Kungwan's Corner

Testing blogging from iPhone

2011-11-09T11:47:00.001+08:00

Testing from iPhone.

Edinburgh

2009-07-13T07:21:00.000+08:00

Arrival

Ghost Tour

Windermere, Lake District-

2009-07-13T07:20:00.000+08:00

to be written...

Bangor-

2009-07-13T07:19:00.000+08:00

to be written...

Oxford- Site of learning or tourist town?

2009-07-13T07:13:00.002+08:00

While the town was impressive, with its well preserved old buildings, churches, and colleges, there were a lot more language school students and tourists milling about the town. It felt a lot like Brighton without the beach. I expected the tourists in Brighton, but I was not prepared for the masses of tourists in Oxford.

First Visit to Oxford

2009-07-06T06:18:00.004+08:00

Today is the first time I have visited Oxford. I had expected to be really impressed by this hallowed centre of education. However, it looked liked many other English towns, save for the distinction that it was a centre of knowledge.

We are staying 2 nights at a guest house, Athena Guest House, which is run by a Chinese family. The place exceeded my expectations. I was filled with an ominous feeling as we were making our way along the street to our B&B that was located in a rough-looking neighbourhood.

My Birthday today!

2007-11-09T15:07:00.000+08:00

It's my birthday today. I have nothing in particular to say. I'm in Taipei in a cafe with free wireless internet. I'm struck at the number of people that approach you to join their Multi-Level Marketing Schemes or in reality, Pyramid Schemes. Then there are young kids trying to con you into buying little trinkets (like fans) for "charity". All are very annoying and thankfully easy to get rid of by just walking away from them.

Getting told off

2007-07-24T00:33:00.000+08:00

It's been a while, but it always feels really bad to be told off by someone important to you (especially when you deserve it). Me and my stupid thing for toys... I really gotta grow up.

Abstinence

2007-07-05T09:49:00.000+08:00

I must endure abstinence for 2 months... 'nuff said

Wayne Thomas "Buck" Shelford, I salute you!

2007-06-25T15:02:00.000+08:00

Today, I read about this legendary All Blacks Captain (1987-1990), Wayne Thomas "Buck" Shelford, No. 8, who is now battling cancer. I found it incredible that he managed to continue finishing his 2nd Test match against France in 1986, a.k.a. the "Battle of Nantes" that cemented his reputation as a fearless and uncompromising player. His scrotum was torn open by a French player rucking, that left one testicle hanging out!!! Upon discovery of his loose nut, he calmly told the team physio to stitch up the tear and continued playing. Furthermore, he also lost 4 teeth in that ruck! This man must be the toughest person I've ever heard of in my life! Shame the All Blacks lost that match... 3-16

Hard to Please

2007-06-25T00:50:00.000+08:00

It is the hardest thing to please a girl when her time of the month draws near. Nothing escapes the scrutiny for "integrity" in any act of generosity. It is futile to reason the motive for such an ordeal for there is none. Just make sure that you still have your testicles intact after the wave of hostility passes.

Finished Teaching Tuition Classes Today

2007-06-20T18:59:00.000+08:00

I've finished with Jennifer, now I've got Yvonne to teach... It's going to be hard to teach someone as young as 11 yrs of age. But I'll do my homework and see what I can do. Maybe a raise in my rates? To cover my costs. hmmm... I'll need to think about that.

Went to my uncle's wedding in 台東

2007-06-16T18:39:00.000+08:00

I'm back in 高雄 from a 3 1/2 hour drive from 台東. It's been about a decade since I've seen my aunt, Nien-Fen, and her family. The inevitability of things made me ponder about life and memories. It seems that our reminiscences of people in our past affect the way we perceive of them in the present. It's almost as if that they lived the same moments again and again in a time loop in your mind until you meet them and let them form new images of them.

My New Job

2007-06-14T00:18:00.000+08:00

I'm going to tutor a 14 yr old teen, named Jennifer, studying in boarding school in Singapore. The subject I'm going to teach her is English Literature, namely "The Merchant of Venice". She's a nice kid, but a little uninspired. She leaves for Singapore on 22nd/24th June to begin her term there. Well, back to studying literature again!!

Is Blogging an Exhibitionist Activity?

2007-03-26T00:49:00.000+08:00

Is the act of publishing personal thoughts that one would not, under normal circumstances share with real people, but on the internet with strangers an act of exhibitionism? Does it not invite readers to violate the sanctity of one's inner secrets betrayed by an indulgent ego? Blogging is a form of ego-stroking of some sort through the act of celebrating one's self consciousness? Is not one most vulnerable in the clutches of vanity and pride?
Therefore, is it not a form of pornography when strangers come to relish at one's vanity?
hmmm... just a thought...

Paying My Respects to my Ancestors

2007-03-25T20:39:00.000+08:00

Today, at 1 o'clock, i went to "tomb-sweep" the resting place of my ancestors and extended family. There was a lot of people that i didn't know, but it looked like a big party. It seemed to me an event where you could catch up with family you haven't met a long time. I didn't have much to catch up with... The event went smoothly, save for an instance where an uncle got irritated and annoyed with someone handling the rituals and began to challenge loudly.
The ceremony was over by 4 o'clock and i went to my cousin's house to see my aunt.

3 glorious days in Taipei

2007-03-24T00:43:00.000+08:00

I went to Taipei, sorted out some issues with Emilia and came home happy and confident. My heart is full now, and I hope that things will keep sailing on...

Posted my Resume on 104

2007-03-12T20:05:00.000+08:00

This is the first instance of formally looking for a job on the job market.
Watch Out World!! Here I Come!!!

