Bras Basah Complex – a great place for arty people

Can you imagine finding these three books at almost unused condition costs in total for about $20?

Woah! Bookpoint rocks!

Wow right? Yeah, thats what I thought so too.

It has been a while since I’ve been to Bras Basah Complex. I used to go there some years ago while undertaking digital design course in a distant lifetime. I love this place as it has plentiful of things for people who are interested in books, design, or just looking at stuff. I used to patronise there to print for posters and name-cards designs.

I think its really worth going there. For $2.50 you could print an A3 sized poster and for $10 you could create a stack of 100 cards which are as beautiful as moo cards.

I stopped by this place on the third floor, called ‘Book Point’ where there were loads of treasures that you could find. You do need a little bit of patience as the place was rather large, and will take a while if you have a specific book to find. I was hooked for a couple of hours in the literature segment looking for some books that I wanted to read. There were some books with some scribbles in them, after all, this *was* a second hand bookshop. But most of them were almost pristine.

I still couldn’t find The Metamophorsis by Franz Kafka nor Godel Escher Bach; An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter which Cartcart has recommended me to read. In the meanwhile, I’ll keep trying to find them 🙂

Exploring the rest of the floor, I found myself at ‘Art Friend‘. My gosh, this is a great place for crafts. There were so many tools for art here, I could go crazy. Everything that you could want for art is here, from painting, to pottery, to sewing, to welding to things that I don’t even know of!

Nimmo and friends

I was almost inspired enough to create my own Nimmo and friends plushie. But the only thing is, that they don’t really have exactly what I want to create a decent sized plushie. I think a better place for it would be at the area near the Sultan Mosque where mum, a seamstress, gets her materials for sewing clothes.

And at length, I stopped by the fourth floor to take a peek at the famed graphic-book bookstore, Basheer. I poured for a long time over their beautiful, colourful and artistically designed books. It’s a great place to get ideas by looking at the creativity of other designers.

That was when I find myself stuck reading this book. Design Basics Index by Jim Krause. It has loads of info about composition, concept and component. Although I wasn’t a designer per-se, I thought that this book was a very fascinating read. On a whim, I decided to buy it.

Design Basics Index

But zomg. This book costs $47! It’s almost as expensive as the $60 computer book that I bought some years ago.

How come graphic and computer books are so expensive?

Anyway, do drop by Bras Basah Complex if you’re anywhere in town. It’s a great place for the creative soul 🙂

How to renew your road tax in Singapore

Recently, I’ve received a notification from the Land Transport Authority to renew my road tax. This task wasnt as difficult as I thought it would be – after consulting with the Vespa Club forum, I now have a better idea of how to do it.

Here are the steps on how to renew your road tax :

1. Send your vehicle for a full check up

Tong Aik

I had my GT200 checked at Tong Aik after being recommended by a colleague. I like Tong Aik as they specialised in Vespas and they know what they are doing.

Tong Aik was professional, friendly and the prices are quite reasonable. I definitely recommend them for Vespa owners.

2. Head for your nearest Vehicle Inspection Center

Viacom at Bukit Batok

Because I live in the west, I chose to go to the Vicom at Bukit Batok for my vehicle inspection. It was just a couple of minutes away from my workplace.

You’ll need to position your motorcyle along a line. There will be a person examining the alignment, the tyres, breaks, lights among other things. The entire check shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. Once the inspection is passed, he’ll hand you a certificate. This will be used in conjunction for the road tax.

3. Renew vehicle insurance

It is a legal requirement to have insurance when owning a vehicle. I renewed both my insurance and road tax at Asphoon, where I purchased my scooter. I handed my road tax disc as well as the certificate from the vehicle inspection.

A sample of an unstamped road tax disc

A couple of days later, you’ll get your new insurance as well as a stamped road tax disc to attach in your vehicle.

Whee!

And now enjoy riding till the next year!

my scooter almost exploded (but luckily for me, it didnt)

After about two weeks after the accident, I got a call from the mechanic telling me that it was ready for collection. I headed to the workshop. The man who knocked me down was there too.

I was civil, but I didn’t talk much to him. I wasn’t being rude, but I was ready to close the chapter and put it behind me.

After an examination on the scooter, I sat on my scooter and waved goodbye to him, thinking to myself, hoping that I’ll never have another accident again.

But as I rode back home, I can sense that something is not quite right with the scooter. Rather than that inviting feeling I get when riding my scooter, it just felt cold and lifeless.

Let the power of the cocoa coloured GT200 beckon you ...

The next morning, there was a very strong smell of petrol coming from the inside of the scooter. I was most concerned. Something is just not right.

