31 Aug 2014  – And Thank You August!

Sat: up bright and early heading to the museum for the Lighthouse Heritage Trail. On the ferry before 0830hrs heading to Raffle Lighthouse on Pulau Satumu, app 14km south of Mainland SIN. Our guide informed us that there are 7 lighthouses in SIN. The blue flag is SIN State Marine Ensign.

The lighthouse guard insisted that there are 90steps to the top but I counted 103! On land here for about 1hr 30mins. Water seem pretty clear but the sharks also share this water here. Tkx Hannah for pix of myself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raffles_Lighthouse

Continued to the Sultan Shoal Lighthouse which was built in 1895 during the time when the late Commander Charles Quentin Gregan Craufurd was the Master Attendant of SIN. This looks more like a beautiful villa with a tower stuck in the middle. We were not allowed to land here, but still a lovely view from the boat. Great to catch up with Hannah and her parents who also were on this trail. Mr Leong is the only person I know who is born and grew up on Pulau Bukom.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Shoal_Lighthouse

Got back to mainland SIN app 13.15hrs and was totally zonked out. Eyes could not stay open, took a nap when I got home. Lucky to get on this trail as the first tour was completely filled and NHB put out an extra tour because of the overwhelming response. They did a great job and appreciate the chance to see these 2 absolutely beautiful lighthouse.

Fri: SIN Night Festival, another event I usually miss and now finally got to attend. It was pouring cats and dogs earlier but turned into a pleasant evening for Adeline, Audrey. Clement and I. Divine Trees by Clement Bried are quite something, first time seeing such creation. The group was convinced that the trees were sculptured but was there the next morning with shots to convince them otherwise.

Camper’s Corner has their tents up with lights and shadow play. Great effects.

Richard has been having fun about Johnny and my FB TGIFs. The cartoons are good and funny. Thanks RY. And the season’s first strong Northern Lights have been sighted by Ellen Brox in Tromsø last night. last night.

Wed & Thu: really needed the 2 days to get my thoughts and packing together before heading to Iceland and Norway. More than half the suitcase is filled with gifts and sooo frustrated – unable to find the travelling adaptors. Must have left them with Linn or May! Tkx to Henry for a beautiful piece of ‘seraphinite’ which supposedly  has impressive healing attributes for both physical and emotional healing. It is a stone to aid you to bring Divine Light into your being and this brings with it spiritual healing.

Had to see this newly released movie about food and more food. The Hundred-Foot Journey***Adapted from Richard Morais’ bestseller by Steve Knight and produced by Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake, the film follows an Indian family who moves to Southern France to open an Indian restaurant across the street from a high profile French restaurant that starts a culinary battle between the two restaurants…

Metaphysics is a dark ocean without shores or lighthouse, strewn with many a philosophic wreck – Immanuel Kant

27 Aug 2014 – With Fingers Crossed…

Wed: that the volcanoes will not act up when are there. Sadly KK has to cancel due to his mother’s frail conditions. Sorry to miss his company. Peggy, Ian and I will continue if the volcanoes are not angry. According to PP, it seems that the Icelandics are rather blasé about their volcanic activity but then it is very much of their daily lives and we will have to go with their flow since we choose to visit there!

Tue: to start a day with dental work is not much fun.  Oh how I dread shopping and packing but then it is a situation by choice, so no complains but just stating my mood! Shopped at Mustafa, the only 24hr shopping place in SIN and also the only place where one get practically everything under one roof, including money exchange, but no ISK=Iceland krona…

Advise from our Iceland tour consultant: all major currencies can be exchanged at the airport, banks and currency exchanges in Iceland. Due to currency restrictions, it is extremely difficult to obtain ISK in a foreign country before arriving in Iceland. Likewise, it is a good idea to exchange any surplus ISK before leaving Iceland. 

Thanks to Henry for cheering me up and for the company. Dinner at Komala’s***and when in Little India, do as the Indians. This interesting dish looks like some paranormal blob from outer space. The Bhattura is a fluffy deep-fried leavened bread from North India. It is often eaten with chickpea curry, chole or channe. Here it ould barely be contained in the metal tray and it tasted good when eaten freshly made.

Mon: appreciations to KK for a good Yong Tau Foo lunch at My Favourite Café*** Lucky Plaza, 6th Floor and for lovely gift.

Had to just get my mind off everything after blood tests etc… chilled with 2 movies.

