3 degrees n, 101 degrees e

Gong Xi Fa Chai! - Kung Hei Fat Choi! - Happy Tet!

2007-02-21T04:30:00.000+08:00

Happy Lunar New Year!

Memories of a steam boat dinner, 8 days off from work, house party hopping to watch Chinese-Malaysians play mahjong like there's no tomorrow, and seeing a lion dance in 95 degree weather run through my head...

I know I will not be able to re-live those moments, nor will I get any ang paus (little red packets of lucky money), but I will continue to celebrate this special day by watching a show at the Atlanta Civic Center.

I send my best wishes to you all for a prosperous and healthy new year - but most most importantly, I wish you Happiness. For many, the Year of the Pig/Boar should be an amazing one. Mine is already starting off with many changes...

Happy New Year!

2007-01-05T12:46:00.000+08:00

Spice Girls - Jan 1 2007
Originally uploaded by magsombol.

I'm starting this year off quite different from the past few years. Excited and a bit nervous, I'm looking forward to a new beginning...

Happy New Year everyone! May 2007 be your best ever. Hopefully my travels this year will allow our paths to cross in some new and exciting destination.

What's going on?

2006-04-17T11:18:00.001+08:00

So yeah, I win the 'Biggest Slacker of the Year' award for not keeping this Blog up-to-date. Writing a new post is always on my forever to-do-list.

Some of the things that has keep me busy over the past few months...

1. NEW puppy!! His name is Kwali - an adorable and curious Min Pin. He's full of energy, always ready to play with his squeaking squirrel toy, and he loves to cuddle up on our bed at night.

2. House hunting! I'm in search of a new home. Goodbye renting - Hello Mortgage! There are several home buying programs, first time buyers, and down payment assistance programs I'm looking at such as ACORN, NACA, and Nehemiah
As of this moment, I have found our potential home on the westside of Midtown Atlanta, I've made my offer....but a day late! Someone beat me to it - they made an offer to the seller the day before I did. Boo! So I'm considered the back-up offer. It's back to the drawing board if the Primary Buyer closes.

3. Work! I started my new job as an online account manager about a month after I got back into Atlanta. Everything is going great. I really enjoy my work, colleagues are great and I can relax to the 15 minute commute to & from the office.

4. Hmmm I know there's got to be another thing on my list I can add to justify my lack of posts...

Okay, when I figure that out, I'll add it to my list of excuses :)

~Adelle

Gong Xi Fa Chai! (Happy Chinese New Year!)

2006-02-01T12:50:00.000+08:00

Just wanted to send out special Chinese New Year greetings to my dear friends in KL. I miss you all!

Especially to those I spent last year with- Huilin and family, Anisha, Bonnie and Cheong.
As well as those I wasn't able to see this year here in US - Sealling, Steve, & Korakot.

~Adelle

See if the Year of the Dog is a lucky 2006 for you - read more here.

So...How was Malaysia?

2005-10-28T02:40:00.001+08:00

If I could get a dollar for every time I get asked this question...

How can I answer this in a few short sentences? Well that's the problem... I can't!

I spent 9 months there, and even this Blog doesn't jot down half of my thoughts and experiences living, working, and traveling in Southeast Asia.

Well, I always start off by saying that it was an "Absolutely amazing experience!!"

*All smiles*

Then I talk about what I was doing there, the company I worked for, and the industry I was in. I mention my experience with AIESEC, the Trainees, Expats, Locals, the nightlife, culture and the food.

It's crazy how easy it seemed adjusting to Malaysian culture...learning, absorbing, and adapting to their ways...

But going back home is a completely different story. It's a little hard to describe all my feelings. I've lived in the US over 22 years, from California and Washington to Georgia. I would have to say that the biggest culture shock I ever faced when moving was from Bellflower, California to Peachtree City, Georgia (back in '97). That move even tops the reverse culture shock of moving from Kuala Lumpur to Atlanta -- which comes second on my list.

Sometimes I go to bed and I literally stare at the ceiling for 10 to 30 minutes and just THINK about KL.

