Ramblings of an ad hoc doctor

It’s been almost a few weeks now that I am a member of today.com but I am still not sure how to use certain features here! How do I add widgets to show on the right side column? How do I edit the template code? How to I change the header to a customized one? I hope somebody can help me figure these all out. I really love today.com as they are surely a special program and different from the rest. I guess, there’s too much to learn here, and maybe I am a slow learner *sigh*

I need help- so, if you are reading this, and if you know the answers to my questions, help me!

* Watch the sun rise over the new year at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is magnificent; its sheer scale is enough to make your jaw drop. Based on early South Indian architecture, this colossal temple complex is an architectural representation of the mythical Mount Meru, home to the devas in Hindu methodology. So, what could be more mystical than catching the first sunrise of the 2009 at this awe-inspiring wonder? Watch as the sky softens from ink black to blue before warm hues of red from the rising sun cast an eternal glow on the five peaks of the temple, bringing to light a well-preserved ancient monument. It’s an experience to be savored.

* Conquer Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

What better way to kick start the new year than challenging yourself to scale a mountain? While Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia, it’s not a difficult climb. Its immense granite peak affords a spectacular view of sunrise over the summit, where clouds roll in along the mountainous spine that stretches towards the horizon. A two-day climb, you can spend New Year’s Eve at Kinabalu park, which is a biologically diverse UNESCO World Heritage site, before ascending to the summit at dawn the next day.

Hugh Jackman may be on the up in Hollywood but there’s no doubt he’s happiest being down under. The 40 year old actor returns to Oz to film what’s arguably the quintessential Aussie movie with pal Nicole Kidman.

Set shortly before WWII, Australia sees Jackman play the Drover- an outback cowboy who is employed by English aristocrat (Kidman) to save the farm she has inherited from a takeover bid. The pair team up to run 2,000 cattle across the unforgiving Australian badlands and witness the bombing of Darwin by Japanese forces. This epic adventure on screen was just as challenging off it with Jackman, Kidman and the rest of the cast and crew having to camp out for the five-months shoot. Kidman called the experience “the roughest thing I ever had to go through”.

Forget clubbing! There are more memorable ways to usher in the New Year and I am listing here 10 unforgettable places to do just that.

• Party with backpackers at Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand

Avid travelers would scoff at the idea of visiting Bangkok’s infamous Khao San Road. Granted, Khao San is a backpacker’s ghetto; not a place you’d go find authentic local culture but more than anywhere else in Southeast Asia, you’ll find the spirit of camaraderie among travellers well and alive here. This sense of connection among people who come from all corners of the world creates a convival party atmosphere that’s perfect for an informal New Year’s Eve street celebration.

• Check into a luxury resort in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket has long been associated with the idea of a perfect tropical holiday and this reputation will still stand if you stay away from the maddening crowd of Patong Beach. Nestled within a former coconut plantation on the northwest shore of the island is the brand new Indogo Pearl resort and it feels like an ideal retreat for a quiet, romantic New Year’s getaway. Bill Bensley, a renowned designer and landscape architect, has created a stylish travel experience that marries modern architecture with the island’s mining history. As a result, you get a luxurious resort with a host of facilities, including a spa, three swimming pools and a private beach club, to pamper you silly.

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Sarawak Longhouse in Malaysia

Sarawak is an interesting land of many ethnic tribes. That’s why it makes for an extraordinary New Year’s experience if you choose to get off the beaten path. There are many Iban and Bidayuh longhouse along Kuching, Sibu and Miri, and the people are more than happy to welcome you as a guest to their homes. You can be sure that the new year’s eve celebration will involve chugging down copious amounts of home-brewed rice wine, otherwise known as tuak. But more importantly, you get to celebrate life with another culture that is outside of your usual social circle.

• Take a stroll along Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

Batu Ferringhi is a picturesque stretch of jungle coves and beaches. Dominated by many beach-front resorts, the main road of Batu Ferringhi comes alive at night with bars, reatsurants and the daily night market, where you can pick out souvenirs, crafts and even some art pieces. For a relaxing night out on New Year’s Eve, have a leisurely dinner at one of the seafood restaurantd before taking a stroll along the sandy beach. And if you like, pop into one of the swanky beach front lounges within the resorts for a night cap.

• Catch Mamma Mia at Istana Budaya, KL, Malaysia

Everybody known Abba. Now you can sing along to their greatest hits in this fun and engaging smash hit musical. Direct from London’s West End, Mamma Mia tells the story of a young bride-to-be who invites her mother’s three ex-boyfriends to the wedding in hope of finding her reak father. The hilarity that ensues, the comedy and touching moments are all told through ABBA’s lovable catchy tunes. So, if you want a more cultured way to usher in the New Year, book yourself a seat at the musical’s New Year’s Eve show.

Underwood pedigree- American Idol winner, Grammy-awarded country singer- is impressive in the music world. In the fashion world, it would usually spell disaster, which is why her discovery of an understated style is such a coup. Underwood is adventurous without being outrageous- she has a variety of dresses that suit her wholesome personality without any saccharine sweetness. She favors feminine touches- a few ruffles, a little sparkle- but the look is far from the Grand Ole Opry stereotype. She loves an interesting neckline; a blue one-shoulder dress is flirty, while a white mini-dress with a diamond cutout suggests sexy cleavage without actually showing much of it. Her dresses are typically flowing, not skintight- a red gown with a plunging V-neck is about as revealing as Underwood will get.

I’d like to welcome you to my second home here at today.com. If you think I sound familiar, then you must have ‘met’ me in my other blog. I have way too much to talk about (errr…ramble about?) so, I thought having a second blog would do the trick! Live up to gossips, beauty tips and everything a woman loves to know and hear about…welcome to Ramblings of An Ad Hoc Doctor!

More about me? I am a lady, well, not bragging but a gorgeous one too. hahahahaha I am an ad hoc doctor by profession, or I don’t mind labeling me as a PC and technology geek, because that’s what I am. Ihave a full time geeky job and this is how I vent out my frustration because all I wanted to be is a celebrity! hahahahah

Enjoy to my new blog and I hope you will keep coming here- I sure have a lot of great stuffs to share with everyone!