Sunday, October 30, 2005

Castle Rock Hostel


Castle Rock Hostel
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Castle Rock Hostel was right beside Edinburgh Castle. See the castle up there? Fantastic location!

Roman carving


Roman carving
Originally uploaded by sesater.
In 1997, there was an unusually low tide at the river leading out into the sea at Edinburgh. A fisherman had noticed something sticking out of the sand, and returned later with a bunch of men to find out what it was. They dug out this statue of a lion devouring a human. It dates back to when the Romans were in Scotland and this was used as a tomb, probably for a high ranking officer because of it's representation. The Romans were in Scotland because of the gold found in the Highlands. Pretty neat eh?

Royal Mile


Royal Mile
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Along the Royal Mild in the Old Town

Haggis


Haggis
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties... as obscene as it may sound, this is the national 'dish' of Scotland. They tell you that Haggis is a mythical creature. Descriptions of it may vary. Some say it has one short and one long leg. Another description is that is has only 3 legs and is furry. They're only available in the Autumn apparently...

Loch Ness 2


Loch Ness 2
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Another pic of Loch Ness... see anything suspicious?

Urquhart Castle


Urquhart Castle
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Urquhart Castle was once used as a defence for the government troops. The Jacobites failed in their attempt to take over the castle. However, shortly after, the troops controlling the castle decided that they weren't going to use it anymore so they blew it up.

Loch Ness


Loch Ness
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Loch Ness! The coach ride took us along the entire stretch of Loch Ness... all 26 miles of it. It's 1 mild wide and 800 feet deep. 3 times the depth of the North Sea. It holds more water then all the lakes and ponds in Wales, England and Scotland combined. It would be impossible to conduct a complete search for Nessie as there are also many caves and caverns under water. There are also fish the size of double decker busses apparently!!! Oh, and that's Urquhart Castle on the right.

Fort William


Fort William
Originally uploaded by sesater.
I THINK that picture's taken somewhere near Fort William. I just thought it was a beautiful scenery despite the gloominess of the weather.

Glencoe 4


Glencoe 4
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Can you believe that Clans of people used to live up in the Highlands?

Glencoe 3


Glencoe 3
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Magnificent. This was probably the highlight of the trip for me...

Glencoe 2


Glencoe 2
Originally uploaded by sesater.
With Jim in front of 2 of the 3 Glencoe sisters. Glencoe was shaped when the ice from the ice age melted away and scraped away dirt, leaving the beautiful landscapes now known as the Highlands of Scotland.

Glencoe 1


Glencoe 1
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Stopping at Glencoe to snap a few photos.

Loch Lochry


Loch Lochry
Originally uploaded by sesater.
The weather was temperamental on my day trip to the Highlands and Loch Ness. This was the first of the Loch's I passed on the coach. Beautiful, but really gloomy...

Arthur's Seat 4


Arthur's Seat 4
Originally uploaded by sesater.
I believe I can fly... also notice Edinburgh Castle below my right arm?

Arthur's Seat 3


Arthur's Seat 3
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Sunset was mesmerizing

Arthur's Seat 2


Arthur's Seat 2
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Beautiful innit? You can sorta make out that roman place on the other hill...

Arthur's Seat 1


Arthur's Seat 1
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Successfuly hiking up Arthur's Seat. You can sorta tell that I'm sweating like a pig. Behind me you can see part of Edinburgh.

Cannon


Canon
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Just a random cannon near the Observatory

Roman thing


Roman thing
Originally uploaded by sesater.
A Roman monument thingy on one of the hills in Edinburgh. Like Rome (and Sheffield), it was built over 7 hills. However, the founding fathers of Edinburgh wanted it to be known as the Athens of the North.

Rock


Rock
Originally uploaded by sesater.
My bed, Rock, at Castle Rock Hostel which was right beside the Edinburgh Castle

Castle


Castle
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Inside Edinburgh Castle. Rising up in medieval splendour from its base atop an ancient, extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle stands at the head of the Royal Mile in Old Town.

