Sunday, August 31, 2008, 1:59 AM
doulos
The MV Doulos is the oldest ocean going passenger liner in the world, and home to the world's largest floating bookshop (in all honesty, it's damn small). As far as I remmeber, it has made a port of call in Kuching 2 times, and I've visited it in both occasions. Most memorable was its latest visit to Kuching, when I was in high school. I volunteered to spend a day working in the ship just for the experience. I was assigned to do mostly stock taking in the hull of the ship where it was cramped and stuffy. Was a very interesting experience indeed!
When I heard that the Doulos is in Sydney for a few weeks, I didn't miss the chance to pay it a visit.
It's currently berthed near Darling Harbour, and I was quite surprised that it was almost empty when I visited.
Yeah, that's how empty it was. Truthfully speaking, the books are mostly out of date, and there are not much selections available. The ship is gonna be retired in 2010, but credits must be given to the hundreds of volunteers who spend a year or more of their lives on this ship, going around the world to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. It was actually quite special to be seeing the ship in Sydney after seeing it twice in Kuching. And to know that this ship has travelled around the world uncountable times, is even more surreal.
Oh, it's Merdeka day today. Happy Birthday Malaysia.
When I heard that the Doulos is in Sydney for a few weeks, I didn't miss the chance to pay it a visit.
It's currently berthed near Darling Harbour, and I was quite surprised that it was almost empty when I visited.
Yeah, that's how empty it was. Truthfully speaking, the books are mostly out of date, and there are not much selections available. The ship is gonna be retired in 2010, but credits must be given to the hundreds of volunteers who spend a year or more of their lives on this ship, going around the world to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. It was actually quite special to be seeing the ship in Sydney after seeing it twice in Kuching. And to know that this ship has travelled around the world uncountable times, is even more surreal.
Oh, it's Merdeka day today. Happy Birthday Malaysia.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 7:48 PM
WAh
I have been to many places in Australia, but last week was certainly the most exotic location I've been to. I spent the last week in Western Australia, namely Perth and Dampier, a region north of Perth. It's my first time going to the Australian Outback, and I'm totally amazed with what I saw. I'm really happy with how the pictures turn out, and so glad the polariser did its trick.
The temperature in Karratha is a blustery 30 degrees. It was very dry and dusty. And yet there are amazing plants here. 
The railway operated by Pilbara Railways is apparently one of the heaviest haul railway lines in the world. It facilitates the transport of iron ore in Australia's largest iron ore deposit.
I love how the blue sky contrasts with the red earth of the outback. And the isolated trees make the scenery much more dramatic.
And oh, did I mention the trains? Absolutely incredible. These trains are as long as 2.5km, carrying thousands of tonnes of iron ore with each haulage worth millions of dollars. Can just imagine how much power the locomotives have. Massive!
I also learned of the word 'gunzel', which is a word used to describe railway enthusiast. I'm not one.
This here is a termite mount. Hard on the outside and soft on the inside
The port in Dampier where the iron ore are loaded onto the ships.
This here is a termite mount. Hard on the outside and soft on the insideThe port in Dampier where the iron ore are loaded onto the ships.I spent 2 days in Dampier and then the rest of the week in Perth. Stayed in South Perth, across the river, with this amazing view and a range of fine cuisine restaurants. We tried everything from Italian to international to Malaysian food in the few nights we were there.
I also managed to have a free afternoon where I travelled to Fremantle on the train hoping to catch the sunset. Went to Cicerrellos to try the fish and chips and OMGGG it's definitely the best fish and chips I've ever had. All the rumors were true after all. 
Perth has one of the bluest waters I've ever seen. 
Soon as I arrived in Fremantle I realized it's not the best spot to watch the sunset because it was blocked by some shipping facilities. So off I went catching the train back to the city, and on the way as the train was passing Cottesloe, this amazing sight greeted me. The sun sinking into the Indian Ocean! Amazing..
The next morning I was able to catch the sunrise as I travelled on the ferry across the river. I saw some dolphins on the river too, but was not quick enough to get a shot.
The city at dawn. 
The famous apple strudel shop. I bought one home. I managed to catch up with an uncle and my ex roomie too which made the trip such a highlight. Didn't think I'd have much time for leisure but it turned out better than I expected! Sorry for the barrage of pictures! :)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 10:54 PM
Perth
This afternoon I flew across Australia and I'm halfway back to Malaysia. Just not. But at least I'm in the same time zone. ehehhe. I think it must have been 15 years since I've been in Perth, so I can't really remember much except for the Aquarium. Im staying at this place overlooking the city across the river, so it's pretty decent especially at dusk. I think I'll like it here. Hopefully I can get to see more of the city tomorrow. Going to Karratha on Thursday, which of course will be the most ulu place I've ever been to in Australia. Hopefully it'll be interesting. Heard the temperature there is 25-30. woo hooo.. goodbye sucky sydney winter.
Monday, August 04, 2008, 9:21 PM
here we go again
I'm in such a turning point in life right now. It's interesting and scary at the same time.
Paddington Markets. Reminds me of the Arts and Crafts market in St Kilda Beach
People are telling me different things all at the same time.
The waves washing ashore at Bronte Beach
More big waves.
Toh Sin came over for the weekend to visit Sydneysiders on his way home. We had the pleasure of bringing him around.
La Perrouse. In the background is Botany Bay.
We then when to Watson's Bay.
The marine base was nearby
We also went to a nude beach.
Then pondered about 42, the world oil crisis and the meaning of life.
While some dude was fishing
Me and the city I loathe
View from the Gap in Watson's Bay.
Paddington Markets. Reminds me of the Arts and Crafts market in St Kilda Beach
People are telling me different things all at the same time.
The waves washing ashore at Bronte Beach
More big waves.Toh Sin came over for the weekend to visit Sydneysiders on his way home. We had the pleasure of bringing him around.
La Perrouse. In the background is Botany Bay.
We then when to Watson's Bay.
The marine base was nearby
We also went to a nude beach.
Then pondered about 42, the world oil crisis and the meaning of life.
While some dude was fishing
Me and the city I loathe
View from the Gap in Watson's Bay.