Hinotori
Babbling Loonie
I am an Eagle.
2 fics uploaded
Registration Date: 09-10-2007
Posts: 2004
|
|
|
30-08-2008 11:43
|
|
saturn
Boardie
I am a Swan.
Registration Date: 21-05-2008
Posts: 324
|
|
Dear TJ,Condorfan,Gogirl,Hinotori,Lborgia
Thank you so much for all your messages, guys. You are all very sweet indeed.
Hinotori, love the return of the Eagle in your avatar. We both do love the Eagle,right ?
I still cannot give any good news though as my ISP has said that the problem might only be fixed by next week, so that means another week with no internet connection at home.Right now I am feeling just like Ryu who is asked to survive for a week without eating any snacks,
Anyway, I guess lady luck is still quite generous with me. Other than having my Gatchaman DVDs to distract me, I have lots of new PC games and then there is the latest season of The Amazing Race (my favorite reality show) on TV, yay!
And of course, the best thing is to have my "Eagle" finally home after a long business trip. I am sure that he will keep me "busy" for while too, wink wink,
__________________
This post has been edited 1 time(s), it was last edited by saturn on 01-09-2008 at 02:24.
|
|
01-09-2008 02:21
|
|
saturn
Boardie
I am a Swan.
Registration Date: 21-05-2008
Posts: 324
|
|
|
02-09-2008 08:22
|
|
saturn
Boardie
I am a Swan.
Registration Date: 21-05-2008
Posts: 324
|
|
Dear TJ
For TAR:Asia season 1, the contestants were actually only going around Asia, which many viewers might have thought to be very boring, therefore for season 2, they were going around the world, although only limited to some European countries.
I must admit that I don't think I will be a good contestant too, mainly because I have some phobias that will not help me to last long enough in the race. Like that one episode in the Asian version, where the contestants had to enter a big cage containing 4 HUGE snakes to retrieve the clue. Not even the prize money of $1,000,000 would be able to motivate me to do that.
I also think that it was very brave of you to visit the bungee jump tower. I am actually quite afraid of heights (which is ironic because I declared myself as the "swan", but then again, she is afraid of bugs, while I certainly am not,).
If you like Australia & New Zealand (I'm sure you do), perhaps one day you can visit Bali island in my country too. The Sanur beach in Bali is as beautiful as the Bondi Beach in Sydney, and of course, there are also bungee jump sites in Bali, in case you are into bungee jumping,
I also would like to add that after I checked on my cable TV's guide, we in Asia are indeed able to watch TAR season 13 on the 29th September,yay! Can't wait for that.You must be very excited too.
In the meantime,please keep updating your "memories" story. You have kept me on edge as I kept trying to guess which character referred to which in BOTP.The visualisation of France in your series is fantastic.You make me want to go there someday,
__________________
|
|
04-09-2008 03:11
|
|
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
I am a Swan.
40 fics uploaded
Registration Date: 04-04-2007
Posts: 20978
|
|
quote: | Originally posted by saturn
For TAR:Asia season 1, the contestants were actually only going around Asia, which many viewers might have thought to be very boring, therefore for season 2, they were going around the world, although only limited to some European countries. |
|
That makes a lot of sense. The season of TAR that was most poorly rated here was the family edition, and IMHO it was because they didn't spend a lot of time traveling outside of the United States.
quote: | Like that one episode in the Asian version, where the contestants had to enter a big cage containing 4 HUGE snakes to retrieve the clue. Not even the prize money of $1,000,000 would be able to motivate me to do that. |
|
I don't think that would bother me so much as long as the snakes were still/unmoving. What would bother me more is the rat temple in India (from TAR Season 1).
quote: | I also think that it was very brave of you to visit the bungee jump tower. |
|
Did I say that I bungee-jumped? No. But we were in downtown Auckland and it's a big landmark there. We went up to the top to take in the view and watch the jumpers.