St Margaret's Chapel


St Margaret's Chapel
Originally uploaded by sesater.
St Margaret's Chapel situated within Edinburgh's Castle. It dates back to the 12th or 13th hundreds and is the oldest known building in Edinburgh.

Alley


Alley
Originally uploaded by sesater.
A random *spooky lookin* alley on the Royal Mile in the Old Edinburgh

The Fashion Style Test

Uptown Girl/ Boy
58% Tastefulness, 41% Originality, 61% Deliberateness, 50% Sexiness
[Tasteful Conventional Deliberate Sexy]



You like to have the best of what's fashionable. You pay attention to the way you are dressed, adapting the things you see on models so that they emphasize the qualities of your own body, which you are rather proud of. You don't care much about being extravagant, thinking that being trendy is a better way to feel good and to look good. Perhaps you happen to look down on those who choose their own taste over fashion creators' directions. In other words on the pathetic fashion victims who wear red when everyone else wears pink. But maybe you just pity them. You probably have an opinion of a well-dressed person and many copycat your choices, knowing that you are a fashion radar. They envy you your impeccable taste.


The opposite style from yours is Hippy Kid [Flamboyant Original Random Prissy].




All the categories: Fashion Enemy Bar Cruiser Kid Next Door Sex Bomb Hippie Kid Fashion Rebel Fashion Artist Catwalk God(ess) Librarian Sporty Hottie Office Master Uptown Girl/ Boy Brainy Student Movie Star Fashionista Glamorous Soul



My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 47% on Tastefulness
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 21% on Originality
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 71% on Deliberateness
free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 57% on Sexiness
Link: The Fashion Style Test written by mari-e on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Se7en Things

Since you tagged me, I'm doing this for you Lyn! *Muaks!*

Se7en Things :
1.Se7en things that (will) scare me:
a)Big hairy ape like creatures walking outside my door
b)Death or to dissapear into nothingness
c)Becoming chronically ill
d)Death of loved ones including close friends
e)Selected horror flicks
f)War
g)A really bumpy flight

2.Se7en things I like the most:
a)Dance
b)Music
c)Good food
d)Good friends
e)My DVD collection
f)Internet connection
g)My Mac

3:Se7en most important things in my room :
a)My Mac
b)My mobile
c)My iPod
d)My DVDs
e)My watch
f)My stereo
g)My photo albums

4.Se7en random facts about me:
a)I am a total procrastinator
b)I am insecure
c)I've always wanted to dance and sing in a musical
d)I talk in my sleep
e)When I cook, I like my meals to be elaborate
f)The butter must cover all the area on my bread
g)I dont drink milk

5.Se7en things I plan to do before I die
a)See the world
b)Be successful in all aspects of life
c)To get married
d)To have a place to call 'ours'
e)I've always wanted a BMW since I was a kid..
f)Go to Disney Land Florida
g)Conduct an orchestra (like that's ever going to happen)

6.Se7en things I can do:
a)I can multitask.. sort of
b)I can memorise lyrics
c)I can cook
d)I can play tennis
e)I can scare people without even trying
f)I can harmonise
g)I can ride a motorbike

7.Se7en things I can't do:
a)I cant converse in chinese, unless it's Northern Hokkein
b)I cant play footie
c)I cant do maths
d)I cant drink. Bad genes.
e)I cant accept compliments
f)I cant sing solo
g)I cant play 3D PC games cause I get giddy

8.Se7en words I say the most:
a)Fuck
b)blehs
c)meannie
d)Fucking hell!
e)yeah right!
f)asshole!
g)MUAhAHahAhah

9.Se7en celeb crushes
Ask me personally if you really want to know!

10.Se7en people I'll love to see doing this
a)Weiqi
b)Mark Lee
c)Ray
d)Tim
e)Lai Imm
f)Cedric
g)Patrik

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Passing comment...