Magic In The Moonlight***A Woody Allen comedy film set in the 1920s French Riviera starring Emma Stone and Colin Firth who is Stanley as a British stage magician brought in to help unmask a possible fraud spiritualist named Sophie (Stone). The magic continues and being a Colin Firth fan it was still magical and delightful even when he is not Darcy here!

Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen – Goethe

Boyhood****Filmed over short periods from 2002 to 2013, a groundbreaking cinematic experience covering 12 years in the life of a family. At the center is Mason, who with his sister Samantha, are taken on an emotional and transcendent journey through the years, from childhood to adulthood. Slow at times but realistic to life.

21 Aug 2014 – Bay North Entrance

Mon: thanks to Pat for a drink. Already had lunch but good to catch up with Peggy and Pat, and nice to meet Keng Siong. A kind of alfresco place! to sit comfortably with a meal or drink, Pollen is located in the AC Flower Dome. Tired to take Christian there for a farewell drink the following evening but they were closed for a private function.

Bay North Entrance, The Meadow with the Landscape and Fantasy Gardens is outdoor.  This is located at the opposite end of the Flower Dome, Bay South Entrance, The Canopy where the indoor Orchid Extravaganza is.

The Meadow: Celebrations! Floral Table Series Miracle Dinning Table by TAN HanXiang won the Best of Show an the Gold for this category.

The Meadow – indoor in AC displays and arrangements.

The whole SGF layout concept as beautiful as it is this year is not good, too spread out and too uncomfortable for all those who have to be outside all day. Must remember to make a note writing to the organizers about this + some feed-backs.

Tue: time to say farewell to Christian and hope that his stay in SIN was an educational and interesting one. Safe journeys to him and appreciations to Bev, CH and TIng for a lovely evening at ChinChin*** for dinner and a drink at Divine Bar/Parkview Sq.

All gardening is landscape painting – William Kent

12 Aug 2014 – Buffet Lunch@ParkRoyal Post NDP

Tue: condolences to Robin Williams family and friends and may he RIP. The last movie I watched with him in it was ‘The Angriest Man in Brooklyn’ and he was the only reason I went to watch the movie just last month. The news of his suicide has somehow saddened and upset me more than usual 🙁

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28749702

‘But oh, to be free. Not to have to go – Poof! What do you need? Poof! What do you need? Poof! What do you need? TO BE MY OWN MASTER. Such a thing would be greater than all the magic and all the treasures in all the world.

But what am I talking about? Let’s get real here, that’s never gonna happen. Genie, wake up and smell the hummus’ – Robin Williams as the Genie from Aladdin (1992)

You are free now, Genie, RIP

Sun: what a spread and unlimited bubbles 🙂 The way to spend a Sun brunch from 12n to 17hrs at one of my favourite eco buildings in Chinatown. Lime*****ParkRoyal Hotel in Chinatown. Had to take a nap and even with a late nap, slept soundly for over 8hrs Sun night.

Mon: so much wonderful bubbles yesterday that I could not resist returning to the hotel but not for more bubbles, this time to pick up the precious camera which was forgotten and floating in yesterday’s bubbles 🙂 🙂

Being in the same area, decided to check out the completed Skyline of SIN by the British artist Stephen Wiltshire who was recently here. Was informed that it will only be at the Urban Redevelopment Authority/URA Centre from Sep. Interesting wooden DREAM. The impressive model of SIN where Block 46 Marine Crescent can be seen (have marked with a red* here!).

As it is, do enjoy visiting this location and always something new to discover, learn and see. Today it is the Heritage ShopHouses which are amazing.

Walked to check out the new revamped La Pa Sat=Old Market. Formerly known as Telok Ayer Market, the iconic 120yrs old market turned food centre in the heart of the CBD is managed by foodcourt operator Kopitiam. Its $4-million revamp took 9months, improving ventilation with eight industrial ceiling fans and adding extra seating for 2,500 diners now, up from about 2,000 before. 

There are now 54 stalls and 14 mini restaurants

This heritage cast-iron building is worth the time to visit. Even the clock tower chimes correctly in time reminding me to enjoy every minute of the short time left in this life’s journey. Also to take the bus before the rush-hour…

From a NDP floating platform to a brunch with unlimited of bubbles should be enough to put me on the DREAM stool to stay afloat for the time being 🙂 🙂 🙂

Time and tide waits for no man –

10 Aug 2014 – Admiration & Respect to LKY

Sat: lunch with Henry at Riverview Tandoor*** 2nd level at SIN Flyer. OK food, a decent place with a view in the comfort of AC to get ready, and only a few minutes to walk to the parade location.

