Posted on

The grand old lady

Guess where I was last night.

I did a quick revision.

In the toilet.

I know its an odd place to study, but at least it was peaceful and conducive enough for me to complete a whole chapter on economics.

Mum asked me to give her a ride to the Kallang Stadium where she will be taking her examination for the Basic Exercise Certification. She aims to be a certified fitness instructor so this examination will be the one of the hurdles for her.

Travelling from here to home would take at least an hour and a half. Since the examination lasts for an hour, I decided to wait for her.

So I had to park my scooter. I tried to find a motorcycle parking lot around the stadium. Its a very large area, the car park itself was about the size of a soccer field.

But I couldnt find any motorcycle lot and I really didnt want to do an illegal parking and get fined again, so I decided to park the scooter at a car lot. After tearing up a coupon, I entered the stadium.


Sunset by the stadium by Justin

Aptly nicknamed as ‘the grand old lady’, it was a grand stadium. It was large and rather spectacular. I watched the caretakers tending to the stadium field, some dragging in large water hoses while others water the grass of the field.


National Day celebrations by Elfonse

The stadium has hosted many different events here such as the National day celebrations, football leagues and other events. And I remember the last time when I went here with the school that I was formerly attached with, to give support to the military band performance.


Singapore Youth Festival 2004

So many memories here.

Which makes it a little sad for me to hear that this stadium will be torn down come next year.

It was nice and quiet so I sat facing the stadium to do a little studying. But as the sun set, it got increasingly difficult to see and I went to the nearest lighted area. The gym was for members only and I wasnt allowed in the office. The only well lighted area that I could go to was the ladies.

Engrossed with the book, time passed by quickly and mum was already done with her examination. I saw the throngs of people coming out the theaterette. Many of them has an anguished look to them. It must have been a difficult paper.

A Girl : Things that I studied didnt come out and the things I didnt studied came up!

A Lady : The instructor emphasized on the wrong topics

A Girl : Do you know that 10 people retook this examination?

A Lady : Oh dear! This is so disheartening!

Mum popped out eventually and I asked her how she felt. She gave a brave smile and said, “It was scary, but God bless, I’ll be fine”.

We headed to where I parked my scooter and I noticed a white slip stuck to my scooter. Another fine! I was fined for ‘parking at an area not designated for it’

Honestly!

What is wrong with these people? Where on earth am I supposed to park when there are no lots for it?

It was really getting under my nerves. Mum saw how worked out I was that she decided to bring me to the ‘Meet the People’ session where I can air my griveances to the constituency minister.

As much as I enjoy riding, sometimes I feel that it can bring out the worst in me. I have a very short temper and get frustrated easily.

Is this normal?

Posted on

Cartcart’s coming to Singapore!

My dearest has just recently booked his flight to Singapore. He’ll be here around the end of December so a big chance that we’ll spend Hari Raya together!

I’m most excited! I miss him so much, that it gets so depressing, it’s unbelievable.

Now where shall I take him to look around?

There are a couple of places where I could bring him – such as the more popular destinations such as the Sentosa Island for a day of frolicking at the beach or go to the different attractions there.

We could go to the esplanade together and catch a musical concert in the halls inside or just chill out by the bay and to listen to the band playing by the sea.

Maybe even going to the zoo (though it has been years since I’ve last been there) to see all sorts of animals in an ‘open concept’ environment and the night safari after that.

Or we could go the ethnic way and visit a tea house in Chinatown, eat delicious curries and pratas and see the Sri Mariamam Temple in Little India while I drag him to Geylang Serai or Arab Street to have him fitted with a Songkok (Malay Hat), Kain Samping (Kind of like a Sarong) and Capal (Malay Sandals) and visit the Sultan Mosque

Or we could go the urban way and let him see the heart of the city while we visit city hall and walk along war memorial to the parliament house, or to the Elgin bridge as we watch the bum boats pass by the rivers of Clarke quay.

I’d like to show him the art museum, the kitchy Haw Par Villa and if he’s up to it, maybe go to the rustic charms of Pulau Ubin or to the East Coast Park.

We’ll go to the Botanic Garden to see the beautiful flora and have a little picnic while the concert plays on.

But I would be happy even doing simple things with him, like eating at a hawker center together with him and let him sample a few local favourites, going to the shopping center together with him to catch a movie (even though I believe movie tickets are horribly overpriced)

I’ll let him have a first hand experience of the public transportation here and we could compare the prices of things when we go shopping, be it for groceries at Fairprice or electrical items at Sim Lim Square or even books at the borders book store.

And then a walk along Orchard road to visit the Istana and then stroll along the streets at night time, which, by then be full of lights and decorations.