Random thoughts would race through my mind. Constantly comparing the two environments and reminiscing about times spent with friends.

Okay YES, I admit, I really miss KL...and not just the city itself...but the people, lifestyle, the energy, the food, and the ability to travel..."the whole 9"

So what should I do with all these thoughts? Should I just store them in my brain until that question pops up -'So...How was Malaysia'?

------

Last night, AIESEC Georgia Tech threw a 'Welcome Home' party for me. Our LC closed while I was in Malaysia, and now with the help of our BOA (esp. Michael Flood), the committee is trying to re-open the chapter. I'm excited to see the LC that Missy and I were so involved in, come back to 'X-change more lives' through the program. The new LCP is a young, motivated individual and is seems to have the type of dedication the LC needs to revive itself.

I loved seeing the look on everyone's face as they listened to my AIESEC Traineeship experiences. Many asked all sorts of questions about Malaysia and most of them expressed their own desire to travel/study/work abroad.

It's interesting to be on the other side of the table, where members are asking me about my traineeship, instead of how it was when I was in the LC, helping to run the program.

Well being at the event last night sparked an interest in eventually joining the BOA for AIESEC Georgia Tech. Since I recently came back, I have many ideas and experiences to share on how I can help the LC improve and grow to become a sustaining organization again. But at this time, I know that once I dive in, it means hardcore involvement.

I need this time to focus on my career and carefully choose a job that I know I can be just as passionate about as I have been with AIESEC. After this huge step, I know I will feel more settled in to Atlanta and I can start to contribute back to my LC.

------

So, I'm back in the South. Where we are known for fried chicken, collard greens, chitlin' and chicken and dumplings. (Not to be confused with Asian dumplings). Atlanta is also known for our Southern hospitality -Friendly, courteous people who smile and acknowledge one another as "sir" and "ma'am" regardless of age.

The weather was perfect the first 2 weeks after I arrived in Georgia. But this past week the temperatures have dropped and the cold wind reminds that the Fall season is only trying to prepare you for a really cold winter.

p.s. ~ Just in case you make it over to Atlanta, you can try Southern cooking at it's finest!

Oh no! Not at my place. Although I love to cook, I know these Southern restaurants have been doing it for years - Let the experts show you how Southern Cooking should be. =)

'Terrorist Act' on Tech Campus?!?!

2005-10-11T02:05:00.000+08:00

I started my day at 5am this morning and then headed to Georgia Tech to get on the Internet.

Riding the Tech Trolley today made me feel like I was a student again. In reality, I'm an Alumnus who just needed a quiet area where I can work to find work, and the Tech library was a place I often went during my undergrad.

Afterwards, I went to the Student Involvement Center (where the AIESEC office is located). I ran into a friend that mentioned he was awoken by fire alarms. Apparently, there were 3 bombs that were found on East Campus and the Atlanta Police Department is already claiming that it is a terrorist attack on our campus.

Bomb squad officers at Georgia Tech Campus

Read the Full Article on our local news: 11Alive.com

***Just as I updated this article on my Blog, I noticed that 11Alive just changed their headline from "'Terrorist Act' on Tech Campus" to "Explosives Found on Georgia Tech Dorms".

Seems like they made an early assumption. . .

A Delay, A Warrant, A Wedding, A Meeting, An Expired Buddy Pass and Two Angels

2005-10-07T11:42:00.000+08:00

It has been a crazy adventure going home to Atlanta.

First, my departure flight out of KL was delayed by 3 hours. Fortunately, it gave me a extra time to spend with Cheong and Vishen at the KL Sentral Starbucks. Then Cheong and I rode the KLIA Ekspres headed for the airport and we caught up on what we’ve been up to over the past 5 months.

-----

My flight was 19 hours long, but comfortable, and I spent most of my time catching up on sleep, eating 3 meals with unlimited OJ, and reading my new book, ‘Travels’ (thanks Vishen).

I sat next to a guy and after we exchanged a few sentences, he says, "I know you!"

