Trip to Rome...a city of history!

Hi friends,

Its time to update myself after almost 6 months away from Malaysia. Its almost election there in Malaysia, I have been following some news online. It appears to be a different kind of atmosphere this time. Heard that BN is advertising on the TV and giving out flyers. I will not be able to vote as I heard of Malaysians not residing in Msia will not be eligible for voting. Correct me if this is not true.

I have been all good here. Working hard on 2 jobs, first is the full time data processing job with Siemens and another is part time at the Chinese Takeaway. My current residence is owed by my aunt therefore I am just parasiting until I get a better job. I do have to pay weekly rent, cannot leave for free mah, rite? Siemen's position is just a temporary one where I can be fired at any one time if the employer is not satisfied with my performance. Therefore, I am again hunting for a better position with higher pay and leading me to permanent role. I have tried applying for jobs here, went for an interview once but to no avail. Its even harder now to secure a permanent role here now that European Union Treaty was signed by Gordon Brown. Visitors from Europe is exempted from the need of a work permit while Asians need it. New immigration regulations also reduces the chance of me securing a permanent position here. Despite this, I will keep on trying as I believe as long as there is hope, the light is still waiting for us at the end of the tunnel.

I have been to Rome last month. A great place with nice sceneries and great structures. Great for photo taking. I was fortunate to enjoy the nice sunny and breezy weather there, thanks for travelling at the right time. Staying in a tight budget hostel is certainly an experience to remember. With each room accomodating 10 person, you can imagine how inconvenient and cramped it was. However, it just sort of balance it all when we look at the amount we had to pay. Meals are provided as well.

I went to Colloseum, Forums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Cathedral and almost all the Piazzas (Squares) there. Lots of walking but the stunning sceneries just wipe away the painstaking paces you have to endure. I enjoyed myself very much especially the original italian pastas there. Cheesy and fresh. The spaghetti has a tender feel, its so fresh that you can taste the genuine wheat flavour while chewing it. Only spent about 250 pounds in total for the trip, which is considered really cheap as we spent 4 days there.

For those who have facebook and/or friendster, you may add me using my email address joaukc@gmail.com or name Au Kwan Choon. I cannot get all pictures posted on my blog as its really time consuming. I will get them into my friendster and facebook account instead. Please take a look at them when you are free.

I have some pictures on jonathanaukc.blogspot.com however not as complete as friendster and facebook.
Feel free to visit the site when you are free....The blog has exactly the same wording as this email...
Till then, greetings from me here in cold and damp Nottingham.

Updates after Xmas celebration in Nottingham...

I am now officially a Christian boy after baptism last month. On 25th Nov 2008 I undergone full immersion baptism. Its really a great experience. I was immersed in a warm pool of water and then appeared back up feeling all freshed. The ceremony was witnessed by fellow Christian bros and sisters. I got a nice bouquet of flower from fellow church member shown here in the picture:

After that, I went for Christian Retreat near Leicester. Its a farm where all of us had a great time away from the hustle and bustle of Nottingham city. Great time of reflection and sharing of faith. We also had outdoor activities in the freaking cold farm (about 5 degrees top with strong gales) Here is how the place look like:

Then now we move on to Christmas celebration in the UK. Want to know how Nottingham looks like during Christmas, well here is how the city council house looks like:

Nice isn't it? Of course, it was filled with music, carolling and lot of sweets!!

It even snowed once in Nottingham, I was suprised to see it happening one night. However, the white stuff never remained long for the weather turned milder afterwards.

Then of course, I treated myself for a trip to London. The picture above is the picture of London Bridge during night time. I was standing on another bridge while snapping this and I hope you believe it was bitterly cold with the wind blowing endlessly. I was shivering to the from my feet to the head. Its winter!!!

There were Christmas market in London where the Germans were displaying their finest of wines and foods.

Now of course, we come to Christmas celebration. As I am living with my aunt here in NOtts. We celebrate by having a big hot pot (ta pin lou) feast every year. Lots of fresh meats and vegetable lying everywhere on the table. Of course :P

That my aunty and uncle in Nottingham. Look at the foods above!

Here is a picture of my aunt with my nephew and niece...look at their pink cheeks!

More updates after a short delay...

Sorry guys for not being able to update on time. I was quite busy lately, working on 2 jobs. No choice as I need to earn the extra pound to make ends meet.




I was turned down by Borsch as my experience does not match their requirement. However, I get a good feedback from the interview, just that they have better candidates to hire.



Well guys, I bet all of you are curious as to what happened in this few weeks. Well, here we go, I got closer to my mates at work in Siemens, here are some of the photo's taken during our Friday chilling night out:

As I have 2 job tmr. I will need to sleep now. Will upload more photos this Sat.