skrib(ə)l’d ˈtravəl nōt's

This is a prequel of Ramen Footsteps Retraced, posted from Japan.

I'm probably living in my own dream trying to look for a bowl of ramen that will even come close to the one I've had in Japan previously - that bowl of ramen I ate amidst the cold, cold weather in a cubicle. 

...and I did mention, "come close"

I was/am always eager to attend Japanese Gourmet Fairs in Isetan, KLCC, Malaysia each time it comes around. In other words, Japanese Gourmet Fair at homeland. 

This particular fair (lasting from the 17th to the 26th) features Menya Musashi, a ramen store originally from Shinjuku -another vending machine based restaurant in Tokyo. Menya Musashi is perhaps one of the more sought after ramen restaurants in Tokyo. In fact, popular in such a way that long lines are almost inevitable; the particular feature which sometimes distinguishes a good restaurant from the many out there.

Now, why didn't I go there when I was in Shinjuku?

In any case, Menya Musashi was offering a limited number of bowls of Shoyu-style Ramen per day at Isetan, KLCC. I managed to snag a bowl (and 3/4 more from a friend who couldn't finish hers) made specially by a chef from Menya Musashi in Japan.

So how did it go, you ask?

I slurped the first spoonful of noodle along with the broth. I let out an "Aaahh". 10 minutes later...

...this happened. Familiar scene if you've been following my other post, ayh? =)

If there ever was a perfect companion for anyone, it would be this dog that wanders around Ferringhi Beach of Penang. 

All it needs is some love and time, and it'll be more than willing to follow you around the vicinity of the beach. The slow pace it sets on following you amongst the shadow of your figure being casted. 

Have you completed your resolution(s) for 2011? No? Not surprising.

Have you completed at least half of your proposed resolution(s) for 2011? No? Again, not surprising.

Have you already forgotten what your resolution(s) for 2011 were? Yes?

...and despite that you're still crafting your masterpiece of resolution(s) for the New Year?

Something in me has been persistently pressing on the possibility that there's something about resolutions that always bring out the perception of New Years to be a start of something fresh. We soon neglect said resolution, get too lazy, find it impossible to manage within the constraints of our daily schedule, and wonder...

Why in the world would the past me have the present me carry out these sorta tasks??

Ultimately, we long for the New Years for a fresh start with a fresh list of previously untouched resolution(s). Still, reusing and recycling? Great thinking!

Grandma says why bother?

...though, I reckon we're better off creating challenges for ourselves along the way instead of a soon-to-be-forgottened-list of resolutions. Ngeh, just my thoughts in a bloated nutshell, as always.  

buuuuut if you still insist on resolutions, here's one for you for the New Years, the refreshed 3Rs

There's still something compelling about this photo that has been begging me to find out what it really is about. Maybe I'm just over thinking stuff, maybe not, hardly ever anyway (shrugs).

This is the sunset viewed from the bayside of Hokitika, New Zealand, taken in December 2009. Pretty much evokes a sense of wayfaring, apart from an almost similar photo taken during my trip to Penang few months back.

Interpretively, and quoted: "The fishing is best where the fewest go, and the collective insecurity of the world makes it easy for people to hit home runs while everyone else is aiming for base hits. There is just less competition for bigger goals. If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is, too. Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think"

To-Do List Checkoff for June 2011

Bolded text denotes new entry.

+ Grades, grades, grades - in whatever exams that may come. (All that remains now, would be for SPM results on March, I’ve done my best) extremely happy with what I've did, however, SAM's a killer.

Achieve a rather high ATAR score to qualify for a decent scholarship to pursue Aerospace Engineering

Get into a good college to pursue in Aerospace Engineering

A cappella - failure to bring up is not an option. (We did bring it up, just not to the level as expected. I really hope we’ll get back after SPM)

Achieve < RPE 3.0 in Kiara’s Mountain Bike trail.

Achieve Life Altering Experience

After all the proper research and waits - upgrade to a higher end guitar

Attempt 7 summits + Summit Mt Kinabalu again

Be able to at least play 4 or more orchestral instruments in performance terms

Sit in for the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra's rehearsals

Be able to complete most of marked up items on my Malaysia guidebook

Be much better than better in guitar improvisation than currently

Bungee Nevis Highwire

Check out KL’s “Electronic Toilet”

Co-Lead Red to victory (IT WAS WELL WORTH IT)

Conduct in Carnegie Hall

Cycle more than I take cabs under safety circumstances knowing KL.

Earn Driver’s License

Film Climbing/Kayaking/Road Expeditions

Finish what I started, perfect what I finished, maintain what i perfected.

Giving up is just a statement to say: “I’m too lazy to keep trying”

Green Mobs in KL this year - join, enjoy, convey message.

Insults are either taken in a way to bring you down or to improve. 2nd option.

Participate in LA Marathon and over-achieve personal best

Qualify for The Amazing Race Asia.

Stomp it out!

Surf Hawaii

nº270411 - Flip over the sign to reveal "Stop Forrest Stop", the waiter(s) will be attending to your needs in just seconds.

If I were to put my overwhelming thoughts into context...

Just 2 months ago, I was in Tokyo - being a tourist with a map constantly in check of direction.

Just 10 hours ago, earthquake on the Ritcher scale of 8.9 rocked Japan. 

I am roughly 2 months safe from being in such situation. 

Wait! what am I talking about? 2 months is a pretty long period of time. That, however, does not matter! The people in Japan might not have a good night's rest tonight (or the following nights to come), but we can't be cared less now, can we?

Dismissal of the fact doesn't necessarily stop the occurrence of a disaster - there are people who can't be bothered to stop and just think about how fortunate they are to be wherever they currently stand, being safe and miles away from such disaster; Let alone opening to read the front page of the newspaper, or even single clicking a link to watch a report about it. 

Human race, or the human comma race? You tell me.