The only thing better than taking on responsibility is handing it over. All the way back from army days, I loved the feeling u got when u step down after a massive job. Today as we discussed the transfer of power to our (soon to be elected) successors, that feeling just stayed with me and buoyed me all the way haha. Proper reflections after we actually do step down; but for now, it feels pretty good to be at this point.

A pox on the weather; I swear that the last 5 times we tried to go sentosa it rained only on that day, and the 2 times we didn't it was blazing hot. This last sat was no exception, with our only chance at a quick end of posting celebration ruined by gloomy drizzling weather sigh. I now need to visit sentosa 6 more times to make my new card worthwhile!

And while i'm on it, a pox on **** **** as well.

So claris has finally seen fit to answer my qn, about a year after i posed it (joking joking! haha). Once more i cannot remember the spirit in which i wrote that, so i shall just try to make things up.

"the top 3 places in the world u want to see with that special person. and why"

1. Salzburg
No surprise here, i've proclaimed several times my desire to revisit this lovely region on the western side of the Alps. Friendly people, FANTASTIC scenery, great weather all added up to a memorable time when we were there. Also where the sound of music was filmed, for those movie buffs who like to recreate that experience. Special mention for the ice caves, a natural wonder that really took my breath away, though sadly couldn't get any pictures. though freezing cold (duh), the ice really glitters like gems, and the massive shapes it forms beggar belief. The lush greenery and abundant flowers of the Mirabelle gardens makes it a dream location to wander, or simply sit and talk for hours. If i get a choice for my honeymoon, this is where I wanna go!

2. Paris
Overused, cliched, etc etc. The fact remains that our 5 days there made me fall completely in love with the place. From the lovely architecture and history to the great weather, and hot babes (French are notoriously snooty if u dun speak french, but we found them v friendly). One of my most treasured memories was that cruise down the river Seine, watching the brightly lit city landscape float by. That's one of the few times I've regretted not having a special someone there to share it with. Of course, that also might be cos EVERYONE else there (save one) was moping around thinking of assorted people hahaha. Some confounding at work!
And dun forget the eiffel tower; second time climbing it and I still was in awe. France comes in a close second.

3. Mount Kinabalu
Refer to that earlier post, that she must be sporty. The last time I climbed this, it was the hardest thing I had ever done at that time; but yet, standing on top, the view took my breath away. It must be experienced to be believed; rather like another planet with its alien rock strewn landscape, frigid weather and air so thin u gasp upon walking a few steps; but the air also has a kind of purity u'll never find down here in the city. For those few hours, u have almost complete peace and solitude to think and reflect, or share.
It was a v emotional time for me then, in June 2002 and I would dearly like to share that experience.
This place also holds special memories for me for another couple of reasons; ask and I might tell u; but not in public. haha

there u go. Many many more places i wanna see, and so little hols sigh. Hoping that next June offers some possibilities!

"A virtuous man takes delight in the landscapes because the din of the dusty world and the locked-in-ness of human habitations are what human nature habitually abhors; while on the contrary, haze, mist, and the haunting spirits of the mountains are what human nature seeks, and yet can rarely find."

-Kuo His