ISLE OF WIGHT

Traveling alone is not that bad, but of course if there is companion, it would be better. Last Sunday I went to Isle of Wight alone. As usual, I took train to the Southampton Airport and transit with Unilink bus service to Town Quay. First time going to Town Quay, everybody has got off at West Quay. So, just seek assistance from the driver to remind me to get off at the Town Quay bus stop. Following his direction to the ferry station. The waiting time was in the vicinity of 50 minutes. Mean while waiting for the ferry, I managed to read up some tourism information at the counter. The Red Funnel ferry is quite huge, bigger than the Butterworth ferry. It's a three tiers ferry with main deck located at the 2nd floor. The spacious cafe offers wide selection of western food on board.
When arrived at the Isle, it was around 1.50p.m. Simply bought a pulp from Somerfield, I walked up to the main street. Without any guiding map, I was aimlessly strolling around while taking my simple lunch. It was drizzling in the cold weather. Luckily I brought my umbrella. I didn't care about people's perspective on me. I just enjoyed my own style of taking photos or video recording with my N95 mobile phone. Passengers laughing at me, I just responded with my happy smile.
My luck was good that day. Even though I was directionless, but the street brought me to the Osborne House, which was the Queen Victoria's family holiday house or we called it Palace. I supposed to pay for 10 pounds admission fees, but the counter lady just offered me the children ticket with 5 pounds only. See, can save 5 pounds already! The Palace is pretty spacious and decorated with splendid golden chandelier, huge lifelike vivid portraits, and noble furniture, etc. I visited a magnificent palace! Amazing and lovely trip!

West Quay

Titanic movie, I am sure most of the people have watched it. But Southampton I think not many people will know that this is the origin place of Titanic. And West Quay is where the Southampton Harbour located. There is a Titanic Museum opened for public as well. And today there is another huge cruise departs from the harbour, it is Oceana Hamilton cruise. Will go back again. The Leisure World and Ocean Village have not been visited yet.

Last night used an unwanted mineral water bottle to make a simple tripod for my phone, coz I know today I am going to take some photos here. Simple but quite useful. Just like my life over here, simple but with a mission!

Romsey

Romsey - a countryside town. There are 2 train services going to this town. Last weekend dropped by this scenaric and greenary town. Perhaps it was weekend, the streets were felt like deserted. Not many people were walking on the street. This town famous with 2 distinguishing features, there are many elderly and many ducks in the town. There are rivers around the town and always flooded, and ducks and swans like to play on the river.

Half way stroll around the streets, I stopped by at a local English pub. I like the natural decoration built in it. Just ordered a coke and enjoyed it in front of the pub. It has another emotional appeal to enjoy coke under the sun. Never feel hot and sweat. A relaxing afternoon, simple English designed houses, 3 empty tables at the road side, a few ducks walking on the streets and a single man with coke, it was my weekend at Romsey.

Skill transfer

Yesterday joined my supervisor, Dr. Patrick's lecture. There are some things that I can learn and practice in the future for my own lecture. This trip not only for my research, I can also learn from them on how to improve my lecture and lecture activities.
But one thing, their hardware facilities are much more advanced than us. Just look at their lecture room setup.

Winchester

Time flies. I am here for the 2nd week already. Work is work, during off day I will not work as usual and just went to Winchester, a historic town which I think it is worthy to visit. The pedestrian area has created a harmony environment for me to sit and walk around peacefully. No hassle, no rush and no pressure at all. The Sunday farmer market is pretty new to me. There are kinds of bread and cookies can be found here. And some interesting places we need to visit here, such as The Great Hall and Round Table, Winchester Cathedral, West Gate, Museum and etc. Basically this trip was the enjoyable one. Will be back again for the 5 pounds big cooked crab!

Raya

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! Maaf zahir & batin! Miss ketupat, lemang, siput, rendang and serunding this year! Really miss it!
Take good care when going back to hometown.
For those who want to courrier kuih raya, you are most welcomed! Hahaha... mimpi je!

Brockenhurst - National Park

Today took the 9.22a.m train from Eastleigh to Brockenhurst, the famous National Park in UK. The journey just took me around 30 minutes only, no delay. After getting off from the train, I saw a used train coach parked next to the railway station. It is bikes renting shop. I rented a mountain bike cost me 15 pounds. I round the village alone without any map but with a writen instruction provided. It's tiring but new experience for me, 4 hours cycling with mountain bike, not the racing bike that I used to take. Hopefully tonight won't have back pain la! Tua already maa....

Rice

Today is the first weeked in Southampton. Early in the morning already went out for 'lepaking' around. The shopping complexes open at 9.00a.m and close at 5 or 5.30p.m. There are so many new and interesting things for me. Advanced and very good quality. The price is considerably cheap. One thing I want to put up here. The Tesco in Malaysia most of them are big, but in UK here, I think the area is just half of it only, quite small.
Since we are in HVAC industry, just for your information, there is no HVAC system installed in most of the building. There are using natural ventilation due to cold climate here. But sometimes I really cannot 'tahan', feel stuffy! And most of the people wearing jacket or sweater, except me with singlet. Not to show off, coz I didn't bring.
Finally today I find egg fried rice in Tesco. Really happy to see it. Straight away bought 2 packets back. Although just the plain rice, but I really enjoy it. Everyday bread, pizza, nan,... miss the rice so much. 99 pence per packet, ok la!

Soton life

Today start taking bus to Soton. Very convenient and the bus follows the schedule exactly. The nice weather and smooth journey make my mood good today.

I met 2 Malaysian PhD students this afternoon. They spoke BM and straight away I asked them whether they are Malaysian. They invited me to the Raya Puasa celebration on the 3/10/08. Then, I will be meeting most of the Malaysian students in Soton there and then.

University of Southampton

Today is my 2nd day in Southampton. Yesterday 13 hours flight really tiring, and because of the time zone different, it makes my situation even worse. 7 hours difference. This morning finally stepped into the University of Southampton. It really like a town in the university. Everything is new to me, and they are more established from my observation.Their setup and facilities provided to the staffs and students are very advanced compared to us. I like the life style and working environment here. Perhaps can consider to work over here after my PhD.