19 May 2013 – Bus from Malacca to Penang

Wed: 1030hrs KPA bus from Malacca bus terminal to KL stopping 45min, Ipoh 30mins, + 2 other quick rest stops to arr in Penang 1900hrs MYR45 S$19. KL bus terminal is not a favourite, thus no pix. When waiting in the bus, one could really feel the pollution, considering the numbers of buses in the dark basement! Ipoh has a new bus terminal and quite impressive for a small town. The ride was smooth and comfortable. Had our own food and water and even managed to nap.

Filling gas at Butterworth before crossing the bridge. Quite amazed to see how much gas a bus like this takes…

Crossing this lovely suspension bridge to Sungei Nibong interstate bus terminal on Penang Island. The public bus ride into Georgetown took app 45min MYR2 S$0.85c. Got into the heritage area in the dark. The first time here was in the 1950s with my parents, but with hardly any memory besides the Snake Temple which freaked me out. The next trip was 1996 for a wedding, so did not see any of the tourist or heritage sites.

Little is known of this island’s early history. Chinese seafarers were aware of the island back in 1500s which they called Betelnut Island but it appears to have been uninhabited until the 1700s when colonists arrived.

Thu: the Chulia Heritage Hotel***in the heart of the heritage district was decent, MYR260 S$108 for 2 nights. Clean room with bathroom attached. Service could be better if they were more flexible about a late check-out considering the room we had the leak in the bathroom and had to change room after 1 night.

Hawkers food (night only) and night life just 1min walk from the hotel.

Good noodles for brunch. There is a free bus shuttle around historic UNESCO Georgetown

Pinang Peranakan Museum, MYR10 S$4. Once a residence of Chung KengQuee, one of the most wealthy Baba-Nonyas of that era. Now a stunning restored with intricate elaborate designed and furnished owned by Mr Soon, worth the time to see. Most who have been following the TV series The Little Nonya might recognise some of the scenes.

The Colonial District: Fort Cornwallis.

Clock Tower, City Hall, Town Hall.

The Weld Quay Clan Jetties Waterfront Settlement. A long hot busy day ended with a simple noodle dinner.

http://www.penang.ws/penang-attractions/clan-jetties.htm

Fri: National Day for Norway and no Norwegian food! DimSum at the same place yesterday. Another hot day with more exciting heritage buildings. The Penang base for Dr Sun YatSen, leader of the 1911 Chinese revolution. Cheong Fatt Tze/Blue Mansion which is a hotel and only allowed in at certain times for a guided but time was not on our side.

Khoo Kongsi/clanhouse, MYR10 S$4. The Khoo are a successful clan and they certainly did not hide it. As impressive as all of this, the roof caught fire on the night it was completed in 1901! It was no surprise to find a pix of father’s friend Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat who used to address father as ‘brother TinYue’.

Being 17th May wanted to have some Western food. Buffet at The Eastern&Oriental Hotel, originally built in 1884, has stood as a testament to the grand elegance of the British colonial era. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and not within my budget to stay and the buffet was so-so, MYR192 S$80 for 2pp including 1 drink. Their E&O Sling is more to my taste than the SIN Sling!

http://easternorientalhotel.com/

Public bus to airport MYR2.70 S$1.20c 1hr+ ride. Computer system was down for TigerAir and gate agents are not used to hand-write boarding passes! In addition, there was a group of 13 students from Eton House International Primary School/SIN. 30mins delay for take-off and even with these problems, the arrival time back to SIN was just 15mins later than scheduled. PEN-SIN costing MYR120 S$50.

The total expenses with airfares, transport, hotels and everything inclusive for 5days 4nights trip is S$410.

All of us grow up in particular realities – a home, family, a clan, a small town, a neighborhood. Depending upon how we’re brought up, we are either deeply aware of the particular reading of reality into which we are born, or we are peripherally aware of it – Chaim  Potok

17 May 2013 – Hurra for syttende mai

http://amylamsg.com/2011/05/17/national-day-2011-in-norway/

Malacca is one of my favourites places in Malaysia, a town with such an exciting blend of cultures. 1400s, Admiral Cheng Ho with his Chinese influence, 1500s the Portuguese, 1600s Dutch and 1800s came the Brits with their colonial ways…

Mon: 0900hrs bus/Delima Express from City Plaza/SIN to Malacca/Malaysia, S$23. Arr Malacca 1230hrs with stops only at the immigrations on the SIN and Malaysia sides, comfortable ride. Cab from bus terminal into town MYR20 S$8.40 where Courtyard@ Heeren**** is located, MYR400 S$166 for 2nights. Nice clean boutique hotel with good service and in the heart of the heritage district.

