Before starting to write this blog post, I would like thanks to the organizing committee and the event sponsors, who selected me to have free delegate pass to attend this summit. It's help a lot, and also it's my 1st time to North Europe.. Thanks you!!!
Ok, as from title of this post, you may wonder what is ISES?? ISES is International Student Energy Summit, which empowering the next generation of energy leaders that will support the global transition towards a sustainable energy future. It is a three-day event that uses a multidisciplinary framework to educate, inspire and unite students around energy issues. This is 3rd ISES, held at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)Trondheim, Norway. I'm glad to join this summit, even my study is not directly relate to sustainable/ green/renewable energy. In fact, I gained some knowledge about current global energy issues, increase my conscious about this issues. I met a lot of new friends from all over the world, who have a passion on discussing this issues. Climate change, global warming, depletion, renewable energy, nuclear energy, Arctic drilling, carbon footprint, innovation, sustainable future....etc, and it's discussed in the point of view in political , economic, research,media,investor area....etc. It's interesting~~
Get my nametag and programme guide book on 1st day.
Accomodation provided by organiser- Radisson Blu Hotel
Opening ceremony at Studentersamfundet. It's a location for Norwegian Student to have their society activities, and good meeting point for student. Opening ceremony is simple, marking the starting of summit, and networking section for all delagates. There are some performance by Norwegian singer and with some wine and food.
Most significant building in Trondheim. We had a chance to listen Organ Concert in this prestige cathedral for free!!!!
Nidarosdomen- Biggest cathedral in North Europe.
Speakers invited are expert from various fields, and also from different countries, continents.
It's interesting when some speakers have different views, and they bring out to discuss on stage.
Pigeonhole live is used in most plenary session for Q&A session, which have their pros and cons.
I tried to ask question through Pigeonhole, but not selected to be answer by speaker. (Only question with most vote will get attention and display to screen.)
However, I like this way of Q&A session, as you ask question at anytime, even during talk of speaker. It's good invention.
Plenary Session about Nuclear Energy
Gala Dinner on the last night of Summit.
My 1st impression about Norway is SALMON!!!!! In fact, most meals in this summit are mostly relate to Salmon, breakfast with smoked salmon, Lunch with Salmon Sandwich, and in this gala dinner- SALMON!!!
It's a must to try salmon when you come to Norway.
Met some friends from different countries~~~ Nice to know you!!!
Trondheim is not so well known like Oslo, but the view in Trondheim is fantastic and breathtaking ~~ I like Trondheim more than Oslo.
and because of the time I went to Trondheim is summer( but still very cold), The sky didn't turn dark at all... It's my 1st time in my life to see the sky almost bright for 24 hours. The local student told me that some day of their winter will be 24hours dark.
Trondheim at night.
It's a nice experience to join this summit. I'm glad to join with my another 2 classmates. It's inspiring me a lot. (ahaha, 1st time in my life stay whole night in airport..T-T. LOL)
Video concluding the summit. From the ISES organizing committee
*There are going to have regional summit in several places in different continents next year. It's going to announce soon which country in Asia will organize the regional summit. In addition, ISES is going to look for student who interested to organize summit in year 2015.
More information about ISES and Student Energy : http://studentenergy.wordpress.com/
It's October, and It's the season of graduation in my University.
Time flies, I already graduated 1 year ago.
Before graduate, I didn't even think what I'm going to do in the future...
At that time, I didn't even think my life will be like now, further study~~
I'm very appreciate all my friends who came to my convocation last year..
and many of my friends graduated this few day...
In fact, I'm thinking how to make surprise to my friends who graduated
I'm happy that most people like the card I made
That the idea I already planned since few month ago...
Happy graduation!!!
Anyway, when I looked through some of my friends convo photo,
I have some regret about my own convocation
1. I didn't being throw up high to sky~~
I really want but my body don't allow me to do... Yes, it's sad
2. Didn't have a full family photo with academic attire
It's too rush, I didn't even meet my brother when I went back that time...
Damn regret!!! Therefore, I decided no matter where I'm, take leave or what, I will attend my brother and sister convocation for sure!!!
3. Didn't take more photo around campus.
It's again too rush...( why I don't have more time to do all this thing, haizz)
I didn't have photo with academic attire in my faculty, department, my kolej, KPS,entrance of university,Tasik varsiti....etc...
Damn sad....
I told myself, THAT LIFE~... You gain something, you lose something in same time...
As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.--Zachary Scott
Brief information about Persepolis : The most significant tourist attraction in Iran.The earliest remains of Persepolis date from around 515 BCE.
"If Great Pyramid represent Egypt; then Persepolis represent Iran. "
8. No KFC, McDonald, Visa credit card.....etc~~
Hmm... major credit card like Visa and Mastercard can not be used due to U.S sanctions.