And obviously since I’m a Jurong girl, I won’t forget to let him see the beautiful lakeside park that we have here and we’ll stroll by the Chinese Gardens and sit down by the bench watch the beautiful and tranquil scene in front of us.

We could have breakfast in the Bird Park, sipping our breakfast tea while birds of a multitude of colours surround us.

And since Cartcart is such a Maths-lover, We could even go to the Science Center which is just a couple of minutes ride from here. I think he’ll like it 🙂

I’ll even let him try a taste of durian. It will be interesting I think. I’ve never heard of an European eating durians before. Have you?


I’m like da king of fruits!

Posted on

Celebrating National Day at Shuqun Secondary School

Today we celebrate Singapore’s 41st year of independence, and I breathe a moment of respite from a day off work.

I had a rather nice day yesterday. The school where I was attached to had a celebration. It started off with a marching parade. With the colour party holding on to the flag and ready for the march in.

The colour party

Guards of honour

Marching in parade

As the band plays along

After the parade, the students were given cards which were directions to go to their respective stations. Some went to the ‘learning stations’ where the activities reflected about Singapore and her people.

Like this Henna decoration which is commonly done by the Malays and the Indians. Isn’t this gorgeous? Just look at her intricate design.

This is supposed to be Rangoli, a traditional Indian art made of coloured rice that decorates the entrance of the house.

And this is a stick game where you’re supposed to move a stick one by one without moving the other sticks. I used to play this alot as a kid 🙂

I suppose this is another version of 5 stones? A really old school game that I haven’t seen anyone play for ages.

Down below in the canteen, a whole hubhub of activities. Bazaar games by the students and well loved pasar malam (night market) wares.

These girls are selling adorable clips and paraphernalia. I couldn’t help but to buy some. Isn’t it cute? 🙂

These girls are buying custom made keyrings.

And these girls are selling Nasi Lemak. Coconut Rice! Mmm! A delight, morning, afternoon or night time!

The cotton candy almost gave me grief. I didn’t realise how sticky and how easily it melts … It almost ruined my precious camera. It made my flash stuck and wouldnt open when I pressed the button and when I saw an error message on the display, it almost gave me a heart attack.

But cotton candy are such a staple in my childhood. I’d have one every time there was a carnival or a night market going on, with pink clouds in my hands.

This lady is from the Parent Support Group and she was selling this drink called the ‘Red Ruby’. Oh my … it was heaven I tell you. It’s made of crunchy coconut, jellies of different colour, sago seeds and fresh coconut cream and it tasted like creamy nectar of the Gods.

I loved it so much that I didn’t realise till late that someone took a picture of me drinking it.

Wht r u doing?!?!

Lovely day. I loved the whole atmosphere. One could really feel the radiation of happiness and excitement exuded by others. 🙂

So what will you be doing on national day?

Posted on

Hungry Ghost Festival

As I walked back home from my night class, there were many people by the roadside lighting up joss sticks and burning of paper.

The hungry ghost festival is here again.

The Chinese Buddhists Taoists believe that during this month, the gates of hell opens up and the spirits of the dead goes back to earth to seek food and visit their living relatives.

There’s not much to eat in hell. Thus on this month, you will see plates of buns, cakes and fruits left by the roadside. You will also see people burning articles, like hell money, even paper version of television and shirts as they believe that these articles will materialize for their deceased loved ones.

Its was rather somber atmosphere but at the same time, eerily peaceful as the wind gently caressed my face.

Will I still be remembered when I am gone?

Posted on

Racial Harmony

Last friday, the 21st July, the school where I worked at celebrated Racial Harmony day. I saw many students and teachers decked in beautiful and colourful costumes – the Malay baju kurongs or the Indian Sherwani and Saris, and a few Chinese Cheongsams.

As I admired their lovely costumes, and smiled at the laughing and chattering students, I reflect back and visualise what happened on this same day about 40 years ago.

Though I wasnt there to witness it, I could picture it in my mind. Especially when I see a photograph, its easy for me to immerse myself in the atmosphere, and to see, to hear and even feel what was going on.

The racial riots of 1964. 36 people dead. 556 injured. Needless deaths and injuries due to the lack of understanding between different races and propagated with much hatred between the Chinese and the Malays.

The Maria Hertogh riots is another haunting event that must never be forgotten. A simple adoption between a Dutch and a Malay, to turn out with a riot with many injured and deaths.

May we hope and pray that nothing like this should ever happen for our future.

I feel Racial Harmony day should transcend from just the wearing of traditional clothes to the deeper appreciation of the freedom and liberty we have now.

But one question nags my mind. If we emphasized so much on race, does that make us racist?

Posted on

Learn@Singapore 2006

The place where I worked at, Shuqun Secondary School participated in the Learn@Singapore competition. It was a yearly affair hosted by the ministry of education to promote the use of technology in daily life.