Disappointing lunch at Famosa Chicken Rice Ball* Managed a short walk after lunch, but not a good idea as the heat was overwhelmingly hot. Afternoon siesta was the better choice. Tea time at Case Del Rio**** by the river, one of the best pizzas and ginger fizz drink.

Painted the town ‘red’ with some of the demonstrators against racism with the law across the road and other eyes keeping close watch over by Christ Church (1753).

Edited 18 May: sunset at St Paul’s Church, dinner at near-by hawkers,

Tue: early morning walk by the river, Porte de Santiago/A’Famosa,

Jonkers Walk, breakfast at the annex of hotel on Jln Tun Tan Cheng Lock

Nancy’s Kitchen was recommended by SIN friends, but fortunately it was closed! The locals who recommended prefer Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine****excellent, even when it is located away from the heritage area. No MSG in this homecooking with good fresh produce. Reservations is a must as they only cater for a certain amount of people. The chef (Amy Koh) and owners (Mr Lim) choice of dishes are tasty and the quantity and quality were perfect. And all that yummy food MYR50 S$20 for 2pp.

I  don’t like gourmet cooking or ‘this’ cooking or ‘that’ cooking. I like good cooking – James  Beard

What a way to end this evening. On the way back to the hotel, walked pass by the mall and decided to watch Iron Man 3*** at a GSC Cinemas, MYR12 S$5. When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution. Action flicks are not my cup of tea but did enjoy this and a was good way to pass time on this warm evening.

12 May 2013 – Memory=ability to hold in the mind…

This blog has been approached by the Singapore  Memory Project /SMP and by contributing to the SMP (above badge and logo), affirms that every memory matters. So from Jul 2013 when this life’s journey is on the 300km UK coast to coast path, http://amylamsg.wordpress.com will be listed on the SMP page:

http://www.singaporememory.sg/blog_contributors

And so the journey continues with memories and acknowledgments not just to SIN but of everyone, everywhere and everything that cross this path.

Thu: tkx to Chris TAY for demonstrating what a well-equipped and charming gentleman he is. Campers Corner was at The Fire & Disaster show at MBS (7-9May) demonstrating their gears contributing to the safety in disaster situations. Would have been fun if the convention committee would have allowed a more exciting show, ie by letting the young well-build guys swinging from the poles saving young ladies… just a thought 🙂 🙂

At the Promenade MTR station are these glittery raindrops or teardrop art piece hanging from the ceiling. Certainly eye-catching! Now this is when I prefer travelling on the MRT, non-rush hour with no crowds, on the way to Bayfront. Later MRT to Bras Basah (station with a water feature above), met 3 girls from United World College who were doing a survey on public transport. Was more than happy to contribute to their field-trip day.

Stadium MRT station is still my favourite so far.

Tkx to Audrey and nephew Clement for their company to share a takeout meal.

Fri: welcome niece Patricia back from NYC and welcome JohnC visitor from HKG. The lines of cabs waiting to pick up passengers on a Fri evening at T1. And that is why they are unhappy to drive the short distances, but still no reason to be crabby! Prefer to take the bus or MRT when no check-in  luggage and glad that JohnC travels light!

Busy busy busy…

Sat: tourist guiding around Haji Lane,

Malaya Heritage Centre – FOC for SIN seniors, otherwise S$4 for adult. This new centre is tastefully done and worth the time to see. The house and the grounds brought back good memories of childhool of 5 Temenggong Rd…

http://www.malayheritage.org.sg/MHCPortal/

Arab St area,

Divine Wine Bar at Parkview Sq,

MBS and Que Bayfront with Rodin’s The Thinker.

Sun: Happy Mothers Day to all mothers. Family dinner at Les&Ivy. Heading by bus to Malaysia tomorrow and might not have the time or any accessibility online. Have a wonderful week.

What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce  ― Karl Lagerfeld

10 May 2013 – Sign of Life

Saw the title Sign of Life which was regarded as a powerful symbol during the Pharaoh, rulers of all Ancient Egyptian dynasty times.

