Berjaya Hills - a place for escapism

When you feel fed up with your life, be it student or working, and you want to escape from all that stress coming from family, friends, and take the ones you loved most to somewhere cooler.

You think Genting Highlands, but it is definitely not a place to relax. A place to play, a place to have fun maybe, but definitely not a place to relax. I've tried to relax there and sadly I couldn't because Genting is not somewhere where I can sit down and take a book and read. Definitely not. Cameron Highlands is also a place to relax but there are too little commercial areas, plus they don't have public transport, at least not much. I'd suggest Cameron Highlands if only I know how to go.

Which is why I opted for Berjaya Hills, mainly Colmar Tropicale.

Berjaya Hills is located about 2700 metres above sea level, alongside the Karak Highway. It takes about 1 hour to reach to Berjaya Hills from Berjaya Times Square. Me and Ephyon opted for their chaffeur services, priced at RM25 for one trip, and RM40 for return trips per person. We thought that they used a bus to bring us up but it still doesn't explain the price to be so high, until we were escorted to a SUV with another couple inside. We were the only couples inside the SUV and off we went to Colmar Tropicale.

Berjaya Hills is separated by three different areas worth a visit, which are: Colmar Tropicale, Japanese Village, and Rabbit Park.

Colmar Tropicale is basically a French themed village brought and built over by the real village Colmar itself. In it you will never see anything Malaysian other than the workers working there. In fact it is purely French. From the moment you enter inside it.

Colmar Tropicale is also basically a hotel on its own. Separated by buildings all named after flowers, from A - H. Reception site is of course Azalea, then the rest are literally just hotel rooms, each with different shops at the ground floor. Most of these hotel ground floors were filled with a restaurant. And most of these restaurants are not titled as Rasa Sayang restaurant. No, instead, its fully French, like Le Flamme, Le Poulet Roti, Le Blason, Le Chigonge, etc. Try your luck in finding which one is the one with the local cuisines. (Although I'll tell you which in a minute).

Outside the entrance of Colmar Tropicale are a pond that has black and white swans. And like the Aparteid movement, these swans are separated from fraternising with each other. Probably the guys at Berjaya Corps think that they want beautiful and genuine quality swan, not some gray ugly swan that resulted from fraternisation. But it was good anyway because tourists are allowed to feed the swans. And somehow these people are rational enough not to feed them anything else other than bread.

This is how Colmar Tropicale looked like from the Bell Tower. And in my opinion it looks fantastic and nothing locally seen. Haha.

What about the food? I would recommend La Flamme and Le Poulet Roti. I have been to three restaurants and these two are much better compare to the last one. La Flamme is obviously the best among the rest, with their thin crusted pizzas (think real Italian pizzas, not Pizza Hut pizzas), it was very scrumptious and tasty, which I believe they really cooked in the oven whenever you ordered. It may be a little pricey but it's better than not getting anything to eat. Or eating just Chipters and Twisties.

Le Poulet Roti is basically roasted chicken with other things with it. Think Kenny Rogers, in but in French. Just roasted chicken, and some side dishes to go with that, plus a dessert of the day. That's basically it. If you like your chicken then go ahead, but if not I suggest stick to Le Flamme because they have more food varieties ranging from western style, to pastas.

The third one is Le Blason, it was simply a restaurant filled with a mix and match, providing food from local cuisines to western grills. When I said local cuisine, it is typically any local food we can find in Kuala Lumpur itself, except when at the hills, it severely overpriced. A nasi lemak, curry laksa, fish head curry, all the local food are priced at 18++. But why did I and my boyfriend eat there? Because Le Flamme was full with people on a lunchtime. It was a Sunday, all the families unfortunately, are there.

My boyfriend and I had to settle for Le Blason. He ordered a fried rice and I ordered Fish head curry. I was thinking that if I have to order something local, at least eat something more exquisite. It's not like I get to eat fish head curry all the time.

That was a friggin mistake. I waited for 45 minutes for my food to be here, and I was famished. I had to nibble a few prawns and rice from my boyfriend's dish. Asking waiters for the condition of the food proved to be futile, because apparently most of them are trainees who doesn't know how to react to situations like these. I HAD to ask the F & B captain (note: CAPTAIN. So-called leader of this horde) what is going on, and his explanation was as stupid as an amateur's.

"I'm sorry, we are busy with the orders. Very busy". He said that, BLATENTLY at my face, ignoring the fact that I am not BLIND. There were only THREE tables out of the THIRTY tables that were full! And they are implying that preparing for the people who ordered ala carte is simply HARD. And I waited for a GOOD, 45 minutes before deciding to leave when they finally came with the food. Oh thank goodness. And the curry wasn't even great, but I ws pouring it out to my steamed rice in fury. It was a costly RM40 meal, and it was goddamn not worth it at all!

And the problem is, we bought the holiday package, which comes with a breakfast buffet for the next day. Ephyon kept reassuring me that the breakfast might be better, because there are many restaurants we know for hotel industries, their ala carte may be so-so, but their buffets should be awesome.

