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Lake Toya, Japan

Spot of Tranquility.

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Little India, Singapore

Spices, gold and splashes of colour!

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Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay

Garden City, City in a Garden.

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Bryce Canyon, USA

Thor's Hammer

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Chocolate Test, Singapore

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." -Charles M Schulz

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Euphoria. 

His arrival at what would be his final National Day Parade. 

Grief. 

His departure.

Heart.

Singapore and family.

*****

Back in university, we once had to do an assignment on this topic "Constitutional amendments in Singapore- To ensure good men or a tool of good men?" My opening statement in the essay quotes Mr Lee Kuan Yew, "To get a good government, you need good men in charge." A seemingly simple ideology but one which has served us well. 

It is clear that Mr Lee Kuan Yew was not a solo ranger, not one who thought he could change the world by himself. He knew that he needed a successful team under him to transform Singapore from a third world country to a first world country. In recognising this and while paying tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, let us not forget those who came before us, who have contributed to making this little red dot so prominent on the world map. 

*****

I have always been a fervent admirer of Mr Lee- his insights, his ideologies and his love for Singapore. His policies have shaped the way I have grown up in this country. I am effectively bilingual. I grew up knowing that as long as I work hard for what I want, there will be no barriers to hinder me, be it gender or race or religion. I take a pragmatic approach to life- if there's a problem, solve it.

Of all his policies, one that has impacted many Singaporeans is how Mr Lee had the vision to turn Singapore into a garden city. Everywhere we go, we see rain trees and angsana trees. When I walk along the roads, I sometimes walk on the side with more trees because of the shade. These trees could be a manifestation of his policy making- to provide shade for all Singaporeans. 

Taking the ECP to Changi Airport is always a very precious experience. Time and time again, despite the many times I have been to and returned from the airport, I always stop whatever I am doing to marvel at the pruned bougainvillaea by the roadside whenever I pass through that pretty stretch of the expressway.

My favourite flower is not the rose, lily nor the sunflower. These are beautiful flowers. But the flower that holds a special place in my heart is the orchid- it stands for love, strength and beauty. 

Credit: Mr Lee Hsien Loong's facebook

The best place to view orchids is at the Orchid Gardens located at Botanic Gardens. Singapore has submitted its bid for Botanic Gardens to be Singapore's first UNESCO site. While Mr Lee was not the person who sprang the idea of Botanic Gardens, he brought in people to redevelop the Botanic Gardens. This place holds many fond memories for me. I came here when I was in primary school - my first foray into the flora and fauna of Singapore. I came here during my dating days. I came here with my family to enjoy the immensely popular outdoor concerts. 

*****

Many tributes have flowed in the past few days. 

The tributes that struck me the most were not those about his policies, but rather those about his relationship with his wife. 

If there's anything we can learn from him, learn that in this time and age where everything is disposable, a married couple can last through thick and thin and still be in love at the very end. 

Credit: Mr Lee Hsien Loong's facebook

*****

A great man has passed. But Singapore will continue to progress. 

Somebody built a sand sculpture of Mr Lee at East Coast Park. 

Credit: Nparks
Water is what binds the sand together. But it is also water that will make the sand sculpture crumble. Whether or not the sand sculpture remains there, the world continues to spin and the waves continue to crash. 

Mr Lee made Singapore united. But Singapore will not become loose sand after his departure. 后浪推前浪-that must be what Mr Lee would have wanted. 

Majulah Singapura! 


Friday, March 20, 2015

Gurney Drive (Changi Airport)

We were looking for somewhere to satisfy our bellies before my friend flew off. For those who have been to Penang, you will definitely have heard of / visited Gurney Drive, located by a seaside promenade, with lots of stalls (and even more tourists). 


The place was surprisingly empty during lunchtime and we thought, "Is it because the food is bad?" Luckily, our fears were unfounded.


We decided to get the Premium Crab Meat Fried Koay Teow ($12.65). I was expecting a few shreds of crab meat. It was surprising that they were rather generous with the crab meat which added an interesting flavour to this otherwise generic dish. The Fried Koay Teow was not oily and had wok hei. The waiter also cautioned us prior to ordering the dish that it was spicy. Sure it was, but that just increased the shiokness of this dish!


The Gurney Nasi Lemak ($7.65) was pretty good as well. Distinctly separate and fragrant rice, coupled with the cannot-go-wrong deep fried chicken and the addictive ikan bilis landed my friend and I into a dilemma as to who should have which dish. As with all good things, share and you shall have the best of both worlds.


Value for money food.

Gurney Drive (various locations)
Terminal 3 Departure
Departure/Check-in Hall
Level 3 Mezz South #03-21
Tel No: 6441 1690 

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Salted Caramel

I seldom go to Thomson area and since I went there to try the meepok at Meng Kitchen (which my friend swears is one of the best meepok around- he seldom resorts to superlatives), I decided to try Salted Caramel.


It is no secret that ice cream shops like to hire good-looking and friendly people to scoop ice cream. Everytime we are in the Bukit Timah area, some guy will always say, "Let's go to Island Creamery."

Some time back, a friend and I walked past a shop which had a notice pasted on its door seeking friendly and cheerful servers. I asked my friend if he thinks they will hire me. All he could offer was a hearty laughter coupled with a mildly apologetic look and that ended the conversation.


I had the Waffle with Raspberry Sorbet + Chocolate ($9.10). This is one of the better tasting waffles I have tried so far- not burnt, crispy sides with a fluffy interior. The ice cream was also delightful- especially the combination we picked- bitter, sweet and sour all at once. They also have a whole assortment of interesting flavours like Yuzu Ginger, Peanut Butter etc.


Seating was a little tight here but the waffle will be worth the wait.

Salted Caramel
246G Upper Thomson Road
Tel No: 6753 1718