That being said, I wouldn't mind trying bungee-jumping. And lots of that kind of stuff that they do on the Race sees like the perfect way to do it (to me). For example, when they skydive, they're strapped to a professional person who does all the work. I think I would enjoy that, as it would make me feel safe, rather than me having to do it myself and remember when to pull the parachute cord.
quote: | perhaps one day you can visit Bali island in my country too. The Sanur beach in Bali is as beautiful as the Bondi Beach in Sydney |
|
Would you believe that we never made it to Bondi? Instead we went up to the Great Barrier Reef for a few days and spent some time on an island there enjoying the reef.
But yes, I would love to see Bali! I enjoy traveling, and it is my goal to see the majority of the world (at least the warmer parts ) at some time in my life. I think the closest I have been to Bali is Singapore, which is clearly not very close. In fact, our Australia/New Zealand trip is the only time I have been across the Equator.
quote: | we in Asia are indeed able to watch TAR season 13 on the 29th September,yay! Can't wait for that.You must be very excited too. |
|
That makes sense, because here it premieres on September 28, but your clocks are so far ahead of ours, that it will be the 29th for you by the time I am watching it!
And yes, we are excited.
quote: | In the meantime,please keep updating your "memories" story. You have kept me on edge as I kept trying to guess which character referred to which in BOTP.The visualisation of France in your series is fantastic.You make me want to go there someday, |
|
I am glad you are enjoying it! I have 2 more chapters posted this morning. I haven't visited all of the places in France I use in that story, but some of them. I have always wanted to go to Corsica, but it hasn't been in the cards yet. I have been to Paris a few times though, including in the Catacombs. It's really neat down there, and that's just the 'touristy' version! I also went to Mont Blanc/Chamonix on my honeymoon. At the time, the highway underneath the mountain was closed because of a massive accident that severely damage the tunnel. In my fic I refer to that restoration (a little vaguely) as the time when the secret lab was being built.
And yes, it makes me want to go back too! I'll be traveling to Europe next summer, but that's 11 months away...
__________________
|
|
04-09-2008 13:07
|
|
saturn
Boardie
I am a Swan.
Registration Date: 21-05-2008
Posts: 324
|
|
quote: | Originally posted by Transmute Jun
That makes a lot of sense. The season of TAR that was most poorly rated here was the family edition, and IMHO it was because they didn't spend a lot of time traveling outside of the United States. |
|
IMHO,the family edition was also my least favorite season of TAR so far, perhaps because of not too much challenging tasks and lack of drama (bickering and all that), . I still watched it though at that time, because it did give me lots of information about different states in US and their historical landmarks.
quote: | I don't think that would bother me so much as long as the snakes were still/unmoving. What would bother me more is the rat temple in India (from TAR Season 1). |
|
Well, the snakes were still indeed, but the route info clues were wrapped inside their bodies, which meant that you had to touch them to take the clues away.They were not poisonous, but I will never in a million years touch a snake.Yes, my snake phobia is that severe. Rats are different thing though, well, perhaps I have seen so many rats in my whole life (you can see them on the street here quite often, sadly it's true), that I am not really bothered by them already.
quote: | Did I say that I bungee-jumped? No. But we were in downtown Auckland and it's a big landmark there. We went up to the top to take in the view and watch the jumpers. |
|
That's what I meant when I said that you were very brave. Because I also had fear of heights, it would take lots of courage for me to go to to the top of a tall building, but I can see that you have no problems with it at all.
quote: |
Would you believe that we never made it to Bondi? Instead we went up to the Great Barrier Reef for a few days and spent some time on an island there enjoying the reef. |
|
I would love to visit the Great Barrier Reef too. Actually I plan to go to Australia next year,and although my main purpose is only to attend my student's wedding in Sydney, perhaps I can make up some time to go to Queensland and visit the Great Barrier Reef, the scenery over there must be breathtaking.
quote: | But yes, I would love to see Bali! I enjoy traveling, and it is my goal to see the majority of the world (at least the warmer parts ) at some time in my life. I think the closest I have been to Bali is Singapore, which is clearly not very close. In fact, our Australia/New Zealand trip is the only time I have been across the Equator. |
|
If you like tropical places, then Bali is definitely the right choice for you. The flight from Singapore to Bali will take around 5-6 hours. Singapore is nearer to my place, though, The flight from Singapore to my place (Medan) will only take 45 minutes. Although my place is not really as tropical as Bali, but we do have famous tourist spots such as Lake Toba, which is actually the largest volcanic lake in the world.Just to give you some ideas since you really like travelling,!