The next morning, he was the one cursing. Because the turkey ham was not flavourful, the cheese was yucky, the roti canai looked like those packaged ones from the hypermarket where you just put in the oven, and the hash browns were soggy. Yeuch, the only saving grace was the cereals, because it ain't made by them. And my boyfriend said that even the next time we came here, and they give us the coupons, he's NOT going into the restaurant, EVER.

This is that restaurant:

this is my boyfriend's verdict:

this is my verdict:


Overall ratings: 7/10, Colmar Tropicale is definitely a place worth staying overnight. Don't bother with their night performances, don't bother with what they prepared for you, because those are for the kids, if you are just students and couples who want to enjoy life, just go and enjoy the picturesque scenery. I'm sorry to say that the service was all by the same waiters and waitresses if you go into any restaurant. I sure hope they are not from the Berjaya University of Hospitality and Tourism. If yes then it really speaks a lot about the way they train their servicemen. My ratings could've been higher if it weren't for that bad experience I had.

One thing about Berjaya Hills is that they provide Shuttle Services throughout the whole Hills. Because it's either you use their shuttle services, or use your car. You definitely cannot walk around with your feet unlike Genting Highlands. But don't worry about punctuality. These shuttles are very punctual. They are so punctual they came earlier than scheduled. And their drivers are polite and nice people who made sure everybody got their seats.

My boyfriend and I went to the Rabbit Park first. Despite the common and regular comments from other people about my boy (for those who knew us) on how fierce he looked, how serious he looked, and that he's big sized, he's a sucker for cute animals. Think Gentle Giant. But sadly we didn't get much of any pictures because there are very little rabbits around, compared to the time when I last came here, 7 years ago. Of course he tried holding up the rabbits but he never really succeeded in trying, I instead held up a lot of them, and letting my boyfriend cuddle it before they fidgeted and ran. I did took one picture of a very adorable baby rabbit.


This baby is only two months old and encaged. They were inside a penhouse that shows the process of baby rabbits from newborns to four-month-old bunnies. Personally I think it was a good thing because then the children cannot touch these babies, which could aggravate the mothers' "post-natal depression" and causing these poor buggers to be killed.

Overall ratings: 7.5/10. It's a park with the most bare of necessities, with a large field for the rabbits to run around. It's a very good place for parents to bring their children, because all children love to cuddle furry animals, and the parents can know how to let them touch one without worrying about claws and fangs.

Lastly, and the best, the Japanese village. One of the most expensive areas. And also the furthest. The Shuttle service drivers have to be very alert and concentrated because the road up the Japanese village is very steep and only expert drivers up mountains could do so.

Stepping into the Japanese village was a little bit like stepping into a new world. Nevermind the fact that we were already on top of the mountain, I was surprised that they recreated the whole Zen Garden, complete with perfectly carved walkway up into the Japanese Tea House. Inside it was a bridge that leads you to a rest stop, and you can purchase RM1 for a small packet of fish pellets. Yeap, you get to feed the Koi fishes.

These Koi fishes are all well-fed, but it was fun trying to feed them with pellets, as some of these fishes are very near our toes. I like to feed them by throwing it at a direction, and looking at the Koi fishes all nomming for the little pellet.

But that is not all about the Japanese tea house. You can rent a kimono suit at RM20 for the ladies who'd like to try on one, without suffering from all the layers and layers of cloth. It was basically for taking pictures only. Guys are not left out too as they can adorn the traditional suit at the same price.

After you finish exploring the Japanese tea house. You can walk back out and follow the signboard to the botanical garden. Or, rest and have a Japanese feast at Ryo Zan Tei Japanese restaurant. No doubt, it was literally translated as "Hut at a Cool Mountain", and that restaurant provides excellent mountain and greenery scenes. Here are two pictures taken by Ephyon using Sofia:

The food here, is really good. Very excellent if you know what you really like to eat. I am a person who likes spicyness to the core, so I was thrilled and chose the Miso Soba, that comes with a spicy miso soup. Ephyon chose the Sukiyaki set, with beef and steamed Japanese rice, because he likes Sukiyaki. This restaurant may be a tad pricey but only if you know what to choose to eat. We didn't drink Sake because it was expensive, instead we opted for the Japanese Green Tea. It doesn't disappointed because Chinese are tea drinkers, and we were able to taste the real deal when we tasted one.

Overall ratings: 8.5/10. The cool breeze, the whole Japanese like environment, the food. Everything here is great. We didn't go and try the Tatami Suite, I mean seriously RM1000 per night? Let me be a millionaire then we do the talking. The Tatami Spa too. I heard that you have to reserve for it, if not it won't be open. Such high classy places are not for students. But other than that, it should be a very nice place to enjoy, walk around, take pictures, feed koi fishes. Nothing fancy. But that's the whole purpose of the Japanese village in the first place.

