I posted the lyric of this beautiful song yesterday, now I found the site on YouTube, just want to share with you all...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtrIc8vq7wU
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
My Redeemer
I attached this site here, hope you all can have a look and ask: "Will I do this for the sake of my kid?"
Monday, 21 September 2009
Cooking...
Today is public holiday for Ghana in celebration of their first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, so almost everyone (Francis, Kwabena...) has their hand-phone switched off. Mat will be here in the afternoon pending the house-owner's call for housing viewing. So I do my own cooking, the ABC soup with Ghana pork.
"Don't worry Honey, I put on this cap and will nicely fit into you!"
Well, something you might want to know...
"You Man! I have two holes while you've got three studs, how you expect to pock me?"
"You Man! I have two holes while you've got three studs, how you expect to pock me?"
"Don't worry Honey, I put on this cap and will nicely fit into you!"Strangely this apartment I am staying is fitted with this 2-hole power socket outlet all around, so bring your 'cap' when you came here or get one at GHc 5.00 each - from the road side vendor.
Sleepless in Accra
I woke up at 'wee-hours' ever since I arrived Accra.
I looked out from my balcony and I saw the cold dark night scene of Accra,
so I took a few shots, out of boredom at 3.00 am in the morning, of Accra...
And I recall this beautiful, poetic song written by an all time favourite singer of mine...
I feel the trembling tingle of a sleepless night
Creep through my fingers and the moon is bright
Beams of blue come flickering through my windowpane
Like gypsy moths that dance around a candle flame
And I wonder if you know
That I never I understood
That although you said you'd go
Until you did - I never thought you would
Moonlight used to bathe the contours of your face
While chestnut hair fell all around the pillowcase
And the fragrance of your flowers rest beneath my head
A sympathy bouquet left with the love that's dead
Never thought the words you said were true
Never thought you said just what you meant
Never knew how much I needed you
Never thought you'd leave - until you went
Morning comes and morning goes with no regret
And evening brings the memories I can't forget
Empty rooms that echo as I climb the stairs
And empty clothes that drape and fall on empty chairs
(Don McLean: Empty Chairs)
I looked out from my balcony and I saw the cold dark night scene of Accra,
so I took a few shots, out of boredom at 3.00 am in the morning, of Accra...
And I recall this beautiful, poetic song written by an all time favourite singer of mine...
I feel the trembling tingle of a sleepless night
Creep through my fingers and the moon is bright
Beams of blue come flickering through my windowpane
Like gypsy moths that dance around a candle flame
And I wonder if you know
That I never I understood
That although you said you'd go
Until you did - I never thought you would
Moonlight used to bathe the contours of your face
While chestnut hair fell all around the pillowcase
And the fragrance of your flowers rest beneath my head
A sympathy bouquet left with the love that's dead
Never thought the words you said were true
Never thought you said just what you meant
Never knew how much I needed you
Never thought you'd leave - until you went
Morning comes and morning goes with no regret
And evening brings the memories I can't forget
Empty rooms that echo as I climb the stairs
And empty clothes that drape and fall on empty chairs
(Don McLean: Empty Chairs)
Sunday & Dominic
It was Sunday and Sunday came to visit me with his cousin Dominic. Sunday is a domestic helper for Manan and I asked him to get me someone like him - honest, loyal, reliable and hardworking, so on and so forth... And so he brought Dominic to me, judging from his appearance, Dominic looks honest and reserved as he is from rural area (I cannot remember the name of the place) where he is a fisherman. Well, what can a fisherman do to help me in my daily house-hold chores?
Sunday (r) and DominicThe fact is they said it's better to live in a fenced and guarded house here and to engage someone strong as domestic helper at the same time doubled up as your security guard, sound a bit scary but I am going to do "what the Romans do in Rome". Of course I will have to screen a few more candidates before I put my head on the chopping-board (in case I misjudge a person and he brought a weapon to finish me off with all I have here)...
Pray for me!
Pray for me!
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Jet-Lagged Me!
Touched down at 12:40pm local time on Friday, Malaysia time = 8:40 pm. My normal sleeping time at home is 10:00pm.
After waited 2 hours for Nana to show up, it was already 4:00pm (12:00nm at home).
We went to buy some needly stuff and came back to my apartment at 5:30pm (1:30am Saturday at home).
Dinner at 6:30pm (2:30am at home).
Came back and tried to catch some sleep but woke up at 12:00nm cos' it was 8:00 am at home as I don't usually wake up that late. I ended up watching TV on the sofa until 6:00am (2:00pm at home) and started posting my blog.
Now I feel like sleep cos' it's 9:27am (5:37pm Malaysia time) and Mat is on his way to fetch me to view the car and Mat is on his way to buy some kitchen utensiles... I think I am going to fall sick soon.
Monday will be a Public Holiday here for the celebration of their first President (and who cares what his name is) but I will make Mat works as usual. I need to source for a proper place for work cum stay, DBH demended he would like to see the place when he is here next month...
After waited 2 hours for Nana to show up, it was already 4:00pm (12:00nm at home).