Discreetly took this pix (no flash) during the visit at the Mummy Exhibition. Found it rather intriguing and ironic, considering that death is the main subject with Mummy!

Faience amulet in the shape of ankh, said to be from Gebel Barkal, Egypt 25th Dynasty to Late Period, about 700-500 BC. This amulet was acquired by Lord Kitchener in the Sudan. It probably originated in a temple, since amulets found in burials are usually smaller.

7 May 2013 – And Journey West…

Journey East was opened in 1995 at Dempsey Hill then, a furniture place which encourages environmental awareness. They specialise in a range of recycled, restored, eco-friendly furniture and home accessories. Now located on Outram Rd.

We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them. We say we love trees, yet we cut them down. And people still wonder why some are afraid when told they are loved – Author Unknown

Being a tree person, the concept of this poster is appealing. Vertical gardens are the way to go with the limited space in SIN, also a nice effect to cover the hard and harsh concrete. Here, it is tastefully done with a combination of wood, quite inviting to curl up with a book here 🙂

The 3D monkey are delightful and would be cute to have in the vertical garden. Lotus Leaf Vases are a decoration themselves without any flowers in them, unique and attractive.

Anita SAM, have sent her an image of what can be done with the smaller recycle water bottles. Make a chandelier or anything of them when you have time to find a way to do it.

Check out the fun Extra Large novelties, can imagine male friends rowing their eyes if I mention that I have now seen the largest cork-screw 🙂 🙂

Clever idea with these unbreakable dinosaurs for the children to play with while parents shop. Grandson JohnW would have enjoyed them but Ginger, a well-behaved cat is completely indifferent to tyrannosaurus rex… 🙂 🙂 🙂

2nd daughter May in Norway will love these retro design. Appreciations to Anita for taking time to chat and showing these fun furniture, art and deco. Thank you for allowing pix to be taken. This is only a tiny selection, highly recommended to see the full selection at Journey East. This life’s journey will soon continue to the west, but will journey east again in Oct…

• 315 Outram Road, #03-02 Tan Boon Liat Building
• Singapore 169074
• Tel: 6473 1693
• http://www.journeyeast.com

When Ginger, the shop’s pet appeared in FB, decided to check out the location. Met Anita via Brian&Helen some months back and then again in HKG. The showroom is in TBL Building, Mr Tan the owner of the building was an old family friend. Across from TBL Building used to be the school where some of my siblings attended. Now state land and a graveyard…

Also was in the area to take pix of 3 Seng Poh which was owned by grandfather in the 1940s-1960s. Another posting when time permits to research into the old pix at SIN Archives.

Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,
Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God’s great Judgment Seat;
But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,
When two strong men stand face to face,
tho’ they come from the ends of the earth! – R Kipling

4 May 2013 – Admission and Finding Mr Right…

Tue: tried to see Admission, but was told that on the eve of public holidays, there are no senior discounts and certainly no discounts on public holidays and weekends. A full price ticket is S$11 as compared to a senior ticket, S$4.00-S$4.50 depending on which cinemas. Can wait till after May Day!

Admission***a Princeton admissions officer who is up for a major promotion takes a professional risk after she meets a college-bound alternative school kid who just might be the son she gave up years ago in a secret adoption.

Finding Mr Right***willful city girl Jia Jia travels to Seattle to give birth to the son that will help her win over her rich married boyfriend. But nothing goes as plan when she is stranded in a small house with 2 other pregnant ladies and unable to reach her boyfriend. Help came unexpectedly when driver Frank befriends her and was there through the birth of her son.

Both romantic comedies, entertaining and feel good movies. Needed that after unwrapping the Mummy and wrapping at a funeral!

Fri: Searching For Sugar Man**** is a Swedish-British documentary film, which tells the efforts of two S African fans who set out to find if the rumored death of American musician Sixto Rodriguez was true, and, if not, to discover what had become of him. Rodriguez’s music, which never took off in the US, but was wildly popular in S Africa in the 1970s.

This film recently won the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary at the 66th British Academy Film Awards in London and two weeks later it won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards in Hollywood. And well deserved.

Have not heard of Sixto Rodriguez until this movie, admiration and respect for him now. His lyrics are befitting and profound for 1970s Apartheid S Africa which might be why he is popular there. Reading and remembering then provides some understanding about the anti-Apartheid in S Africa. Some of his songs came to serve as anti-Apartheid anthems in S Africa, where his work influenced many musicians who protested the government then.