Mr Singh, a colleague at the school that I was attached to, noticed it too and advised me to send it for servicing.

pic of the front counter of Tong Aik

Me : Funny thing is, I just went to the mechanic recently. But I want to send it to someone who specialises in Vespa. I tried to call Piaggio service center, but they only work on weekdays.

Mr Singh : Why don’t you bring it to Tong Aik? They work on weekends too. I brought my scooter there for 20 years now. I really recommend it.

Me : But yours is a manual, Mr Singh. Mine is an automatic

Mr Singh : Not a problem. As long as its a Vespa, they can do it for you. Let me get you their contact.

I went there early in the morning to avoid the long waiting time. It was quite easy to get there. It was near Sim Lim Square, my favourite computer shop.

It was such a curious place. I rode all the way to the fifth floor where their workshop was. I knew I was at the right place when I saw all sorts of scooters there. Vintage and new Vespas in all shapes and colours. As I admired the procession of scooters a man in blue overalls popped out of nowhere.

pic of a LX150 Tong Aik

man : Hi! How can I help you?

me : Hi, I’m looking for Mr Wee? My colleague, Mr Singh recommended me here for a servicing.

man : That’s me. Mr Singh? Oh yes, he worked for the police previously didn’t he? What kind of service would you like for your scooter?

me: I’d like to have a full service on it please. Also, there is a strong petrol smell coming from inside. Can you check it for me?

man : No problem! Rest assured that I’ll personally check your scooter and repair what is needed.

After about 2 hours, I went back in the workshop area.

man : The belt and rollers need to be changed, they are worn out already. May I know where you did your servicing previously?

me: What’s wrong?

man : The mechanics there did not handle the tap properly and now its damaged. The oil was supposed to flow in 15 mins, but here, it took an hour.

me : Oh.

man : And you’ve got a good sense of smell there. Let me show you why you smelt the petrol smell.

Mr Wee opens up the cover and we both look at the engine. He revs up the throttle and to my horror, I saw petrol leaking out each time he revs it.

me : OH! MY! GOD!

man : The pipes are weak. It could have exploded but good thing that it didn’t.

me : OH! MY! GOD!

man : You are a very very lucky woman.

my eyes boggled*

man : I need to examine your scooter some more. So sorry to keep you waiting. But I dont think I can finish it now. Can you pick it up on Monday afternoon instead?

me : Yes, sounds good. Thanks for checking, and bye!

Pics of cool looking helmets

I think I’ll bring my baby to Tong Aik for servicing the next time, all the time.

Tong Aik Motors Supply Co
89 Short Street
#01-02
Tel : 63379912

My first road accident

Bah of bahness.

I was riding to work as normal this morning. I saw a woman waving for a cab. The next thing I knew, a car suddenly cut directly in my way. No time to react. Breaking would be useless.

Bah of bahness

I fell down. Then I tried to push my scooter up, unsucessfully. I think I was in a daze and shock.

I heard someone chiding the driver. “Why did you do that!” “Sorry, blind spot” “You cannot say blind spot! Miss are you okay?”

I mumbled a “I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine

How can you say you are fine? Here is my contact. I saw the whole thing. I will be a witness

Anyway, to put a long story short, I’m not going to make a police report and charge him in court. But I’m definitely going to make him pay for my medical and full repairs to my scooter.

My baby is sick again :`(

Broken exhaust cover, deep scratches of body and box. The m in the granturismo is gone. The crome line near the footrest damaged.

Two weeks without my ride. This is agony.

Being a pillion for the first time

My brother, Nazry, took riding lessons and had recently passed and attained his licence. Today, he asks if I could borrow my scooter. I agreed, only if I accompanied him.

So today, for the first time in a long while, I was pillion in my own scooter. For the first 10 minutes, sitting at the back of the scooter, I was freaked out when bro wobbled while going out of the carpark to the main road.

And when bro turned a corner at the junction. I thought that I might just fall off at any moment! It was so scary! I never realised how close I could get on the curb!

This must be the same feeling that my previous pillions felt.

Bro went smoothly after that and was a good rider, checking for incoming traffic and checking for blind spots and in the end, we got to our destinations safely.

But I wont forget so easily the fear from the first few minutes.

To all the people I’ve ever pillioned before. I am sorry to have caused you fear, psychological pain and unecessary trauma while all the time naively insisting that I was riding safely. Please forgive me. I wont insist on giving you a ride on my scooter anymore.

The days my dearest visited finale

“Hey you! Yes you lurking there! Its National de-lurking week. That means you MUST post a message and say hi! 🙂 “

Saturday, I wanted to show cartcart the science center . Being the science and maths enthusiast that he was, I was sure that he’d enjoy it. We strolled to Jurong East, had a late lunch at my favourite Vegetarian stall and marvelled at how closely it tasted like actual meat.