40 lines of security checks running efficiently and smoothly

The area leading to The Float@Marina Bay where the NDP is held.

2014 Goodie Bags, 3 above pix credits to various sites.

The crowds and the heat!

Salute to LKY who turned SIN from a 3rd world to 1st world nation that I feel proud to be in. He has not missed a NDP since the 1stNDP in 1966. Just being there whole-heartedly to salute to the only politician I admire and respect.

And the show must go on…

Fireworks never fail to impress and pix credits for the most beautiful NDP shot to Athena TAN who is a profession photographer and one of the best in SIN.

Post NDP: Sunday

Appreciations to bro Les for informing me and to Gel for posting it in FB. Usually read the news online and read the papers in the library later in the evenings. Looks like I have been spotted by the press, The Sunday Times in what Garry mentioned as my outrageously outfit but all in good spirit and fun. Doubtful if I will attend another NDP in this life’s journey.

Thanks to everyone in FB for liking the outrageous disguise. Rather surprised that I was recognized 🙂 🙂

Thank you dear niece JenLeng for sharing another pix from NDPeeps’s photo. Would have not known if not for her. Seems like the press are on to me for being a good citizen 🙂 🙂 🙂

Edited 14 Sep – many thanks to Aileen for the attachment from the Army News. Looked like the media could not get enough of this grandmother celebrating her 1stNDP to the fullest and probably the last NDP that she will go out so whole heartedly as the heart grows weaker everyday – hahaha!

One must understand human nature. I have always thought that humanity was animal-like. The Confucian theory was man could be improved, but I’m not sure he can be. He can be trained, he can be disciplined – LKY

8 Aug 2014 – SIN 49th Birthday

Thu: sad and most unexpected from the sleepy town of KCH in Sarawak/E Malaysia on the island of Borneo. My heart goes out to the families and friends of these 2 young medical British students. Not just to Brits, alcohol and drugs in a mix can be toxic for many. Whatever said and done do not justify murder (nothing justify murder). These 2 young Brits walked away from whatever argument but were pursued by 4 others in a car – according to BBC and above 3 pix credits to BBC.

Wrong place, wrong time and this location had been warned as there was another argument involving 2 young Irish just the previous night…

http://www.tnp.sg/news/two-british-medical-students-stabbed-death-msia

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-28685029

Am usually not in SIN this time of the year, strange to see the flags up so early but nice and colourful. These are pix only from Marine Crescent, so one can imagine what it will be like where the parade will be held.

Have yet to attend a NDP and this will be SIN 49 Independence Day, a young nation with its 1st National day in Aug 1965. Mother passed away Jun 1965 and I left for Dublin/Ireland Jul 1965. Even I am older than SIN 🙂 Was told that it was impossible to get tickets and even if possible, the crowds and heat might give me all kinds of strokes – and with a stroke of luck, there is a ticket.

Rather fun to get all my red and white outfit, accessories etc ready. Thank you to grandniece Kiera for the Rainbow Loom bracket and to niece Sue for the face-tattoo. Running around town like a kid looking for all kinds of gadgets that are available. Certainly enough glow sticks to last for the evening! Could not find the bag in mind, so decided to sew one and quite pleased with it as the flags can be exchanged according to which country’s national day’s celebrations 🙂 🙂

Looking forward to experiencing my birth country’s NDP for the 1st time. Going with intentions to enjoy it to the fullest no matter of crowds or heat, rain or shine. Next posting will be only a pix posting of the NDP, unless something worth mentioning happens!

Patriotism is a superstition artificially created and maintained through a network of lies and falsehoods; a superstition that robs man of his self-respect and dignity, and increases his arrogance and conceit ― Emma Goldman

6 Aug 2014 – Thru’4 Airports & 2 Changes of Planes With 5kids

Sun: hello and goodbye to Garry. Good to catch up for the day. Thank you for stopping by and for the bubbles. Hope that he has now bought enough books stock up for the year! He is heading to Bali and  Darwin/Australia and seemingly both places do not have decent book shops. Thanks to Clem for T at Paul in Takashimaya. The Napoleon cake is no comparison to that of Norway’s. Safe journeys to Garry.

