APIA International

One of the things in my bucket list is TENNIS. To play tennis and to watch a live match with the world's best players. I had a previous post about the Hopman's Hyundai Cup in which I had my first encounter with Andrew Murray and Novak Djokovic. When I transferred here in Sydney, I am blessed that APIA International takes place here. 

In January 2012, I braved my way to Sydney Olympic Park - Ken Rosewall Arena. I took the public transport and had a bit of a walk using my iPhone App-Google Maps to make sure I won't get lost elsewhere. Doing things on my own isn't new to me. I can go watch a movie by myself or enjoy a glass of cocktail in a hotel on my own. 

Seriously, I do not have a clue for the players who are going to play that night. I was just praying so hard that I will have the best known players and a good match to enjoy. With all the divine intervention and I guess I have been a good girl that week, I witnessed two matches: Kvitova VS Radwanska and Wozniacki VS Azarenka. I just can't believe it that I am about to watch these great women in the world of tennis. Dude, they are on the Top 10 list. Though I am still hoping that someday I will be able to bump with Sharapova. Ooopss!! She is not my personal favourite but for the love of my sibling, she is my younger brotha's crush. I will be courageous enough to approach her and get an autograph or a picture with her.

So here are some photos in APIA 2012:

Welcoming Banner through the wooden bridge

 Petra Kvitova World's No. 8

 Victoria Azarenka World's No. 1

 Caroline Wozniacki World's No. 10

Agnieszka Radwanska World's No. 4

Let's fast forward....January 10, 2013. This is a remarkable day because I have a date watching the Men's Quarterfinals. God is so good that he gave me a man who also loves tennis. I guess he is blushing right now *pop* My big baby Johnson will be watching for the first a live match here in Sydney. He was too busy with his academic achievements and work that he wasn't able to think about watching a live tennis match. 

 This is a result if you force your boyfriend to have a photo...haha!

 Few minutes before the match started

 Jarkko Nieminen World's No. 41 VS Bernard Tomic World's No. 52

Tomic in action

I'm crossing my fingers that next year I will finally watch Australian Open. I will save a huge amount to watch it live and be secured for a good match. Cheers to all tennis enthusiasts!!!!

~*~manelle~*~

Christmas Card from Alice

The Day I Met the Rajasingam

When I was about to move to Sydney, I needed help to look for accommodation. It was not easy browsing the internet and making calls to make sure I have a place to stay when I arrive in Sydney. Luckily, my good friend Shad has relatives to help me out. When he told me he gave my number, I was so nervous. He knew that I'm damn shy to people I barely known. Finally, I received a phone call from Tita Roslyn then we discussed what specific things I need when I move in. To cut the story short, I moved to Sydney last November 2011 and found a place in Kingsford. So, Tita Ros contacted me again to check my condition and to invite me to attend the CFC Christmas Party. 

The day that I will finally meet them, I was literally shaking and trembling. I was practising my greetings and my gestures because I don't want to embarrassed my friend who introduced me to them. Dude, this day was more nerve-wracking than my IELTS exam. (Duh!!! There are other reasons that I can not divulge in this blog) 

So the time has come. Clad in her red polo shirt, navy blue jeans and rubber shoes, she said, "Are you Marinelle?" All I can do was to give a nod, a handshake and a smile. She ushered me to their car and there I met Tito Raj, Raffy and Roque. I was trying to be at ease and to be casual but i couldn't help it clenching my fist to release my tension. 

Tita Roslyn's company has always been fun. She me tease me unceasingly but we always ended up laughing with each other. I feel comfortable easily with her, to the point that I share some personal stuff about myself. The two boys are sweet and full of vitality. They remind me how beautiful it is to be carefree and to be young. Tito Raj is a living image of a gentleman. So let me say that the Rajasingam is not difficult to be loved. They are very accommodating and oozing with kindness.

On the other hand, we reached the park to celebrate Christmas. Indeed, it was a Happy Christmas in 2011.

In this park, we played Amazing Race and other parlour games.

With Tita Roslyn

Roque and Raffy

The Filo Santa giving out the gifts

~*~manelle~*~

My endearing love for Pablo Picasso

I love art exhibits. I just so love it. Probably, the underlying reason is that I am not gifted with magical hands to combine colours or to make a single shape into an amazing artwork. This explains my admiration to Picasso, Rembrandt, Dali and of course Amorsolo. 

Last January 2012, I was fortunate to visit the Picasso Exhibit at the Art Gallery of NSW. It was an invitation of my BFF's brother and sister-in-law, Koya Mj and Debbie. Furthermore, Debbie's mom, Tita Lourdes joined us too. Tita Lourdes is such a blessing in disguise. She gave us insights and story behind Picasso's artwork. She was our walking-audio-encyclopaedia, isn't it cool, ey? 

Picasso's artwork is known to be cubism. Another fascinating thing about his work is that it is very sensual. Perhaps, I am not that acquainted with his life story that may explain it. 

Debbie and Tita Lourdes

Tita Lourdes

Chillin' at the Opera Bar

Strolling around Royal Botanic Garden

~*~manelle~*~