Beer Festival

Christchurch may have been scarred by the earthquake, but she never stop trying to bring back its vibrance. Just couple of weeks ago, Busker Festival was a huge success with great turn ups. Today another public event was held in Hagley Park attracting hundreds of Canterbrians enjoyed a good sunny day out.

The event was known as Great Kiwi Beer Festival.

On arrival we saw the queue was shockingly long. Lots of people were lining up ranging from small kids to frail senior citizens. Of course youngsters were the main crowd of the day. There were approximately 30 brewery outlets and equivalents numbers of food stalls in the whole venue. A main stage was set up at the corner with live bands performing throughout the whole event.

Here comes the embarassing part. I just realized I have really poor alcohol tolerance. The effect kicked in as soon as I had my probably third or fourth drink. Like my head was getting lighter, the noise around me was getting softer, as if i was gonna float anytime soon. On the other hand, Jane was still well composed until she had couple more drinks.

Nevertheless it was fun!

The Entrance. Got a sweet deal from TreatMe.



First drink. Still sober.

The crowd

Great Saturday!

One Year Later...

I can't believe it's been a year since Christchurch was hit by the merciless earthquake. Yesterday a memorial service was held at city centre attended by community leaders, survivors and friends and families of the deceased. Extensive TV and radio coverage of the service since early morning until evening news as if we were reliving the unfortunate event again.

At 12.51pm, the whole Canterbury remained silent for 2 minutes. Buses pulled over at the road side, supermarket stopped checking out customers' goods, canteen halted serving up food, friends ended gossiping and etc. The world literally stopped functioning for the whole 2 minutes. I have been blessed as I was not badly affected by the quakes. But witnessing the city that I have been living in for the past 3 years crumbling down does ache my heart to certain extent.

It was really depressing to recall such tragedy even though it's been a year. But i guess it's time to stand strong and move on. What doesn't kill you make you stronger. Christchurch will regain its beauty in no time.

Busker Festival

This festival happens once every year in Christchurch. Before the earthquake, it used to be held at Cathedral Square. As you might already know, the square is an utter rubble at the moment and hence the festival shifts to Hagley Park instead.

Nevertheless, it was a well organized public event for the people in Christchurch. Jane and I visited the festival last Saturday and we did enjoyed our time there except the scorching sun above us. Great humour, crazy stunts and ice creams, what a terrific way to spend the weekend!

21.1.12

21.1.12, mirror image of a date?

Today I celebrate my existence in this world for quarter of a century. I've been blessed to witness and appreciate the wonder of life from birth till now. Millions thanks to my dearest parents who brought me here.

It's a relaxing and sunny weekend. I got to sleep in. Spent some time with my loved ones. Chocolate apricot torte as birthday cake. Amazing presents. I couldn't ask for more.

Recently I'm addicted to a song by Six60 entitled 'Only To Be', the chorus goes like this:

Yeah yea, I'll live just turning pages

Yeah, well I know it's worth the ride

Ain't it good to be alive?

I Want CNY!

I really miss Chinese New Year, sob...

Farewell 2011

2011, what a year!

Have I become a better person over this year? Hmmm.. I don't know. But I'm pretty sure I've gained heaps from all the things that I've been through. Regardless of the nature of all the outcomes, I believe everything happens for a reason and there's always something good masquerading at the side.

2011, it's a very challenging year. Stresses were clouding most of my time and occasionally causing some unnecessary emotional outburst. I sincerely apologize to all my beloved friends and family whom I may have victimized.

Another year has gone, have I grown more mature? Hmmm... You be the judge. There were so many things happened this year. Highs and lows, I could barely remember all the details. Good times and bad times, I wish only good memories would stay on.

2011, how shall I describe you? Puzzle in venture, that's it.

A Month in North Island

Back in Christchurch after spending a month in North Island. It was supposed to be a formal attachment for the curriculum but i felt like i was on vacation most of the time. Maybe that's why i didn' realize time had passed me through so quickly.

GP attachment in Cambridge was enjoyable. All the staffs were very friendly and made me feel very comfortable working there. The town was lovely. Lots of small cafes along the main street with local business outlets. Perfect place for retirement if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of cities.

Almost every weekend Swarna and I would plan for short excursion to places around Hamilton, unless we were too worn out and wanting a sleep in. Road trips are always fun and I'm really glad that we've covered so many places.

Cambridge Medical Centre, a big practice in this small town. It has its own lab and radiology.

Sushi in Cambridge. It was freaking cheap, the whole set cost less than $10. Yummy...

Home of L&P, Paeroa. We purposely bought a bottle and posed in front of this landmark.


My socialite host for the past one month. Always busy talking on the phone or messaging people. And she is a closeted alcoholic, haha!





Hot water beach. Like its name suggested, if you go there at the right time and find the right spot, you could dig a hole at the beach and hot water would gush out from beneath. Not exactly understand how it works, but it did happened when we were there. We spent almost 4 hours dipping our body inside this natural hot spa. Great fun!


Thank you so much for your warmest hospitality, Swarna.