City of gambling, Las Vegas (T3 6th)

My Corner,

Time: 16 38
Thing: listening to I'll never break your heart by Backstreet Boys


Lunch and dinner were mostly in buffet restaurants, it would be very hard a whole pack of us to dine in a normal restaurant, we would never catch the schedule.

Beaming lights, that was what I saw. Lively, that was how I felt. As I looked up at the night sky, and understood the term "light pollution" learnt in physics, maybe not the serious type, but the night sky was really lit up.

Las Vegas gave me that sense of USA I had always been imagining, rock and high at night, daringly open. Casino are like normal shops, easily available in any hotels or big malls. Recalling that hot topic of casino back in Singapore, and our current affairs topic, I really felt like laughing.

The night view was pretty and relaxing. Two long paths, opposite of each other. Easy to go ahead or back. Live performance were played hourly by the side of street, actors roaring and firing guns, jumping down from the ship, I finished watching the show.

Once again the Grand Hyatt pulled my pupils. Right there in Las Vegas, it is larger, taller and prettier than the one in San Francisco. Its graceful curve is so brilliant when viewing from outside. Huge hotels are no longer special on that street, others like Wynn, Encore, Treasure Island, The Mirage, Bellagio, Trump, Caesars Palace were equally outstanding, a fierce competition among them.

I wish I could have my close friends with me that night, for it was so relaxing and nice to stroll around in this bustling part of Las Vegas. We could chat, sing, and go to casino, gamble once or twice, enjoy the pole dancing? (Joking...)

I went back the our hotel, Circus Circus, spent the rest of my night, reflecting...looking forward...


My Corner,

Time: 17 35
Thing: listening to Toxic by Britney Spears

Yosemite national park, first stop (T3 5th)

My Corner,

Time: 11 53
Thing: listening to As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys


After a week in San Francisco, the 3 of us, following a tour group, set off to go around california. Everyone on the tour bus, including driver and tour guide, is asian, and most of them are from mainland. There were around 20 to 30 of us.

That was my first time in a tour group, I had never liked the idea, but thinking that I can't do much in a big country almost alien to me, I had no choice.

Introductions and safety precautions were never missed out, but I paid no attention to the tour guide speaking. Sleep and iPod, that was what accompanied me throughout the journey, till we reached, into the nature.

Yosemite's natural beauty can be found in things big and small, from towering granite cliffs and giant sequoias to diminutive wildflowers. All varied in four areas, High Sierra, Granite Cliffs, Sequoia Groves and Valley. I explored Yosemite's many facets, taking in its many moods, and enjoying its views, sounds and smells.

HIGH SIERRA: Smooth granite domes, craggy peaks, and spacious meadows embody the character of the High Sierra. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails offer adventure, solitude, and inspiration, a real enjoyment to explore this glacially carved landscape and experience ever-changing mountain ecosystems.

GRANITE CLIFFS: The massive cliffs of Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy valleys challenge the body and mind, especially the inquisitive nature of we human beings.

SEQUOIA GROVES: Trees that have an age of over two thousand years, and trunks reaching over 25 feet! As symbols of longevity and strength, the giant sequoias played a major role in the creation of what is now Yosemite Naional Park.

VALLEY: Everything's simply flowing, animals, lifeless rocks, water and more, like going somewhere, always on a nature path. The Merced River flows peacefully through Yosemite Valley. Shrubs and deciduous trees enrich the riverbanks with green ribbons of life.

What attracted me most was the waterfalls, we managed to get very close to one of them. Hundreds of meters away, still walking among many trees, I could already feel droplets of water gently caressing my face, amazing indeed. The pouring sound got more audible and the air felt more moisturised. As last, as I stood in front of the energetic water, my hair, clothes and everything was getting wet faster than ever. But that was no longer a concern, I took in deep breaths, relaxing, even my pores.

I should admit another thing, that a tour guide can be really useful, at least I had no problems with the names of places in my descriptions.





Quotes of the day:

It is by far the grandest of all special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter

John Muir

Nature is always lovely, invincible, glad, whatever done and suffered bu her creatures. All scars she heals, whether in rocks, or water or sky or hearts.

John Muir

As long as I live, I'll hear the waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of world as I can.

John Muir

I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out til sundown, for going out, I found I was really going in.

John Muir

Joke of the day:

The taiwanese tour guide was trying to tell us how sensative is a bear's nose. He said, "The black bear has good-smelling nose." (zzz...)





Interesting facts:

-All dustbins in Yosemite National Park can only be opened when pulled, not pushed. They were designed to prevent the bears from searching inside the dustbins, for the bears know how to push, but not pull. It was said to be one way to keep wildlife wild.

-On the way to Las Vegas, there is an enormous piece of deserted land, and one road is named"zzyzx", to represent the famous rattle snake of california.