Overall ratings for Berjaya Hills: 8/10. Never stay more than one night in Berjaya Hills because you'll get bored. One night is already enough unless there are other plans you have, like going up to Genting Highlands AFTER you are done with Berjaya Hills. But this place is definitely a place solely for relaxation. It is so good that you'll eventually forget the lousy service crew. I did forget it, that is why I don't need any compensation, unlike some other blogger. Heh.

This is purely my review and if it caused Le Blason to go bankrupt, please, don't flatter me. I ain't paid to give stupid reviews unlike *cough* starts with M *cough* ends with S *cough*. I did tell you there are a few drawbacks from enjoying it is that, you cannot go there for a 3 day holiday or one week holiday unless your stress was really so much that all you want to do is be bored. And don't expect classy service. The only think good is that the drivers are actually approachable. I was inside one whereby they stop in the middle of a steep hill because there was two people walking down and they asked if they need a ride. That was how nice they were.

Ah, maybe another time to go back up again when I'm piled with so much shit. Hopefully I won't have to deal with so much stress again.

P.S: Sorry for the formatting. Something is wrong with it. If you can read then thank you la. Sweat.

This is a filler post

To announce that I'm no longer emo, and I'm happy, and I'm currently tired. More posts coming soon about my trip.

Ip Man is awesome!! Wing Chun looks cool, teach me can?

Going to NZX or Ngao Che Shui. What the heck is that kind of name?

Christmas can be awesome!

My cousin will be moving into the house.

My sister will be learning how to drive (horror)

I'll be working

I'll be not nosy

Bloodsuns wonder why do the working class like to walk around shopping malls during worktime. "They don't have work?" according to him.

I know a few more truths. Not hurtful =D

I want to meet R. Nadeswaran.

I want to get my own access card and look professional.

Bunny!!

Okay, I talk enough. Bye bye

About learning Truths

I'm a winner in life.

Truth: No you are not. You are losing out. You don't deserve any pity because of your ignorance. You loser. You are losing your patience, you are losing your foundation, you are losing respect. How dare you said that you are a winner? You loser!

I have good friends in all stages.

Truth: No you don't! Look at your high school friends, do they even contact you? And please la, those coursemates of yours, only that few people will really share with you. You are not popular nor do you really have good friends. You lonely prick! No man's an island eh? You are that cursed island!

I don't mind if I'm hurt.

Truth: Yeah right! Listen to me la please. Don't tell me all those silent cries you were sobbing about whenever you get scolded by your mom or when your boyfriend did something that you didn't like are fake, all you do is cry, cry and cry. You never confront him and let him do what he wants. You actually mind but you are a stupid chicken to tell them because you don't want to hurt them. Pfft! Be more like me la, the Truth!

I can accept the pain about learning a few truths.

Truth:.........That, I can concur. I know it's hard for you, and I'm very painful.

I'm a journalist what, can la....

Truth: You said that yourself, okay? Don't backtrack and then tell a lie.

Lie: Hoi, who talk bad about me?

Truth: ME!!!

Lie: You pain in the ass!

Truth: I am what. Now only you know?

Moral of the story: The truth is always a pain in the ass

Motivation - The English Translation

I can't find anything else to talk about so I'll just translate the chinese story I put up as some of my friends have requested. But I might add a few English lingo because translating it fully with that Chinese way of storytelling make things very dull. My own comments will be at the end of the story.

-----That 30 year old secret-----

One evening, I was excitedly riding the motorcycle that my father had just gave me, and I was getting ready to go home from school. While waiting for the traffic lights, I saw my dad and his Ford.

When the lights go green, Dad was driving forward. I tried following him from behind because I wanted to give him a surprise. But wait a minute, he should be turning right so that he could head back to our house. I tried following him and during that journey, I passed three traffic lights. The Ford stopped by a florist, and I saw Dad coming down to receive a bouquet of lovely flowers. It was probably pre-ordered.

Odd, is it Mom's birthday? Is it the wedding anniversary already? Why is he buying flowers for Mom?

He took the flowers and drove off. I was curious, so I decided to stalk him. Dad didn't even turn back to head for home. He just keep going forward, and finally slowed down to an apartment. Dad went and press the doorbell. Not too long after that, a woman came down...when Dad saw her, he gleefully gave her the flowers. Both of them were having a romantic chat, and Dad politely opened the car door for her. And he drove off again.

My heart was skipping fast. I felt nervous, yet angry...my father, who never give flowers to Mom, who never opened a car door for her, is doing this! Everytime my dad goes out my mom would try to follow him behind, jogging!

"My major is history, so I must know the reason behind everything, know where my dad is going!" I rode the motorcycle and kept stalking him from behind, but at the same time I was afraid of getting caught. After that, the Ford finally stopped at a fancy restaurant. Dad was smirking and happy when he hugged "That Woman", escorting her into the restaurant.

