Catching Up In Taipei

One of the highlights of my year-end trip to Taipei last year was the oppor-tunity to catch up with my friend Felix. The last time we met was at his wedding in Guam in April 2013. Since then, he has become a father, and it was a pleasure to spend some time with his family.

 

I was travelling with a group of friends and decided to stay on in Taipei for the first few days of the trip while the others headed straight to Tainan upon arrival in Taiwan. Other than having the chance to meet with Felix and family, it also provided me with some time to explore the city on my own, having not visited since I was eleven.

 

Felix and I became friends while he was studying and I working, in the ski resort of Leysin in Switzerland many years ago. We used to cook up a storm and enjoyed many meals together that reminded us of home. At times we would invite our Swedish friends Johan and Tom to join us too, and the former is one who I have kept in touch with as well. As always, we had a good time reminiscing about the past and sharing our plans for the future. Most importantly, such meetings cement ties and strengthen friendships that have been nurtured over the years.

 

 

With Felix, Ting and baby Elena, enjoying Ting's birthday lunch in a village in Daxi, Taiwan.

Taking Stock

Sometimes it is a good thing to take some time out to reflect and consider the various routes that one can take when at a crossroads. A new year is a catalyst to take stock and decide if one is content with the status quo or if there is more to be achieved.

 

For some, the status quo is a good place to be; stable and comforting, no rocking boat to manouvre. For others, there is always room for growth and betterment.

 

I am of the latter camp. Whilst appreciating what I have in my life, both in career and on a personal basis, one can always work towards becoming a better person, be in improved relationships, attaining new experiences that life has to offer. Taking stock I am.

 

 

Photo of Tumon Bay in Guam.

Good Things

A good friend of mine recently reminded me that 'good things come to those who wait'. For those who are patient, this adage is one of hope and keeping the faith. Based on personal experience, and from the fact that patience has never been much of a virtue of mine, 'waiting' can be excruciatingly frustrating.

 

While admittedly I had been discouraged in the past, the inner guide always had a 'pick me up' at the ready. In this inner voice we ought to place our trust. Sometimes plans do not turn out, outcomes that we had hoped for do not come to fruition. But if we pick ourselves up and continue our journey, embracing the opportunities and tackling the challenges that life throws at us, some good is bound to happen.

 

Much good has come into my life of late. I am thankful. I am grateful. I am appreciative. I wish the same for you.

 

 

View from Two Lovers' Point in Guam.

New Journeys

There are times when rationali-sing is futile. Human nature often has us want to reason, want to justify a notion, want to correlate cause and effect. But when the seemingly inconceivable confronts us, perhaps it is best to let the currents of nature and the hand of fate guide us on our way.

 

For the majority, a certain level of control in our career and personal lives provide us with peace-of-mind and a sense of security. But for those who embrace life with reckless abandon, some curve balls hurled at us may not be that of a bad thing. Letting go of our need to be in control and going with the flow could be a good idea.

 

So here's to new adventures, new journeys and new beginnings.

 

 

View from Two Lovers' Point in Guam.

Greener Pastures

I was having lunch with a friend of mine today, and a part of our conversation led us to ponder how one ought to react when let down by a supposed friend or business associate, in this case, the latter. The unlucky among us would have encountered this scenario at one time or another, and I suppose we all react differently.

 

I have had my fair share of such experiences. What I learnt from today's conversation is that my friend is far more gracious than I am. I tend not to want to have anything to do with the offending party ever again; I don't forgive easily and I definitely don't forget. I believe that once the trust is betrayed, it is irreparable. And whilst I will lament the loss of a friendship or business relationship, I will get over it quickly. I will be cordial if our paths cross again, but there certainly will be no small talk to catch up. For me, the adage 'good riddance to bad rubbish' holds true in this instance. There are better friends to be made, and better working relationships to foster.

 

To my friend who is facing the unpleasantness of such a situation at this time, I would say do what you feel is right for you, do what you think will keep your dignity intact. At the end of the day, we have to live with the consequences of our actions and reactions. And if we have done what to us feels right, then we move on to greener pastures indeed.