In simple word, most of thing that relate to US is banned in Iran.
Therefore, we need to bring enough cash, and change in Iran.
In simple word, Iran and US is not a very good friend.... There is no US embassy in Iran.
So, no KFC, no McDonald, no Starbucks, no........etc...
However, you have to try their local brand fast food restaurant, which their quality and taste are even better than McD,KFC.... Their burger is really big, just look like the photo display.
9. Facebook in Iran
I'm a bit surprise that Iran have same situation like China, which banned the use of Facebook and most of the popular websites worldwide in their country.
So, I as a FB regular user, therefore away from FB about 10 days...( not yet break my record...haha!!)
* Anyway, you still can use some software to unblock the firewall and access to FB, but loading speed will be extremely slow.
10. Food- Chicken Kebab, Persian Rice~~
Eat local food is most important part in a travel.
Before going to Iran, I had tried some Iranian food.
So I'm quite used to have local food in Iran, and it's delicious!!!
Portion is normally big, with valuable price.
I would like to recommend some food in Iran I love!!!
Chicken Kebab : Kebab is traditional Middle East food, which is also quite common to find in Europe in fast food style. In Europe, Kebab is like sandwich, with a layer of pita and some small piece of meat.
In Iran, chicken kebab is in stick, marinated with some spice, cook in grill ,
normally will eat with Persian rice ,salad and grill tomato.
Local Iranian love to eat Lamb Kebab, which is generally same style as Chicken Kebab.
I'm not a lamb lover, but I tried a small bite; It's taste good too...
Chicken Kebab & grill tomato.
The rice is cooked until the best texture and very fragrance.
Persian Rice
Sandwich bread is not common for Iranian as breakfast.
Their bread is called naan, which is stone-baked.
Taste a bit like Roti Canai ( If you are Malaysian) , but less oily.
Normally they eat naan with jam, cream,white cheese, cucumber....etc..
Take note of their Jam, which is special too. Their fruit jam is not dilute, but in watery liquid, and with real pieces of fruit.
Persian Breakfast
This carrot juice with ice cream ( I forgot the local name of this juice) is cheap. Not so sweet because pure carrot used to make this juice.
Carrot Juice with tradiational Ice cream
11. The price different of entrance ticket for local and foreigner
I'm not very sure about how Malaysia tourist attraction entrance ticket price difference between Malaysian and foreigner. I'm quite sure the difference is not so much like in Iran.
In Iran, foreigner need to pay 5 times more than Iranian .
For example, entrance ticket to Persepolis, Foreigner price : RM15, Iranian price :RM 3 ( Approximately Price convert from Rial; Information for non-Malaysian : 1 Euro= RM4.20 )
It's seem not so much, but when you go to 5 attractions per day, then you will understand.
In Iran, there is not discount package or tourist card, like go 2 musuems together get 10% reduction...etc
and almost all attraction need ticket, no free entrance...
Is it ridiculous?? Hmm, anyway, each country have their own law....
12. Airport security check
Iran is an Islamic, preserve country. It's interesting when I passed through airport security check, there is clear separation between Male and Female. In the whole section of security check, only female officer checking your bags or body.
13. Super grand Mosque
Yes, It's super awesome view when you see full of mirror pieces interior decoration in Mosque.
It's blink like diamond. You will amaze with their design and construction.
Some Palace for King were also built with awesome, complicate interior design.
It's a must to visit Mosque when you come to Iran.
14. Desert along the highway~~
Some part of Iran, especially center of Iran, it's humidity is low and dry.
Because of dry weather, desert exist.
You will finally know that Palm tree along the highway in Malaysia is one of the uniqueness.
While Iran having desert along their highway, from north to center to south of Iran.
15. Handicraft, Persian Carpet
The quality of carpet and handicraft are well known throughout the world.
Most handicraft and carpet are handmade, with tiptop material, reasonable price.
Therefore, most of tourists will buy it as souvenirs.
16. Visa for Malaysian?
Anyway, I'm very confuse about the visa law between Iran and Malaysia.
From most of the website information, Malaysia is one of the few countries that can enter Iran without Visa.
However, when I "proudly" want to pass the custom without any Visa, the officer ask me to go to Visa office in airport to get Visa on Arrival. ( ok, my "proudly" turn to "shame" immediately, hahaha :p)
and I didn't pay any fee for the visa, but I need to filled some annoying personal detail form.
17. Traffic in Iran
Ok, the traffic in Iran is SUPER CRAZY.
I feel so nervous for the driver, and I'm also nervous when I want to cross the road.
If I drive in Iran, I guess I will bump to another car or people easily.
18. Camel riding experience
It's totally different feel from horse riding.
