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Dalat, February 22, 2014 Eyes of curiosity follow as I walk across sparkles of soft morning rays into the classroom. Somehow, Dalat manages to mesmerize this passionate visitor with its shadowy eyes of pride and its sobbing silence as the neverland of memories…. Have you ever felt eyes of a million souls softly land on your heart? As I seat myself down amongst these speech & hearing-impaired kids today, my heart sinks into a giant melting pot filled with unselfish love of a m

As my inward journey takes me to neverland where one is all and all is one, my earthy self this year is still struck by the outside world. Here are the top 5’s: 1. Most admired person of the year: my brother Patrick Patrick called me one evening in May 2013 and told me that he’s found the answer. The next day he quit his job as a regional marketing team leader, and his comfort life to pursue his quest to help himself and others. 2. Most influencing book of the year: 金刚经 – Th

Manila Airport, December 13, 2013 It’s Friday the 13th and it’s my last flight of the year. Quite spooky huh? Based on the travel agent’s summary, this is my record flying year with 40 trips to 16 countries and 29 cities. That would mean I’m in a different country every 3 weeks and spend every 2 weeks in a different city. To be quite honest, I am officially tired. Sitting here at Manila airport catching the last flight of the year home, I couldn’t help but looking back in res

Manila, December 13, 2013 “Manila International Airport, terminal 2, please!” “Yes, Ma’am. And My name is William.” After 4 days in noise-polluted Manila, I am ready to head home for some quiet down-time. “What’s X’mas lane, William?”, ask I looking at the traffic police officer standing on the road side with a blue and white signboard written “X’mas Lane”. “December is a bad month for traffic, Ma’am. Everyday there is broadcast on TV about X’mas lanes to help ease the traffi

Singapore, December 6, 2013 After a few hard-working days and a long flight from Sydney, Bak Kuh Teh with a good friend on a lane way in Singapore is sheer perfect. Outside it’s drizzling. Inside it’s steaming & peppery. Just a classic! Amidst it all comes the message…. “I’m missing dinner with you tonight. Exactly 12 months ago we had dinner.” “Wow you certainly remember the date.” “Yep” 12 months ago today, we caught up in Sydney before I flew out. I could recall his smilin

Singapore, December 06, 2013 She gave me the bath tea, hand-made, with the most natural ingredients she’s collected from all her overseas trips. “This looks gorgeous!”, said I. “I’ve made it just for you! Singaporeans don’t have time to enjoy a bath.” “Huh?” “Haven’t you heard? It’s kiasu.” Amused by my dumb-founded face, Susan quickly explained herself. Kiasu is a Hokkien word meaning “scared to loose out”. As competitive as Singapore can be as a small nation with big ambiti

KL, November 28, 2013 He’s a 27-year-old Malay guy with a shy-looking face and smiling eyes. As he took on the mission to drive me to KL International airport today, little did he know that he would soon face with the toughest questions in his life…. “What does 1000 Dinar mean?” I ask while pointing at the brass-looking medallion dangling from the mirror. Apart from the word 1000 Dinar that I could recognize, the rest are in arabic. “I don’t know exactly the translation of th

Sydney, October 27, 2013 Sydney’s No. 1 Health & Wellness Expo – that sounds just right for a Sunday afternoon, specifically for someone who is totally head over heels with this subject. With a dear Singaporean friend of mine, I set out to explore the updated world of health & wellness. What would you expect from such an expo? Aroma therapy? Natural bath and body products? Organic food & drinks? Well, that’s a no brainer! What I am blown away by is a new business opportunity

Sydney, October 29, 2013 It’s Sunday morning. And just like any other Sunday morning for the last 10 years, he is having his “breakfast by the balcony”. Set on the second floor, amongst nature, with a magnificent view of the moody river, time and space often seem irrelevant…. And as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons fill the air with its magical touch, one would think how beautiful life could be in such a perfect setting. “The white stork is still alone.” Having shared a breakfast by th

Heathrow Airport, September 08, 2013 At times, one’s chosen path must be walked alone…. It’s the hustle bustle London airport, and yes I am waiting for my next flight out to Florence, it all sounds like the making of a fabulous vacation ahead, at least to most. Little would be known why I am here. Little would be understood why I’m here. The whole world rushes by, leaving my tiny self on suspension mode…. I have a purpose in life, and I am walking on my chosen path, little by

Tunis, June 16, 2013 Nothing beats the feeling of having arrived at the hotel after a long flight, a warm bath, a comfy bed, soft pillows, and an un-disturbed afternoon nap…. Well, all that for a day dream! The receptionist could not find my booking. With enough confidence I take out my Ipad and show him the confirmation email in my inbox. The guy looks perplexed. I can see the frown on his face. Then he looks up with the broadest smile ever. “I am sorry, miss. You’ve booked

Shanghai, May 12, 2013 Been to Shanghai numerous times before but coming from Tokyo does give it a different perspective altogether. The moment I stepped onto the China Eastern Airlines flight this morning, it was a completely different world; the big sloppy bags, the chaotic movements, the noises, the pushy encounters…. I often find myself vulnerable in such a settings. “When in Rome, do what the Romans do!”. So have we been taught by our ancestors. Gosh! Forgive me but I am