Random things

Hey, what's up? Welcome to my blog.

  • Book Review 18: Yeonnam-Dong’s Smiley Laundromat by Kim Jiyun

    Hey, what’s up? I recently read a Korean fiction novel that I randomly picked up just because it had such a nice cover. Back when I still had Netflix, I used to love watching Korean dramas, so I thought, why not give a Korean novel a try? The book is Yeonnam-Dong’s Smiley Laundromat by Kim… Read more

  • Book Review 17: Every Day I Read by Hwang Bo-Reum

    Hey, what’s up? So I picked up another Japanese read recently and ended up finishing it while waiting for my car’s annual service. Truthfully, I bought it on a whim because the cover was so eye catching. I did not even get to read the synopsis since it was tucked behind the front cover, and… Read more

  • Book Review 16: Hot Chocolate on Thursday by Michiko Aoyama.

    Hey, what’s up? Welcome to my next book review. I recently read a book by a Japanese author, Hot Chocolate on Thursday by Michiko Aoyama, translated by E. Madison Shimoda. Overall, I would rate this book a 7 out of 10. I bought this book when I was in Malaysia, and I remember it being quite expensive. That said,… Read more

  • Book Review 15: How To Make Work Not Suck by Carina Maggar

    Hey, what’s up? Early last year, I went to Belgium for my first solo Europe trip. PS, there is a whole blog about it if you feel like stalking my travels. While I was in Antwerp, I stumbled into a shop called The Other Shop and ended up buying a book together with two card… Read more

  • Book Review 14: Days at the Torunka Cafe by Satoshi Yagisawa.

    Hey, what’s up? Welcome back to another one of my book reviews. Recently, I read a fiction book by a Japanese author titled Days at the Torunka Cafe by Satoshi Yagisawa. This is not actually my first time reading a book by this author. When I was back in England, I read his books Days at the Morisaki… Read more

  • Izzlan Travel 31: Adelaide Part 2 – Still not Over Adelaide

    Hey, what’s up? Welcome back to part two of my Adelaide adventures. Here is a quick recap from the previous episode. I flew over to spend time with friends who kindly became my unofficial tour guides and extremely generous hosts. They showed me around South Australia, gave me a place to stay for free, and… Read more

  • Izzlan travel 30: Adelaide Part 1 – Beach Hunting in South Australia

    Hey, what’s up? I recently went to Adelaide in South Australia. It was a very short post night shift vacation, but a meaningful one. I met my friends from university who generously provided me with free accommodation and took me around Adelaide for a couple of days. Truly the best kind of trip, the one… Read more

  • Izzlan travel 29: Thailand, Traffic, and Too Much Thai Tea

    Hey, what’s up? Kicking off my 2026 travel diary with a family trip to Thailand because starting the year with good food and familiar places just felt right. I have been to Thailand quite a number of times back in my high school days. My dad has a house in Kedah right by the border… Read more

  • Book Review 13: When I was a Kid 7 by Boy

    Hey, what’s up? I recently read a book titled When I Was A Kid 7 by Boey. It feels very much like a diary, but one filled with childish drawings. Each illustration comes with a short description, giving context to the moment or memory being shared. This is the seventh book in the series, though I haven’t read… Read more

  • Book Review 12: IKIGAI by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles.

    Hey, what’s up? I’m back with another book review, something I haven’t done in a long while after getting completely swallowed by the world of Avatar the Last Airbender comics. No regrets there. This time, I’m sharing my two cents on Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. In the simplest terms, the book explores ideas and habits that… Read more