Thursday, September 22, 2005

Romantic Quotable Quotes

I’ve always been fascinated by people who have a way with words - those who can effortlessly craft inspiring phrases or memorable quotes that strike a chord deep within.

One such line that has always stuck with me is from the rather quirky character played by Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets“You make me want to be a better man.”

Simple, heartfelt, and unforgettable. It’s amazing how a single sentence can carry so much emotional weight and linger in our minds for years.
The other night, while watching a Korean drama, I came across another gem of a quote that really stood out. Just after a beautiful wedding scene, the bride turned to her new husband and asked, “Will you still love me just as much when I’m an old granny with a head full of white hair?”

His reply was both unexpected and touching: “My love for you now is at its minimum, but by the time you’re a grand old granny, it will be at its maximum.”

Now, that’s a romantic quote worth remembering - don’t you think?

These past three nights, my wife has been away at a seminar in Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai. Despite her packed schedule, she still came home in between to prepare special dinners for me. I was honestly lost for words. But I did manage to say, from the bottom of my heart, “You make me want to be a better husband.”

That, I suppose, is my own little quotable quote.

Sunday, September 04, 2005

Shanghai Experience

I was in Shanghai for three days, though in reality, I only managed to squeeze in about five hours of sightseeing - all at night. Still, I made the most of it by visiting two of the city’s most iconic attractions: Nanjing Pedestrian Walk and the famous Shanghai Bund.

Despite the short stay, I thoroughly enjoyed the culinary experiences my friends in Shanghai treated me to. From the legendary Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) to Shanghai-style dumpling noodles, each meal was a delight. One memorable highlight was during our farewell lunch, when I got to savour the so-called "Tian Xia Di Yi Bao" ("The World's No. 1 Bun") at the second-largest restaurant in Shanghai. I must have enjoyed it a little too much - my friend noticed and generously ordered a dozen for me to bring home to Sabah, so my wife could have a taste of authentic Shanghai cuisine too.

Speaking of the restaurant - it was massive by any standard, especially compared to what we’re used to in Sabah. It could accommodate up to 4,000 diners and boasted an additional 120 VIP rooms!

As my friend and I strolled along Nanjing Pedestrian Walk that evening, something unexpected happened. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see two girls, probably around 17 or 18, claiming they hadn’t eaten in a while and asking for money. But it quickly became apparent that they weren’t beggars - they were sex workers. Further down the same walkway, a schoolboy-looking lad bumped into my friend and casually asked, “Do you want massage?” I couldn’t help but think he might have been a young pimp trying to promote his "classmates" or someone else in his circle. That, too, is part of the reality of modern Shanghai - vibrant and dazzling on the surface, but with shadows just beneath.

On my way back to Pudong Airport, I made it a point to experience the famous Shanghai Maglev Train. Traveling at a top speed of 400 km/h, it was a thrilling, smooth, and futuristic ride. For just RMB 40, it was absolutely worth every cent - a perfect high-speed ending to my whirlwind Shanghai trip.