonable quality.
It is a good catchup, lots of chatting, sharing and laughing. It is a pity Johannes was not around, otherwise I will feel more complete, but there is always next time.

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day. There are some celebrations in the church, and as usual, it is kind of weird for me. In Indonesia, a lady who has married is called 'Ibu' which in Malaysia, Ibu is always reference to 'Mother'.
Pastor Vivie called for a combined cell meetings and handed out this very specially printed, highly personalised card to us.
It also followed by a special message out from Bogota, the head of G12 movement. It talks about the Spiritual Blessing in Christ, and being a women, a wife, and a mother (AMEN!), women are special to God.

Ephesians 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ

Freedom to believe

Today is Mother's day, Paster Assien came to our church and he preached on the following points.

• What you believe is base on what you hear
• What you believe in, determine how you behave
• What you believe, is what you receive

The supporting scriptures are from the following:
Mark4:24 - "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.

Mark 11: 23 -24 - "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours

Lord, thank you for lifting my pressure and stress. Thank you that I am indeed set free in this area. All I want to do is to 'Simply Believe' that You have the best plan for me. AMEN

Bye Bye Canon IXUS40

Well, for those of you wonder why I have been silence for awhile....
The reason is, I have destroyed my digital camera. On my first return trip from London, I bought a bottle of water with a non-secure cap. The bottle cap probably opened during the flight without me realising it. The water is soughing in my handbag, my beloved Canon which has followed me for many years to many places. The disaster doesn't stop there, it almost destroyed my passport and my purse. This 'mini' Katrina has nearly caused an unrecoverable damage to me (I mean everything in my handbag), but thankfully I had a lether cover for my passport which serve as a protector.
It is a pity to say good bye to my digital camera, I know there is no point to repair it as it would cost probably more than a new one.
Canon IXUS 40, it is time for your retirement and rest in peace. I will cherish every photo that I have taken with you.

blomen in Lente

Spring time is always an excited time for me.
Imagine the fields full of flowers, patches of red, purple, pink, yellow. It is as if the cold dark winter has come to an end and is treading the grey and rainy sky with the wonderful colours on the fields.
It hasn't been many flowers so far, since the spring was rather cold this year, but I was impressed by the patches of tulip fields that I saw along the flower heartland around Lisse.
Thank you for brighten up my life.
Spring I welcome you.

Piered Plam and Infected Fingers, who suffer more?

Today is good friday, my tumb infection is getting worse. The infection began a night before I left for London but it is getting worse and also affected a few other fingers.
Who is to blame? Certainly not good friday but my own mistakes. I bite or pull the dry cuticles out from my nails quite oftenly. Normally it will not be infected but this time, it seems to be out of control and spreading.
Went to the doctor, get them cleansed and wrapped. Above all, I have to take antibiotics to fight the infection.
Suddenly I have something to ponder about on this special Good Friday....
If such a nail infection is already hurting so much, how much did my Lord Jesus suffer on the cross? How much pain He endured when His nails are pierced?
When I think of this, my suffering become so insignificant.
Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me.
AMEN.

First week in London

It is hard to imagine the shift from Sandviken, Sweden a small little village to Manchester Square, near Oxford street London.
Well, here I am in London, where my new project begins. At the moment, the project is only till end of May, but with the option to extend for another 9 months.
London, reminded me of Hong Kong and now working in London even bring back the memories of my time in Hong Kong. The hotel room is extremely small, to the extend it is only for sleep. I am yet get use to the idea that space is precious and expensive in London.
As aspected, working in UK project is always tiring, I have spent long hours in defining scopes, processes and etc. However, it does enrich my career because of the work that I am doing is actually pretty new. Not so much of the content but on project planning.
The first week went well, though a bit lonely and as any big city, it is akward to dine alone.
Hopefully next week will be better.

Stockholm Ice Bar

Today, I arrived Stockholm around 5pm and met up with Jenny, Tara and Eva at Athlen City.
We went to a cafe for food and then hop on to the famous Stockholm Ice Bar.
It was cool to meet up with the girls as Eva and Tara are going back to US tomorrow.
It was fun and cool in the icebar and drinking from a glass that made of ice. The big mama photos are kind of funny.
Eva, I am going to miss you and it has been nice working with you for the last 8 months in Sandviken.
This trip is probably my last trip to Sweden as well.
Farewell, Stockholm!

American Shutters

Last Friday our long waited american shutters blinds finally arrived and installed.
Since I discovered this in Alexanderium, I just refused to install a normal or rather ordinary curtain in our living room. American shuttlers were quite expensive and since we refused to settle for second best, we waited till the timing is right, or rather when the finance is viable to get this done.
The shuttle was just perfect for our home, it kind of neutralizes the chinese with essent of thai. The house is very tropical and the dark wood colour stands out further with the yellow wall. When the sun panetrate through the shuttles, the living room became so charming with the shadow.
It is exactly as what I have imagined in the first place.
We waited for a year to get this. It is definately worth the waiting. See it yourself.

Back to Netherlands Office

I must admit that it has been a long time since I last sit in Apollolaan.
First week of unbillable due to the fact that Sandvik is over and Unilever has not started.
Definately a good ground to speak the Dutchie Language.
Also embarking the never ending of 'files' - trafic jam during the rush hours.
I wonder how long I can stand...
Well, at least stop being a flying dutchman for a while...