Musical genius

I went to the Jacques Loussier Trio concert. Gosh, Jacques Loussier is a musical genius. I can understand why he can't be categorise either as a jazz pianist who plays classical or a classical pianist who plays jazz. But whatever it is, he is am amazing pianist with incredible creativity. Who would have thought to play Bach jazz style? He has a very serious, distinguished look on him, but a great and subtle sense of humour.

And the trio (piano, double bass and drums) are such a tight unit. Their timing is impeccable. It is obvious that they have played together for a while. It was such a pleasure to listen to the Trio. They started their repertoire with Bach (not surprising since Jacques Loussier's first Trio was called Play Bach since they mostly play Bach jazz style). Then they also Spring, from Vivaldi's 4 Seasons (quite appropriate, I guess). Followed by 2 French composers - Satie and Ravel, with the last piece being Ravel's Bolero. Bolero was apparently written for a full orchestra, but the Trio managed to pull it off very impressively. I am now very tempted to buy an album with that piece on it.

Its been a while since I have been completely mesmerised during a concert. It was definitely a magical musical experience and undoubtedly one of the best concerts of its kind that I have been to. If you come across any of their music, I recommend you buy it without hesitation!

That gluggy feeling

Been sick for the last week and a bit. Besides my asthma flaring up quite badly, my other symptom is glugginess... my chest feels gluggy. Well, at least my doctor understood me, which is the most important thing. So been on antibiotics since Monday but it doesn't seem to be clearing it up. At least I have my many inhalers to keep me company too. Incidentally, the southerly made its move into Wellington sending temperatures plummeting to winter-like coldness. Which of course did not help at all. I went around the house with a hot water bottle that seemed permanently stuck to me. (By the way, my pills unfortunately don't look that cool!)

My theory is that the haze in Malaysia finally got to me. Rubee kinda agrees but with a better explanation - that my immune system was somehow boosted during the time I was there to work extra hard to cope with the new environment and then for some reason (change in weather, perhaps?) gave in to the foreign invaders. That or just the change in temperature. Or that I caught some kinda bug somewhere.

On top of that, daylight savings has messed with my sleep. Its great that there is more daylight, but who would have thought that putting the clock one hour ahead could reek so much havoc?

hazy days

Greetings from Kuching! Unfortunately I don't have any photos to upload as yet, but they are soon to come! Kuching is covered with a constant blanket of haze - the product of burning forests across the Kalimantan border. It seems like a thin mist is constantly shrouding the city. I've been told it has improved the last few days as there has been rain. But basically it makes it really humid and awful. Apparently a number of people are developing/have developed respiratory illness is the last few weeks.

I got in at midnight on Monday and I think I am somewhat getting over jet lag. Felt very tired yesterday and today, but that may just be the remnants of a busy few months. So far, life consists of eating, shopping, sitting around (with some relatives), eating, and sleeping. I guess that is what is called a holiday. Though I have it constantly at the back of my mind that I have an assignment due a week after I get back.

Also, I am officially confused as to where home is. Before leaving NZ, I would refer to coming back to Kuching as home. But now, I would refer to Wellington as home. The most disconcerting moment was when we were arriving into KLIA. The announcement was somewhat like this "to those visiting, welcome to our country, and to Malaysians, welcome home". It was then that I felt like a visitor and not like I was coming home and the confusion in my mind began. But in the meantime, I will enjoy what I can't enjoy back home - fresh local durians, chicken rice with good chilli and soya sauce, iced milo and toast with kaya and butter at a local coffee shop. But then, that is the taste of home...

Så som i himmelen

A stunningly made Swedish movie: As it is in heaven

Synopsis: A famed conductor tours the world hoping to create music that will open people's hearts. His own heart, however, is in bad shape. After suffering a heart attack on stage, acclaimed conductor, Daniel Dareus, calls time on his illustrious career and retires to his childhood village in the North of Sweden. With a famous new arrival in town, it isn't long before he is asked to come and listen to the village's sad little church choir. Finding it difficult to resist their pleas for help, he reluctantly agrees to assist.

This is most definitely one of the best movies I have seen all year (but then to my shame, I have mainly seen brainless Hollywood blockbusters this year!). It had a simple setting and plot. And it certainly was refreshing to watch a foreign movie - on this case Swedish. In the movie, you get a glimpse of some of the lives of the people in the choir. And the portrayal of life in this movie is a bit more realistic. Shit happens to some and it doesn't always end well. It also depicts the joys and difficulties of what its like to do life in small village community. Sometimes its great that everyone knows each other. But sometimes, its not! The music in this movie is great (as one would expect from a movie about a famous musician).

Religion and in this case Christianity also makes it as part of the plot. There are some intense moments and exchanges between the pastor and his wife. It was a great reminder of why integrity is so important. And also the need to able to honest and vulnerable about our struggles and weaknesses.

I do highly, highly recommend this movie. Although not everything gets resolved in an ideal Hollywood way, its still a feel good movie and you leave the theatre feeling very satisfied with your movie experience. Its been on in the Penthouse in Wellington for the last few months so for those in Wellie - go watch it soon before it ends!

Pirates of the Caribbean 2

Went to watch Pirates 2 last night. After reading some reviews, I didn't expect much - which was good I guess. Some excellent swash-buckling scenes especially the 3-way sword fight. That was nice. The lines were not as witty as the first movie, but no doubt there were still some good ones though a lot more cheesy lines this time (unfortunately). As usual Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow is the highlight of the movie. There are funny moments, though the comedy on the whole seems more slapstick than witty lines and good comic timing. However, they did end the movie well - it leaves you wanting to watch the third one to know how it concludes.

There were a couple of intesting moments that manage to tickle my staffworker antennae. One was a very short exchange between 2 pirates while one is reading the Bible (though upside down)
Pintel: You know you can't read.
Ragetti: It's the Bible, you get credit for trying.
Pintel: Pretendin' to read the Bible's a lie! That's a mark against [points to the sky]
I guess that does represent some people's view of the Bible. Somewhat shrouded in superstition though. But then some are superstitious in their views about God and are willing to have things (like a copy of the Bible or a crucifix) to be on the safe side.

In another exchange, someone makes a comment about what is the point of looking forward to the afterlife. This life is cruel and so why should the afterlife be any different. I know these came from the movie, but are probably opinions held by some people.

I think one can come to either conclusion - superstition or real cynism if our search for God is still covered in our own selfishness and an unwillingness to really encounter truth. Having a superstitious view of God reveals a preference to be in charge of our own lives, but having items or doing rituals as 'insurance' (just the case). The cynism I guess is harder to break. But sounds more like an inability to reconcile a loving God with suffering in the world. I wonder whether this stems from prefering God to rule the earth according to our own ideal values.

Truth is meant to set us free and give is abundant life and hope. Reading the Bible is no more a thing done so that we can tick the box, but an excitement that continues to reveal who God is and let us in more on this Truth. And with Jesus, yes there is still suffering in this world, but Jesus understands because of His own suffering, and we can have hope of a better place to go to after this life. Otherwise, life just seems too futile.

My new favourite cafe

Simply Paris is a small and wonderful cafe at the top of Cuba St. Its got a simple French menu, complete with French staff, fantastic selection of cakes and desserts and great hot chocolate. The staff are friendly and easy going and happy to cater to your needs. I wish I could speak French so that it would make going to that cafe just that tad more authentic. But I do highly recommend it! It is just fabulous!