That night I was sick with fury. I didn't want to go home, but I don't know what to do. I just take the motorcycle and roam around. But at 10.30pm, I still went back home. When I walked in, Dad and Mom were watching TV in the living room.

"You're back. Have you had dinner yet?" Dad still put up that concerned voice of his, and told Mom, "Quickly heat up the food, let our son eat".

"ALRIGHT ENOUGH! Stop it! Stop pretending!" I shouted at him, "You insignificant bastard! You don't have to pretend that you are such a 'good father'! You cheater!"

My parents were shocked to hear me say such words.

"Tell me! Who was that woman? Why are you giving her flowers? And bringing her out for a romantic dinner!" I was shouting so loudly I almost woke up the entire neighbourhood. "You cheater! You ain't scared of karma is it! Are you even human??"

He went white after hearing those words, and Mom, she just sat there, listening.

I turned towards her and said "MOM! Why aren't you speaking up for yourself?? You served him just like a maid! Everyday! Do you even know that he has a mistress, why aren't you even angry???"

Dad finally couldn't take it and went upstairs without a word.

"MOM! Stop being so naive can or not? You saved so much money just to let this bastard spend it on his woman! Like what people said, whenever a husband has an affair, the wife is the last ones to know. Look, even I knew it before you, so WHY aren't you speaking up??" I couldn't control myself from continuing to shout "Mom, just get a divorce! I'll call Sis home, we'll give you support!"

"STOP IT! STOP YELLING ABOUT YOUR FATHER!" Mom finally spoke "Your father, he has treated me well, really well"

"Mom! You are still saying these words??" I couldn't believe my ears. "He HAVE A MISTRESS! And You said he was treating you well?"

She wiped her tears off and slowly said "You CANNOT, call your sister back, she's married, and have her own family, please don't disturb her! Your sister, she's was in my womb for four months when your father married me. Your sister wasn't even his daughter...." She was sobbing really hard.

"When your father knew I was pregnant, and got abandonned by that man, he offered his marriage to me...let me have a will to continue on meeting people, have a will to continue on living..." she kept wiping away her tears and said "Your father knew that your sister was not his biological daughter, but still loved her so much, and offered to pay a large sum of dowry on her wedding day. Your father treated me very well, how can I complain?"

XXXXX

This was heard in a sharing session called "Growing up through Communication" when Jian Min told us that story. Even after so long, his eyes still water as he told the story above.

"The next day, when I saw my parents, I don't even know what to say. I just felt that this whole family concept was fake, I couldn't stand the environment!"

After that, Jian Min found an excuse to move out of the house, stating that workload was heavy and it's better to move to a place near the university. His parents never objected.

After graduating with a Major in History, and going for National Service, Jian Min found a teaching job, and also got into a relationship. At one time, he was telling the story of "that incident" again, to his girlfriend. And after listening to the story, his girlfriend said

"But don't you think your parents are actually very noble? Imagine living in an era that your parents lived when they were younger, if your dad didn't marry your mom, and let her be abandonned by a man and also with a four months' pregnancy, do you think she have the face and the will to live? She could have committed suicide. Will you exist then? And your father, even when having an affair was his mistake, but he knew long ago that your sister wasn't his biological daughter, but still treat her like family, and keep that 30 year old secret, if it was you, can you do it? Can you do better than your father?"

His girlfriend was seeing it from a third person's perspective, and she said "Even if you can't forgive your parents, at least pity them, because that 30 year old secret was burdensome and filled with pressure. And why couldn't you forgive your father's one mistake, when he treated you a hundred times better than that?"

Jian Min kept think about his girlfriend's words, especially that question "Can you do it if it was you? Can you do better than your father?"

"I realised that my father was really good to me and Sis. When we were sick, he'd spent sleepless nights making sure that we were okay. But I was cursing him, wishing him to die"

In the end, Jian Min said "Now I felt a lot of regret and remorse, why did I have to stalk my father, why did I have to be so caring about what he's doing. I study history that is why everytime I only want to see the truth, but after knowing it.....I really regret, why do I have to know so much?"

--------

The moral of that story was for Jian Min to stop himself and try to understand that sometimes even as their parents make mistakes, they shouldn't forget about their good deeds.

Of course the purpose wasn't really there as commented by one of the anonymous commenters because I think he was right, I couldn't see the real reason behind telling the story. So the reason is that because they married out of love so his father have the rights to go cheat on his wife? And that as a son Jian Min is supposed to understand why he is allowed to do that?

I don't know lah, Taiwanese are just weird sometimes.

But I call it my personal motivational piece was because I admire the level of tolerance portrayed by the wife. Granted, it could be the lack of her education but she was really forgiving. That is something hard to achieve by any women at all.

I feel for that woman especially since I'm in a relationship myself. I don't how to put it, but, insecurities will always be there. I cannot just say that I trust him fully, not after seeing so many heartbreaks.

But at the same time, I feel at awe over the women who could overcome really painful situations. I could relate to it. Almost.