Actually he knows Sharath and is a good friend of Ankur. What a small world! Out of a plane of over 400ppl, leaving Malaysia, I meet someone who knows who I am, lives in Riverside (a city in CA that I once lived in) and has spent time traveling with Sharath and Ankur in Atlanta.

-----

The moment I stepped off the plane, it was evident where I was… AMERICA! Well, L.A. to be exact, and here are some of the immediate things I couldn’t help but notice:

1. Mexicans
2. Asians with American accents
3. Toilet seat covers
4. 80 degrees Fahrenheit
5. Botox, face lifts, and silicon breasts
6. Big, big, big people
7. Big, big, big cars
8. $7USD for parking (That’s 28RM!!)
9. Passenger seat is on the right, driver on the left.
10. Driving on the Right side of the road

Korakot, my best friend of 11 years, picked me up from LA Airport and we spent the rest of night making preliminary decisions about her upcoming wedding.

Oh yeah…I forgot to mention that I ran into a minor situation as I was passing through immigration/customs…you'll have to call or email me to get the full story. ;-)

-----

The next morning, I overslept and woke up in sunny California! Korakot and I ran errands all over town for her wedding.

Planning a wedding is not an easy task. Even if you want a simple, small wedding…

By the end of the day, we’ve decided on the venue the reception will beheld, the style of flowers – on her bouquet, on the bridesmaids, on the isle, the arch, the dinner tables, reception table, etc. We also chose the fabric for the table cloths, chair covers and the sash to tie around it. It’s all about the details, and I’m more than happy to help my best friend plan her special day.

-----

That evening, the Magsombol’s met up at Lola’s house and we all met Tanya and Aisa for the first time.

-----

Wednesday morning, my Aunt and Uncle treated me to breakfast at Denny’s. There was only the three of us, but when the food arrived, there were six plates! 'American portions,' I said shaking my head. I didn't even finish half of it, so I took the rest to go.

-----

It was a short trip in LA, only 1 day and a half. It would’ve been nice to stay longer, but I was eager to get back to Atlanta and finally settle in. I arrived to LA Airport to find that Delta had changed so many policies while I was overseas, and now my check-in luggage was overweight by 23lbs each, my carry-on luggage was too bulky, and my buddy pass (already booked and paid for) was expired. Since the policies changed while I was overseas, I felt it was a little unfair to apply the new rules. I felt like my stay in LA was going to unexpectedly extend. Luckily, with the help of two angels, Korakot and a Delta rep, Tommy Grimes, I made it safely back to Atlanta.

Last few hours in KL

2005-10-03T01:41:00.000+08:00

I just came back from Redang, an Island off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. It was another amazing trip. Makes me feel that I'm leaving Malaysia with a 'Bang!'

Having a million and one stories to share about my last few days in KL, but only with a few hours to spare to do any last minute packing and resting, I'm going to keep this one short...

Aside from the obvious things I will 'Miss about Malaysia' -- food, culture, lifestyle, etc. I will miss the close friendships that I've made even more. I've been so fortunate to meet such an international group and develop the kind of friendships that last a life time. I'm still set on planning to visit each other in our home countries.

I really don't like goodbyes, so let's just say 'see you later' since I'm sure our lives with cross paths again...whether it's back in Malaysia, a remote island, or in one of this World's amazing countries.

*Hugs and Kisses*

Love,

~Adelle

p.s. - To share the beauty of Redang with you, please see Hannu's pics
To learn more about this island, visit this Wiki Travel page.

How Long Does it Take Before I Crash?

2005-09-09T22:45:00.000+08:00

Let's Count Together Now...

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ampamp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
Powered by Castpost

"One. . .Twwwooo. . .Threeee!!"

**If you can't play the video, visit this page.

MindValley Team - Island Escape, KL City Skyline, and Riding the Wakes

2005-09-07T23:19:00.000+08:00

This past month has been one of my best months here in Malaysia. I know my number of posts do not show it, but here are some pics to share with you to show you what you've been missing.

Tioman Island - Located off the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea. KL was having a Bad Air Day (due to the burning of Indonesian Rain Forest Fires) so the MindValley Team decided to get away for the weekend.