We went to buy some needly stuff and came back to my apartment at 5:30pm (1:30am Saturday at home).
Dinner at 6:30pm (2:30am at home).
Came back and tried to catch some sleep but woke up at 12:00nm cos' it was 8:00 am at home as I don't usually wake up that late. I ended up watching TV on the sofa until 6:00am (2:00pm at home) and started posting my blog.
Now I feel like sleep cos' it's 9:27am (5:37pm Malaysia time) and Mat is on his way to fetch me to view the car and Mat is on his way to buy some kitchen utensiles... I think I am going to fall sick soon.
Monday will be a Public Holiday here for the celebration of their first President (and who cares what his name is) but I will make Mat works as usual. I need to source for a proper place for work cum stay, DBH demended he would like to see the place when he is here next month...
Maxis - No Signal
Before I came over here, I went to activate my roaming facility with Maxis and paid RM300 for the service. But now my Maxis line is dead! I can't sms or talk to my kids back in Malaysia nor do my friends are able to contact on the number! Shit-ass Maxis!
Touched Down Accra
D,
I reply your email here so that it will serve as a good knowledge and beneficial to those who may never have the chance, or who are planning a trip to African countries like Ghana, Angola, Nigeria, etc...
So here I am, touched down Accra on 18-September at 12:40pm local time, again; except this time I am all by myself!
Well, the old nightmare came back to remind and haunt me, again... Yes, I almost forgot last trip, well on arrival, I presented my Visa (as in visa, not the credit card) to the immigration officer (she a dark lady) and my smile invited her emotionless stone cold face. I was granted 60 days' stay, like last trip.
After claiming my luggage I headed towards the "nothing to declare" exit. The big fat lady immigration officer asked me what were inside my luggages (I had one over-weighted big size bag, one small overnight traveller bag, one box of my LLB study pack for check-in luggage which costed me RM1,700 over-wright charge at KLIA plus my back-pack with my lap-top - so much for one lone traveller, no wonder she asked) and demanded me to open the poor LLB box. After seeing my hand-written notes, she let me go. Then there was another male officer at the other exit asked me what was inside my bags again, he was not satisfied with the answer "clothes" and asked me to open any of my unpacked luggage and so I opened my overnight traveller. Well, I packed all my stuff like Alicafe and Belacan (for Mat) and my Chinese Tea in the bag. Luckily, he only wanted to show me who he was and let me go likely. The on my way at the ramp down towards exit to the departure lounge, another two green shirt guys asked me for my passport. I was younger and handsome in my photo and they were not convinced the old man standing in front of them was the one in the passport. But still they let me go after making me sweat a little. Then while I was happily approaching the door trying to locate Mat, another green shirt guy asked for my luggage check-in tag and tallied them.... Finally, I was on this lovely land of the country that I am going to try something out for the next three years!
It's true, with due respect, this is what you anticipate on you arrival in Accra Kotoka International Airport. I remember I told Teresa and Ah Hai immediately that it's not worth their money to come here and visit this old pitifully me, the facts speak for themselves.
As with Nigeria, though I have never been there, a lot had been heard... cheat, con, black money, so on and so forth. Your comment on Nigeria as follows:
I reply your email here so that it will serve as a good knowledge and beneficial to those who may never have the chance, or who are planning a trip to African countries like Ghana, Angola, Nigeria, etc...
So here I am, touched down Accra on 18-September at 12:40pm local time, again; except this time I am all by myself!
Well, the old nightmare came back to remind and haunt me, again... Yes, I almost forgot last trip, well on arrival, I presented my Visa (as in visa, not the credit card) to the immigration officer (she a dark lady) and my smile invited her emotionless stone cold face. I was granted 60 days' stay, like last trip.
After claiming my luggage I headed towards the "nothing to declare" exit. The big fat lady immigration officer asked me what were inside my luggages (I had one over-weighted big size bag, one small overnight traveller bag, one box of my LLB study pack for check-in luggage which costed me RM1,700 over-wright charge at KLIA plus my back-pack with my lap-top - so much for one lone traveller, no wonder she asked) and demanded me to open the poor LLB box. After seeing my hand-written notes, she let me go. Then there was another male officer at the other exit asked me what was inside my bags again, he was not satisfied with the answer "clothes" and asked me to open any of my unpacked luggage and so I opened my overnight traveller. Well, I packed all my stuff like Alicafe and Belacan (for Mat) and my Chinese Tea in the bag. Luckily, he only wanted to show me who he was and let me go likely. The on my way at the ramp down towards exit to the departure lounge, another two green shirt guys asked me for my passport. I was younger and handsome in my photo and they were not convinced the old man standing in front of them was the one in the passport. But still they let me go after making me sweat a little. Then while I was happily approaching the door trying to locate Mat, another green shirt guy asked for my luggage check-in tag and tallied them.... Finally, I was on this lovely land of the country that I am going to try something out for the next three years!
It's true, with due respect, this is what you anticipate on you arrival in Accra Kotoka International Airport. I remember I told Teresa and Ah Hai immediately that it's not worth their money to come here and visit this old pitifully me, the facts speak for themselves.