"If sheep could vote in New Zealand, a bunch of sheep would be running the country."
-My housemate, Hui Fang-

OMG! NO F**KIN WAY! OMG! Part 2

The prize is confirmed!!! I've got a 2 night weekend break in AMSTERDAM for 2 adults!

* Return Economy flights to Amsterdam
* Return Transfers from the Airport to the hotel
* 2 nights stay at a 4 * hotel with daily breakfast
* 5 course meal dinner cruise
* £150 spending money
* Comprehensive travel insurance

HOWEVER, the prize is subject to availability, so I have to book as soon as possible 'to avoid disappointment'. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET IT BE AVAILABLE!

Also, a couple of days ago, I received an email in my Bulk Mail from the Midland Mainline service about a promotion going on. It's a £29 return to Alton Towers inclusive of entrance and transportation. Anyway, the funny thing about the email was a whole list of emails of people who received the email was visible. I thought this very strange but thought nothing more of it. I normally clear my bulk mail as soon as there is something in it, but I didnt this time for some reason.

Today I received an email from the Head of marketing of the Midland Mainline apologising for disclosing all the recipients of the email. Here is what she said;

"Our data handling agency made an error which resulted in your email address being entered into the wrong field. The addresses should have been entered into ‘blind copy’ to keep the data confidential, unfortunately this didn’t happen and they were entered into the ‘copy’ field. We want to reassure you that this situation will not happen again. We have conducted a thorough investigation and have put additional processes in place to ensure we keep all our customer data secure.

We are truly sorry for this situation and for any worry or unease this may have caused you. As a gesture of goodwill we would like to offer you a First Class ticket to be used at your convenience should you wish to travel with us in the future."

How fantastic is that?!?!

Thursday, October 20, 2005

What is your Lover Style profile?

The Surprising Lover

59% partner focus, 38% aggressiveness, 55% adventurousness
Based on the results of this test, it is highly likely that:

You prefer your romance and love to wild and daring rather than typical or boring, you would rather be pursued than do the pursuing and, when it comes to physical love, your satisfaction comes more from providing a wonderful time to your partner than simply seeking your own.

This places you in the Lover Style of: The Surprising Lover.

The Surprising Lover is a wonderful Lover Style, and, like the name implies, is often filled with hidden delights and talents that might not be apparent from a surface knowledge of the person. The Surprising Lover is rather like a geode--sometimes rough on the exterior, but filled with beauty and wonder. The Surprising Lover is thus a gem to find, though it can sometimes be difficult to do so because they often tend to be humble and unwilling to reveal their inner greatness unless they're in a rewarding relationship.

In terms of physical love, the Surprising Lover really shines, often highly imaginative and utterly devoted to bringing the heights of pleasure to the one that they truly love. Given a rewarding, reciprocative relationship, and the right lover, the Surprising Lover can be a delight in bed.

Best Compatibility can probably be found with: The Carnal Lover (most of all) or the Exotic Lover, or the Suave Lover.

Congratulations!

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

The Slow Dancer


The Slow Dancer
Originally uploaded by sesater.

Deliberate Gentle Love Dreamer (DGLDm)

Steady, reliable, and cradling your lover tenderly. Take a deep breath, and let it out real easy...you are The Slow Dancer.

Your focus is love, not sex, and for your age, you have average experience. But you're a great, thoughtful guy, and your love life improves every year. There's also a powerful elimination process working in your favor: most Playboy types get stuck raising unwanted kids before you even begin settling down. The left over will be hot and yours. Your ideal person is someone intimate, intelligent, and very supportive.

While you're not exactly the life of the party, you do thrive in small groups of smart people. Your circle of friends is extra tight and it's HIGHLY likely they're just like you. You appreciate symmetry in relationships.

OMG! NO F**KIN WAY! OMG!

IT'S 3.30am and NO ONE IS ONLINE! I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE! I NEED TO TELL SOMEONE!!!

I love chocolate. Lately I've been having quite a bit too. Once in awhile, I buy them in pairs when it's buy one free one at the supermarket or even buy two at a lower price... whatever it is, I buy chocolates.

