From 4-Season to the tropics

Weather adaptation is always a tough thing for me. It's easier for me to adapt to the cold, than to the heat. There's always a concept that when it's too cold, you can layer up; but when it's too hot, what can you do?

This was me just before I depart from a four-season country, UK - Glasgow. What's lovely about being in a seasonal country is that you can update your wardrobe by season, not annually. It's pretty amazing to look through the process, as you layer up during colder months, and you layer down when the weather gets warmer. It's a good thing for ladies as you can do more shopping! :P

And here I am, working in a temperate country, with summer all year round. Well, to be exact, it's not summer after all as it's constantly hot and humid. In four-season country, summer will be moody as there are days when it rains and it gets chilly. Also, you will experience different sunrise and sunset time in summer than in winter months.

Still, I'm not used to the hot and humid weather in Singapore even though I'm born and raised in Malaysia with the same weather. Glasgow has obviously changed my perspective of weather.

Must-have for summer!

Friday, 22nd of April, 2011.

It was the day after I'm officially done for all my written exams, and I went out for a yummy lunch at a local Malaysian Restaurant by myself, ordering food that I love. Following that, I went for some shopping that I've been longing for after crouching myself in the library days after days of reading.

It wasn't any posh shopping just some updates to my wardrobe as the season is changing. It was Good Friday that it's an official holiday here in UK, that the town was hit by swarm of shoppers. It was really really busy.

I have my skirt, T-shirt, and my sunnies out. The weather was so warm as if I'm in Malaysia!

What's the first thing you would think of when the weather is warm and bright?? Yes, you need a UV protected sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, and of course, ICE-CREAM!!!

Glad that I live in Scotland and access to ice-cream is so easy. Oh well, to my definition, there is no season for ice-cream but it's a must-have for summer!!! My all-these-while-love-of-ice-cream is by MacKies of Scotland.

On my way home, I bought a tub of this:

Vanilla-flavoured Ice-cream is always my favourite, and goes with all sorts of toppings. As it said on the label, it's "made with fresh milk, double cream and no artificial ingredients". It's alluring that you can't resist double cream. (As always, I'm a no-no for skimmed milk, too!) When I first tried it many years ago here in Scotland, it catches my tastebud that it's so good, so smooth and very rich in flavour.

I tried it today topped with crushed honey roast cashew nuts & peanuts. Oh wow.. it's so good! Mackies Vanilla Ice Cream is the best in its world. (To be honest, it is much better than Sunny Hill Ice Cream from Kuching, Malaysia). I will miss Mackies Ice Cream!!

Anna xoxo

S-N-O-W

Done with one exam and still have another one to go! I have things to share after the exam today, so I thought (why not?) spare a night off doing something that is not uni-related. This post is a wee bit long but I thought you would enjoy the pictures.

21st November 2010, I was out in town, off to the Christmas market, and got this yummy German Sausage. Weather was cold but was nice.

21/11/2010. Still no sign of snow yet. We (heart) snow.
These were the crowds from the Christmas Lights On celebration. Glasgow is a busy and crowded city, although not as busy as London. The night was just dry and cold!!

And here it is, first snow with my Winnie the Pooh.

27th November 2010. We heard a sudden cheer (not like someone who's drunk but cheer of a happy person), then we look out. It was the first snow of this winter. It arrives early, earliest in 13 years(?). It was snowing heavily and we waited for the right time to go out for pictures.

People had snow fight outside, having fun during the first snow. Normally, in UK, or particularly Glasgow for the past few years since I was here, first snow arrive in late December and it was jusr rain and snow. It wont be as thick as this during first snow. So, this year is weird.

27th November 2010. The residual of snow the following day was perfect! This is the backyard of my university. There was sunshine and snow. Beautiful.

28th November 2010. More snowfall the night before. Kept snowing till I think there's too much.
This is my university and the one on the right hand side is my faculty.

28th November 2010. We went out for a brunch, passed by George Square and again, there's snowfall. There's still lots of people out in town for Christmas shopping.

1st December 2010. Most of the snow melted and I thought I could wear my common boots rather than my snow boots. Looking out of the window, knowing it snowed overnight, and yes I have to put on my ugly snow boots again. I need to go out for my usual clinic, and I could not wear my snow boots for it. So, I need to bring another pair of shoes. It was quite troublesome and colleagues were also busy changing into proper outfit for our clinic to be professional.