White-sand beaches

Hot Malaysian Sun

Clear, Icy Blue Water

A whole 'nother World Under the Sea

All this just to escape the KL Haze! See my other Tioman pics

---------

Luna Bar - The most beautiful bar I've EVER been to.

View of the City Skyline

View of KL's City Center - including the Petronas Twin Towers

The MindValley Team

Welcome to KL, Mike and Anita!
We'll Miss You - Kristina. All the Best!

MindValley at Our Best. haha =)

See my other MindValley Welcome and Farewell party photos @ Luna Bar

--------

Wake Boarding - I've been wanting to try this water sport for months. I've discovered new muscles I never thought I had. Still a lil sore today! But it was worth it.

Step 1: "Arms straight, Heel to the Bum, Relax, and Don't go up to Early!"

Step 2: "Let the Boat Lift You, Keep Your Arms Straight, and Hold on for Dear Life!!!"

Step 3: "Let Go"....haha yeah right! I'm not a pro YET. You're bound to fall!

See how the rest of them managed to "Ride the Wake"

A Wonderful Night in KL

2005-09-07T22:31:00.000+08:00

It's a wonderful night in KL...

I've had a good morning, a great, productive, and awesome day at work, a nice quiet dinner poolside, a sweet anniversary e-kiss, and a great phone interview with * Company.

Now if only Gmail will work so I can send out my thank you note and personal emails.

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My Nieces- Camille and Celene

2005-09-02T21:18:00.000+08:00

Cecile just sent me a recent album of Camille and Celene. They have grown so much since I left.

Here are some of my favorite pictures of them. They're both so beautiful. I can't wait to see them next month =)

Camille

Camille & Celene

Celene will have some of that Birthday Cake

Celene Reading Upsidedown

Troublemakers in Plaid

Happy Merdeka Day!

2005-08-31T19:58:00.000+08:00

Malaysia celebrates their Independence Day and so do we!

Last night we went to the German Ambassador's house to celebrate. His son, an AIESECer, invited us to his beautiful home and we all stood on the balcony as we watched fireworks from their backyard. The view was perfect - it overlooked the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC park, the City Center's skyline, and their large pool. =)

"It's only Merdeka Day once in our lifetime!"
~Hannu

"Ahnayyta come ah tayyyke a pitcha wit' meh"
~lil' ol' me

MIA (Updated Mon Aug. 8th)

2005-08-02T22:22:00.000+08:00

This past weekend I went to Singapore to say farewell to my friend Devrim, an AIESECer working for DHL. He finished his traineeship, extended his contract, and was now offered an amazing opportunity to work in Shanghai with an incredible position in Risk Management for DHL.

He threw a huge going-away-party, held at his colleague's Crib (also a DHL employee and the son of Lufthansa's GM). I say 'Crib' because it was this awesome home with a huge sunroom that over looked the large pool. The DJ turntables were in the foyer of the back door and a pond with random plants and lily pads was located behind it. A bridge above the pond connected two rooms. . .

AND...It's just the family's 'Summer' house.

Too bad I didn't take a picture of this dream home.

--------Pre-party: rewind---------

I woke up early Saturday morning, 6:45am to be exact. My bus to Singapore was set for 7:30am, and conveniently left from Bangsar.

I traveled with Vishen, Kristina and her Estonian friends that were vacationing in KL.

Hehe=). . .So last time I went to Singapore, I traveled with 7 Kenyans, this time I was traveling with 5 Estonians and 1 Malaysian.

When we arrived in beautiful, clean, and refreshing - Singapore, we spent a few hours getting lost in the city, and then decided to overlook the river while eating Chinese seafood at 'Boat Quay'.

It was surprisingly cool that day - the sun hid behind the clouds and the water sprinkled on our skin as we walked through Singapore's City Center.

Afterwards, we took a boat ride along the river as we listened to a pre-recorded, American-accented narrator talk about the different buildings situated near the waterfront. I started to doze off as the boat rocked back and forth along the river. Not to mention my stomach was full of prawns and braised tofu.