Anyway, the camel I ride is not big, a bit feel like riding a horse or donkey. Plus I didn't ride in desert....
But, I don't care~~~~ It's CAMEL!!!! hahahaha~~~
I will never forget how I made my decision to travel to Iran, a country that is not common for travelling.
Most people might curious, and shock when I told them I'm going to Iran for travel.
"What?!, Why?!" Everyone look me weird~~
Even I myself don't know how to tell my family that I'm going to Iran, for travel....
This 10 days trip will never become a reality without my Mexican classmate as my travel companion and my Iranian classmate to host us AND all the Iranian friends that I know during this trip.
It's the most unique and special trip in my life.......
I would like to conclude this trip with some interesting thing, that you will only know when you are in Iran.
The Azadi Tower in Tehran, Iran.
Let's start ~~~
1. Iranian are very very very very very very very very very FRIENDLY~~~
Seriously, their friendliness will make you feel " Are they really sincere??"
No, No, they are really, truely, sincerely 100% friendly....even it's a stranger, a passby-er....
At first, I really feel uneasy when Iranian looked me, with their sincere curiosity ( Yes, for them, it's fresh to meet a foreigner in Iran)
and I can hear from them, saying something like " Chinois, Japonium" ( saying that I'm Chinese, Japanese)
Their friendliness made me think back about myself. Indeed, compare to them, I can say Malaysian friendliness is still a very big gap. A lot to learn from Iranian.
Here I show some example I experienced....
In my whole Iran trip, I didn't even stay in hostel or hotel. I and my Mexican friends were host by Iranian, even the tour guide home. Did you ever heard a tour guide offer their customers a place to stay in Malaysia? Not in Malaysia, but it's happen in Iran. We really met a very nice tour guide for 2 days Shiraz trip ( South of Iran).
Besides that, in a bus travelling, the bus driver has a very friendly friends, who want to invite us to come to his home. In fact, we have our own schedule and it's impossible to accept his invitation. At last, even we just talk to each other through phone, that Iranian is so friendly to treat us drink. You might think that it's just stranger, maybe a bad people. However, you will understand how sincere Iranian treat people and make friends.
From left: Me, my tour guide in Shiraz, Samaneh, and her 2 brothers.
2. Iranian Dinner Time at 10:00pm
For me (and most of Malaysian) , 10:00pm is Supper time.(sitting in mamak stall, drinking teh tarik, eating roti canai, watching sport channel maybe...)
For Iranian, 10:00pm is the time for DINNER. A proper dinner with their family.
3. Persian number used ~~
Before that, when I went to a country that I don't know their language, at least, I can still understand the number.
However, this time, all number in Persian..... car plate, receipt, price tag, telephone number,money.....etc...
All in Persian number.....
Price in persian number
Car plate in persian number
4. Huge paper money
It's easy to become Millionaire in Iran.
Their currency in Rials. RM1 = 10000 Rials.
Once I change my 100 Euro into Rials. It's end up give me back a big stack of paper money.
How I wish this big stack money is in Euro~~~
Paper money in Iran.
5. The Iranian guys in Iran.
Yes, some of the Iranian guys make me think of foreigner worker in Malaysia.
Slim, dark, wearing high waist trouser.
ok, this is just my opinion, as a Malaysian. (no offence....)
There are many Iranians come to Malaysia for working and studying. ( Iran and Malaysia have a good relationship in diplomacy. )
and honestly, my university in Kuala Lumpur before, even have a Iranian food stall inside the campus.
Therefore, it's normal to see Iranian guys, and make me think of foreigner worker in Malaysia.
6. Headscarf for all female
This is the most annoying part in whole trip.
All female, no matter who are you, which religion you are,
Once you are in public area in Iran, you must wear headscarf.
The period during our travel, which is summer, super hot and dry weather...
But, still, I need to wear headscarf..... :(
Dinner with Iranians
7. Non-alcoholic beer in Iran
Iran is an Islamic country, so following Islamic law, It's prohibit to consume alcoholic drink. ( That mean you can't find any alcohol drink in whole Iran. )
and so, there have non-alcoholic beer.
It's look so interesting to know their taste.... How can a beer without an element of "alcohol" ..
The taste end up like a juice.....
As a conclusion, and the best souvenir to all my classmates in each semester,
I made a short video for each semester,
for my Master study in Europe.
You might see it in my Facebook before.
Now, I published the video in Youtube, with the link I provide here....
