My First Time Experiencing an Earthquake @ Kaohsiung in Taiwan

The time was about 12.17 am and I was happily in dreamland at Chateau de Chine Hotel in Kaohsiung when I felt someone shaking me. No, nothing paranormal. I opened my eyes and found a frantic Alex screaming at me to quickly get out! 

Honestly, I thought sensitive him must have encountered a ghost and wanted to get the hell out of the room! I focused and the actual words coming out from his mouth were: "There's an earthquake! We have to leave!" That's when I realized the room was swaying! 

Rushing down the exit staircase in my half-awoke state, wearing a pair of slippers, bermuda pants, sleeveless t-shirt, and without my phone and spectacles, to the lobby as the lifts were already not working; we stepped out of the hotel and "embraced" the cold air of around 15 degrees celcius.  

After around ten minutes in the open, I insisted on returning to the hotel room despite strong objections from Alex! Knowing how jittery he can get when it comes to such matters, I promised it was just to gather warm clothing, take my phone, wear my glasses and back to the great outdoors again. 

With the informative device (my phone, that is) safely in my hands, I noticed the emergency president alerts and a online search revealed that there was an earthquake at Chiayi, where we came from earlier that day! The estimated magnitude of the earthquake was said to be 5.3 on the Richter scale.

A confirmation later in the day indicated that it's 6.4 on the Richter scale at its epicentre in Chiayi, and by the time it reached Kaohsiung, the tremors had reduced to about 5.0. Now, I can't imagine how bad would a 8.0 be since it was already quite terrifying for us at 5.0! 

Spent more than an hour in the open (the area as above, albeit a street view on Google Maps in the daytime) as Alex was dead worried of aftershocks. By then, I was exhausted whereas Alex had struck a lively conversation with a local Taiwanese from Hualien, a county that just faced an earthquake of over 7.0 at the Richter scale less than a year ago. 

We proceeded to a pretty full 24-hour McDonald's outlet for some beverages and after collecting the hot chocolate and finding a seat on the second floor; an alert was pushed to all the mobile phones! Imagine all phones in the fast food eatery beeping at the same time! 

So, we were back to the open area whereas 90% of the customers remained in the restaurant! Frankly, I think Taiwanese are generally unfazed with earthquakes in general. And for both of us scaredy-cat Singaporeans (more Alex than I), it was an experience we hope not to encounter again. 

p.s. Alex should have found somewhere to hide in the room, under a table or something, instead of dragging me down to the ground level. 

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Click HERE for 11 Days, 10 Nights Taiwan Trip: Summarised Itinerary for Chiayi Alishan (嘉义阿里山) - Kaohsiung (高雄) - Tainan (台南) - Taichung (臺中)

My First Tattoo - Result from a Depressing Stage in Life

Many people know me as an optimistic, joyous person; so much so that a former colleague ever mentioned behind my back if I am psychologically okay. I believe it was, simply put, my cheerful personality but life does throw occasional curveballs. 

And one did last year, resulting in extreme stress at work that even my frequent overseas trips fail to keep it at bay. I questioned my worth, my future and nothing seemed to be able to pull me out from the deep trough I fell into. It was depressing. 

Thankfully, and gratefully, with encouragement from Alex and a few close friends; it took me only slightly less than a month to feel better, and most importantly, to be able to smile, although the scary thoughts of the demon returning often kept me worried. 

A reel on Instagram caught my attention and it aptly captured my sentiment. I am not loving myself enough, not even loving myself first. I should constantly remind myself to love myself first, before I could even love others. 

Hence, the topic today, where I happily stood outside Martin Arts Studio at Mount Austin, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. I am finally getting my first tattoo; one that I had contemplated for so long, since my teenager years! 

Waiting for my turn. Martin Arts Studio was chosen given the good reviews from friends and Martin, the boss, was quick in his response via Instagram message, where I discussed with him on the design, the pricing, the aftercare etc.

Brought to my clinical 'throne' where I would stay for the next few hours. The whole session eventually lasted about 2.5 hours and I am so glad that I had my breakfast earlier.

Stretching out my clean, right arm. In a few hours time, it shall be permanently "defaced". Not that I am complaining as it's something I have wanted to do but just couldn't find the right design / message that appeals to me.

Relaxing. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. Some people mentioned tattooing can be painful and I am unsure if I have a high pain threshold. Would I scream? Would I grimace with painful? 

Session, begins! Not sure what the bottle contained.

Alcohol? Maybe. Or Water? 

Since this was my first experience, I didn't expect an actual size printout to be given for confirmation on the design before it was pasted on the preferred, designated spot of my body like a temporary tattoo. Somewhat like what we do at art classes, when tracing is required. 

