What I am reading - Even Silence Has an End

Born in Bogota and raised in France, at the age of thirty-two Ingrid Betancourt gave up a life of comfort and returned to Colombia, a country devastated by violence and corruption, to become a political leader. In 2002, while campaigning as a presidential candidate, she was abducted by the FARC, a brutal terrorist guerrilla organization. She spent sex years imprisoned in the jungle – often chained, sometimes by the neck – dreaming of escape and trying to move beyond the pain of the moment and find a place of serenity.

’For all is horror and injustice, the experience of the political prisoner held in inhuman condition has often been transformed into compelling literature: think of Solzhenitsyn of Dumas and Arthur Koestler. Now Ingrid Betancourt joins that distinguished company’ – New York Times

’An astonishing story. Betancourt was beaten, underfed, forced on epic marches and threatened with a bullet in the head at all times. Far from undermining her faith in human nature, it confirmed her belief in man’s “endless thirst for happiness”’ – Guardian

The last installment - Dragonseed

The dragon empire finally succumbed to the relentless up rises. Humans are once more free from the tyranny of powerful creatures, their fate being left in their own hands.

Finished the last of the three books finally, truly an exhilarating journey of the imagination.

As dragons and arrows met with underspace and science, a fantasy beyond my expectations unfolded with vivid details. Unexpected twists in the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, eyes affixed to the magical words, and fingers glued to the pages.

What I am reading - Dragonforge

The second installment of The Dragon Age trilogy by James Maxey.

Powerful dragons have ruled the land for an eternity. Following the events of Bitterwood, their supremacy now hangs in the balance. Although the oppressive King Albekizan is dead his attempted genocide cannot be forgotten. The humans seek vengeance and they will stop at nothing to achieve retribution, Radical prophet Ragnar leads a rebellion that seeks to overthrow the dragon leaders and reclaim the kingdom.

Though there are those that fight for justice, peace and a land where humans and dragons can live in harmony, they are fast becoming outnumbered and their ideals forgotten. When all out war erupts, legendary dragon hunter, Bitterwood, must face his own personal demons and decide where his loyalty truly lies.

Leading a simple life

To enjoy life, it is alright to indulge ourselves in little pleasures.

I have no objection in wasting an evening listening to live music in a small bar, or browsing through galleries. I have always imagined myself staying in a bohemian-styled apartment (a colonial one will be good too) in some small European town, hopping from one flea market to another, far far away from where I am now. A cottage located in the outskirts or perched high on a mountain sounds equally dreamy. Should I be staying in the city, a walk on the streets against the chilling breeze can be as delightful.

I need not the extras, I just want to experience true living.

Day trip to Ipoh

Made a trip to Ipoh last Sunday for some good weekend excitement with 4 other friends. Started the journey to mainland minutes past 8 a.m. after a simple breakfast of coffee and toasts. Traffic was light and the morning air crisp. Adele and a game of Taboo kept everyone awake in their seats.

Made it to our first pit stop - Foh San, the well-known dim sum place after asking for directions. The double tiered eatery was swamped with customers. With the intend to keep some room for more food, we wet our morning appetite with some nice tea and servings of dim sum.

Next on the agenda was a cave, the Kek Lok Tong (carrying the meaning of the cave of ultimate happiness in Chinese). I have been to the Perak Cave ages ago but this was somewhat different. Instead of narrow staircases laced with smoke and the smell of incense, open space and fresh air welcomed us. It was truly rewarding for urbanites like myself, especially after a hearty meal. Miniature table-top landscapes lined the staircases leading to a huge cave entrance, a very interesting entrée for visitors.

Upon completing my mission of exploring nooks and corners of the cave (which included gawking in mental awe at the statues and natural rock formations), I found Yang and Peter resting their tired feet, basking themselves in sunlight at the other end of the cave. This opening overlooked a small garden, with a pond as its centerpiece. I rested myself a bit as well, while waiting for the rest to finish their adventure (Jim was busy leaving his mark in the washroom). Glorious sunlight and cooling breezes do make a difference after all. I should get myself outdoors more often.

Raindrops fell as we were wrapping up the visit. Off we went in the car, in search of more food. Ipoh is famous for beansprouts, chicken and “hor fun” (a type of flat noodles). We stopped at Lou Wong’s for these 3 items. Lunch consisted of hor fun in clear soup, eaten with beansprouts and chicken seasoned in similar manner (soya sauce, sesame oil, white pepper as I can tell). A mouthful of smooth hor fun with crunchy spouts and nicely done chicken is how one  defines good food. I was once told that the water here contributed significantly to the quality of sprouts (shorter and thicker than what we normally have). I have no doubts that I can live solely on beansprouts here if given the chance. Despite of the pour outside, it remained hot and humid. We took in and burned calories at the same time.

Into the rain and the car again, caffeine addiction (for some in the group) determined our next hunt – the search for coffee. With the car parked for an all-natural carwash, we went in search of Nam Heong coffee shop (supposed to be serving the best and most original white coffee in Ipoh) on foot. Pacing up and down the same street looking for this particular shop brought us pass a couple of really nice stalls selling curry noodle and egg custard (accordingly to Yang). With the help of GPS (oh god!) and upon seeking help from a local, we managed to reach Nam Heong in one piece (and alive, having dashed across a busy road). Coffee was all we ordered, as there were not much space left in our stomachs.

With nothing much left to do, we left Ipoh with stomachs filled to the brim (and brains intoxicated with caffeine). The homeward bound journey was wet and quiet (most of the noise came from music). Yang drove heroically despite of being tired (a million thanks sweetie!), Peter didn’t do much to keep him awake (piak piak!). Someone fell asleep and got his picture snapped by me (photo shared and removed on Facebook before he realized the crime).

An undeniably fun Sunday I must admit. Time spent in the company of nice friends are always great!

What I am reading - Bitterwood

The first installment of a trilogy – The Dragon Age by James Maxey.

It is a time when powerful dragons reign supreme and humans are forced to work as slaves, driven to support the kingdom of the tyrannical ruler King Albekizan.

However, there is one name whispered amongst the dragons that strikes fear into the very hearts and minds of those who would oppress the human race. Bitterwood. The last dragon hunter, a man who refuses to yield to the will of the dragons A legend who is about to return, his arrow nocked and ready, his heart full of fiery vengeance…

Hotel K - According to the inmates

”Police at Poldabes said, ‘Do you want to have sex with me, we can drop the charges?’ She agreed and was taken out of Poldabes and had sex with the policeman… But her sentence was not cut. She got the maximum of five years.” – Elsa, inmate, talking about her friend

”She writes: ‘I love you, my darling. I miss you, I need sugar, I need coffee, I want to have shabu.’ Men who have drugs can easily find a girlfriend. If you give her a little bit of shabu, she loves you very much.” – Thomas

”Cell tikus was disgusting, disgusting. The toilet was filled up with dry shit. I found out why it’s call cell tikus [rat cell] because the first time I went in I had to take a pee and I took it on the hole The dry shit became soft and the rats came out of there, so in the dark I listened to them.” – Ruggerio

” Your main goal is to get free, but beside that, if you still have a little freedom if you pay the money. You can bring cans of beer, movies, girls, whatever you want, but every step you have to pay the money.” – Den

“You know how Kerobokan is, it’s a joke. You can bring an elephant in if you want!” – Ruggerio