But no, it wasn't my relationship. It was something that I have never talked about. Even Ephyon only knew about it today wtf.

It was like this. About 3 months after my father's demise, my mom wanted to clean out the closet, to rid of my dad's things, for donation purposes and also for more space. I was rummaging into some of my dad's younger stuff, like denim jackets, leather coats, and blazers.

And I was digging out the pockets of those blazers when I found a box of condoms. Being innocent as I was at 14, I took it out and showed it to my mom. I asked her what it was. She just answered condoms. I didn't know its usage back then. And she tried to explain it to me without giving out too much details so I sort of know what it really means.

Then she asked "where did you find them?" I told her I found it in a blazer.

With one look, she told me "That was your father's favourite blazer to wear when he goes up to Genting Highlands. Calls it his lucky blazer when gambling."

Favourite....blazer.....Genting......condoms.......oh no........

I was a little bit like Jian Min. I really wanted to know what was going on. Was he....cheating on my mom?

I tried asking her "Daddy, did he, did he, try to do something behind you? Did he...did he try.....?"

My mom's answer back then was so shocking, I'm still impressed with it.

She said, "I don't know, and I'm not interested to find out. He's already gone."

It was true. My dad, even if he could have done something behind her, he's not going to come into my dreams to explain the story behind everything. He was dead. And I don't hate a dead guy. Not until after I found out that he gambled my education funds which could have sent me to Australia down the drains anyway.

But I guess I still have that question in mind. But most importantly, I still love my dad.

Would you?

Stuck

I'm really confused with what I really want for myself in my life.

I've got good friends, and a good lover and a good family.

I'd like to do stuffs on my own sometimes. But at times, when I want to do those things, I always have to consider the approval of a few people.

1) My mom

2) Myself

3) My boyfriend

My mom used to be the very fussy person and always interrogating me on who and where am I going. That was before I have a handphone and definitely before I went to university. Now it is very different as she know that I have my own life. All I have to do is call home to inform someone, and sms her what I'm doing and that's it. I'm free to go.

Myself. Erm....I always asked myself if I really want to be part of something. There are a few times I rejected because I myself didn't really want to be part of it. I felt guilty rejecting Rin's sincere invitation so many times. Heh, but part of me wanted to stay at home, or be lazy, or just do what normal students do.

My boyfriend.....

Urgh.....I cannot tahan...sometimes I'll tell him I want to go somewhere to do my stuff. He'll ask questions. And not just one question. It's TONS of questions. He was even fussier than my mom sometimes and it was all for my safety. But I hate those fussiness because I felt that I deserved my freedom. I hated to tell him about what I want to do sometimes and at times things clashed together and I HAD to decide in the end what I want to do: be with him, or do my stuff, but alone.

I always fall back to being with him.

=(

Sometimes I really feel like a weakling for not being able to steel my resolve. I mean, I really want to do my things, be an activist. But at the same time his fussiness sometimes play a big part in my decision making, and I HATE it. I don't know why I put so much concern on whether will he be happy. And I HATE myself for that.

Why can't he just said ok and leave it at that? I always do that to him.

I want to be free to make my decision la damn it. His power is too overwhelming. I know he's concerned for me, he loves me, I love him too. But it is just my character to hate fussiness. If only he just nod his head and leave it at that. I do my asking too but seriously, I don't ask much because he's a guy.

But he ask me about alot of things so much because I'm a girl. T_T

I even tried asking him to go along but he's never wanting to play a big role in activism. Granted, 95% of Malaysians are like that and I won't blame him. But if he doesn't want to go along at least I think he should spare me from all that questions and only ask after the activities. T_T

And now I'm here ranting in my personal space because I blew it. I wanted him to join a human rights concert and I kept persuading him to come, because at the very same day we planned to visit his grandmother's house. And at that time I felt that I cannot reject Rin's invitation anymore and I really want to go. But I think I took it too far. He got angry with me.

And now I'm waiting for him to cool off before I could continue making decisions. But I don't know. Why do I feel so stuck in between whenever it is about these activities?

Gender Equality: The day we can talk sex

Oh noes! A bit crude ah? Too bad lor, unless you want to change it to "the day we could talk dirty"?

Er-hem.

The reason why am I bringing this up is because I've realised that while lots of us could assumed that the sexual innuendo has gone up, liberalised and practised by many (note: practised), when it comes to talking about sex, some feels quite reluctant to do so.

For instance, it is quite normal to discuss about the hotness of a babe when guys gather together. Constantly preying over girls who showed their bust, hips, waist, lovely butt, and then they will talk about what they could do to her, what they want to do. Those are coward talk.

Real brave ones (also known as pervs by the normal masyarakat) will walk up to the lady to ask for their telephone number. Sometimes, it wasn't just that simple. Because beauty lies in the eye of the beholder and some guys just have a different taste in girls whether is it about hotness or sexiness.

