Holiday synopsis 1

Well, finally back in London after 4 weeks of "rest" at home in Singapore. I have to say that this is the first time that I actually wish I was back there. Normally after 2 weeks of being out of the lab, this monkey is itching to get back into some pipetting. But this time, I just can't seem to get into gear. I simply had too great a time back home, which is surprising if you know me.

Jakarta
First, I had to make a trip back to Jakarta. My mum's Indonesian and I used to visit every school holiday up till the age of 16. And since I hadn't been back in 10 years, I figure it was about time to make a trip over to visit the mum's side of the family.

Small triwheel scooters called Bajaj, deathtraps if you ask me.
It's not my bad photography that's making it hazy, it's the pollution!

This visit back was such an eye opener for me. Seeing Jakarta through eyes 10 years older (not necessarily wiser), somehow I appreciate the complexities and chaos a little better. It's no longer dirty and disorganised, more like it has got character. Maybe it's because I've been living in London (another mad city), as opposed to 10 years ago before I'd left home, and all I had known was the ordered sterility of Singapore.

Next stop, KL with my woman....... tune in next time...

See what I mean about the pollution?!


Had to get out of the city, went to Gunung Puncak for a respite. Here are some tea plantations on the slopes of the mountain.


Going up the mountain. If the moutain won't go to Mhd, Mhd will go to the mountain. (with requisite head wobbling)