I needed a pick-me-up badly, so we stopped by a great coffee house called 'TCC' - The Coffee Connoisseur. They had an elaborate menu of caffeinated drinks, delicious desserts and Asian infused 'Western Dishes'.

Mmmmm. . .I thoroughly enjoyed waking up to my Oreo-Mocha Frapaccino.

------Party-------

DHL employees and trainees, AIESECers, Estonians and friends gathered at the amazing house as we celebrated Digs' new adventure to Shanghai.

All night long I drank Apple Juice with Aloe Vera bits (one of my local favorites in SE Asia). I told others that they could mix it with any liquor to create a local libation. Sure enough, 2 cartons of my Peel Fresh Juice was gone within the first 30 minutes. (Better than the typical Apple-tini you get in the States!)

------After Party Makan------

After the party, comes the late night grubbin'.

We went to a local 24hour Singaporean food court, planning to just get a small bite to eat. Pilli and I ended up sharing an order of Dumplings (a.k.a Potstickers in the US), Sweet & Sour Chicken with steamed rice, veggies and soup.

It was a quite an international table - 1 Dutch, 1 Malaysian, 1 Kenyan, 1 Australian, 1 Argentine, and me, an American. We were all AIESEC Alum enjoying each other's company as we talked about our experiences in AIESEC and how much we've grown and changed since. Somehow the conversation went off on a tangent and we were talking about ASIA's obsession of having white skin and double eyelids.

Don't ask me why, I'm happy with my brown skin and Filipino eyelids. . .

------Sunday at the Singapore Zoo-------

I spent my Sunny Sunday at the Zoo with Cheong and his family.

The Singapore Zoo has adopted a model of the`open zoo' concept.

Their animals are kept in large, spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from all the visitors by dry or wet ditches. The ditches are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision. There home looked very much like a natural surrounding instead of the traditions cages that one thinks of when you say "Zoo".

The only animals that were in enclosed areas were the leopards and jaguars - since both can climb very well. Instead they were housed in beautifully landscaped glass-fronted enclosures. We were able to go into the glass viewing rooms to see these big cats up close and personal.

Singapore Zoo is rated one of the top zoo's in the world. Haha...It even won the RESTROOM ASSOCIATION -HAPPY TOILET AWARD - a 5 Star award for cleanliness, functionality and creativity.

*pics of Zoo coming soon*

------MIA in Singapore-------

After a day at the Zoo, it was time to say goodbye to Singapore. . .

Cheong dropped me off near the bus station on Beach Road. I had plenty of time before my bus was set to leave, so I decided to just walk around the nearby mall.

It was still early when I arrived at "The Golden Mile", where all the busses sit and wait before departing. I looked for Vishen, Kristina and the Baltic crew -all very easy to spot in an Asian country.

Hmmmm. . . I don't see them.

I'll just go to the bus then. I put down my bag to search for my ticket.

Oh no! Can't find it!?! What now?

I pick up my handphone and begin calling them.

"Thanks for using M-1. Beep, beep, beep." Click. The line is cut.

I try again. . . same thing happens. My phone is not dialing out. Time is running out and I have no idea what bus to take.

I'm sure they'll call me. I think to myself.

I realize almost all the busses are empty. Maybe I'll see them get on the bus. I walked back and forth along Beach Road, looking at every bus I pass by. Still no sign.

Although Singapore is safe and impeccably clean, the area around this bus station was not. My guess is that most people traveling on these busses are Malaysians and other tourists. Avoiding the sketchy walk up the driveway where all the travel agents are selling bus tickets, I stay near the parked busses pacing up and down the street.

Realizing that the bus probably left, I decide to just walk up to one of the travel agents and get a new bus ticket. I have to get back to KL tonight!

Fortunately a bus was leaving in 2 minutes, so I paid for a new ticket and quickly boarded.

There were only 3 other people on the huge bus. Sitting down in my seat while breathing a sigh of relief, I knew I was still going to arrive into KL with enough time to get a full night rest. But I was worrying what everyone on the other bus thought.

