A Step At A Time

A step at a time. Good, sound advice. Trouble is, I like fast results, rapid decisions, quick reso-lutions. So taking things one step at a time is something that I have had to come to terms with, something which I have had to learn to do. It certainly is not easy let me tell you, but I am getting there.

Sometimes taking things slow yields wonderful results, at other times quite the opposite. I suppose the lesson to be learnt is to experience the journey. What I do know is that good things seldom come easy. We need to work for it, put in the effort, demonstrate how much we desire it, have the tenacity to stay the course. And dare I say it considering it is not one of my better virtues, one ought to be patient too for the desired outcome to eventuate. My good friends would say, 'yeah right, he knows this in principle, let's see him put it into practice'. Trying, I am.

So, I am learning to enjoy the journey and not focus too much on the outcome. Of course, we all want the best possible outcome. I visualise it, and I hope to actualise it, but in the meantime, all I want to do is to enjoy the process. Wish me luck!

Photo shot in Antalya, Turkey. Having a drink after a tan and swim in the sea.

Birthday 2011

A friend, Celia from Spain, reminded me on Facebook that I was in Turkey last year for my birthday. We met on a tour to Aspendos, near Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. I was supposed to be in Shanghai this time round but plans fell through. I suppose it is a blessing in disguise as I have another plan up my sleeve for next month. It's meant to be a surprise. So we shall wait and see.

I started today doing the morning news at RTM and then headed straight for a swim. Other than training for the swimming leg of the Bali Triathlon relay end of June, I am also working to be fit enough for a project involving my photographer friends Peter and Evelyn. The latter is another one of my self-motivation endeavours which for now shall remain private too. Next up was shopping for our Nepal trip in September with my cousin Lynette. Who would believe we could spend almost two hours just getting the basics. It is good that we are starting early. I gather I will need much preparation for this particular trip. I am not one who usually roughs it out on holiday, so it will certainly be an adventure. A nice dim sum lunch resolved our hunger pangs after the shopping.

A much needed nap later, Mum, Suk Harn and I headed out to Siang Lin's advanced birthday and thanksgiving party. It was great catching up with a number of friends whom I have not seen in quite a while, particularly those from the advertising industry. My birthday and Siang Lin's are only two days apart, and since today is actually my birthday, I got a cake and a song too, despite my telling her earlier that it was not necessary in view of the fact that the event was much more of a thanksgiving party on her behalf. All in all a pretty fab day I would say.

Photo of me enjoying a birthday lunch on a beautiful spring day in Istanbul last year.

Plan To Have No Plans

Some friends have been asking if I have any plans for the Hari Raya break. Here's the deal, I plan to have no plans. Actually, that's not quite true. I do plan to sleep in. I have a dinner firmed up.

I seem to be sleep deprived. Working late nights has caught up with me and I intend to sleep as much as I can during the long Raya weekend. I am going to make it a point not to pack too much into the couple of days other than having a dinner with family friends whom I haven't seen in a while.

Of course there's always the pool. Deck chair, magazine, sunglasses; bliss. It will have to do for now if I can't get to a locale as seen in the photo above. A silver lining? October is not too far away ... a week-long holiday beckons.

Photo shot in Antalya, Turkey.

Memories

I met my friends Faizol, Sonya and Patricia at the latter's brother's wedding dinner last night. During the course of the dinner, we reminisced about the time that we have shared in the past.

The memories that stood out shared a common trait - meaningful moments in our lives. It could be something as simple as driving all the way to KLIA and having a meal before sending a friend off. Our less than stellar but enthusiastic renditions at karaoke. Weddings in Ipoh and Bali.

These images are etched in our minds, a tapestry of paintings that remain with us forever. Pleaseant reminders of the wonderful moments that life offers.

Photo of paintings at the old town Kaleici in Antalya, Turkey.

Going With The Flow

Good things don't always come easy, much that we would like them to. Sometimes patience is necessary. Effort is required. Understanding is imperative. Knowing it and practising it is altogether a different proposition, for me anyway.

I am one who likes immediate results, instant gratification. Always have been, always will be. I create problems for myself sometimes because of this trait. Projects fizzle, friendships hit a snag, all because I may not have been sufficiently patient. I realise that at times, one just has to go with the flow and let the future unfold.

But I am also someone who knows when to say stop, when enough is enough. Contradicting it may be, this attribute has served me well too. I know when it is time to call it quits on a venture that is not showing results, when a friendship has reached a dead end. These decisions are not made lightly, however impatient I may be. Letting go of the no good allows much opportunity to explore greener pastures. But there are occasions where more time is needed for potential outcomes to flourish, that I know too. Perhaps this is one such moment. I just need to take on a more relaxed attitude, much like when on holiday.

Photo shot in Antalya, Turkey.

Cold Turkey

I think I am going cold turkey from missing Turkey. 8 days is a relatively short period of time to visit a country but Turkey has left a lasting impression on me. The beauty bestowed on the country by Mother Nature speaks for itself, for any which way one turns in many a place, one is greeted by a postcard perfect setting.

I suppose the beautiful spring weather, particularly in Antalya and Istanbul, contributed to the positive experience. The strong sun and warm weather in the former was great for sunbathing and swimming in the Mediterranean whereas the cooler days in the latter albeit still with much sun, made walking to the various sights comfortable and having tea alfresco watching the world go by very enjoyable. I also made a few friends while in Cappadocia, fellow tourists whose company I was privileged to have enjoyed. We are keeping in touch and will surely share a tale or two from time to time.

On a similar note, I find myself re-tracing my footsteps whilst in Turkey every once in a while since I've been back home, and the flashbacks more often than not bring a smile to my face. I went solo on this trip and I found myself telling a friend that perhaps visiting Turkey with someone special would have made the experience even more profound. Well, who knows what the future may hold. But till then, I'd always welcome another trip there, solo or otherwise.

Photo shot from the deck of the hotel where I stayed in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Turkish Riviera

The Turkish Riviera city of Antalya was warm with plenty of sunshine which was a nice change from the cold of Cappadocia. Situated on the Gulf of Antalya in the Mediterranean, it's perfect for a sunbathing aficionado like me.

I was fortunate enough to find a lovely spot. The photo does not fully do justice to the beauty of the location and its scenery. Never have I sunbathed and swum in such panoramic surrounds.

The consequence? A bit too much sun for my own good!

Photo shot in Antalya, Turkey.