I thought the weather was perfect for a day trip to the West End, so it was spontaneous trip after my clinic, bringing all my clinic gear (and no joke it was heavy), just try not to miss out any of the perfect scene. West End is my favourite reservoir of leisure.

1st December 2010. I thought this picture looks like as if I'm in Scandinavia, or somewhere in Austria. Love it!

And the famous touristy Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Some wee shop in West End, Byres Road.

Most people managed the snow well and even eat ice-cream when the temperature is the same as your freezer! People knows how to enjoy and look at its bright side despite the unpredictable weather.

And then, it kept snowing and it has caused much disruption to Central Scotland, including Glasgow (like I mentioned in previous post). Some of my classmate has problem coming in to uni and we have exams the following week. I told my friend who live far from Glasgow, if they need a place to stay the day before exam, I would love to accommodate them. Then it stop snowing over the weekend and weather seems fine.

6th December 2010. A day to remember. It was a SHOCK for the whole of Scotland. There's nothing we can do to beat mother nature. Snow arrives just during the peak time of the early hours of Monday morning, when most people are rushing to work. I woke up, look out of the window seeing Glasgow blanketed with snow again, I said to myself, "Yes, I hate snow now". And, oh dear, listening to the radio, many people were trapped in the snow for more than 8 hours in M8 Motorway. Till now, I heard the M8 Motorway was closed for 36 hours. Imagine people were in the car, trapped in motorway, cannot pee and no convenient store nearby, how miserable would it be.

I never felt as depressed and miserable in Scotland before. I went out to town that day, seeing many store in the mall are closed. I wondered "Is there a strike for Buchanan Galleries?", then I saw a note on most closed store that "Our store is closed today due to ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITION". There's not many people in town and it's as quiet as Christmas Day. This is not Glasgow. Not Glasgow. Many store closed earlier that day to ensure people can go back home safely.

This snow condition has placed Glasgow on hold for three days, causing Airport closure and transport disruption. Flights has been cancelled or delayed. It was so chaotic! Roads are icy and slippery. Grits supply do not arrive on time. Police department urged people not to get out of the house unless essential.

I went to supermarket today and find food are out of stock, even ready meals, especially pizza. Im not sure if people are stocking up food of just that supplies don't arrive on time. I feel like the city is shut! (Or the city going to invade by Aliens or Zombies that people won't go out).

I hate snow. Although I live in the city centre, I feel like I've been risking my life walking out there. So scary. Hope this gets over quickly. Oh well, I do hope it snows during Christmas though. I now can stand the temperature colder than your freezer at home, but the icy road is still my challenge.

Anyway, to prove how empty is Glasgow, here's a picture:

I took picture in the middle of the road. 6th December 2010. It wasn't late at night or early in the morning, but sky gets darker very quickly during winter. There was no car and so quiet. It's not like the busy metropolitan city of Glasgow.

x.o.x.o

Life's different when it snows.

Have not been blogging for a while. Was really busy and still is. Last weeks weather was chaotic and being causing lots of disruption. Friends can't come to uni as snow thicken up to knees. People can't go to work because there's no transport available to be functional on road.

Snowing is pretty but there's nothing we can control the weather. Too much snow is like flood in Malaysia, both made up of water. I'd prefer snow just for a week and that's enough to cheer most people up. Snow melted now and it's so slippery. It takes me 10 minutes to walk on a 15 seconds route. Knock on wood, I do not want to fall on my bum.

Anyway, I'll update where possible as I may have exciting plan to announce!!!

Anna xx

Gear ready

I have my winter gear ready. Bought a new coat, keeping me warm and glam. Has brolly (umbrella) ready for this rainy season. Not just keeping me warm but a pair of wellies is perfect for the season. Ok, time for some serious work. Ta!

Anna xx

UK big freeze!

Happening last week, and was claimed to be the coldest winter in 100 years! Said it was due to the the wind blew from Scandinavia. Think Scndinavia's coldness loves me; was there the week before new year, which was absolutely freezing! Now, I experience the exceptionally cold in the usually-not-so-cold-British-isle.

Coldest is -11'c but this is the coldest I've recorded in Glasgow.

While I'm blogging now, it's snowing outside. I HATE snow now. Ask me why. I have a long story to tell.

