...fireworks from my balcony.

This proves it! Penang has a lot of rich people. Why do I say so? Coz I have seen and heard numerous fireworks ever since I came to stay here.

I've enjoyed several beautiful fireworks displays from the comfort of my balcony. The scene was just a few streets away. At one point, on the eve of Deepavali, there were 3 displays at the same time. One was towards my right, in front of this new regal apartment. The other was just in front of me, beyond the rooftop of another block in my apartment. And the last one was somewhere behind, which I couldn't see except for the flashes of light reflection. It was magnificent! The only thing missing was a champagne flute on my hand and a handsome guy with his arms around me. ;-)

The best fireworks memory in Penang was the one I saw last Sunday night. I was on the bus heading back to Penang, crossing the bridge, when I saw the colourful display of lights from afar. I presume that it was somewhere near the jetty area. The display lasted for almost the whole journey across the bridge. I was fortunate to sit at the right side of the bus. It was a wonderful experience.

As per my resolution a couple of blogs before this, I've invited Conan to share my joy. He only managed to take a few shots due to lack of energy. So, this grainy video is the first Penang audio visual stuff that I'm sharing with you. Err... try to enjoy-lah.

...more favourite quotes from the two books.

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
- Duh... obviously so, Mr. King in Alice in Wonderland.

If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?
- I do see what you mean, Alice. Don't you realise that this world is already so full of nonsense? Coz people are just so ridiculous.

It would be so nice if something made sense for a change.
- My point exactly, Alice. But you contradict yourself.

Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.
- Thus said the Doorknob

...happy unbirthday to me.

An Unbirthday is described as an event that is typically celebrated on any of the 364 or 365 days in which it is not the person's birthday.

I think Lewis Carroll is a genius with wordplay. I had so much fun reading Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I have always thought that they were just storybooks for kids. I remember snatches of stories, when I was young, about the mad hatter and the horrible queen of hearts. But at that time, I didn't realise the meanings in the words. Well, that was probably because I was reading a simplified children's version then.

Do you know what the funny thing was? It was some desktop wallpapers with quotations from Alice in Wonderland that pique my interest to finally lift the book off my shelf and start thumbing through its pages. I have no regrets.

Well, "unbirthday" is one of my favourite. I bet you love the meaning too, right? So this is my unbirthday present to you... an excerpt...

'I mean, what is an un-birthday present?'
'A present given when it isn't your birthday, of course.'
Alice considered a little. 'I like birthday presents best,' she said at last.
'You don't know what you're talking about!' cried Humpty Dumpty. 'How many days are there in a year?'
'Three hundred and sixty-five,' said Alice.
'And how many birthdays have you?'
'One.'
'And if you take one from three hundred and sixty-five, what remains?'
'Three hundred and sixty-four, of course.'
... ... ...
'...and that shows that there are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents - '
'Certainly,' said Alice.
'And only one for birthday presents, you know. There's glory for you!'

Now, who wants to give me an unbirthday present today?

Photo

...Conan, my faithful Canon Camera.

Yep, I named my camera.

I have decided to do so because I felt guilty for neglecting him. Ever since I came to Penang, I have not brought him around. I've seen new places. I've made new friends. I've tasted the various different foods and experienced new stuff. But not once have I took Conan along with me. I've pushed him aside. I'm sorry, Conan.

Conan loves and cherishes memories. He is the one who always remind me of my past... the fantastic places, unforgettable experiences, good friends, and loving family. How can I now shut him out of my life? Please forgive me, Conan.

I know you are the perfect one to help me keep in touch with others. It's petty of me to sometimes complain that you are burdensome. I apologise for the times I've coveted some of the better looking ones among your species. I apologise for not taking better care of you.

I hereby avow to share joyful occasions with you. I promise to let you capture the poignant moments in your own way. I will hone the artistic potential in you.

From this day forth, I will try my best to remember to bring you wherever I go. Amen!