Was reading an old posting from 2011 and thought of my Australian friends… 🙂

http://amylamsg.com/2011/12/16/australian-tourist-board/

Mon: also safe journeys to Linn & family who are traveling from CAE-IAD-FRA-OSL for her Norwegian grandmother’s 90th celebrations. Hats off to Linn&Jeff and they did not even get seats together on Lufthansa from IAD-FRA! Thank goodness for inflight entertainment!

Guess if this mother, mother-in-law and grandmother is concern, staying home all day waiting to hear that they are safe and sound with May & family! Yeah, they have landed safely in OSL and it is bedtime here. Family pix credits to Linn.

Tue: what a lovely breezy early morning and the rains came before 0700hrs, only lasted just for a few minutes. Appointments at Mt E both morning and afternoon. Discovered that one could buy very affordable clothes on the top floor of Lucky Plaza/Flea Party from S$1-5.

Gerald, a man following thru’ his words who so kindly brought goodies from Bewley’s in Ireland. Touched with his kind gestures and thoughts. Appreciations to him for taking the time to lunch at the new Food Republic in the basement of Shaw House…

SIN is getting ready to celebrate its 49yrs of independence this Sat 9Aug. The neighbourhood has colourful and delightful paintings by children decorating the void deck. Nice to see that while waiting for the bus. Looking forward to attending the NDP/National Day Parade which will be the 1st for me. Psychologically gearing up and preparing for the crowds and heat – 2 of the least favourite things in this life’s journey! Found the perfect outfit for the occasion 🙂 🙂

Attending NDP is one of the items to do in the bucket list and at this stage in life, must try not to just consume the bubbles in the bucket but to also live life to the fullest when there are still bubbles 🙂 🙂 🙂

Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others? –  The Bucket List movie

2 Aug 2014 – Hello August…

Sat: what was the occasion and where was this life music coming from, We Care@Marine Parade – Project Sunshine Day was the happening at the common area downstairs this morning. Just enough time to take a few pix before taking the bus into town…

Nice and quiet in the CBD on a Sat afternoon. The vertical gardens at Raffles Place needs a trim! With the view from 5th floor One Raffles Place to welcome Leonard Shoh back to SIN. Good to catch up and to hear what he has been up to in Brunei. Was hoping to make a visit there end of the year, but seems like that will not happen. He will be too busy getting his first batch of baby bass into action. Thanks to Clem for T at the Fullerton Hotel.

Fri: more than half of 2014 is over! Started Aug with 2hrs on the dentist chair for a root canal and this is the 2nd and final session! The jaw was stretched to the max! Thanks to niece Daisy for lunch and a ticket to Guardians to the Galaxy****Would not have watch this movie if not for the free ticket and surprising was totally amazed with the effects. Grandnephew Stanley was such a sport to want to watch this with me!

Thu: an enjoyable short swim in the training pool, the OCBC Aquatic Centre at the Sports Hub. Will try the competition pool for a longer swim before 17 Aug.

On Lake Murray SC/USA – grandkids #1-5 who will be heading to Norway to join #6 to celebrate their Norwegian  great-grandmother’s 90th birthday. Safe journeys to the Hall family.

Good chicken rice stall at Orchard Cathay basement, Koufu. Packages of tissue on the table is how seats are reserved in SIN! Watched 2 movies as the mood was there to be in front of big screens.

And So It Goes***there are a million reasons not to like realtor Oren Little, and that’s just the way he likes it. Obnoxious to anyone who might cross his path, he wants nothing more than to sell one last house and retire in peace and quiet – until his estranged son suddenly drops off a granddaughter…

Feel good movie and a good way to pass an afternoon!

Third Person**three interlocking love stories involving three couples who are not married to each other in three cities: Rome, Paris, and New York. relationships involving betrayal, guilt, incest, lies, sex,  etc etc too much emotions and soapy melodrama for me!

Aug  dates:

2 Aug – Happy 50th Bday to Claire Armstrong, the most wonderful baby-sitter to my children. Pix taken in SIN 1979 and in FL/USA 1989.

4 Aug – Happy Bday Candice Tay

5 Aug – Happy Bday LAM ChengEn

9 Aug – Happy 49th Bday SIN

10 Aug – Happy Bday LAM JenWee