I still love the feeling of staying indoor, enjoy my cup of hot chocolate while looking at the wintry snow outside. The after-story of a snow is terrible though, when it starts to melt and road is going to be very slippery.

Ok, now back to my studies and enjoy UK big freeze!

24°C

Summer came earlier this year. Weather these few days max up to 24°C, which is unbelievably hot!

I live in a tropical country, Malaysia, which does not has four season, and I never see a drop of snow for the first 20 years of my life. All this change after I come to UK. Heaviest snow (see here & here) in 13 years, and just love the touch of it. I miss snow now..

Thought that wearing as what I used to in Malaysia, a simple top with skirt plus a pair of day-sandal, would be precise for the 20-ish weather. Who knows, I still sweat!

Buchanan Street, Glasgow, filled with shopaholics and sun-lover.

Weather of Malaysia always exceed 24°C, anytime during the day, unless if your shower under the rain.

George Square.

So it's after exam so I think I should go out there for a walk, on my own. Sometimes it's a bit boring as you have no one to share your thoughts or anything you find cute! Or you do not have a second opinion. I miss my friends!

One day when I went across Gallery of Modern Art, I found this:

Can you see the top of the knight? There must be some drunken peep. I was thinking how dare he climb up to the top to put a 'hat' on the knight. The statue is double of my height!

Then had a sit in my uni's yard

It's relaxing and so stress-free. My brain will rest for 3 months and will be back in action in September. This means I will be going back to Malaysia for 3 months of my summer holiday! How good is it right???

So stay tuned for my update, see if I'm in Malaysia or UK.

17°C on a Saturday

Alarm don't rings on weekends for me. As usual, i woke up pretty early on a Saturday morning, by the glaring sun that shine into my room. Sleeping until you wake up naturally just make your day feels good, what more to say it's a pretty Saturday morning!

Too bad I don't have plans to go out. I'm such a lazy bum. Gotta stay in to set up a timetable for my upcoming semester exams. Cannot afford to do badly in exams! Motivations!

Day out like this, with zephyr relieves the heat of sun, makes a spring day PERFECT! Miss those day of wearing a T-shirt with a skirt in Malaysia. I'll do the same in a few weeks time when weather permits.

UK does not has many funky places to visit, but when the weather is fabulous, taking picture anywhere is great. Anyone fancy a picnic, with checked mat and basket, eating sandwiches under the sun??

Who's Dr Who? Who who who???

Text received on 30th March 2009
S: Hey Anna! Are u still up for the Dr Who exhibition in Kelvingrove? Cos I need to pre-book the ticket.
Anna: Yes, sure! I'm going!
____________________________________________________________________

Do you know what's Dr Who?? All I know is that it's a British Science Fiction Programme by BBC. And I heard it's a bit cheesy it you're not a fan. I vaguely know about it.

Assuming that I should know more about what's happening, so I give it a go. In fact, I doubted if I should go, thinking it might be like the time when i went to Beatles Story and came out there knowing a lot deeper about the band.

The exhibition is held at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, from now until January 2010. Concession tickets available.

It was such a nice weather out there, bright blue sky, with breeze of wind at temperature of about 14 degree Celcius. Walking out there without wearing a jacket feels a lot like a typical spring/summer day.

Then we went in around one-ish, after trapped in Subway for 20minutes.. Upon entering the exhibition hall, I saw a few mannequin that their head will turns, popping up and some bin with words "Open this bin if you DARE.." But there's nothing inside, they just want to try your guts. hehe.

She is Zu-Zanna, from series 1, episode 1, Bad Wolf.

Now then I know who she is. There's different 'monster' and 'bad character' coming up in each episode and Dr Who who travels there to fix and fight with those bad character, using his amazing watch and screwdriver.

This is one of the most interesting one. Don't you think he looks eerie?

There's quite a lot of them there, costumes of the character to the making of the mask, to the production, to the creation and drawings of different charater.

Then... there's me and the famous Daleks! He's the first monster which came out from the series in 1963, frequently remark in their instantly recognisable metallic voices, is to "Exterminate!" all beings inferior to themselves.

Till date, Dr Who has more than 700 series been broadcast. Quite interesting tho. It's popular among young teens in UK as well as children. I've know more about Dr Who now.

We ended our Dr Who trip with an afternoon tea in KG Cafe of the Museum, with a view over the park. I had a Special Hot Chocolate and a desert with is in-line with the theme of Dr Who.