Then we stopped by a local supermarket where Cart had the time of his life comparing as well as learning about local foodstuff.

He poured over the curry spices, the dried herbs, the noodles, basically things that Singaporeans use to cook on a day to day basis.

He was most excited.

Cartcart even quipped that he found this experience as enjoyable as our trip to the underwater world.


Look! A genuine Italian brand!

We took our time and when we finally reached the Science Center, I looked quizzedly at the ticket booth which had no one manning it. Then I realised that we went there 5 minutes too late to last entry! Even shows at the Omnimax theater till 9 pm were fully sold out.

That’ll teach me to be so ill prepared. We walked out dejectedly past children who were laughing happily in the water pool which was side by side to the pathway.

But the day was still young! We were at Jurong East! I hang out here a lot. And what better way to spend it by watching a movie together with your partner 🙂

The show that I was interested in watching was Night at the Museum, but it started much too late and the only show that was remotely watchable was Charlottes Web . I guess that would have to do. *chuckles*

The movie was pretty okay. Even with the many many changes from the original book, I think I got teary eyed when Charlotte died.

It’s a good thing that the arm rests in the movie theatre were movable and we were able to cuddle 🙂

On our bus journey back, we passed by Pasta Fresca and after hearing its jingle being played regularly on 938 live, I thought it would be nice to have dinner there.

A slightly bitter, fizzy drink that is well known in Italy

The decor looked nice enough. Cartcart mentioned at how authentic the place was decorated and even noticed that the type of fabric the curtains made were the actual type of fabric used in Italy.

Cartcart ordered arrabbiata, just to compare how it tastes to the pasta we had yesterday.

So cartcart, how much does this one rate?

5

Wow, a whole point compared to yesterday 😛

Yes, now I can safely say that this is the best pasta I’ve eaten in Singapore 😛

Heaps of cars lining up next to the mosque

Sunday, Hari Raya Haji.

Mum had just completed sewing Cartcart’s baju kurong the day before. She seemed unconfident that the outfit would fit him well because of some of the pertinent additional measurements that I didn’t take.

But when Cartcart put it on, it fitted him perfectly. When he came out to show me, I was floored at how stunningly handsome he looked in the green baju kurong. So handsome that I forgot to take a picture of him wearing it.

My Mum and dad gave him generous compliments at how good he looked. Cartcart was putting on the capal, the Malay sandals that we bought during our trip to geylang. He really looked so elegant. Mum thought that if he wore the samping (waist cloth) and songkok (hat) it would be more complete.

But cartcart seemed to be doubtful. “It has long sleeves!” He whispered to me. “I might perspire badly in this

However, during the entire journey to my grandmother’s house, cartcart didn’t break a sweat due to the cooler December weather and the air conditioned train coach.

When we reached the doorstep, in my mind, I was wondering and hoping that everything would go al-right.

My aunts were there and the first to greet us, then my uncles, and then my cousins. We talked, and then had lunch together and just chilled. I see one of my cousin, Eusoff, deep in conversation with cartcart while the rest of the clan seemed transfixed in a Malay soap opera that was premièring.

It was pretty relaxing.

But I got nervous again when grandmother came out of the room, gave that slow and knowing smile of hers and asked me that question that grandmothers always asks.

So when are you going to get married?

Uh … Um …

When you go out with him, don’t hold his hands.

Oh …

But all in all, everything seemed okay. My worries about a drama happening was for naught. I feel quite relieved that everyone seemed pretty cool with it.

The same evening, we had new years eve dinner together at the community centre. Mum suggested that cart and I go to have a local national feel. But I think it was kind of a bad idea.

The entire concert was like a hungry ghost festival concert with music blaring at a million decibels and the singers wearing clothes that is so shiny that it will leave you momentarily blind. It was pure torture. I couldn’t wait to get out of there. But cartcart had the patience of a saint and thought it would be better to wait till the dinner course ended.

By then it was too late to take public transportation. I asked cartcart if he was game enough to ride on the scooter with me. He was! And he managed to squeeze in one of my helmets and off we went and we managed to reach the bed and breakfast in time to see the fireworks from the new year countdown from the city skyline.

Monday, New Year’s day

Today is the last day that cartcart will be staying here. I really think that a week is just not enough to spend here … I haven’t shown him everything that I wanted to show him …

Juli was free to have lunch with us today. Cartcart and I took the scooter to vivo city, where the parking area was so large, that it was so easy to get lost in there.

We went to a cafe which I thought it would be good, but turned out that the food there was below par.

Coffee with a piece of pen?

I wasn’t enjoying my fig and apricot sandwich. I have no idea what cartcart was eating. And Juli wasn’t thrilled with her fish dish either.