Sugar man, won’t you hurry
‘Cos I’m tired of these scenes
For a blue coin won’t you bring back
All those colors to my dreams… – Sixto Rodriguez

1 May 2013 – Happy May Day on this Hump Day 🙂

Mon: early lunch, tkx to Aileen for spicy yummy Javanese lunch at Pondok Jawa Timur/Wilkie Edge***The Nasi Campur Set gave a variety of chicken, beef & veggie. We also shared a plate of stir-fried brocoli, good flavour and crispy – how veg should be done when not having it raw. Love trying new venues.

Worth paying S$20 to see the Mummy – Secrets of the Tomb and The Art of the Brick (extended to 26May) at the ArtScience Museum. The museum and what’s on now are interesting and enjoyable. Highly recommended. Wanted to visit this museum for a long while and these 2 exhibitions got me going…

Have seen some of the Mummy exhibits over the years in different countries and still never fail to be fascinated. Photography was not allowed, above 3 pix credits to ST. The 3D film (30mins and limited seating) is educational and unwrap a 3,000 year-old mystery.

http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Museum/Whats-On/

For many, including my children, Lego has been part of our toys when growing up. Nathan Sawaya first came to national attention in 2004, when he left his job as an attorney to work full-time as a LEGO artist. His creations are beyond words and one has to see them to feel and relate to the emotions. His signature piece, a human form sculptures titled ‘Yellow’ (11,014 Lego bricks/LB) a kind of self-portrait about his transition opening up to the world. Very profound.

And just a few of the others ‘Trapped’ (3,423LB), ‘Disintegration’ (10,124LB),

a life-size tyrannosaurus rex 6-foot (1.8 m) tall (80,124LB), a display well worthy to be on its own;

portrait of Alfred Hitchcock and also you can computerize your Lego portrait in all shades and colours 🙂 🙂

http://brickartist.com/gallery-a-z/

Salvatore Ferragamo brings the Art of Shoemaking to SIN and here is one of my favourite fountains/water features in SIN at The Shoppes in MBS.

Ended this wonderful day with an alfresco fine dinning, a view from 57 floor of the MBS Skypark at Ku Dé Ta****Tkx to Les&Ivy. Lawrence&Mabel will be off back to KCH tomorrow. Never knew that there could be so much energy in this aging body but what a fun exciting day 🙂 🙂 🙂

Tue: saw Lawrence&Mabel off at the airport, safe journeys to them. Headed straight on to Hagley & Hoyle, continuing to attend a muslin funeral rituals and prayers for Zai’s mother-in-law at her home. May she RIP. Condolences to Zai  and her family.

http://amylamsg.com/2010/05/01/may-day/

1 May – Happy May Day

5 May – Happy Cinco De Mayo

6 May – Happy Bdays WONG Wai Kit & Jan SOSA

10 May – Happy Bday Andrew LAM

13 May – Happy Bday Susannah LAM

17 May – Happy Bday LAM Poh Chee & hurra for 17 mai

18 May – Happy Bday Helen VICKERY-YEO

23 May – Happy Bday Yasmine AMEEN

27 May – Happy Bdays LAM Sui Chang & Karen LIM

28 May – Happy Bday Vanessa LAM

30 May– Happy Bday Hans Kristian HUSTAD

My worst day as an artist is better than my best day as a lawyer – Nathan Sawaya

29 Apr 2013 – Do Bring May Flowers!

Happy 17th Bday to grandnephew Stanley, eldest grandson to bro Steven.

And it has certainly been wet the past week but nice with the refreshing rains. Tomorrow will be the last day of Apr which means life’s journey will be on the go again soon. Somehow it seems that there was not much time this trip. Need to slow down and take time to do what has been on the shelves for the past years…

Received an invite to a high school graduation class of 2013 from Josh Bowman. How is it possible that he is already done with high school? Congratulations and good luck to Josh. It does not seem that long ago when his father, Matt graduated from LHHS…

which also means that the class of LHHS 1993 will be back in FL celebrating their 20th reunion this year!!!

Tea at High Society***in Marina Bay Sands, not that they are needed but some cupcakes will be cheerful to just look at and some will give energy so as not to feel the years flying by so quickly.

Fri: grocery shopping and logistics for the UKc2c. Will there be enough energy to complete this 300km/190m trail? Another challenge and time will show, but looking forward to it.

