Cour Saleya

The colourful marketplace, with lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese and other food items. Also lots of souvenirs, paintings, artwork, clothing and linen.

Promenade des Anglais

The breathtaking, pebbled beach is as romantic as I've imagined it to be. We came almost everyday to enjoy the beautiful scenery and play on the beach. This main seaside promenade is named as "the walkway of English" because in the earlier time, this beach was popular among the English tourist. Nowadays, it is still popular with not only tourists, but local alike, especially senior citizens. 

Bonjour, we are in Nice

Hati rasa berbunga-bunga. I still can't believe that I am here. Once upon a time, I was so obsessed with French Impressionism after visiting art galleries in US, that I took up french lesson. I've always wanted to travel to France and visit the art galleries and soak in the culture. But after more than 10 years, I have given up all hope. I've spent many years overseas, studying, but nowhere near Europe. Finally, in a strange turn of event, I can practice my rusty French, bonjour!

Crepe and gelato for tea. It doesn't get any better than this.

Berangan while waiting for the food

Croissant and cafe au lait for breakfast at the cafe across the street from the apartment

Old buildings near the tram stop

International Conference of Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS) 2010

After much persuasion from my supervisor,  I finally gave in. Under different circumstances, I would have jump for the opportunity to travel to such a fascinating part of the world and present at an esteem conference. But being far away from home, and with Zade not even 3 years old, the idea of travelling for more than 20 hours in a plane is not really appealing. Money is another issue. Travelling will definitely incur high cost, and I really would rather save then fork out a small fortune for travelling. I don't even travel around Australia, so it never crossed my mind to travel half way across the world at this point in time. However the deal is sealed when I received the news that RMIT will be giving me sponsorship to attend the conference which should be enough to cover the flight ticket, accommodation, fees and food for the duration of the conference.

For the first time, we travelled on Emirates. I found it to be much better than Malaysian Airlines. Better service, food and movie selection. And they give out a lot of goodies to little kids to keep them occupied during the flight.

So of we go, Danial, Zade and I. It turned out to be one of the most wonderful and memorable trip that I've taken. Alhamdulillah, I am thankful for having the chance to participate at ICAS 2010, and getting feedbacks about my research work from delegates around the world. And more importantly to travel to a beautiful place, which never in my imagination that I thought that I would ever reach here.

Opening ceremony at the Acropolis Convention Centre

Delegates from RMIT at the ICAS 2012, Australia booth

ICAS 2010

NGV International

I've wanted to visit the galleries in Melbourne and enjoy the art and culture that the city has to offer. Today I decided to go to the city and visit NGV International. I took a train and got off at the Flinders Street Station. There are 2 NGVs, one is the NGV Australia which is across the street from the station on Federation Square. The other one is NGV International which is about 10 minutes walk across the Yarra river. It is located next to the Arts Centre and across the street from the NGV is the Queen Victoria Gardens. Since it is now autumn, the garden was filled with brown and orange hues.





NGV International has several permanent display exhibitions which are free and temporary exhibitions which sometimes charge admission fee. The admission ranges from $15 - $30, depending on the exhibition. After browsing through the current and future exhibitions, I saw a few which I definitely want to see, so I decided to become an NGV member. Becoming a member provides discount up to 50% off the admission fees and also free previews at certain dates. I also get one free ticket which I can use for any of the exhibitions. On top of that I get free magazines from the gallery, an orientation tour for both NGV, discounts at the gift shops, restaurant and cafes, and access to the NGV member's lounge. The benefits apply to both NGV International and NGV Australia. Since I'm a full time student I have to pay only $50 for a year membership instead of the individual fee which is $90.







After setting up my membership, I proceeded to the exhibition on the ground level. The first one is the Love, Loss and Intimacy which I thought was interesting. I found some of the pieces were lovely and pure but there are a number which I thought were quite disturbing. Then I went in search for the European exhibitions. There was one on Level 1 and another two on Level 2. I managed to browse through two of them this morning, and I must say my favourite is the European exhibition for 17th and 18th centuries on Level 2. There were a few pieces by Rembrandt on display which were stunning. I also had a chance to view a special exhibition entitled 'Drape' by Myer which was on fashion and textile. Beautiful gowns by Christion Dior, Dolce n Gabbana and other famous designers were on display.