228

2007-03-12T06:28:00.000+08:00

I recently watched a documentary on 228. It helped me understand 228 more as a historic event that changed the cultural implications of what it means to be Chinese-Taiwanese. I feel disillusioned by the politicizing of the 228 events, and now, there are 228 deniers.
Perhaps the ethnic hostility stemming from 28 will be forgotten by the new generations to come. It would be a shame that such violence meted on the citizens of Taiwan will be forgotten at the manipulation of politicians.
60 years on, we have not done justice to ourselves as a people. That is pitiful; we have not healed, so we will continually be disturbed by political rantings.

My Big Fat Taiwanese House

2007-03-01T18:27:00.000+08:00

I've been living in this house for about a month now, and it is no fun at all. Initially, I was delighted at the size and the consideration that went into building it. Then later, I found out that it was a lot of work to keep it in shape. I have little time to do anything else, housekeeping is a full-time job. I have new found respect to all those home-makers, mothers and wives who do this on a daily basis.

First time on Taiwan High Speed Rail!!

2007-01-25T17:52:00.000+08:00

I did not experience any glitches or problems ( or at least
wasn't aware of any) on my trip from Zuoying to Baciaou.
I realize that it is the media who have created so much
negative news on the THSR.
Instead of searching and uncovering real news in the 4 corners
of Taiwan, they have found it easier to "create" news
by being nit-pickers.
My ride at 1325hrs in Car2, Seat2A was smooth, efficient
and very pleasant.
I applaud the engineers and workers for building this
wonderful piece of technology, worthy of our pride.

Happy Feet

2007-01-17T12:33:00.000+08:00

So Cute!!!

Life will find the way

2007-01-17T12:21:00.000+08:00

Life will find the way

At the mercy of Nature!!!!

2007-01-17T11:45:00.000+08:00

I've booked my ticket, packed my bags and ready to leave on a jet plane (well, in truth, propeller one).
The weather is too foggy and bad for planes to land or take off!!! ARGH!!!
So, I've had to compromise for my return by boat...
Damn!!!

Thoughts on re-adjusting to life after the army

2007-01-16T10:31:00.000+08:00

My first thought is that: all the obligations I've put on hold for a year are waiting for me as soon as i finish my service. I will have to learn to re-prioritize and to multi-task. Much waits for me out there, and I will have to live up to the task. I used to think of it as a little daunting, but that is only because I speculate too much. My active imagination needs to be checked and curbed by concrete actions.

Is this the face that launched a thousand bloggers?

2007-01-15T14:33:00.000+08:00

I'm trying out the new blogger interface.
It's making blogging much easier.
I like the new interface and the ease of making new posts.
I also like the ease of customizing the layout to my preferences.
Thanks blogger!

3 More Days to D(ischarged) - Day

2007-01-15T11:50:00.000+08:00

Yes!!!!
I'm going to be discharged 3 days from now.
Jan 18th, 2007, I'll be taking a plane back to Taiwan.
Jan 19th, 2007, I'll report to my district affairs office and complete the paperwork that states I've fulfilled my duties as a citizen.
I feel proud of myself; to have done what many have chosen to avoid.
I feel appreciative to those who have assisted me.
I feel grateful for the love i received.
Thank you all.

Strange Week

2006-08-20T09:14:00.000+08:00

My Goodness!! This week has been strange emotionally. I guess the fact that I'm in Matzu has really struck me. Coming to terms with my denial is no easy feat, and I have someone special to thank for it. Thank you Emilia for putting up with me and my nerves, your sweet patience means everything to me.

In Mazu for the 2nd week

2006-08-13T09:10:00.000+08:00

Having missed the break on the first week back, on this week's picking straws my luck didn't fail me. The general ennuie is to be expected, but i had not anticipated that i would feel so unwilling to move.
The 萬平演習 is just round the corner, and the pace of things is picking up. Perhaps it is good for the pace to pick up, life in the army seems to pass by quicker when occupied with something to do.

My New MP3 Player!!!

2006-07-29T05:09:00.000+08:00

Hahaha!!!
I got myself a new MP3 player to replace my iPod Nano!!
Admittedly, the Nano is a superior machine, but this new little baby has a more functions.
I'm still figuring out how it works... my suspicions are that i will mess about with it until i have broken it.

The Ideal Coffee Shop

2006-07-26T17:34:00.000+08:00

My idea of an ideal coffee shop is:
1. SMOKING AREA!!!
2. Good Coffee! (naturally)
3. Good selection of other beverages eg. teas, cocktails, etc...
4. Reasonable prices for drinks.
5. A nice ambient atmosphere with good, but not corny, music.
6. FREE Wireless Internet access, WITH a power socket to plugin your laptop.
7. Friendly, attentive, but un-intrusive caterering staff.
8. Comfy seats and tables.
9. Clean toilet facilities.
10. Extensive opening hours, eg. from 11am to 2am.

My online photo Album

2006-07-23T14:23:00.000+08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53421921@N00/

2006-07-23T14:13:00.000+08:00

3 days of Honorable Leave!!!

2006-07-23T14:10:00.000+08:00

Hahahaha!
I've been rewarded for 3 days of honorable leave by the Mazu Command for my assistance in receiving AIT guests.
It was a lot of hard work, but now it's paid off!!

Returning to Mazu tomorrow

2006-05-12T02:54:00.000+08:00

At 1330 hrs, on 12 May, 2006, i will report to the military affairs desk at SungShan Airport to make my way back to my battalion.
The 2 weeks I spent in Taiwan were quite memorable.
I have hardly slept at all during my time on the main island-- too busy enjoying the thrills of freedom.
Soon, I will return to the life of a soldier with rigid discipline in my life.
I eagerly await the life of vagrancy again...

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3....

2006-05-04T22:02:00.000+08:00

testing.
this is the first time that i have posted something indulgent...

.... hey!! it works