The Supreme Daleks: A desert of Ice Parfait and Chocolate Mousse with Strawberry syrup. Yum!

Still. It's there.

White defines purity. White is clean. And, snow is white.

I woke up pretty early on the morning on 9th February 2009, by the awakening sound of my alarm. As usual, I will open up my curtain to see the view outside my window. It is still white. I LOVE IT.

In fact, I made a plan last night, hoping to go to Kelvingrove Park this morning for some captions of the white scene. I was lazy so I didn't. I only manage to walk around my halls, to take some pictures.

It start snowing at 3pm on 8th February, on a Sunday afternoon. Never thought it would be this great with even thicker snow. Me and my friends venture to the city centre, for some different experience.

As for the council of UK, Britain is running out of grit and salt to counteract the weather conditions, so that it won't be treacherous for drivers and motorists, making everything seems to be normal. Now, they do use table salt to encounter all these unexpected weather conditions.

My passion for snow continues, but I dislike when it melts. It will be dirty and slippery which is dangerous for walkers and drivers. Snowball fight, snowman, and snow angel, come true.

2nd February 2009. A date to remember..

I've been very concern about weather ever since I came to UK. The unpredictable weather is sometimes pathetic, especially when it comes to heavy rain & strong wind.

On 1st February, I read on Yahoo! news (click here to read more), it says this February is going to be the coldest since 13 years!! I was thinking, how cold it's going to be in Glasgow?

Few weeks ago, also from the Yahoo! news (click here to read more), British MET forecasted there's going to be heavy snow across UK, but I never really trust it as Glasgow is much damp and humid so snow is unlikely to clot.

On the morning of 2nd February 2009, I woke up in the morning, always hope to see Glasgow blanket with snow and YES, Glasgow is white!!!! I am so happy! It brightens up my day as if it's a sunny day!

Glasgow has ever been this white ever since i'm here but snow melted by noon. This time.. it last until evening. It has been snowing heavily in the morning, starting around 9am for at least 30 mintutes. Snowing comes and go very often and loves to see the feeling of snow sprinkles. There was a time when it snows like whirlwind, very heavily and can really believe what I see. I do not have class in the morning so i am enjoying breakfast, seeing snow out of my window. So happy!

Coincidencely before my 1pm class, my friend WaiLoong MSNed me if wanna go out hav a shot of snow.. That's definitely a "YES". I love snow. So we went for a quick caption before i head to uni.

See the happy faces. I was really excited!

During lectures, (honestly) I was a wee bit not focusing, kept looking out of the window, see if it continues to snow. And yes, it did snow on and off! Was happy n looking forward for class to finish. On my way back to halls, I saw people playing snowballs, I too, want to play!

At around 5-ish to 6, I asked my friend to come out again, fanatically for snowball fight and snowman-making! WHEEE~~~ Now let the picture speaks:

My First gigantic snowball. made for fun or for snowman.. You would not b able to lift it up as high to throw it at anyone.. *Berat tau?!* LOL...

Need support to hold it up

Lying on a blanket of snow.. It's fluffy.. Should have tried to make snow-angel. Feeling of lying on bed and on snow is different. Now, credits to my Nike ACG Weatherproof Jacket, My upper body is neither wet nor cold. BUT. A big BUT here, my butt is cold n wet, so as my legs, jeans not waterproof la~ HAHA.. I dont care. It's a special opportunity to try this. What is it to loose?

Teng teng teng~~ Here comes Snow fight!

Getting Ready

Are u with me?

Boom! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

If it's a bigger snowball, can b a bit of pain but it's ok.. Worth it! FUN!!!

Are we making gigantic 'Ice Kacang'? We dont have enough syrup. Snow is really fluffy.. You can see a wee bit of grass appearing as many bits of snow were scrappeled away by us for snow fight and for fun!

Tadaaa!! Our first snowman!! Can u help me to give it a name?

Here's us, with the first snowman~~ *Frosty the Snowman, ta da da da da da da,...*

Then we decided to made him a wife! His wife a.k.a girlfriend is a skinny one. Skinny snow-woman.. HAHAH... I'm happy enough with the end result.

Tadaa!!!

I might sound a bit of '乡巴佬' a.k.a orang kampung, but we're just too excited about snowing!!! Malaysia is a tropical country that snow never arrives except fake snow!!

Have a nice week all!!