20 minutes later, after crossing the border into Malaysia, I found out.

Vishen and Kristina sent out a mass SMS asking if anyone knew what had happeend to me, and if so to contact them immediately. They found out from Cheong that I was dropped off early but since I never showed up to meet them, thought something bad might have happened.

"Adelle is missing."

They were worried that I was stuck in Singapore with no phone or money. Vishen even helped to delay the bus, hoping I'd show up any minute.

SMS's started to pour in and my phone was working again for both incoming and outgoing calls.

So sorry for worrying everyone. I had a phone that did not work in Singapore and I was without a ticket or info on which bus to go on. Never-the-less, I was safe and only 20 minutes behind the bus I was supose to be on.

I'm such a 'trouble maker'.

The next morning at work, I mentioned all the details of why I was MIA in Singapore. I found out that they were walking in the sketchy area near the travel agents, hoping to run into me.

Great News to Share!

2005-07-27T21:30:00.000+08:00

I just wanted to share some great news with everyone...

Last Tuesday, I was promoted to Business Development Manager! I'll be in charge of creating the company's Grassroots Marketing Strategies for one of our sites that I've helped to optimize since I've started working for MindValley.

I'm so excited about my new opportunity because it focuses on growth for the company as I identify new marketing strategies that go beyond the traditional "4 P's of marketing: Product, Price, Place and Promotion". This also allows me to add even more skills to my resume as I finish up my time here in Malaysia.

The other 'great' news is that we just received our best review of our latest product. BlinkList Beta - a knowledge management tool. Think of it as a bookmarking manager for all the internet sites that are important to you.

Here's an Extract from the Review:

"The MindValley folks are clearly on the verge of something big with BlinkList. To be fair, it’s still in an early beta stage and will require some tweaks. Moreover, at this point, all of the social interchange is asynchronous. And while they are more than aware of the fight ahead of them, their infectious enthusiasm (in conjunction with their terrific product) is sure to propel them to the front of the pack. By now it should be clear that BlinkList is so feature rich (the “scary” part is that they’re just getting warmed up!), and full of possibilities they can’t all be discussed in one post...

...MindValley has created an impressive product with so many applications that learning communities--from grade school to corporate training—will be looking for ways to integrate BlinkList into their curriculum...

..For the last several months there’s been a lot of buzz about a renaissance on the web. And with the arrival of BlinkList, the optimistic, passionate team over at MindValley seems to be shouting, “Enough talk, let’s get this party started!” Game on."

~ Derek Baird of blendededu.com

Our team will continue to come up with innovative ways to create web applications. BlinkList is just the beginning.

~ Jill Adelle

Click Here for the Full Review on BlinkList.

In response to your AIM away msg

2005-07-25T20:04:00.000+08:00

"12 hrs away, let it be known the sun never sets on our love, my
throne waits 4 no 1 but u, the world has spun 4 many centuries just 2
stop for a love so elementary, it is everything I dreamt it 2 be, I
changed like j legend and snoop d o double g..eternity waits to take
off with the union of u and me...lovers rock baby ji."

-Sharath, via Hip Hop

--------
Dear Sharath,

You are my lyrical poet of a lifetime and You always keep me smiling.

*kisses*
Jill

p.s. - see Lovers Rock

Why?

2005-07-20T21:21:00.000+08:00

You know how people say, "Bad things happen to good people"?

Well, I'm wondering this at this very moment...

...and for the first time since I've been here, I feel like I really, really need to be Home.

That's all I have to say, and that's all I will say...

Bali, Indonesia

2005-07-16T17:55:00.000+08:00

The trip to Bali was our favorite part of our 2-week vacation.

The company I work for, MindValley, paid for the hotel and flight for 3 nights. We were still on a strict budget, but it's amazing how far USD can go in Indonesia.

Bali's economy is driven by tourism. The number of tourists traveling there rapidly declined after the 2002 terrorist bombing. Many families had to shut down their small businesses and only this past year has the number of tourists started to come back.

One word to describe everything about Bali is 'Amazing'.