*Updated 01/09/2014: After 2 years, there are still some interesting places left in Europe that I haven't visit yet. Hopefully I can visit Europe again very soon, and have a new list of place to visit , not only in Europe, but the whole world. Gambateh to myself!!!!* Based on my interest, the places left in Europe, Italy: Milan,Venice,Rome,Pisa,Florence France: Nice, Provence UK: Edinburgh Spain: Barcelona,Madrid Portugal: Lisbon, Porto Austria: Vienna Czech: Prague Germany: Munich Denmark: Copenhagen Sweden: Stockholm Finland: Helsinki Greece: Santorini, Athens Netherlands: Amsterdam Switzerland: Zurich
Luxembourg I will no regret to graduate and leave Europe if I can finish all the places in coming 1 year!!!! P/S: Welcome to invite me to travel together in the places above!!! I need your accompaniment~~~ Hahaha :D
Short update of my blog today~~~
Like my blog FB page : https://www.facebook.com/mush4crazy
The Poznan Tourist Organisation in cooperation with several hotels, restaurants and musuem offer half price in one of the weekend last month.
I was grabbing this chance to visit one of the classy Polish cuisine restaurants in Poznan.
Billy Goat Inn Restaurant ( Gospoda pod Koziołkami) , located in Stary Rynek, Poznan
It's specializes in polish cuisine dishes which consists of many centuries and many culture cuisine tradition.
The promotion menu is mainly grill-based dish. After half price promotion, it's affordable by us as a poor student....Haha!!
A unique atmosphere created by medieval times interior, Grill cellar in this restaurant have great historic background behind . The wall is all by real brick.
Waiting for our dish coming~~~ The menu is well designed like a adventure map.
Typical old polish sour soup with an egg.
It's not so salty, not so sour even it is sour soup. Generally, I like it....
This is my main dish today~~~
Grilled Salmon in smoked salt crystals with a hint of orange, baked potatoes, grilled broccoli, cauliflower and carrot, lemon sauce.
The salmon is fresh, taste awesome~~The ingredients used were chosen wisely...
This dish made my day!!!haha :D
My friend ordered this main dish~~~
Spare Ribs in Spicy Sauce served with grilled jacket potatoes and braised sauerkraut.
According to my friend, she can't taste any spicy , even the ribs is in Spicy sauce.
Hmm, yes,it's always happen in Europe. The spicy hot level is always not as expected.
Every year of May, Poznan will have student festival,
Some universities will organize the festival.
Seriously, it's a bit out of my imagine...( Student festival in Malaysia is not like here~~)
The common thing I saw in festival will be rock or heavy metal band concert, BBQ, beer, beer and still the BEER.
Personally I don't like beer so much, but the youngster in Poland is really a good drinker!!
and generally I observed some trends in Poznan,
Youngster will be active in late night, having fun in club, bars and drinking beer.
Old people will be active in morning, like to listen philharmonic concert,
Some old people even collected the bottles and cans of beer; personally think that they are going to make small money with their collection.
Ok, come back to student festival; one of the main highlight is the parade, which will join by all universities and high institution in Poznan.
According to my Polish Friends, every university will have their theme, and the student will wear based on the theme. There are award for best dress with theme....It's look fun...
Didn't able to snap more photos....some photo below are from the organizer FB page.
My university, University Adam Mickiewicz .
Candy-theme....
Student in Poznan are really crazy....I'm crazy too~~~ and I really scare of drunk guy in Poznan during day...It's disgust~~
Wao, Chemical theme~~ Are they.......
The parade end when the students reached the venue for band concert. and again the beer stall is the largest!!! Haha~~
Last but not least , I with my classmates in the festival.
All the review and information provided on this sites are based on personal honest experience. All opinions given are my own. Pls note that what I think is good or bad for me might not be the same for others. I stay positive and avoid abusive language on my site.
All the photo and content used in my blog are property of myself. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email : jiaying-smc@hotmail.com for permission to use the content and photo. All rights reserved.
![[NEW] Legoland Malaysia Guide - BIG LEGO Dragon Rebuild](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzYHMeDdAZt2fvPx2OqjmzkobEM0Coufi2vKi-wYw5GEKptcx19n-mjgTo-AFYIAMpfGrWf2j-DKscAxg6f-YehJaA7iThDQt4keCmUoiFjtn0QVTF5QwIKPJQJVBMS38V03pSGaxT_ryrBObC2TBDXbQ34NzAPuGuJomGS_9BuOkp2Fm1TakjWUttTU/s72-c/IMG_1322.jpeg)
![[Explore with Johorean] Celebrate your Lunar New Year 2024 at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTAV_vUGS4aWHh7v9yRMO3bXuacI7lLoeCd7-CAc28RyOHSVP84h7wRoWaiGLeeYym3yRIJs9FoX7Ft0VxDTvAjL9yQ6s2T0RNmcEPJJImcBaVHVWyl32iAg5Ia-hxNQh5N-81gQ-hJlKwHOScgy-Kh4qCnk_rLTTp4CCw5MEa2UNOlsHwAjjShhx-bk/s72-w300-c-h400/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(22).png)