As I was saying, I've been having quite a lot lately, and Cadbury has been promoting their chocolates with their promotional wrappers, all with boarding passes printed inside. Well, you know how it is. You buy the chocolate, go to the website, key in the 'boarding pass' and you will receive a message saying, 'Sorry you have not won this time, please try again'. Then you think to yourself, these promotions are such rip offs. NO ONE EVER WINS. Right? WRONG!

I still can't believe it. I keyed in my 'boarding pass' twice to be sure. I think I must have typed it in wrongly with a wining combination. I expected the normal, 'sorry, try again'. What are the chances?! The words just POPPED out at me. "CONGRATULATIONS! You're a winner!"

I actually won one of the weekend trips! For now, I am not saying anything more. There is no reason to as I am unsure as to whether I get to go on this trip. One huge problem is that I am not 'resident' in the UK and thus, may not qualify to get the prize. I am in the midst of solving this problem. Do check this space for updates though! WISH ME LUCK!

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Dream5


Dream5
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Walking into a dream...

Dream3


Dream3
Originally uploaded by sesater.
The ugly sisters of Duckett Road...

Dream2


Dream2
Originally uploaded by sesater.
The big kids were playing in Space Dream, 23rd July Finsbury Park

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Passing thoughts...

Do you think a lot about death? I do. What do you think happens to us when we die? Do we go to heaven? Are we reincarnated? Is there an afterlife? Or do we get to pick what we want to get reincarnated as?

Why do people grief when someone dies? If they really are religious, shouldn’t they be rejoicing that the person is now in the arms of God? It's just a temporary separation right? Or is it a natural instinct to mourn the passing of someone? Is it that deep down inside us, we know that we will never see each other again?

Why does death scare us so? Is it because it signifies the absence of life? Do we just cease to exist? Is that what we’re afraid of? That we are just specs of dust waiting to disappear into nothingness? If we were all that religious, why are we still scared? Shouldn’t we embrace our destiny and take our place in heaven? Is it because we believe that it is the end? That we will have no more thoughts? Do all our precious thoughts cease? No thoughts. No breath. No life.

We lose our ability to speak or think. We lose our identity. If we die, will we know we’ve died? Does our life flash before our eyes then? Will there be a white light at the end of the tunnel? Or is it eternal darkness or even just nothingness? Who will remember us?

Where were we before we got here? Are we reincarnations of someone or something else? If I was reincarnated, will I remember my present life? The world has existed millions and millions of years… surely if I was reincarnated I would remember past lives if I was meant to.

So what really happens to us then? What are Gods plans? Do we lose all our consciousness forever? Deposit our bodies back to mother earth and take our places in the great circle of life? Ashes to ashes and dust to dust?

Will cars fly in the future? Will humans live in cities in the sky? What will happen to earth a million years from now? Will it be barren? Will humans still exist? Or will nature select humans for extinction? Or will the human race persevere in all adversities and succeed? Still, death is part of life. We cant escape it.

So what do you believe in?

When Gods loved young men...

In 1973, American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the official manual that lists mental and emotional disorders. 2 year later, the American Psychological Association passed a resolution supporting the removal. Homosexuality is now everywhere. Straight people are no more straight, and gay people are making their presence felt.

Thanks of Alfred Kinsey’s research, we now know sexuality is not just black and white. It’s also got a lot of grey. From his Sexual Orientation Continuum graph, we can understand our sexual orientation just a little better. By accepting that many people have bisexual tendencies but to different degrees, many of us will come to understand our own sexualities. Still, it is a ‘lifestyle’ that is still frowned upon by many. Yes there are laws in certain countries to protect homosexual people, but laws do not generate acceptance from society… only tolerance. But as we look back in history there is evidence of homosexuality in ancient cultures. Ancient Greece serves as a prime example for it has long been portrayed as a homosexual paradise for today’s modern gays and lesbians. Is it really? Would practices in ancient Greece be accepted with the values modern day society hold?