Preparing the ink, and the work starts! 

Using a pen machine and a needle cartridge that came in a sealed bag, the numerous needles started piercing into the skin at rapid speed. It felt like ant bites, yet the pain was super manageable, although it intensified towards my elbow.

Very dark shade although Martin mentioned it would fade a few weeks later.

I was actually expecting blood but there's didn't seem to be any. 

Took a rest before we proceeded with the colored words. Focus is important as any wrong move would mean regret; not for the artist / tattooist for sure! 

Colored inks, like a rainbow! Unlike the needle head for the word "love", which had like six or nine needles, the smaller words required just a single-need head. 

Not sure what these markings were for.

Start of the inking! Personally, I would think the single-needle head felt more painful, especially when it reached the letter "t". Still bearable although I think it should be much worse at sensitive areas like near the bonier areas. 

"Love Yourself First" - I love how it turned out! A simple message for me to always remember; and for me to look at whenever life throws another curveball to my face.

Now, the words looked like they were photoshopped onto my arm! 

As tattoos are basically wounds for the body, and infections are not uncommon, proper care is required, including not being able to exercise for a few days! In addition, scabs are part and parcel of healing so I had to stop myself from picking them! 

Want to see how they look like now?

Catch me when you next see me!  

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Address

48-01, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, 

Taman JP Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, 

Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Map

As above. 

Pricing

RM 500

COVID-19 Positive

Ever since my company started distributing ART kits, I have been diligently poking my nose on a weekly basis to ensure I am cleared of any COVID-19 infection.

For this week, I have been doing it more regularly (in fact on both 21 and 22 February)  as I was nursing a low grade fever and cough that seems to only start at night and would subside by morning. But I am facing more issue with my rib cage, which has been throbbing with pain since my recent cruise.

I decided to pay the clinic a visit; and honestly disclosed that I had both fever and cough, although ART results showed a negative result. Nevertheless, I was brought to another queue for high risk patients, and was asked to do another ART test, administered by the clinic staff.

Pain at my rib was getting progressively unbearable and I secured the document to take X-ray at Clementi Polyclinic. Alas, my plan was ruined when the clinic staff came out and announced the rest of my test.

COVID-19 positive. My symptoms are not severe and feel more like a normal flu. It's more the pain on my ribs that are making me more uncomfortable but given the positive COVID-19 outlook, I couldn't take the x-ray at all and are required to go home immediately. :(

After which were a flurry of SMS from MOH on what to do. Frankly, I am thankful my symptoms are mild and I can still follow through with the process to upload my TT data and submit the close contact registration form. I can imagine the frustration faced the older generation who might not know English or too ill to look through the content. 

p.s. there will be a delay in posting for this blog as I was constantly drowsy throughout the day, given the medication. Worst part is that I can't exercise. 

Christmas 2021 - Unwrapping the Presents

Disclaimer - the unwrapping for the 2021 Christmas presents was done earlier this year but I had been so busy that this posting was way delayed! Is it true that Christmas celebrations go on for a month? Because if that's the case, I am still in time!

Although many of us were still working from home then, and that some of my cliques have already removed Christmas gifting; I am surprised that I still receive quite a number of presents in 2021. 

Unwrapping done; not all presents are in their physical form though. There's also a digital gift voucher for a pottery class at Singapore's oldest but still suviving dragon kiln! 

Quite a number of aromatic candles, which I like! There was one year I purchased so many from Yankee Candles; I automatically qualified as a member which allowed me to redeem a pack of mini candles every three months.

Is it a hint that I should wear more accessories? Before I got my Apple Watch or those fitness trackers, I didn't even bother with having a timepiece. And I don't wear rings too, after a bad experience when I was in national service.

Ironically, this bottle of alcohol-free wine was gifted by the same friend who rekindled my love for alcohol, and the never-ending adoration for Brown Brothers Cienna. Two friends also bought me a watermelon sparkling wine, and I can't wait to open it! 

Customized gifts with my name on it. It's always nice to have something with my name embossed on it, especially when mine isn't that common. 

This is an interesting item as I didn't know what it would be used for. There wasn't any instructions and it came with a pouch and an ink pipette! Thankfully, I am a fan of some Taobao pages on Facebook and remember seeing something similar in a few videos.

Do you know what it is used for?

It's to mask out your personal details for the delivered packages of your online purchases! I found this to be extremely useful as I used to cut them out but it can be so tedious! Just roll a few times and your details would be literally blacked out! 

Many thanks for all the presents but as mentioned before; I do not lack anything at my age and would always prefer a meet-up over drinks or meals. Furthermore, I know it can be stressful thinking what to buy as a present for someone!