Jeerin, Jean and Darshan

We went to the Singapore discovery center for this year’s event. This year, we are supposed to complete a teasure hunt and the clues are given through 3G messaging.

It was loads of fun trying to decode and find the clues and getting to the next challenge. It was interesting to note that we took our time and breeze through the clues while other teams were so frantic and pushed each other while trying to complete theirs

We completed it earlier than most teams anyways 😉

Many participants from various schools

Opening ceremony

Little George is a robot with artificial intelligence

One of the stations we went to

Sending the answers and then receiving clues through the 3G phone

And at the end of the event, the team are supposed to create a moblog and blog about their experiences, what they have learnt and about the theme of the event.

There was a similar competition last year while I was attached to another school. But due to certain events, I didn’t pursue it any further. But I wonder how the team will do this year.

Posted on

The reopening of Jurong Lake Park

—


Went kayaking with my mum and brother today at the beautiful, newly opened Jurong Lake park. That was a whole load of fun! Initially mum was so afraid of falling in the water while in the kayak but after a short while, she really enjoyed herself pedalling smoothly in the lake that when the time was up, she didn’t even want to leave!

I really like kayaking. It probably started in Outward Bound School I think. One try and I really liked it. One of the more memorable experiences that I had was during the trip to Thailand with my best friends Juli and Hema. We went through mangrove swamps and the open sea and the experience really felt like a discovery channel show with all the nature that we saw.

Hema and guide in the front kayak with me and Juli at the back I miss this. I’d love to go again

Will there be a kayaking club in Jurong, I wonder? The instructors didn’t say, but I think it would be lovely to have one on lakeside, with all the unused water catchment area. I’d join in a heartbeat!

—

Night classes has been interesting. It was lovely to see some friendly faces but that nervous feeling is there. The feeling of unpreparedness, especially after one economics class when the tutor asked us a question and I just sat there feeling very blank.

I turn around to the person behind me.

“I don’t know how to do this. How do you answer it?”

“Oh, when the marginal propriety consumption goes up, the marginal propriety savings goes down. Thus, in the graph, it shifts up and the consumption graph, it pivots. Pretty easy right?”

“Huh? Err .. yeah, yeah yeah … easy …”

Just what the heck are you talking about?

I really need to buck up. I’m just too tired to do anything. Is it possible to have a burnout before anything even started?

Posted on

The opening of the new park in Jurong and Natas Fair

The lingerie fair at IMM was lovely. I got myself a stylish pierre cardin bra and panty with matching camisole for only $50 dollars after my old bra trade in when regularly it would cost $40, $14 and $39 individually.

Do you like my new camisole?

I could have gone crazy there though. So many lovelies. And cheaper too. Even some of the ones that I bought just last november went on sale, 2 pairs for $29. Unfortunately the choices were limited though, and some of the lingerie that I saw from the website wasn’t there. And I don’t fancy the dressing room that they had there which was so cramped! There wasn’t enough space to extend my arm forward. It felt a bit coffin-like even.

But anyways all in all I had a whole load of fun with all the lovelies. Great deals like that dont come very often. I’m surprised there wasnt more people coming over though. There were just a handful of ladies when I was there. More for me I guess 😛

After some months of construction, the new Jurong Greens park was officially opened today with a fitness carnival and there were so many people. It was lovely to see so many excited and happy faces as they participated in the various activities.

When I arrived there, there were many people queuing up, waiting for to try out the different games there.

There were many happy children there too, playing with their friends and it was such a delight just to see them laughing and smiling as they played around.

Near the concourse, there were a few activities too, such as the taekwondo and juggling display as well as the break-dancing display.

Soon after came the announcement of the lucky draw winners. Hamish Brown, radio personality for class 95 was there. How funny it was to have him smile in my direction as I casually took a picture 🙂

The happy faces of the proud winners!

Went to the Natas fair at Suntec City afterwards. The Natas fair was where different travel agencies have their annual fair to promote their packages. This is where people were supposed to get good deals. And thus, with the long Easter break coming up as well as the June holidays, there were a huge crowd there, from the ticket booth :

To the entry :

To the inside :

Narima, a ex colleague of mine whom initially wanted to go to Italy complained that it was super crowded and quickly left after spending less than an hour there. I could see what she meant by that.

One of the prettiest display I’ve seen

This poor thing got bullied by kids who kept kicking and poking it. I was tempted to scold them if not for their parents right next to them. Why didn’t they say anything? 0.o

Turns out that the Natas fair was catered more for packaged tours. And I wasn’t interested in that. However, there were about 2 or 3 agencies that offered plane tickets to Rome.

Funnily enough, the prices for the plane tickets weren’t competitive plus most of them said, “You HAVE to book today! Last day!” and I was left to think that I might as well book a ticket online anyway, which I did at fare.net.