My Corner,

Time: 13 09
Thing: listening to More Than That by Backstreet Boys

Into the city! Glimpse and Stare...(T3 4th)

My Corner,

Time: 12 32
Thing: listening to Paparazzi by Lady Gaga



My mood did not recover, though it was refreshing after the wake up. I was totally clueless, helpless, in this huge state and city of America. What am I here for? I asked myself, oh, travel, yeah travel, now where's the enthusiasm?

I don't think I had my breakfast, my mum and her friend came. They were all ready, I followed as they asked, out of the house and into the car. (My mum's friend lives in San Francisco)

"Here we go, downtown."

Downtown? To say the truth I don't really hear this term often in Singapore. Down the town, so is it going to be better or worse?

As my mum's friend drives, I glanced around, then slowly look at things and buildings more intensely. Yes, finally the atmosphere was somewhat familiar, the Sun just somehow felt better all of a sudden. People, I saw them at last. Not used to it indeed, people with white skin and some having gold or red hair surrounding me, on the road, in the car. I could slowly sense the smell of this liveliness.

The Grand Hyatt always attracts me in anywhere, this hotel just appeals to me, its colour, height and everything. Expensive, for sure. I stared at The Grand Hyatt San Francisco, I knew there was smile on my face, for my eyes opened wide at last, getting satisfied.

Golden Gate Bridge was definitely one of the representable attraction, its redness was that mature, like a middle-aged man, calm and humble. It is enormous for sure, the design was never that I've seen, what a gigantic piece of 3D artwork!

We were there in the night, drove up to a viewing point on a mountain. It was dark, you hardly see the people just meters away, the wind was stronger than normal and piercing. I gazed down, took a deep breath, the pefect night view of San Franciso, a huge land of shimmering lighted dots.

Well, I should admit that my travelling journey just began. It's always healthy to look forward, afterall it's only going to be my first week here.

So, I will, enjoy the coming 7-day touring around california. Waiting...



My Corner,

Time: 14 44
Thing: listening to Low by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain

Arrival...SFO (San Francisco Airport)(T3 3rd)

My Corner,

Time: 12 52
Thing: listening to Golden Sky by Smile



Almost 15 hours of flight, not including the 6-hour waiting time in Hong Kong for stop. Really exhausted I should say, sleeping in an aeroplane is never comfortable if for a long time.

My mum and I went out of the exit, the MRT is right in front of us, well in San Francisco, it's called BART. After 15minutes or so, we got down and changed to LRT, again there is a different name, MUNI. There are 8 types of MUNIs in San Francisco, depending on the lines, named in letters, F,J,K,L,M,N,S,T. And for buses, they are the same, in numbers of course.

The MUNIs run on roads as well, so it's not surprised to see rails on certain roads, and there are nets of cables above those roads. Thus the MUNIs look more like cable cars outside. We took K and changed to M, after another 10minutes or so, we reached, at last.

Entered into the house, opened the windows, explored around, 1 thing I should admit: quite a disappointment. This is not the US I expected, old-painted houses, dull colour, cold breeze, empty street, quiet environment...(We did not live in hotel, that's too expensive for 3 weeks in US)

I guess that's because... we are not in the city area? But still, first impression, that counts a lot.

Feeling tired and quite annoyed(common thing after long hours of flight?). I tried my best to look forward... Lied on the bed, and slowly... closed my eyes...



My Corner,

Time: 14 19
Thing: listening to Animal by Neon Trees

Finally, a chance to my dream country, USA...(T3 2nd)

My Corner,

Time: 10 50

Thing: listening to Inconsolable by Backstreet Boys

The midnight of 28th may was dark, gloomy, wet... Well, quite a sharp contrast to how I was feeling.

This June holiday is my first time to travel so far, flying across the globe to USA, the country I've always wanted to visit. (Ticket was purchased months ago)

Why USA? Yes, good question. Why is that a good question? Well I cant find a specific reason for USA being my dream country. Is that due to all the news reports, broadcasts, and famous brands, high-tech appliances and stuff? High-standard, this phrase just kept appearing in my mind, so is that really so true? I'm going to find out soon.

It was very often heard that education in the USA can't be compared to eastern countries till only university. High school, JC, were not as serious. This might be another objective, exploring schools, a very good chance isn't it?

I only started traveling a bit this year. I should say, it's really a good chance to go around, looking, hearing, exploring...etc Thank you mum for giving me all these opportunities.

3 more hours before my flight, I'm ready. Here I come, San Francisco.