But it was a pretty casual affair, the three of us talking together. There is few things as satisfying as talking to friends

After we said our goodbyes to Juli, we had to rush to Chinatown to buy presents and souvenirs for his family. We only had about less than two hours before needing to reach back to my place to say his goodbyes to my family.

Cartcart bought a mask for his sister, and a lovely Chinese tea pot set for his mom and dad. We reached the temple again. And this time, Cartcart decided to enter and see the interior of the temple and witness purification a ceremony where the priest was at the altar, washing a large utensil. It was too far for me to see as non Hindus were not permitted into the holy area.

When we reached home, mum asked us to have dinner together, “I promised to make you Nasi Lemak!” We sat down together, where our family had our last meal together with cartcart.

As I walked out of the kitchen to clear the plates, I overheard mum talking to cartcart, “She’s a good daughter. I hope you will take care of her. Will you take care of her?” “I hope to do that

I went deep in my thoughts …

At the airport terminal, even with mum, sis, aunt and my cousins there, I still couldn’t control my sadness and the tears began to roll down. One week just isn’t enough. “Why cant I spend all days with you?” I looked in cartcart’s face as he gave me a hug before reluctantly leaving for his flight.

Sometimes I feel like this is all a dream. That we are all asleep and then we wake up to our reality.

In all honestly I don’t know how long I can take this. Such happiness when we are together, and then heartbreak when having to part.

Why cant I spend all my days with him? That would be such a beautiful. He is kind, gentle, romantic, patient, wise and the sweetest person I want to spend the rest of my days with you.

The days my dearest visited part 4 – Visiting Sentosa


Another view from the Bed and Breakfast

Friday. For the first time in weeks, the rain stopped pouring down and we finally had our respite and first sunny day!

I decided to bring Cartcart the Sentosa Island. It was easy getting there, just one train stop away to get to harbour-front and then we could get a choice of taking the ferry or the cable car. We took the cable car as it gives a nice and picturesque view from the top.

There were loads of people queueing there too! They must be the same as us, enjoying the nice sunny day.

There were so many people of different nationalities here. I could see Indians, Filipinos, Indonesians, Japanese, Americans and loads more.

Soon after, we entered an cable car which we shared with a nice Indian family and we enjoyed the sights from up above. I pointed to Cart the ferry terminal hall and the new train service that will soon be in operation as well as Pulau Brani where much industrial work happens.

A quick stop to have coffee at one of the cafe. We sat on top of a plank which was high on top of a hill where we could see much trees and the industrial island in front of us. It was such a lovely day. Though, cloudy, it was relatively cool and had no trace of rain.

There were little feathered friends like Peacocks and Mynah birds walking around and I was quite surprised to see them being so unafraid of humans. Why didn’t they fly away when we walked closely to them? But Cartcart said that they are scavengers and are so used to human presence that they aren’t afraid any more.

Something made me glad was that the place where we had our coffee, employed handicapped staff and I noticed some deaf staff communicating through sign language as they cleared some tables and chairs.

Our first stop was the “Images of Singapore” exhibition where we could see the development of Singapore from the 1700 to the present day. It has been a while since I’ve seen the exhibition and I was quite pleased to see that the place has been expanded, it was bigger and had more exhibits inside.

A scene during the signing of the treaty by Tengku Hussein and Sir Stamford Raffles


An Indian fortune teller – the parrot is supposed to pick a card to tell my fortune.

My new boyfriend. See how happy he looks! Haha!

I use Fab! To get my clothes white and clean!

I found it very enjoyable. I do like seeing historical things, especially being presented this way. Through the exhibits we saw different customs and traditions as well as significant dates throughout the years.

There was even a very funny scene that happened to us – while walking about the Malay exhibit, I pointed to Cartcart on the shape of the house as well as the roof when all of a sudden, something that we thought was a statue initially came to life and jumped in

Boy: Yes! This is a traditional Malay house and inside, they are playing a favourite pastime – checkers!

Cart: But you’re wearing Chinese clothes!

Boy: Yes! I am visiting my Malay friends!

The conversation was so weird that it was humorous 🙂

Next stop was at the underwater world. Again, it was much different compared to the last time I went there. I liked it. This time, the exhibition was categorized in different types of sea creatures. And we saw many denizens of the sea – some odd looking, some humorously huge and some extremely colourful ones.

This crab is as big as me!

But I think the highlight of the underwater world was when we were in the conveyor and felt as if we were submerged underwater.

It was very very cool.

We had dinner at a cafe in Vivo City. I hoped that Cartcart would like eating here since I did enjoy the food at one of their branch at Bugis.

So Cartcart? Upon 10, how much does this arrabbiata rate?

4

Only 4? That’s a fail!

It’s not al-dente and it just doesn’t taste right.

Wow, high standards! And I haven’t brought him to pizza hut yet 😛

(To be continued)