After a few hours walking through the gallery, I was tired and needed to take a break. I went to the members lounge to rest and relax before heading back to Bundoora. The members lounge is located on the ground level at a secluded area at the end of the gallery. It is tastefully decorated with paintings adorning the walls. It’s very quiet which makes it a perfect place to unwind after enjoying a long day at the gallery. Members can read magazine and newspaper while enjoying tea or coffee with some biscuits. I made myself a cup of cappuccino which was very lovely that I decided to have a second cup while I browse through a magazine. I did truly enjoy myself and looking forward to my next visit to NGV.

An Autumn Morning at Fitzroy Gardens

Since it was Good Friday, we decided to go to the city knowing that it's going to be deserted. We drove to Preston and went on the train to Fitzroy Garden near the Jolimont Station. Zade was very excited to ride the train again. He was full of energy, and as soon as we got to the garden he ran and ran especially when he saw birds flying low wit the hope of catching one. It was such a beautiful autumn morning. The garden was quiet and peaceful that we were able to relax and enjoy its beauty.

Morning Tea at Toddler's Room

Took some time off work for the annual Easter morning tea at Numdaji Kwei. There were not many parents, most were grandparents. Zade spent the morning making some bunny faces and showed me around the toddler's room. His favourites were the big bears, which according to him were Humprey' papa and mama. And of course we had some yummy hot cross bun. Before heading home, we made a stop at Westfield and played at the outdoor playground. Then we had to rush to get some books at the Mill Park library since I had to go back to the office for an appointment in the afternoon. Maybe next week I'll get to spend a whole day out with Zade.

Request

I’m pretty much back into the routine of going to the office daily. Zade and Mama are settling in too. Finally, I'm able to see clearly the significance of my research project. Another one of my abstract has been accepted for a conference in Melbourne. When I opened my e-mail this morning, I got a note from the one of the editors of a technical magazine, asking a few questions about my research development as he wanted to feature my work in an upcoming issue. I was feeling good. Things are not that bad after all.

Then my sv came in to my office and pulled up a chair. I wonder if this is going to be another discussion about where I’m going with this research. I explained to him about what I wanted to do next with the controller of the actuator and the problems that I needed to address. After listening to my explanation he said that is where your PhD is – overcoming the hurdles and challenges with controlling the actuator. Pheww. I could finally breathe easy now.

Then he dropped a bombshell. He made a request that I can’t refuse. He told me to pursue it even with me giving tons of excuses. Now he’s sending me off on a wild goose chase. I sure wouldn’t be able to concentrate on my work with this hanging over my head. I’m predicting more sleepless nights ahead. Just when I thought that everything was going great!

Back to Work

We got back to Melbourne on Monday after almost 2 months in Malaysia. And thankfully Mama is here with Zade and I. Zade has been feeling much better about returning here once he found out that his Mima was coming along. I’ve returned with mixed feeling. Happy that we had a great holiday back home, relief that my chapter here is at the last stage, insyaAllah, but sad of the prospect of another year without Danial here by my side.

Life has to go on one way or the other. I should start moving and change to higher gear if I want to go home. So I’m back at the office and I have set up an appointment with my SV to set the next course of action. To my surprise he popped into the office before confirming the appointment. Well might as well get it over with. After the usual round up of what has been done thus far, he put forth a question that would cause me to dwell and guarantee some sleepness nights. How would my research add to the body of knowledge? It must not be simply an application or modification of knowledge or methodology. It must go beyond providing a solution to the problem. And bla bla bla….

I didn’t know how to answer those questions. Atleast not when he caught me off guard. Never was an impromptu speaker. So now I’m taking some time to ponder and re-examine where I stand. There goes my plan to start work on the controller this week. Well there’s always next week.

Happy 37th Birthday

Happy Birthday 37th birthday Sayang. I'm so happy that we're able to celebrate your birthday together. The last time we're together to celebrate a birthday was in 2008 when Zade turned 1.


All set for brunch at home


Ready to eat


Zade and Danial happily tucking in the food


Zade's ready to blow the candle. Now he ends up blowing candles eventhough it's not his birthday


And he'll end up opening the presents


Another cake at Nenek's house


This time it's chocolate cake


And again with the candles


Yummy