quote: | I am glad you are enjoying it! I have 2 more chapters posted this morning. I haven't visited all of the places in France I use in that story, but some of them. I have always wanted to go to Corsica, but it hasn't been in the cards yet. I have been to Paris a few times though, including in the Catacombs. It's really neat down there, and that's just the 'touristy' version! I also went to Mont Blanc/Chamonix on my honeymoon. At the time, the highway underneath the mountain was closed because of a massive accident that severely damage the tunnel. In my fic I refer to that restoration (a little vaguely) as the time when the secret lab was being built.
And yes, it makes me want to go back too! I'll be traveling to Europe next summer, but that's 11 months away... |
|
You are very lucky indeed. I love travelling too, but me and my DH's crazy work schedules will not allow that, and of course there is that budget problem, !
Hope that you will have a fantastic holiday in Europe next summer.We in this board will definitely miss you when you will not be around at that time.
__________________
This post has been edited 1 time(s), it was last edited by saturn on 05-09-2008 at 09:37.
|
|
05-09-2008 09:34
|
|
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
I am a Swan.
40 fics uploaded
Registration Date: 04-04-2007
Posts: 20978
|
|
quote: | They were not poisonous, but I will never in a million years touch a snake.Yes, my snake phobia is that severe. Rats are different thing though, well, perhaps I have seen so many rats in my whole life (you can see them on the street here quite often, sadly it's true), that I am not really bothered by them already. |
|
See, rats would bother me, because I would feel them scurrying across my feet and know that they could bite and carry diseases. I'd probably be a little nervous touching the snake, but if it just lay there, I'd probably be okay. Maybe we would make a good team after all!
Just goes to show you, everyone has their own things they fear!
quote: | Because I also had fear of heights, it would take lots of courage for me to go to to the top of a tall building, but I can see that you have no problems with it at all. |
|
As I said, we all have our own fears. My big phobia is needles.
quote: | I would love to visit the Great Barrier Reef too. Actually I plan to go to Australia next year,and although my main purpose is only to attend my student's wedding in Sydney, perhaps I can make up some time to go to Queensland and visit the Great Barrier Reef, the scenery over there must be breathtaking. |
|
Yes, that's what happened to us. We were going to be in Sydney and wanted to go up to see the reef, and then circumstances worked out well for us to do that as part of our journey.
quote: | If you like tropical places, then Bali is definitely the right choice for you. |
|
Well, like everything else, tropical places can have their ups and downs. There is warmth and beautiful beaches and tropical fruit, but also giant bugs and incredible humidity in some places. Think Survivor... the places look gorgeous, but after experiencing the 'true' wilderness, everyone is ready to go home...
quote: | such as Lake Toba, which is actually the largest volcanic lake in the world.Just to give you some ideas since you really like travelling,! |
|
I have not heard of that! I will have to pit it on my list. I'm not sure when we might get back to Asia, but that sounds wonderful!
quote: | You are very lucky indeed. I love travelling too, but me and my DH's crazy work schedules will not allow that, and of course there is that budget problem, ! |
|
That's where teaching comes in handy. I have certain times each year that I KNOW I will be off from work, and we can plan our travels then. DH can take time off anytime, as long as he puts in the request far enough in advance (and we're usually planning vacations a year or more in advance). For example, we've already got trips set for next summer and January 2010. Far enough in advance for you?
But yes, I miss my time on the boards when I am away. It is also a lot of work when I get back to catch up on everything!
__________________
This post has been edited 1 time(s), it was last edited by Transmute Jun on 05-09-2008 at 13:57.
|
|
05-09-2008 13:56
|
|
saturn
Boardie
I am a Swan.