I do hope I get a plane ticket.

Posted on

An Open letter to Tourism Management of Singapore

To whom it may concern,

I came across with interest with the advertisements that you have publicised in the mass media recently about the Miss Tourism competition that you are organizing. I perked up with complete rapture at the host’s voice asking me saucily, “Do YOU have it takes to represent Singapore as tourism ambassador”

Okay, so I’m slightly shorter than 1.65m as what the terms and conditions specified and that my body shape would most definitely not put me in the modelesque category and neither do I have the fair caucasian skin that talent scouts are always fawning about.

But why vote for an ambassador based upon by how they physically look like?

Everyone here is special, and everyone has their own experiences that are special. Having lived here all my life, I’ve formed bonds with people here. I’ve experienced different cultures. And I’ve walked in the different senses that is unique to this country.

Every few weeks I find the simple joys of exploring Singapore and see what different things that there are in this country. We may be small, but there are always interesting people and things to see if you search well enough.

Without the need to resort to using famous television actors nor singers or models, there are already many fascinating real life people here. Like the Indian uncle with the cool long beard who makes delicious teh tarik, or the friendly Chinese man who would chat with you while you order a potong ice cream from him on a blazing hot day. The interesting auntie that shows you how to handcrafts slippers using tiny beads.

The esplanade is a gorgeous and beautiful monument. Sentosa is a lovely sunny island getaway. But there are also beauty in the simple things, like the coffee-shop that we visit. There you see people of different creeds having their communal breakfast together and you close your eyes and hear different accents and bustling sounds of the atmosphere in the morning.

I’ve experienced joy, gratitude, remourse, excitement, sadness … and a whole load of phetora of being a citizen here. And like everyone else, I struggle … like every one of us, we struggle to reach our goal, our hopes, our dreams.

Since my mother has been more active in attending different community events, I’ve come to appreciate things that I would have never noticed before. The people, the festivals and the joys.

So I refuse parade in a bikini. Thats my freedom of choice. So I have a distaste of having a fake smile and posing like an insipid living doll like what I’ve failed to avoid to see on TV mobile – The Miss Universe pageant. Just seeing these contestants smiling vapidly, beckoning viewers to “Vote for me” sends a chill down my spine.

Why is it so wrong to have a more regular, person to represent? Why is it so wrong to have someone from the heartlands?

So you say that these beautiful vapid dolls will attract more demographics. But you have to remember that beauty is only skin deep and what makes a person is their character, their knowledge and their experiences.

I don’t believe that any one of the current contestant have the passion nor the dedication to ‘represent’. Maybe I could be wrong about that but till the day when I see the chosen delegate doing anything significant to promote tourism, I’ll still be firm in my stand.

Excuse me for being insolent while I look with helpless dismay on our passionless future ambassador.

Posted on

Mosaic Festival at the Esplanade

The mosaic music festival was fun to watch yesterday. There were many different types of genres of music going on simultaneously in the different parts of the esplanade building.

I was bumming around yesterday and decided to roam around just for the heck of it. Initially I thought of attending a talk conducted at Suntec City but I found out that I was too late then I thought maybe I could go to the hospital to donate blood. Then I found out that it was closed.

Finally, I let my legs take me where it wanted to go and finally I ended up at the esplanade. Boy was it full of life with loads and loads of people. Some were wearing casual – typical jeans and tee shirts, but there were many well heeled people in an almost formal attire of heels, dresses and jewellery. But they all looked to have some fun.

I was standing by the foyer, overlooking the sea and I saw a crowd with some comperes talking to the crowd and I approached it and saw that there will be a band starting. A group started and played the samba and salsa music. The hypnotic rhthymic beat made everyone in the mood. It even made some people stand up and dance to the music too! It certainly felt very festive.

As far as my eye could see, there were people everywhere. From the completely full cafe’s alone the esplanade, to the entire granite seatings by the sea.

I felt quite lonely tho as everywhere I saw, everyone walked in two’s. Everyone! From the point where I walking from the foyer to the other end of the bridge. Till I even got teased by complete strangers for walking by myself.

But anyways, I’m sure Cart would have loved to see the music festival. Him being an avid music lover and that his ultimate favourite band, the Pat Matheny trio, was playing here too during the mosaic festival. He would have gone wild!


Finally someone with naturally volumed hair like me

I then went in the building and there were flamenco dancers and guitarists. And I watched the dancers clapping their hands and sang lyrically in a language I couldnt understand.

So very cool. Yes I liked it. Couldnt find the jazz section, I bet that would have been cool too. I liked acid jazz – brand new heavies is one of the bands that I liked to hear. Maybe they’d have that in next year’s mosaic festival