The island doesn't have street lights, stop signs, or lines on the road. Small villages are everywhere. Balinese people are so friendly, beautiful, and hardworking. They live very simple, yet happy lives.

Sharath and I can talk on an on about our trip here, but let the pictures speak for us and tell the story of our amazing experience in Bali.

Some Common Sights in Bali

2005-07-16T17:38:00.000+08:00

*Women balancing a large bucket of spring water on their head for long distances to have clean water to drink at home

*One, two, sometimes three young children riding on motorbikes with their parents. . .NEVER wearing a helmet

*Daily offerings called 'Canag' are placed everywhere in front of hotels, homes, shrines/temples, stores. . .practically every business!

These offerings contain flowers, fruit, rice and incense placed in a tray made from banana leaves, held together with splinters of bamboo.

The flowers are white for the god Visnu and pink or red to represent the god Brahma.

The offerings for the gods are always in elevated positions whereas the one made for demons are on the ground. The idea is that the gods will come down to enjoy the essence that was meant for them and demons will keep away.

The person performing the offering lays the offering down, sprinkles a few drops of holy water and gracefully offers a prayer, eyes closed with one hand slowly fanning the smoke left, right and upwards.

Because these offerings were everywhere, the whole island smelled like incense.

Our Favorite Bali Pictures

2005-07-16T17:37:00.001+08:00

We have over 400 pictures of Bali, here are some of our favorites. . .

Balinese women hand-make Batik clothing as beautiful as they are.

A Balinese woman teaches me the process of making a Batik print

Balinese artwork is breathtaking

This Balinese boy works for about $25 USD a month selling hand-made Silver jewery. I spent about $41USD there...

Hand-made Woodwork

Attention to detail

A Minor Detail

2005-07-16T15:59:00.000+08:00

On Sharath's last day in KL, I took him to KL Sentral to catch the KLIA Ekspres train back to the airport. His flight to LA was at 8:30 am, and it was 6am when I hugged and kissed him goodbye. *sniff,sniff*

I got on the train headed back home. . .alone.

I started to get ready for work when my phone rang at 8:33am.

It was Sharath!

I was sure he boarded the plane and was about to tell me that it was ready to take off. . .instead he said, "Emergency. I checked in, went through customs, and was about to board the plane, when the flight attendant asked for my paper ticket. The problem is that my paper ticket is back there. . ."

To make a long story short, Sharath and I fly frequently within the US and we're so used to e-tickets. He already had a boarding pass and his name was in the database, but Singapore airlines would not let him board without the paper ticket.

We met again in KL Sentral and spent a few more hours together at the KLCC park. It was the best 70Ringgit gift ever.

KLCC Petronas Twin Towers

KLCC Park

KLCC Park

Still in Vacation Mode

2005-07-11T23:43:00.000+08:00

Bali pictures and details about our trip will be posted soon...Sorry for the delay

AIESEC NAC Faci Team!

2005-06-15T01:21:00.000+08:00

I'd like to send a big Thank You to the AIESEC NAC Faci team.

I feel so honored to receive the Global Ambassador Award.

Special thanks to Anisha, my TN manager and sweet friend. Your reasons in nominating me for the award show how passionate we can be in something we really enjoy doing.

Matching my first 3 TN's as a trainee! Crazy…

Helping to facilitate the National Ambassadors Camp was a memorable learning experience and I absolutely enjoyed being the in ‘Jungle’ with such an awesome team! –minus the mosquitoes and moths in the shower.

Anyways, I’m really having an amazing traineeship. I’m learning about a different culture, I get challenging work experience, I’m meeting people from various parts of the globe, and I’m involved in AIESEC.

1 1/2 Days...

2005-06-15T00:18:00.000+08:00

The countdown continues...

Happy Birthday Camille!

2005-06-14T09:53:00.000+08:00

Mille, originally uploaded by magsombol.

Camille took the phone from Dad and said, "Auntie Jill. Say Happy Birthday to Mille!...Say Happy Birthday to Me!"

-and that was the end of our conversation.

I love this princess!