As with Nigeria, though I have never been there, a lot had been heard... cheat, con, black money, so on and so forth. Your comment on Nigeria as follows:
- My cousin was transferred to Lagos, Nigeria for 2 years and now in Miri again under Shell. He told us his experience living in such a poor n corruption country. it's true that they need pocket money when you pass by the immigration. Even they just stopped you in the middle of the road. Police every where too. The five star hotels seems better at budget hotel in KK.
And I would like to re-produce what Paul has written about Angola:
- Things are the same (as in Accra) in Luanda but worse. Houses are with security guard and standby generator. Costs in the region of at least USD10k per month for a good area. Also 6 months to a year in advance. Our contrractor just bought a Toyota Land Cruiser 5 door costs USD67k. Toyota Pickup is around USD40k. You would need a full time driver. No credits cards used here. All cash transactions. I have never used the banks here. Food stuff all imported. Locally produced maybe casava or some mangoes. Language generally is Portugese. I do not get involved in the local scene. Work and back to to residence. one day a week off, maybe to the beach or tennis. that's all. (Paul: email dated 14-September)
- Luanda is definitely a hardship location. Angolans use USD too at 80 local Kwanzas to a dollar.Luanda is one of the most expensive cities in the world for expats. A simple hamburger plus a soft drink is USD15. Yes there are chinese restaurants and they are very> expensive. Not easy to book hotels (Paul's email dated 17-September).
- Immigration and baggage can take a bit of time. U need a yellow fever vaccination certificate and of cos a visa (Paul's email dated 17-September).
- U need local agent because of language so let them do everything for you as much as possible including hotel transfers because if there is any problems at immigration or customs, they may be able to help (Paul's email dated 17-September).
I will be flying to Angola from Accra next month. Can you imagine that I have to take South African Airways (national carrier of South Africa) from Accra to Johannesburg en route Luanda, there is no direct flight!
Lovely African countries, right?
Friday, 11 September 2009
Back to Accra
Life has been a bit monotonous - work, work and work...
And so the date has been set for me to go back to Accra... on the 15 of this month, that is.
Things do not seem so uncertain this time around, at least I know where I am heading, how Accra looks like, some friends there anticipating for my return...
So there will be a fair bit of 'shopping' to do this weekend, Mat wants ikan-bilis and belacang, I bought him Old Town Coffee and a pair of Chi-chiong Kai (Petaling Street) sunglass. He must be more than happy to see me back.
And so the date has been set for me to go back to Accra... on the 15 of this month, that is.
Things do not seem so uncertain this time around, at least I know where I am heading, how Accra looks like, some friends there anticipating for my return...
So there will be a fair bit of 'shopping' to do this weekend, Mat wants ikan-bilis and belacang, I bought him Old Town Coffee and a pair of Chi-chiong Kai (Petaling Street) sunglass. He must be more than happy to see me back.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Leaving Ghana
Well, I am back to KL for about a week now, been busily preparing for my return to Accra in due course.
I realise I have lost weight as a result of the hectic schedule in Accra and also due to the environment and food and many other factors... Man, do I miss Accra? A few Ghanian friends are yearning for my return already...
While leaving the airport on our return to Malaysia, there was no screening of our luggage but we have to open up in front of the custom officer. I told them I am from Malaysia so they just marked on my luggage and let me through to the check-in counter. The when on our way to the departure lounge, we had to go through a few more "check-points". Officers would ask a lot of funny question like what we did and where we stayed in Accra, finally they asked for "souvenirs" from us. Luckily my passage to the plane was a smooth one compared to Shukhen and Nasri, they had to pay "toll" to the officer.
What a disgusting joke. While in Accra, I met their former Ambassador to the US who told me "not to give anything to anyone" in Ghana if we want to do business there. And see what happened at the airport? This very much resemble to Clark airport of Philippines, the officers there demanded to see our wallet and on seeing our Malaysian Ringgit, they asked one or two for souvenirs...
Anyway, have to get back to work. Will write more when possible.
Cheers!
I realise I have lost weight as a result of the hectic schedule in Accra and also due to the environment and food and many other factors... Man, do I miss Accra? A few Ghanian friends are yearning for my return already...
While leaving the airport on our return to Malaysia, there was no screening of our luggage but we have to open up in front of the custom officer. I told them I am from Malaysia so they just marked on my luggage and let me through to the check-in counter. The when on our way to the departure lounge, we had to go through a few more "check-points". Officers would ask a lot of funny question like what we did and where we stayed in Accra, finally they asked for "souvenirs" from us. Luckily my passage to the plane was a smooth one compared to Shukhen and Nasri, they had to pay "toll" to the officer.
What a disgusting joke. While in Accra, I met their former Ambassador to the US who told me "not to give anything to anyone" in Ghana if we want to do business there. And see what happened at the airport? This very much resemble to Clark airport of Philippines, the officers there demanded to see our wallet and on seeing our Malaysian Ringgit, they asked one or two for souvenirs...
Anyway, have to get back to work. Will write more when possible.
Cheers!
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