When it's about girls who discuss about sex, it's more about curiousity than being real dirty talk. Oh yea, that whole Edison Chen sex scandal sure made many turned their heads (and stomachs) due to the amount of pictures and hair found. Heck, many of us actually hurdled together, having pendrives, and then the guys don't even masturbate, just, look lah, it's pictures only.

But when a guy talks about sex to a girl, he's a pervert; when a girl talks about sex to a guy, she's a slut, or horny, lowlife woman

My question is: Why?

Why is it okay for a guy to always talk dirty if he wants to?

Why can't girls be open about their sexual prowess? That they could not be seen at the wrong kind of ways?

There are a few answers to that questions and the most common I've found were: When guys want sex, they search for sex; but when girls want sex, they search for love.

I find it a little prepostorous. So girls cannot look just for the fun of sex, and guys cannot find love in sex?

Because when guys could say:"I call your left leg Christmas, and your right leg is New Year's, can I see you in between these holidays?" for a cheeky start of a conversation, when girls try to come on to guys with wit, guys just shy away.

What happens if a girl tells you:"I call your left leg Christmas Eve, and your right leg Christmas Day, will I see the mistletoe in between these two days?"

Major turn on? Major turn off?

I may not be a true true true feminist before considering how reluctant is it sometimes that the whole society is dominant with patriarchy. It's true sometimes that being a guy have a better fair share of fun when it comes to simple-mindedness and craziness.

Girls? Oh, the normal masyarakat always wants to see them forever well-behaved, pampered and pure. As long as they act pretty and prim, it's okay. They don't need to be "dumb guys".

But oh, "dumb guys" always gets all the fun. How much fun can shopping be? How much fun can make up be? How much fun is it always being wary whether or not their skirts are being pried on? (I doubt it matters to boys, they don't call them "balls of glory" for nothing)

Even I prefer to have sons if I can if it means that they live in better conditions than girls. At least they don't succumbed to gender discrimination, just err, racism and religious bias.

But why do I think talking about sex would equal to Gender Equality?

What I meant is that not every girl will talk about sex just like how every guy will not actually be comfortable talking about sexual topics. I actually have a guy friend who cringe when I said if I can I will cut a bastard's balls into half. Literally, that was my statement. And no, he ain't gay. Just sophisticated.

But when a girl who is single starts a conversation about sex, can the guys not look at her in one crooked mind, and accept that flaw as part of their own?

And if a guy just suddenly stop talk about sex, can the guys themselves not look at him like he's some freak and just accept the fact that he's just being well, polite?

I don't know, what do you think?

Despicable ways + My Ephy could be a prince + I ain't no hero

I was at the wake today to console Ephyon's grandmother. She was crying when she saw the sight of his grandson, I was just there being the err, girlfriend. She was nice to me but I was being really courteous and let the family unite and talk abit before Ephyon came back to talk to me.

Many of the visitors today were their church mates and a few relatives who came by to help as well. It was not as sombre as expected. If not I'd find it harder and awkward to talk to. However, many of them are old folks but I can find them very easygoing at times.

Many of them bade goodbye to her some time afterwards, promising to come at night for the sermon.

I continued to stay on in the house to chat with some of the Ephyon's relatives. There were telephone calls that came in but it wasn't surprising since I bet many wanted to talk to his grandmother.

At least not until they came to break the news.

"Someone got robbed outside the junction of our house!" she told us who were outside. That sent shivers down the spine for many.

"Yea, some motorcyclist and his young companion probably knew that there's a funeral process going on, and they just surveyed around. They saw the ladies walking and they just snatched the bag!" she said.

And they didn't just stopped at one bag, they actually went back to try and snatch the second lady's handbag, if it wasn't for her screams they would have got away with it. The lady was fine, but the visitors who stayed were scared.

Just then, my Ephyon spoke.

"Where are the security guards?"

-_-

(sign of a prince no.1, when trouble occurs, enquire about security)

"They normally will come to patrol at 7p.m" one man replied.

But I find that behaviour despicable. Those snatch thieves knew that there was a funeral going on, and that there will be many of those visitors in sombre moods coming, and they took this advantage to rob people. What a dishonour towards the dead.

I think that so-called morality is not in those youngsters to do such a thing especially when most of them were grieving (hear me? Y.O.U.N.G.S.T.E.R.S who just snatched poor old women's handbags. I thought all of them are browsing shopping malls sipping coffee?)

Ephyon replied "Well I hope my grandpa will haunt them" -_-

Those visitors immediately went and say "those young [insert your race of choice] have no respect, and they are getting even worst!"

Anyways, after that, those visitors who went back asked for Ephyon to be a bodyguard because he was big, burly, hairy and was menacing, epecially since he was wearing The Joker's T-shirt that says "Lets put a SMILE on that face!".

But I suspect he could be a prince. He wouldn't flinch even when you throw at him the most ridiculous price ever.

