Bye-bye Melbourne

I'm finally closing a painful chapter in my life. I thought I would be ecstatic when this time arrives, but who would have thought that a small part of me will be filled with sadness. I guess it was bound to be this way. No matter how much I hated living in Melbourne, I will miss the time I spent watching Zade grow from a tiny baby to an energetic and talkative toddler. Not to mention all the wonderful friends that I was lucky enough to have met. So I bid farewell to you Melbourne, till we meet again someday.....

All packed up and ready to be shipped home

More boxes. 3 years of my life fits in 24 boxes to be exact.

Farewell lunch with Aileen, Dean and Keanne. Thanks for being such wonderful neighbours!

Farewell dinner with best gals from RMIT, Deju, Chong and Deju.

Bye-bye to our great companion the Mondeo. We are so thankful that you turned out to be dependable for the past 3 years!

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.