Registration Date: 21-05-2008
Posts: 324
|
|
quote: | Originally posted by Transmute Jun
Yes, that's what happened to us. We were going to be in Sydney and wanted to go up to see the reef, and then circumstances worked out well for us to do that as part of our journey. |
|
I was very ecstatic indeed when I received the invitation from my ex-student who had migrated to Australia, as now I have a good reason to spend some of my savings to visit the land down under. This will also be the first time I travel to a country where everyone will actually be speaking in English all the time; it will definitely be a whole new experience for me.
quote: | Well, like everything else, tropical places can have their ups and downs. There is warmth and beautiful beaches and tropical fruit, but also giant bugs and incredible humidity in some places. Think Survivor... the places look gorgeous, but after experiencing the 'true' wilderness, everyone is ready to go home... |
|
I can understand why you are looking for a warmer climate. As for me, since I have been living in this humid country since birth, I will definitely prefer to travel to countries with cooler climate such as Switzerland or Russia. I am dying to know what snow feels like.
quote: |
That's where teaching comes in handy. I have certain times each year that I KNOW I will be off from work, and we can plan our travels then. DH can take time off anytime, as long as he puts in the request far enough in advance (and we're usually planning vacations a year or more in advance). For example, we've already got trips set for next summer and January 2010. Far enough in advance for you? |
|
Wow, you&your DH are definitely good planners. I wish I could be like that too, but since I am teaching part-time in 6 different colleges, it is quite difficult to synchronize my teaching schedules to accommodate a work leave. My DH is working in a company that is clearly understaffed, so a leave permission is most often a rare privilege.
In any case, I am impressed by your ability to balance work, family, recreation, and yet at the same time, still have enough time to write all of your fabulous fanfics all this time. Superb, indeed.
This also applies to other members of this board who have been actively contributing to this board in spite of your busy daily life. You all really keep this board alive.
__________________
|
|
06-09-2008 08:26
|
|
Hinotori
Babbling Loonie
I am an Eagle.
2 fics uploaded
Registration Date: 09-10-2007
Posts: 2004
|
|
|
06-09-2008 14:12
|
|
Transmute Jun
Queen of the Bird Missiles
I am a Swan.
40 fics uploaded
Registration Date: 04-04-2007
Posts: 20978
|
|
quote: | Originally posted by saturn
This will also be the first time I travel to a country where everyone will actually be speaking in English all the time; it will definitely be a whole new experience for me. |
|
At least you speak a fair bit of the language! My French isn't nearly as good as your English, Saturn (I consider myself at a 'kindergartener level' there) and I'm still fairly comfortable traveling in France, and other French-speaking parts of the world. JMHO, but I think you'll be just fine.
quote: | I will definitely prefer to travel to countries with cooler climate such as Switzerland or Russia. I am dying to know what snow feels like. |
|
I have the same thing with my kids! We live in California in a part of the state where it never snows. A couple of times each winter we drive into the mountains and go skiing and it's such a big deal for them to play in the snow... it's lots of fun if you only have to live with it for a day or two. But once you have to start clearing it out and lugging heavy winter clothing around, it loses its appeal...
quote: | Wow, you&your DH are definitely good planners. I wish I could be like that too, but since I am teaching part-time in 6 different colleges, it is quite difficult to synchronize my teaching schedules to accommodate a work leave. My DH is working in a company that is clearly understaffed, so a leave permission is most often a rare privilege. |
|
Six different colleges? Wow! I don't blame you for being busy! I can't imagine balancing all of the schedules and demands in two, much less six! I have a second job outside of teaching, but that involves work-at-home writing that I do on my own schedule.
quote: | In any case, I am impressed by your ability to balance work, family, recreation, and yet at the same time, still have enough time to write all of your fabulous fanfics all this time. Superb, indeed. |
|
LOL, what's given is that 'recreation' you talk about. Since I started getting into Gatch fanfic, I haven't seen very many movies, read nearly as many books, and my TV-viewing has gone way down.
My other secret with the writing (which isn't really a secret) is that I bring a notebook around with me when I expect to be sitting around somewhere. It's amazing how much writing I can get done in 5-20 minute spurts when I'm sitting around somewhere.
__________________
|
|
06-09-2008 16:06
|
|
|
|
|