MSc in Cardiology

It might sounds crazy if one has double-master degrees instead to further to PhD level. My boss introduced this program to me, at first i also thought there is impossible for me to take another Master degree while i still struggling hard to complete my current project in UNIMAS. But surprisingly, after i read the course program, i actually quite interested to take this course. It can be done in part time in two years time, and solely coursework based program. I always have the chance to collect patient’s medical information from their medical reports and somehow i find it’s quite interesting to see how Doctor diagnosed the patient using non-invasive cardiac procedures such as MRI, angiogram, Echography, stress test and electrocardiogram. Most of the case reports published are based on interesting findings from these diagnostic tools. And if you realize, any interesting research hypothesis are actually drawn from these case reports first. This make me wanted to understand the diseases thoroughly from views of basic science (what i do now) as well as from clinical side. I believe this can give me more strong background in clinical cardiology though i’m not from medicine field.

To be frank, the research cultures in “Boleh-land” isn’t strong and always caught less attention than other high demanding fields (this is very sad, but is true), i got a silly thought that if i have this clinical background, maybe next time can become cardiology technician as plan B. LOL. Whatever, just a wild idea, it still have to be considered seriously if really want to take second Master degree, money and time measures the most. Can i get some comments from you all? Please! Thanks.

Journey to USA - day 19 to 21

Is time to say Bye Bye to States, it was indeed a memorable trip with lots of things to see, especially the beauty of natures. I went back to Malaysia with Stephanie first, while my bf and his parents stay in States for 3 more days. After they dropped us at LAX airport, they returned the car, changed to smaller car, and then traveled to San Diego (one of the places i wish to go in my life time, and i missed it!).

We continued our 30 hours flight from LA to KCH, and stopped by San Francisco (SFO), Pudong (PVG) and KLIA for transit flights. The seating space was small as usual, foods weren't that nice compared to our flights to States 20 days ago, and there's no tv on front seat. It was quite boring yet felt the flight rather short, without realizing the time has gone for 12 hours, we landed at PVG then transited to KLIA in a midnight flight.

We reached KLIA when it was 1:15 AM of 2nd June (Tuesday), GMT+8 hours. Surprisingly, we two quite awake even the long tiring flight. When i finally landed at KCH, my mom called me that my whole family was in Sibu and i got to spend my day at my aunt's house. And yea, i enjoyed a bowl of Kampua noodle before i went to my aunt's house.

That's the end of my journey to USA in 21 days. See alot, eat alot, learn alot, suffer alot (the weather there), LOL, i wish there is chance to visit this wonderful country again! Maybe 10 years later, i'll bring my kids to Orlando's Disneyworld. 

Journey to USA – day 18 (Calico Ghost town and LA)

 

Our last day in USA started with a 4 hours journey from Las Vegas to Los Angeles (LA) via I-15 S. On the way, we passed by the Baker’s the World Tallest Thermometer and paid a short visit to Calico Ghost Town.

Word’s tallest thermometer

 A road named Zzyzx (i pronounced it as “Zee-xyz”)

Direction to Calico Ghost Town

 

Right after we passed the CA-NV border, we dropped by this place called Calico Ghost Town. It was called as ghost town because it once was a populated and famous area for silver and gold mining years ago, but people started moved out to other places after the silver rush in 1904. Nowadays, it became a tourist spot since the original Calico’s structure still stand and it will be a tour for people to revisit the historic mining town.

One of the attraction: Mystery Shack – a house that tilted about 25 degree where the people can stand at different angles, and the illusions of balls rolled uphill, water flow briskly up the spout.

Mystery 1: We have to stand like this all the time when walking in this tilted house

Mystery 2: Broom stand by itself!

Funny notices at Main Street, Calico

 Old picture 1: Liked that guy with goat-like moustache

Old Picture 2: Man with his donkey 

  There were many old instruments or machines on displayed. One example: typing machine

  Post office

 Calico Main Street

Cart selling popcorn 

Old clothes of Calico’s ex-residents hanging up the ceiling.

The water tank for the Calico’s Firemen to get water for fire rescue

After short visit of Calico, we continued our journey back to LA. It took us another 2 hours to arrive LA.

LA downtown

We decided to have our lunch at LA’s Chinatown, at one of the Vietnamease noodle house.

LA’s chinatown 

 

There’s an old man playing “er hu” asking for donation

Inside one of the shopping market

 

After the lunch, we went back to the same hotel that we stayed on first night at LA. It was near Kotak theatre of Hollywood. We also went to Walmart to do our last food shopping, then spent some time tour around the Beverly hills and Rodeo drive, where the Hollywood celebrities’ houses usually be.

West Hollywood

Apartment next to our hotel

It was indeed a very short day since it was our last day in States (for me and Stephanie). And also very tired after 2 weeks non stop road trip. After dinner, we packed and went to bed, going to wake up early to catch flight on next morning.

Journey to USA – day 16 and 17 (Las Vegas)

We woke up at 4.30 AM to grab the last chance to see the sunrise at Bryce Canyon National Park. It was freezing cold with strong winds, even it was only 10-12 degrees. Each of us wore at least 3 to 6 clothes to keep ourselves warmer still can’t bear the cold. Not to say we got to stand there for one and half hours to see the sun rise up!