My Corner,

Time: 11 06

Thing: listening to Kiss by Sandara

Analysis of We Slept With Our Boots On by Steve Carlsen (T3 1st)

This is going to be my very first post for term 3 blogging, I'm aiming for a good start.
So here we go, the poem:

we slept with our boots on

They unloaded the dead and maimed right before our eyes
They washed out the blood, we loaded our ruck’s and then took to the skies
Over the mountains, villages, and valleys we flew
Where we would land we had not a clue
Bullets are flying, the LZ is hot
We’re leaving this bird whether we like it or not
30 seconds they yelled, Lock N Load and grab your shit
Get ready to go and make it quick
My heart is pumping adrenalin through all of my veins
I run as fast as I can through the lead rain
The noise is tremendous, terror I can’t define
The only reason I survived that day was divine
I kept pulling the trigger and reloading and pulling some more
You do what you have to do, with that I will say no more
We fought from the valleys to the mountain peaks
From house to cave, to car to creek
Dirty and tired and hungry and scared
We slept with our boots on so we were always prepared
Those majestic mountains so steep, so high they kiss the skies
The Hindu Kush has changed so many lives
Up the mountains with heavy loads we trod
Who knew hell was so close to God
Beauty and terror are a strong mixed drink
So we drank it like drunkards and tried not to think
Good men and bad men, Mothers lost son’s
Everyone loses their innocence when they carry guns
Washed in the blood, and baptized by fire
I will never forget those who were called higher
They say blood is thicker than water, well lead is thicker than blood
Brothers aren’t born they’re earned. In the poppy fields, the tears, and the mud
And when I get to heaven to Saint Peter I will tell
Another Paratrooper reporting for duty sir, I spent my time in hell

steve carlsen


This poem has run-on lines, the poet wrote it like telling a story, describing the scenes, the feelings and the deeper meanings. All hidden under the daily-used words.

Right from the first sentence, we are brought into the bloody and harsh environment in war. Words like "dead" and "maimed" proved this.

From the second line onwards, the action begins. We can tell that the speaker is a soldier. As the poem progresses, we know that the soldiers had never had a choice, they listened and obeyed what was ordered and sometimes knew nothing before and plans. The phrases "we had not a clue" and "whether we like it or not" are the evidence. The author mentioned the places they passed, "mountains, villages and valleys" to show the distance and confusion.

In line 7, the actions were finally triggered off. The alliteration "Lock N Load" explained the preparation, it brings a "manly" feeling. The way the author replaced "and" with a single letter "N" capitalised, we could tell the firm rule and the speed required.

The rapidity was further elaborated in the next few lines when the speaker got into warfields. The line "My heart is pumping adrenalin through all of my veins" showed the speaker's energy and nervousness at the same time, while it makes the readers excited and read on. The phrase "lead rain" is an exaggerated but appropriate way to describe the dangerous situation, what was falling and pouring was no longer water, but bullets. Other phrases like "noise is tremendous", "terror", "pulling the trigger", "reloading" reiterated war scenes.

In line 18, my understanding of the title is proved right. "We slept with our boots on so we were always prepared" this shows the discomfort and the stuggle. War even deprived the soldiers of rest, always staying tensed made them both physically and mentally exhausted.

There are people who believe this place called heaven, the fair god was said to bring peace, all the beauty was related to her. In the poem, the mountain they were fighting on was personified to kiss the sky, meaning that those soldiers were so close to heaven. But the author stated another fact, heaven and hell were close too. People may dream about going to heaven after death, but is there any difference since that brings them to hell too?

Another fact during the war that is scary is stated in the line "They say blood is thicker than water, well lead is thicker than blood". In warfields, metal stuff like guns and cannons decides the lives of people, it has far more power than any relationship.

In conclusion, apart from the cruel sides during war shown in the poem. The speaker's personality was shown. He does not know where he is fighting or who he is fighting but fights solely for his survival. Poet's description of the speaker is one that is unprejudiced. He does not make the speaker seem like a patriotic character, and neither does he make the speaker seem like one who is uninvolved in the action. The speaker is made to fight aimlessly, and he is so numbed to war that there is no longer any emotional response to the killing, almost like a zombie.

Who would you want to be friends with in the novel? Explain

I would be friends with Tom Robinsons. As can be inferred from the novel, tom Robinsons is friendly and helpful. He helps Mayella Ewell with her chores while on the way back home despite the indifferences between black and white. He is friendly towards her as described in the book. Even though he had a lot of opportunities for indecencies, he does not do anything to her disadvantage. This proves his clean down to earth personality.

Not only does Tom Robinsons fulfill the criteria to becoming a good friend, it would be interesting to have a nigger friend. By interacting with a black, maybe I would get to acquire knowledge on the bangala culture. By learning and understanding, the mysterious reasons of hatred for blacks will become clear. Also, a first step into understanding the other race may help in fostering better bonds between the two races.

Therefore, as Tom Robinson is kind, helpful and friendly. I would be his friend. Not only will he make an exceptionally good friend, there are also other advantages to making a new friend.