It is quite well known that Homosexuality in ancient Greece is considered a phenomenon, which was regarded as a form of higher love. It was celebrated in history, art and literature. This is evident from the wealth of material from ancient Greece pertinent to issues of sexuality, ranging from dialogues of Plato, such as the Symposium, to plays by Aristophanes, and Greek artwork and vases.

In fact, it was considered a social duty for a young man and part of a male youth’s education. It was revered and was reserved only for the middle class and aristocrats. Greek society was largely patriarchal and male dominated in which their ideal of beauty and intellectualism was embodied in young men. However, there were social ethics which had to be adhered. It was uncommon for 2 older men to have homosexual relations. Such relationships were reserved for a youth, (some studies say between the ages 12-14 and some say between 14-20) and a young male, usually aged between 20-30.

A man over the age of 30 who continued to pursue these youths would be considered odd or eccentric. However, they would not be persecuted or suffer any legal threats or consequences. These men were expected to start a family with a young wife, usually in their mid teens.

A male youth would be courted by many young men and eventually would choose one as his lover. They would then be free to appear together in social functions held. Relationships between two adult men of similar age were unusual and open to ridicule, as were relations with overly young boys.

Nevertheless, the relationship between a youth and a young male were both erotic and educational. Boys and men would spend their days in both intellectual and physical exercises at gymnasiums. Youth weren't just valued for their bodies, but also for their minds and their ability to reason and debate. Ultimately, the goal of Greek education was the attainment of male perfection.

The policy and legal debates surrounding how society in the modern day deals with homosexuality involve fundamental issues of morality and justice. Clearly, ancient Greece is a thing of the past. It would also fail as a haven for homosexuals in the present due to its social ‘guidelines’ and restrictions.

Still, if an ancient civilization could accept the act of homosexuality in a time when Gods took young men as their lovers and homosexual relationships were only permitted between adolescents and young men, I don’t see why modern day society cannot appreciate love in its varied form.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Boss SKIN Instant Moisture Gel


Instant Moisture Gel
Originally uploaded by sesater.
I was advised that the Instant Moisture Gel would be more suitable for my skin instead of the Cream because by the end of the day my skin tends to get quite oily.

The moisturizer is a brilliant product. The face wash might be slightly on the dry side, but the moisturizer compliments it. I think the two work very well together. You dont need too much of the gel and its not oily.

One of the features of this product is that it has a very faint, pleasant smell which will fade in minutes. Some men might not like it that the moisturizer has a fragrance and some might not even like the smell, but I think it's actually quite nice.

Once the gel settles, it feels quite good. My skin doesnt get as oily as it usually does anymore. Once again, I have only started using this product so watch this space for updates if my opinion changes!

Boss SKIN


Face Wash
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Huge Boss came up with a new range of skin care products for men. It took 3 years to come up with this end product. It has yet to be launched in the rest of the world but is now available in Europe and the UK. It will soon reach the shores of the US and probably in 6 months, in Asia.

Unlike Clinique, LANCOME and Clarins which are all established in the world of men's skin care products, Boss SKIN will rely on the credibility it will receive being a product of Hugo Boss despite the company being primarily known for its clothing.

I have had the opportunity to try out the Facial Wash and the Instant Moisture Gel. The Facial Wash seems pretty ok, but it might leave certain types of skin dry so it MAY not be for you. As for me, I feel it is just right, but maybe best when used in the summer when it's not so dry. Nevertheless, I am quite satisfied with the product so far. I will update this space if my opinion so changes in the future...

I'm back!

(in more than one way)

Firstly, I'm back from my trip to the US where I attended my sisters wedding, made a day trip to Boston where Harvard University is and 2 days in NYC. How was the trip? AWESOME!

Secondly, I'm back online, as in the broadband is finally up and running at my place! HALLELUJIAH! When I was in the States I even had a nightmare in which I came back to the UK and discovered the internet was still not up! See how important the internet connection is to me?

