First Chinese New Year away from KL

Tomorrow, I will once again embark on a journey far away from home, to continue my quest of achieving what is hard to achieve (at least, for me), though it is not impossible. This is, however, my very first Chinese New Year celebration spent away from KL, since I have settled down here, in this "urban jungle" 7 years ago, which I once dread and could not have dreamt to come, but have now settled down. Will only be back home early February. I hope this would be a different Chinese New Year all together.

Fireflies River of Light

Fireflies River of Light (Japan), 2003
Directed by Hiroshi Sugawara
starring Yukiyosho Ozawa (Hajime Miwa, the teacher), Risako Sugaya (Hikari the quiet girl), Koji Yakusyo (Hajime's inspiring teacher)



One of those very rare occasions that I got to watch a film all by myself, I literally mean, all ALONE. It feels as though the whole theatre belongs to me and me alone, and the characters from the film talks to me directly. It is magical in a way. When a bird's eye view of Tokyo city flooded the opening scene of the film, with it's blue hue and dotted by a single glowing green dot flying over the city sky scrapers, it already captured my interest. It is from that moment on, we follow the journey of a young male teacher, following his dream to pursue a completely different career than what he is having now - to becoming an elementary school teacher, out in a small town village of Japan. Here, you will not see what we usually see of a bustling city life overly crowded with people and machines, but only the wonders of truly intriguing formations of rice fields , the meandering mountain dusty roads, the running streams that is slowly polluted by wastes deposited by the villagers themselves. Most of all, it is the mesmerizing landscapes sculptured by mother nature that would leave you breathless. Of course, the old wooden elementary school is already a character by itself.

The story is simple, no doubt about it, but it is how it is done that we would gradually come to understand the characters more, to be able to empathize with them and ultimately follow their journey to making the fireflies fly - a reality. I especially adore Hikari's character for she plays the part absolutely well. I have also come to realize how much expectations (sometimes too much and absurd ones) we put onto teachers to "educate" and "discipline" our children in school when I personally think that the most important education a child can have is right at home, from their own parents. I left the film with a heartfelt feeling (for it has a big pay off at the end of the film. Aren't we all mainstream audience after all?), but most of all, some of the most vivid images I brought back from the film were scenes of school children running together, in a unite rhythmic pattern, Hajime riding off in a beautiful sunset on his mountain bike, Hajime walking Hiraki back home, in awkward silent moments and an unforgettable nostalgic feeling the film creates in me. All these is worth all the time that one can spend, on a lazy Friday afternoon. At times, I wonder, why most of us go for mainstream Hollywood films when International screens have equally impressive stories to tell, at times, much more to offer? I guess Malaysian audiences have to go beyond what we usually expect from a film.

A First Gong Xi Wish!

This is definitely a pleasant surprise! Who could have thought that my first Chinese New Year wish this year comes from as far as the Western world, all the way from a dear old friend of mine, June and her family from Netherlands! I was so excited that I told myself I have to put this in my blog...it is still hot, right out of my post box and scanner! "Wensend U een Gelukkig en Bloeiend Nieuw Jaar" Under normal circumstances, I would have no idea at all what this means, but on the card, it says, "Wishing You A Happy and Prosperous New Year". I felt a little embarrassed now as I could not remember when was the last time I actually bought those fiery red Chinese New Year cards and send them off to friends and family? Maybe ages ago? At this time and age of "high tech" life that we live in, we or should I just say me, (by the way, I usually send e-cards) I, tend to somehow let those memorable "traditions" drift away from the shore of my so-called "roots". I have always been "accused" of not being "Chinese" enough (by who? Names not disclosed here for obvious reasons) but I have always protested very silently, in my heart, that I am still a Chinese - black hair, black/ brown eyes, yellow skin (very superficial, huh?) - now, how could it be possible that I am not one? But now, I slowly begin to doubt this inner rebellious voice of mine, deep within me. This is horrible, when you have come to realize that you have lost grip of who you truly are, you feel so incomplete in certain ways. Nonetheless, I do believe in one thing. No matter what or who I have become, maybe less "Chinese" in the eyes of some, I would still be just me, myself and only me for I could never be anyone else. Thanks June for the well wishes and for reminding me of who I truly am, inside.

First Day Back At School

Tuesday was Ryan's first day back at school, but this is already his second year - back to his old kindergarten. It's a different classroom, with many new faces. Most importantly, his best friend, Lawrence is no longer continuing at the same kindergarten. I guess he felt a little bit lost and a mix feeling of unfamiliarity. Some kids even cried for the parents have left, some with the parents coaxing, they were still in tears. I guess things are always tough in the beginning. Ryan didn't even want to smile when I was taking his photos. Aidan, on the other hand, was always enthusiasted about new situations. I am sure when Ryan grows older, he would come to appreciate and enjoy school days like how I did back then for it is the only time you have the utmost freedom to acquire knowledge, explore new ideas and frontiers, push yourself to the limits and enjoy life as you breeze through life itself, hoping to understand yourself better as a person, (especially uni/ college) away from home. I for sure had a blast when I was in uni and now, I wish I could go back to study again for I truly missed those days, the best years in my life thus far. Of course, this time around, if I ever go back to study, it would be a completely different experience, for I would have more responsibilities to look out for and to juggle between studying and a small family.

New Year again!

That wasn't a new year, apparently...this one IS.