[p/s: i wore 6 clothes: warmer, 2 t-shirts, 1 sweater, 1 jacket and 1 external jacket]

         

 Sunrise and Bryce Canyons

Probably because of too cold, we' didn’t appeared excited as we thought when the sun finally showed up. One thing for sure, after we saw the sunrise, then we’re officially said Bye Bye to Bryce Canyon. Awww…
We headed towards Las Vegas via UT state routes, then turned onto I-15 S which passed through Arizona and entering Nevada. The whole trip took us 4 and half hours with 254 miles.

On the way back to Las Vegas

 

Nothing much to see on this route back to Las Vegas, but as far as we concerned, we actually did passed the Dixie National Forest, Zion National Park and some small cities/towns such as Cedar City, Hurricane, Washington, Mesquite and Bunkerville during this trip.

We arrived at Las Vegas on time and straightaway went check in at Trumph Hotel where was the hotel we stayed for first night at Las Vegas. It was the only 5 star or luxury hotel we stayed in these two weeks in US, we appreciated everything and every moment we had in this room, such as enjoyed the view of Las Vegas city from room window, the electronic tv attached in bathroom’s mirror, hot bath spa jacuzzi, comfy beds and sofa, coffee and watching tv. Ah, it was a pleasure.

 

                                                                              Outside and inside of Trumph Las Vegas Hotel

We also went to have the famous Las Vegas International buffet at Rio hotel. With a person charged only USD 17, it is over worth the money we paid because we can have unlimited free flow of drinks (soft drinks, coffee, tea, water), japanese and chinese cuisines, typical american food and desserts, grilled steak and roaster chicken, ice creams (a brand that similar to Haagen Danz) and etc. Somemore, if you want to sit there for whole afternoon, also can. It is just the matter whether your stomach can consume so much food or not. lol

Two days at Las Vegas, we went to shopping at Las Vegas Premier outlets, there are so many things to buy from Coach, Burberry, Banana Republic, French Connection, CK, Guess, VanHussen, Charles Russe, Old Navy, Crocodiles and all the big name you can named it, can be found in this outlet and all the items are at at least 75% cheaper than price tagged in Malaysia’s store! This outlet is so much better than LA’s one. I think even i spent USD750 still worth after i compared the price back in KL and Kuching. =p

Las Vegas Premium Outlet

Other than shopping, we also visited the famous Las Vegas Fremont’s street at downtown and Las Vegas Strip. Of cause, played few hands of slot machines but very unlucky, we only won USD1 after so many attempt to win. Gambling is evil, better don’t addict.

 Entertainments at Las Vegas: Slot machines, Stripper shows, Pole dancing outside and inside casinos 

Nightlife at Fremont’s street

 

Nightlife and fountain shows at Las Vegas Strip

Only Jesus can save you! No more gambling, drinking and prostitutions! Sadly, people there seem never bother about this.

We all had a good time at Las Vegas, though the place is really a sin city, with prostitutes, drinkers, gamblers every where. But the food is cheap, clothes are cheap, and many free entertainments such as free show at Treasure Island hotel, free concert at Fremont street and etc. I’ll go back to Las Vegas again, because i only walked half way of Las Vegas Strip! Definitely, gambling not something i like and hate the feeling of people passing by me with smelling of alcohol.

Journey to USA – day 15 (Bryce Canyon)

 

It was another early start of the day, but something happened, Ramoz lost his engagement ring and we had to help him to find the ring first, this dragged our plan and spoiled my mood totally. Btw, i was really frustrated after this especially i thought he should said sorry but he didn’t.

From Kaibab, we continued to our last national park visit which was Bryce Canyon at Utah state. We continued using the US-89 N route for 60 miles, and turned to use UT-63 S after entered the UT state, until we reached the Bryce Point Rd. The whole journey was rather short compared to previous days, it took only 2 and half hours.

Panoramic view of Bryce Canyons

Bryce canyon is famous for its colorful limestones that carved into thousands of arches and mazes by wind, snow and rain erosions. These amphitheaters are collectively called “hoodoos”. We chose to visit this park partly because we heard some people said it is prettier than Grand Canyon. Indeed, it’s another different kind of beautiful compared to Grand Canyon.

 

Can you image all these were done by the wind/snow erosions?

Ramoz and Bryce Canyon 

After entered the park, we choose the most direct option that’s drive around the park because the direction is clear, and each point of sightseeing is easy to get accessed by personal car. The 18-mile main park road offer opportunities for viewing different angles of Bryce Canyons, including the Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration, Bryce, Paria and Rainbow Point. We almost stop at every point, took photograph and allow little time for ourselves to observe these spectacular view quietly.

This showed us how the cliff patterns formed

White, Brown painted “Hoodoos”. Impressive!

Rainbow Arch

  I think this is the Agua head. LOL

Sorts of funny names we also found in this park such as Palia and Agua. lol.

Agua canyon at elevation levels of 8800 fts.

More of this kind of cliffs formation everywhere at Bryce Canyon

Sunset at Bryce Canyon

Then the moon rise at Bryce Canyon

Bye Bryce Canyon! 

We spent the whole afternoon touring around Bryce Canyon then we went back to our hotel and spent some time at the Bryce’s Old town.

Sand stones

 

 

After the visit of Bryce canyon, marked the end of our 2-weeks US national parks road trip. It’s a relaxing trip with many things to see, we’re in love with these wonderful natures created by God. From Yosemite to Bryce Canyon, we’re lucky to be able see them all in two weeks time!

Not yet, not the end of the road trip. We still have Las Vegas! Stay tuned! “p