The Painted Window

I was on a walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City. There was this very tall pair of stipples standing in the park of the town. Out of curiousity, I entered the church. I discovered this pair of painted glass on the side wall.

It tells a story. I do not know what the story is about, but I believe during war times, people seek refugee in this church. When the world is full of chaos out there, this place will bring them some peace and shelters. Many had carved words onto the walls, saying their prayers.

We live in a world of chaos, where brothers and sisters fights; the society fights; the government fights; and the nation fights! On the other hand, some had inner war, where there are conflicts of thoughts. All these will bring to unhappiness to us.

Hope you finds your inner peace tonight.

夜深人静

又是失眠夜，翻来覆去都无法入眠。一个人躺在双人床，总觉得缺少了一些。

感觉无比强烈，一份思念，一份爱恋和一份渴望，全都交接在一起。如何入眠？

时间和距离逐渐拉近，心和心就此零距离。希望遥远的她能够感应。

The Days of The Blue Skies Are Gone

I had an exacerbation of asthma yesterday, not because I am a smoker, but all thanks to the recent haze. The friendly neighbour country began their yearly rituals of burning forest to make way for plantation. The results is the smoke that makes the road looks like in Genting highlands and the lungs congested. Despite many meeting and consensus made between our country and theirs, yet the old habit sticks. A month ago it was a beautiful sky in KL, but now its just haze.

I wonder all the effects of open burning and forest clearing on the wildlife such as the Sumatran tigers and rhinos? Are they being barbequed as well?

Hopefully someone please remind them again that we are suffocating here because of their doing.

Saving Every Cents in a Pre-Wedding Photography

Just had my pre wedding photoshoot done earlier. It was a huge relief. No doubt, a very exciting experience for both of us. Thanks to the professionalism of our photographer, the photoshoot was a breeze. However, the bridal shop will find ways to incur more charges to us, in a way or another. My fiance and I managed to keep it within the budget.

We had many great shots, booth indoor and outdoor. When the photographer ask us to select the shots to be included in the photo album, to choose 50 out of 300, it was a difficult task. Moreover, the friendly staff will try to interfere with the selection process by giving unnecessary opinions. The ultimate aim is to include more photos and the extra pages can really mount up to the exorbitant amount. some times 50% more than the original amount.

Budget are tight when we plan for marriage and money are well spend into other aspects. So how to avoid falling into the trap?

1. Choose the package wisely. I have friends that is getting married and they took up the packages that mount up the the sky high charges. Sometimes, the more expensive things doesn't mean it is better. Same wise, Cheap will mean nothing if it is not up to standards. Try to shop around, asking their prices. Ask opinions from others about the shop. Read online forums and blogs about the bridal shops. Do some background research then only sign up.
2. Bring your own. Things that are consumable like the make up requirement are usually chargeable. Alternatively, you can bring your own and ask the make up artist to use yours. Things like the ampoule for make up sells 10x more expensive than outside (RM 35 compare to RM 3). So bring your own to save more but always consult the make up artist regarding what they need for the day.
3. Always ask for hidden charges. There are some cunning bridal shop that incurs extra charges for items like gown or suits. Always ask them up front. There are shops that charges extra RM 100 per dress for their so called 'designer piece'. Sometimes they will charge extra for going outdoor. Bringing makeup artist along also cost more. So, be wise! Plan your shooting and think how you want it to be to avoid these charges.
4. Say no to extra. When me and my fiance were choosing the photos, the photographer kept on pestering us that this shots is nice and that pose is perfect and so called un'delete'able. Then they start to arrange for more photo books and more shots than what we had agreed upon. The extra shots cost a staggering RM 1500 more. When we almost succumb to the trap, luckily my fiance were alert enough to stay on track. We manage to exclude all the shots that are not what we had wanted, even though it was a good one. We rate the photos from 1 to 10. Most of the below par were excluded in the first round and finally we have the most precious 50 shots that is nothing but the best shots. You need to see what you want and what is needed. That simple.

Above all, enjoy every moment of your pre wedding photo shooting, as we did ours.