But he flinched when he told me the whole funeral will cost [insert number that you like]

"Omg! [insert number that you like]???" was his reaction.

Of course, he didn't flinch when he said his grandmother planned to sell the house at [insert number that you like]. It was quite a hell of a sum for me though. I flinched.

(sign of a prince no.2, does not flinch when a big price tag was put, no matter how appropriate it was)

But I could agree that his maternal grandparents were the last of their kind. For starters, they do not know Mandarin nor did they come from China like my maternal grandparents. They spoke English. They were investors, and very clever ones at that. I would call them ex tycoons because err, you know those old Hong Kong tv series whereby you don't hire Indonesian or Filipino maids but real Chinese servants? That you called them by "Mei Che" or "Fa Che"?

Yup, they had a real Chinese speaking real life servicewoman (calling her a servant would be an insult because I happen to like her) who had been serving the family even before Ephyon was born. And I happen to like talking to her because she have a lot of those stories that servicewomen knows but the owners don't.

Maybe its the hierarchy method they taught us in Journalism, start from the lowest ranking ones like security guards. That is why I could talk to these commoners more. But I'm not saying that Ephyon's grandmother is hard to please. In fact, she really liked me, at least that's according to Ephyon and he doesn't lie.

(sign of a prince no.3, they don't lie)

I'm not sure why am I blogging about this. I was probably angry with the fact that the snatch thieves, and yet was also amazed with extent of wealth my boyfriend's maternal family has. He didn't flinch, so probably deep down he have a prince's genes. Lalalala.

Either that he's a prince, or I'm the pauper. Huhu.

On a sidenote, I told my mom how amazed I was at those wealth, and she just laughed it off. Being a mom who worked for the past 30 years, here's what she has to say.

From a General Manager that manages the whole company, earning monthly five digits, she's now an Assistant manager of another company who now earns just enough to go by for her three children, she said "What is the difference between being rich and being average? If your attitude stinks, the amount of wealth will never change it. I've been at my prime, and my lows, but I still stay the same."

And she said she used to be jealous about the nice houses that her friends have but in the end she thought "Can I stay in this house if I want to?".

In the end, this house I call home is the best. It was so good that even Ephyon said it's very homey, despite the amount of clutter we have inside.

I'm proud of my tiny cottage.

And again I wonder, why is it with a few comments, I'm classified as a hero? Some people might think heroes are fairly good titles, but I don't know. I guess being observant is insulting to some. Because all they could see was defense. Heroes defend, not point out.

I never denied that my generation had luxuries but oh well, they could think as they like. Maybe it was a precautionary warning that when we step out the economy will collapse or some shit like that. But oh how do I say this, I trust my generation not to do so?

Of course, I do hate it when I'm classified as a leader or hero. I merely am abit more aware than the rest of the others and I'm supposed to represent? Who'd be so noble?

I'm still agitated that I'm called a "hero". Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck off. I HATE THE WORD "HERO"!!!!!

I'm not a hero, I'm a FIGHTER! *DUN DUN DUN*

*regains composure*

Oh well, my boyfriend said everything mentioned on that blog was getting out of hand anyway. Don't care. Study Moral!

Ciao! and stop calling me a hero!

Ephyon's maternal grandpa.....

He fought a long hard battle with cancer. Now he has passed on.

I'm not a Christian, but may he be one with the Lord.

I've heard stories about how he has the wealth 20 years ago, but as he grew older, he gave it away. But he did not give up his baby grandson.

I've heard stories about the court battle for baby Ephyon after he became an orphan. It was bitter, it severed the relationship of the two families. Ephyon still lives like that, but they could see how grown up he was.

The last time I visited him in the house, he wanted to watch Manchester United vs random football club. With him was a nurse hired to keep him happy and well taken care of. He was very skinny, far from comparison of how I saw him a year ago.

At least he don't have to eat so much of those medicines anymore. It's really a mouthful for an old man.

I promised to bring him to Taipan for the good food when he gets better, but God loves him more.

I called him Kung kung, so, Kung kung, take care. Ephyon will take care of Popo.

Note: I wrote this because I wanted to. Ephyon never needed glorification. But most of us who know him knew right?

I should get to know more people from Generation X

Spent too much rebuking people who will never wake up to realised that if they want us to suffer, then just suffer la, why the need to complain? Just laugh in silence that you people feel way awesome with your working experience and wisdom already.

Then again, I spent too much time with the Baby boomers and Generation Y. I should really just step out, smell the roses, and talk to more Generation X to understand their culture.

If I'm not wrong I'm beginning to see a pattern of complaints from Minishorts and Zewt.

And in truth, I'm experiencing culture shock.

It's unbelievable. My blog has people who agree and disagree things. Their blog, msot of the time only have people who agrees in things.

But when one younger and obviously more awesome reader came and give a logical and sound disagreement, all hell breaks loose. Those bloggers and their usual blog readers either just choose to ignore the fact that the commenter ever spoke, or they laughed.