Sat: was awakened by loud thunders, fortunately did not have to go out. Home-made lunch in delightful company of Hong & KK who is just as camera-shy as the one holding the camera! When Richard visited in Feb, forgot our annual pix. Above pix from 2012 – Richard & Hong looks exactly the same, and Hong, so does my place!! Encouraging to know that our memories are still in tact to be able to laugh about our mischievous good old childhood days 🙂

Made Salmon Sashimi with Sesame Oil for family and friends over the weekend and was all gone, so must be yummy! Am better with making food when there is no cooking involved 🙂 🙂

Sun: another tropical downpour early morning. Tkx to Leonard (in red) to more app for the MacBook Air, will learn to use it sooner or later. Without him, there would not have been a laptop, thus no blog either… 🙂 🙂 🙂

Dinner at Les&Ivy who want to change in this chandelier for a new one.

Again the blackbirds Sing; the streams Wake, laughing from their winter dreams, and Tremble in the April showers – JohnG Whittier

26 Apr 2013 – Evening of Satire & Wit…

Wed: Drama Centre at the National Library: an entertaining evening with live music by The Ensemble Dimension Players who did a good job with their delightful playing and repertoire of music.

Two ‘romeos’ bend the truth to spice up their lives. Jack has invented a brother, Ernest, whom he uses to escape his dull country life, and to woo the ravishing Gwendolyn. His best friend Algernon also decides to take the name ‘Ernest’ to cosy up to Jack’s ward, Cecily, in the country. However, things get messy when their deceptions are discovered, threatening to spoil their romantic pursuits.

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest**** is a popular comedy with some of the funniest lines of the English language. In Wild Rice’s production and film director Glen Goei puts a provocative spin on this comic play by casting an all-male ensemble – revealing new insights into Wilde’s comedy about the foibles of high society. The truth is rarely pure and never simple.

The final drama was after the play when some woman’s long shirt was caught in the escalator as we were leaving… all’s well that ends well 🙂

Thu: another family dinner at Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant****in Grand Mercure Roxy thanks to Jo&Michael+family. Delicious food, especially the salted egg battered prawns. Lucas&Beth, the two youngest family members are well-behaved and adorable. And so are the other two from the orange generation too… 🙂 🙂

Since the beginning of Apr, earthquakes with a magnitude of M6+ have been happening in Sichuan/China M6.6, Iran/Pakistan M7.7, Indonesia, Izu Islands/Japan, Kuri Islands, Papua New Guinea, Russia leaving much devastation and deaths. When and where will the big one hit? The map above shows 242 quakes including those that measured below M6+

On top of the natural disasters, accident like the Bangladesh collapsed factory has taken at least 900+ life (edited 10May). This is not an isolated problem, hundreds of thousands toil in unsafe conditions on poverty wages to make our clothes – so is there a solution??

The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, the young know everything. And I am not young enough to know everything – Oscar  Wilde

23 Apr 2013 – Partings and Reunions

Sat: Ciera & family will be moving back to Ireland after their 3+yrs stay in SIN. To Kitty & Dennis, safe trips back to Ireland via Saudi Arabia. Appreciations for a farewell get together in good company including His Excellency Mr&Mrs Joe Hayes, Ambassador of Ireland and patron of the Irish Graduates Association of SIN (IGAS). Thank you Ciera&Steve for delicious Thai food. To the Brosnan family go raibh maith agat for crossing my path and

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again…

Sun: met Lawrence&Mabel at the airport arriving from KCH. A very wet taxi ride to Les&Ivy, spending the rest of the day and evening indoors in this lovely cool wet weather. The heat and humidity have been rather oppressive the past few days the and rains are always refreshing in the tropics.

Mon:  speedy recovery to Gel who has recently undergone a major surgery. Tea with Gel&Millie at Dome’s/Dempsey Hill where there is a huge fish in the pond. Thought it is an Arowana but then does Arowana grow that large? Tkx to CH for the info about this fish-arapaima/pirarucu/paiche/Arapaima gigas is a South American tropical, freshwater fish. It is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.

Appreciations to Les&Ivy for a ‘small’ family get together dinner at Long Beach/Dempsey**** with Yasmine&Andrew, visiting from London and her first experience with a fan without blades 🙂

I think the most beautiful thing is that we’re not parting because there were  problems. We’re parting because we’re celebrating each others’ growth – Kelly  Rowland