 

 

Beautiful view from Two Lovers Point in Guam.

Friends

On this Wesak Day, I am going to dedicated this post to my good friends, the circle of people whom I've gotten to know over the years, those who have kept in touch, and whose friendship I value greatly.

 

In times of hectic work schedules and busy personal lives, text messages, Whatsapp and Facebook have been worthy tools to help us remain connected with our friends. But really, it is the personal interaction that elevates friendships to meaningful ones. Effort has to be made by both parties to meet, enjoy a meal together, or perhaps catch up over teh tarik.

 

To my good friends, and you know who you are, may you enjoy good health and happiness always. That is my wish for you this Wesak Day. See you all soon!

 

 

With my friend Felix and his wife Ting, a day after their April wedding in Guam.

Sunset On Tumon Bay

Sometimes one can't help but marvel at the beauty presented by Mother Nature. When in Guam, I decided to spend an evening admiring the sunset and made my way to the Westin Resort, on Tumon Bay.

 

Over the course of about an hour, I took in the view from different vantage points, being mesmerised by the ever-changing silhouettes of the sky and colours of the sea. Left, right, centre, one is greeted by a sight to behold at every turn.

 

It is at times as such that one gives thanks for the opportunity to experience such a wonderful moment. The more appreciation we show, the more such opportunities will present themselves.

 

 

Tumon Bay, Guam.

Tumon Bay In Guam

Here is a sight to behold. A view of Tumon Bay from the balcony of my hotel room. The colours change as the day unfolds, a dramatic and lovely spectacle indeed. When one comes face to face with such a landscape, one can only be in awe and appreciative of the opportunity to be there.

I was in Guam for a good friend's wedding and took the opportunity to have a short holiday as well. The Southern Pacific Ocean is nature's gift to Guam and is certainly the highlight of the island. Crystal clear waters in every shade of blue and green draw the eye to the sea whenever one catches a glimpse of the vast ocean.

I was fortunate to be invited out to sea on a catamaran. We came across a school of dolphins, we did a bit of snorkeling, we soaked in the glorious sun, most importantly, we enjoyed the camaraderie among friends as we took in the spectacular views that greeted us at every turn. Guam, indeed a destination for lovers of the sea.


Photo shot from my balcony at Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Tumon Bay.

Felix and Ting

When my good friend Felix whatsapp-ed from Taipei last month asking me if I would be available on 26 April, my immediate reaction was 'You are getting married!'. I was right. Despite the short notice, I was determined to attend. I first met Felix when we were both students in Switzerland years ago, I was working a winter season in Leysin and Felix was attending a hotel school there. We would often cook up a storm at my staff living quarters, both of us craving for some Asian food, he Hong Kong cuisine and me a taste of Malaysian dishes. We've kept in touch over the years, and would make it a point to catch up over a meal or two whenever he came to KL or when I was in Hong Kong.

 

I was happy to be invited to the wedding and I thought either Hong Kong or Taipei is just a short flight away. A few more messages later and I was advised that the wedding would be in Guam. I am always game to head to a new destination, but work commitments and flight schedules were a challenge, no matter how enticing the exotic images of Guam were. Once I told Felix that I would do my best to be there, I was determined to keep my word. With no direct flights from KL, I relied on the services of a travel agent who I must say was extremely patient with me. I kept demanding for various route options, trying to strike a three-way balance between work commitments, getting there on time as well as cost. It took a whole two weeks before we agreed on a route that would take me from KL to Singapore, then on to Tokyo before finally arriving in Guam. A trip that would be 22 hours to get there and 26 hours to get back.

 

The verdict? Totally worthwhile. To be present at a good friend's wedding, a milestone in his life, is an experience that we will both share for the rest of our lives. Spending time with the newlyweds and their immediate family for a couple of days will strengthen the bonds that we have already nurtured, and I hope that our friendship will continue to hold strong in the years to come. Once again, congratulations Felix and Ting and may you enjoy everlasting happiness. It was an honour and a pleasure being invited.

 

 

The newlyweds emerging from Aqua Stella Chapel at Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Guam.