Anyway, the trip was good, the wedding was nothing but beautiful. It was held at Gillette Castle on a hill. The ceremony was held outside over looking a great river with the sun setting in the distance behind some hills. The little girls thought my sister was a princess. She arrived in a carriage pulled by horses. It couldnt have been more perfect. Pachebel canon being played by a quartet.. or was it a trio? I cant remember.. but doesnt matter.. it was just perfect.

The reception was even better! Well, the dinner was a little boring. Food was quite good, but it was just normal chitter chatter. And then the dancing started. First the bride danced a slow fotrot with her dad and then the groom with his mom. Then the bride and groom had their first dance as man and wife. Then people hopped onto the floor and started dancing.. some even jived!! But after awhile things started to slow down. People were getting bored.. even leaving. So I asked the DJ to play YMCA. He then asked me if I would get onto a speaker along with my sister's friend. At first we were reluctant, but it proved too tempting for me and I convinced her that we were doing this for my sister.

We got onto the huge speakers... but mine was in the middle of the room at the far end!! However, I was on a high and boy, there was no stopping me. I did the YMCA complete with pelvic thrust and everything... people going wild, dancing and singing.. it was great. People started coming up to me and talking to me after that. Compliments like, You were the life of the party *the groom's dad said that* and *when I saw you kids up on the speakers I knew it was going to be a great party*. I dont have any pictures but I've been told my sister's friend took quite a few.. I'll try to get ahold of some...

Anyway, apart from that, the shopping was fantastic. I LOVE shopping in the US. GAP GAP GAP! LOVE LOVE LOVE GAP! It was so bloody cheap! We went to a few factory outlets. Fantastic really.

Food was quite good too. Hot dogs are really great. Boston clam chowder was heavenly. Harvard University was alright I guess.. we didnt have enough time to do the whole place but it was still worth it. NYC was buzzling with life. We had a cab driver from hell but he got us from point A to point B... in record time I might add... Time Square was an eye opener.

A little girl attacked my butt while I was going through metal detectors in the Empire State Building. She hit my right butt cheek with her face. Fortunately for me, my butt was firm and she bounced off it and fell flat onto the floor. The metal detector had gone off when I went through and was asked to go back and come through again. She was the perfect height and ran straight into my butt. The security guard told off her parents for not minding her. She really did kiss my ass...

One of the highlights of the trip was the ESPN tour. It was AWESOME! SO TOTALLY AWESOME! The studio we went into was amazing... we got to see people at work and behind the scenes.

All in all, it was certainly a terrific trip. Only wish I could've stayed longer. There were tons of other places I wanted to visit and shows on broadway to watch. Oh well... another time perhaps..

Monday, October 03, 2005

NYC2


NYC2
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Posing with an 'ice hockey player' somewhere in Time Square in front of ESPN's office in NYC,

NYC1


NYC1
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Arriving in NYC at Grand Central.. pretty awesome station!

ESPN2


ESPN2
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Trying out the cameras in the studio...

ESPN1


ESPN1
Originally uploaded by sesater.
My sis got us a tour of ESPN! WOO HOO! It was FANTASTIC!

Harvard


Harvard
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Behold.. Harvard University in the USA. It's the only pic of myself I sorta like...

Rye012


Rye012
Originally uploaded by sesater.
I just like this pic for its angle

Rye10


Rye10
Originally uploaded by sesater.
St Mary's church and its humble follower...

Rye11


Rye11
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Me and Jim went to St Mary's at night. There's a cemetery around the church. We found a zombie walking about and took a pic!

The house with two front doors!


Rye01
Originally uploaded by sesater.
With Jim in front of the House with two front doors in Rye on Mermaid Road.

Rye09


Rye09
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Me donning a helmet at the Ypres Tower

Rye08


Rye08
Originally uploaded by sesater.
Here's my fave Singaporean before she left Rye to fly home...

Rye03


Rye03
Originally uploaded by sesater.
With Weiqi on the way to the top