I guess it's in their culture to never look at youngsters seriously. In fact, I don't know which youngster will they look at with seriousness all over.

Nicol David could fit into that. She's the national squash queen. And she's from generation Y. I bet she have none of those "accusations" that these Generation X and Yuppies were yakking about.

They were merely targetting "students, local or foreign who couldn't care less of how they suffered and they need to speak up about it"

I won't believe all of them jumped straight into the working class before being at our stage. And it's just funny with the way they rebuked us when they were also the same ignorant youngsters 9 - 10 years ago.

I can't figure out how "lucky" I am to enjoy a RM3.50 chicken rice while thinking of my RM0.50 nasi lemak 10 years ago.

Or how "lucky" that I get to drive a Proton Satria when the quality of the car was way better 10 years ago.

Or how "lucky" that handphone manufacturers just kept releasing handphones like they are chocolates, like they are only targetting at youngsters.

Or how "lucky" I am to be stuck in a local education institution, browsing shops in Sunway Pyramid or Mid Valley, when I could have been in England browsing Harrods or got a better quality of education so that I won't be subjected to ridicule by the awesome Generation X and Yuppies!

Yes, talk to me, Generation X and Yuppies! I need to know why do you people suffer from "sour grapes-dom". Thou shalt need counselling from thy awesome and younger counterpart.

Don't be shy, I am your friend to help debunk your myth about us youngsters. And you shall do the same favour in return. Can or not?

*holds hand out*

P.S: So the prices of goods are already this high. If you believe in the government, write a letter and tell him how much you suffered. If not, accept it and move on. The past is the past, nothing can be undone. I've never seen prices so high before and what should I do? Complain and yak?

True, I don't fully understand real working culture. I never will since journalists do not work 9 - 5 every week. But you know what? If I was really that spendthrift to cripple my mother's income, she would TELL me about it instead of leaving me to my own shopping desires.

So maybe you should walk up to the kid and tell him that his mom didn't teach him the right thing.

Where was I?

Oh yes, my hands are still hold out, you want my hand in friendship? Or respect? Or dislike?

How do you react to disappointment?

Lets say, we go back to the childhood times when we were innocent kids and like the princes and princesses in Disneyworld, your wish will come true no matter what are your demands.

You want a nice schoolbag for your new year in school, even though your old one isn't that bad looking, you still want a new schoolbag. You are a princess, and a princess always get what she wants.

You asked your parents, because no matter how a princess you are you are still afraid of your parents who are much taller and bigger than you are. Your mother did not like the idea, but your dad supported it.

"On one condition" he said.

You looked at him innocently, wondering what condition might that be, just so that you can get a pretty schoolbag. You didn't mention what kind do you want, but a wheelie will be good because its the latest trend to roll those bags to class.

"Be in the Top 10 in class, and I'll get you a schoolbag" he smiled.

So with excitement, you kissed his rough cheeks and ran off. It's amazing that an 8-year-old could run like the wind.

You started doing your homework dilligently. You tried pretending to listen to class and understand Mandarin, even though you don't know what the heck that means. You tried to do all the Zhao Ju, Chao Xie (lazy to translate, let someone who knows Mandarin translate for you), even though your level of Mandarin was really bleh.

And then you sat for the final exams without thinking much of what happens. You knew you tried.

The class rankings came out. You were in Number 8. You were ecstatic. You actually ran home and showed your grandma who was trying to cook than to entertain you, even threatenned you to scald your skin if you don't leave her to her cooking.

It was dinnertime. Your parents just came back, you waited patiently and ate your dinner. Your dad went to play with the young brother. And then you showed him your report card.

He grumbled about you not being able to become No.1, he again boasted about his rankings and mom's, and then scolded you for your bad marks in Zhao Ju. He even made you sit at the hall until you can make sentences from the words given.

You timidly asked for the schoolbag.

He yelled even harder.

So You sat at the corner, tears, big fat and wet tears trickled down your face as you struggle to do those....those sentences. You don't even know what Zhao Ju means, and you don't know why you have to do it, but you still do it. You do not dare to cry loudly, and your parents thought that you were crying because you regretted not doing even better in exams.

A few days before new school term starts, you got a new schoolbag.


XXXX

I left that schoolbag aside, until my bag really begin to worn out.

As I told the story, I could feel my eyes water. It was one those first promises that my parents broke, and yet they thought of nothing of their children, just assuming as they like to.

I don't like the fact that my parents broke a promise, and then tried to patch it up again. It just don't feel the same. They made me work hard to earn something that I don't get, and then when I feel better they just give me something when I least want it.

How is that a good thing?

By the way, how do you react to your own broken promises and disappointments?

I'm telling this story because I'm feeling disappointed after having a long chat with someone not my boyfriend. And my feelings were exactly like how it was when I was eight.

My solution is to listen to Lady Gaga's Just Dance on repeat.

That's how I curb it. But I don't know how to react if I really get what I want.