Alcoholic Cheeky Monkeys

A couple of months back I had an encounter with an army of cheeky monkeys.

I overheard one of the tourists telling her friend that somewhere in Mexico monkeys apparently steal alcoholic drinks from tourists! Surely not, I thought to myself. My curiosity got the better of me.

Lo and behold! She was right. Here's a video I found in YouTube. I present to you – The Alcoholic Cheeky Monkeys!

Video Credits: JohnDownerProd

Cheeky Monkeys – the rise of the apes

And I don't mean the movie Rise of the Planet of the Apes that was recently released in Singapore.

I have had a few encounters with wild monkeys in the past two years from Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia & Thailand. All encounters had one thing in common, ME GIVING THEM FOOD!

Four months ago, I was in Tham Phra Nang (Princess Cave) in Railay beach in Krabi. I was happily reading a book by the beach, minding my own business when suddenly a group of tourists gathered in front of me and started snapping photos. Startled, I thought to myself, "Bloody hell! What's going on? They must think I'm a celebrity or something!" For a split second, I experienced a "paparazzi" moment.

Sadly my celebrity moment was short lived. Someone pointed to my head and shouted "Behind you, LOOK!" 


The commotion was not because of me, it was because of the take-away pad thai (thai fried noodles) I bought which I stupidly left on a ledge. MY PAD THAI! %*&@^£!$ 


A throng of cheeky monkeys attacked the pad thai and it was all happening right above my head!  Initially I saw two, then another one came and MORE came. It was a whole army of monkeys!

The poor pad thai had no chance. In seconds, it was history.


This was around past five in the afternoon, the army of monkeys were snatching food and drinks from unsuspecting tourists lazing by the beach and they even had the cheek to go through bags and one tried snatching a DSLR! They were swaying from tree to tree 'monkeying' about. It was unbelievable to see monkeys terrorising the poor tourists.


I have been warned many times that these little cute furry wild creatures can be quite vicious so when I see them I always make sure that I keep a safe distance just in case the monkey suddenly goes amok! (Not to mention the theory that AIDS may have originated from them).

I've always found these cheeky monkeys cute. I am amazed at how their little tiny hands resembles so much of a human hand. 

The aftermath - notice the mess on top of my head

It started to rain so the majority of the tourists left especially since the sun was setting. My furry friends were nowhere to be seen so I relaxed a bit.

Just as I thought they've all gone, a scratching noise behind me startled me, one persistent little cheeky monkey got left behind. He/she must have smelt the banana Nutella roti I have just devoured!

Lesson learned: Don't leave your food lying around just incase an army of cheeky monkeys are just lurking around the corner waiting to attack! =)

 

Choice and Destiny

"It's CHOICE not chance that determines our DESTINY"



© www.relentlesskarla.com


I came across a journal I wrote 3 years ago about my ambigram tattoo and I thought of reposting it here to share with you all.

If you have not read my post about the story of Alex Lewis, please do so. His story moved me like no other and I hope he touches your life as well.

Alex had the word Gezellig tattoed in his ribcage.
Gezzelig is a Dutch word. The meaning of the word apparently has no direct translation into English according to locals and foreigners alike. Generally, the term encompasses the heart of Dutch culture.

According to Wikipedia, “A perfect example of untranslatability is seen in the Dutch language through the word gezellig, which does not have an English equivalent. Literally, it means cozy, quaint, or nice athmosphere, but can also connote time spent with loved ones, seeing a friend after a long absence, or general togetherness.”

I think "Living life to the fullest" sums it up. And Alex lived his short but sweet 23 years totally in the truest meaning of the word. Later on his wife Ali, had it done as well in memory of Alex.

It's nice that tattoo is now less taboo and is more socially accepted as an art and/or form of self-expression.

I had the ambigram done during one of the roughest time in my life. When I look at it now, though the memory isn't as painful as it used to be, it's always going to be there to remind me that in life I don't have to leave everything to destiny. I have the power to make my own destiny through my choices.
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The Art of Letting Go
17th May 2008 / 1000 hours 
SCRIBE

"It's CHOICE not chance that determines our DESTINY" and its inked on my left wrist to serve as a constant reminder to myself.

An ambigram that has 2 meanings, facing me is Choice and when you twist it, it reads Destiny.

I know Mom will be reading this and she will be cross at me for not telling her.

Mommy, you know how much I love you and I'm sorry. Please read on. 

The first time I got inked was when I was 15, which to be honest was pretty much an idiotic thing to do looking back. I had it removed when I was 18. I hated the design and where it was inked. So now I am left with a big scar on my left arm symbolising my stupid choices in my younger years.

10 years after, on my 25th birthday I thought of getting another one but I couldn't decide on a design and I wanted something with personal meaning.

If you are fickle minded obviously tattoos are not for you. Unlike henna tattoos which fades after a week or two just when you start to get bored of it, permanent tattoos on the other hand is well, permanent! =)

I've always believed destiny is the outcome of the choices we make and not the other way around. As I felt the tingling pain of the needle I closed my eyes and felt the negative energies screaming as if the needle were chasing it away. It was very empowering.