Thursday, August 24, 2006

Ep2 : Cina Apek Banana

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[Second day in Singapore]
16.August.06
I wake up later this morning, hah, judging from yesterday morning's late show.

[10am]
To the Chinese Gardens i go.
It was pretty and all, but the sky looked dangerous, full of grey clouds so i walked real quickly.
After a while i really got sick of all the green stuff, i'm not really one for nature and all, and it was quite humid.
So i left.
NEXT!

[Chinatown Walking Tour]
I walked from Outram Park station towards Pagoda street.
On the way there, i couldn't resist peeking into McDonald's to see if they have pork burgers there.
They don't.
So my next travel destination must definitely have pork burgers or bacon and such.

First thing i see as i walk onto Pagoda street is a huge $10 sign. Beneath the sign, are my favourite type of pants, which are so so comfy! Yay...i went crazy over those.

Next was the Chinatown Heritage Centre. I wasn't allowed to take photos in there, so no photos. Only one from the reception area. It was really educational this place. I encourage you to go see this one. It explains the history of how the people immigrated from the different places in China to Singapore, explaining their lifestyle then. They have lots of re-creation of items like the opium pipe, the clothing styles, even the actual house, inside outside and everything.

After that, i just admired the beautiful architecture and the colourful sights. I saw the first Eu Yan Sang Traditional Chinese Medicine shop, now renovated and redecorated, a large shop taking up three shop houses. And i had famous egg tarts from Tong Heng a few shops down the road.
I walked down Sago Street, where apparently the buildings were death houses where the poor would go and die there. And i passed many buildings that used to be brothels. My imagination stirs all the while, as i walk down these red brick streets. I happen across a man doing carvings of calligraphy, he let me take a picture. It's actually very easy. He prints out the calligraphy, haha he's very modern, they used to write the calligraphy first and he sticks the printed sheet onto a piece of prepared wood, then he just carves accordingly. He then fills in the carved spaces with paint and paints the uncarved areas a contrasting color. Cool eh? Then i was at Ann Siang Hill Park. Saw this cute kitty taking a nap there under the shade.The thing about Singapore is they really seem to like these black sculpture thingies. I don't know what they are made of though. Here's some at the bottom of Ann Siang hill. The first is of traders and the second are kids during some parade or festival. I find their buildings very interesting. You see in this picture below, the front gate is this cute little halfway thing then a mini foyer before you get to the main door. And the outside wall below the windows are always decorated with colourful tiles or mosaics. This is the same concept all along Club Street.Here's another friendly little kitty. This little guy had a whole black and white crew, small big young and old, with him. They're actually quite near him but i couldn't manage to take a clear picture of the brood, they were moving too much. I went back to the hostel, had dinner at Parco Bugis Junction and visited Bugis Street.
Bugis Street is like a pasar malam that operates every night. It's got alot of fashion stuff but it caters mostly to the young. Food not so much though.
That's all for day two.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Ep1 : Singapore, Here i come!

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All my bags are packed, i'm ready to go...

14.August.06
And so i took the Ekspres Senandung Malam out to Singapore.
Ding ding ding ding... We regret to announce that due to derailment between Bukit Timah station and Tanjung Pagar station, trains headed to Singapore will be stopping at Woodlands.
But thats fine, i wasn't gonna let that stop me. I was going no matter what.
And so i said bye and got on the train.

[On the train]
Mum smses and asks me whether i'm seated next to a hunk or a punk.
Well, it was an indian man who smelt of sweat and other oils. I think i would have preferred a punk anytime. Couldn't sleep, the smell was too pungent.
so i drew some reflections into my sketchbook...
Just stared out the window and admired Malaysia in the dark.
It started getting really cold so i stuffed my hands into some socks.
It seemed almost never ending, this train ride.
But as all good things must come to an end, so is the same with bad things.
Thank God!

15.August.06
[At the train station]
We stopped at Woodlands Checkpoint as said before.
Waited behind a long line of tourists to get my passport stamped and allowed into the little island.
I tried to get directions to the nearest MRT station but apprently only those who speak in Mandarin only get up that early in the morning.
It was 7.15am.
So i hopped in a cab, and told the driver to take me to the nearest MRT station.
He dropped me off at Marsiling.
$5.40 for that few minutes.
I swore not to take another cab in Singapore unless absolutely necessary.

[At the MRT station]
I purchase an Ezlink card and top up $10 and i'm off to Bugis.
In the MRT, it's packed with people getting to work so i had to stand, bags and all.
Stop at Bugis.
I head straight for the Backpacker's place.
I got abit lost though, cos i was looking for Hylam street and Bugis Street but i didn't realise that the streets were in Parco Bugis Junction itself. The building was built around the street.
So once i got that, i found the place no problem.
It wasn't heaven, but it was enough for my aching feet.
Just a bed, a locker, a foot locker and a good clean toilet. All i really need anyway.
I checked in, paid for my four nights and had a rest.
[9.00am]
I got up, washed up and left to see Singapore!

[First Stop: Raffles Hotel]
The Grand Dame of Singapore. Apparently it was
the retreat and source of inspiration for many writers and movie stars, including Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad and Charlie Chaplin. I read about it all in the Museum within the Hotel. The Singapore Sling was created here, i'm told. Now its filled with top brand names like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co and other shops like that. Looked tempting but its not within my price range for shopping -.-

I love their windows, they have lots of these shutters everywhere. If they're not french style windows then they're shutters.







They have many many murals on the walls of circus acts like the one above. They also have murals that makes it seem like you're standing on a balcony staring out at a beautiful scene. I couldn't take a good picture of those though, because there wasn't enough room to maneuvre.

[Next stop: Singapore Art Museum]
I couldn't take pictures here but i did some sketches. There was an exhibition of 8 local artists that made it big, i think they're deceased now. It was called, 'The Art of Our Time'. I've often wondered why artist's work get more notice after they die. I still have yet to find out why.

A couple of particular artists that caught my attention were Liu Kang and Georgette Chen. These two focused on portraits and the human body, which are my favourite subjects for paintings. Georgette favoured oils on canvas, whereas Liu Kang loved to sketch with pencils and pens but also used oils. I don't know, i don't get the thing with oils, i prefer the usual paints, acrylics and such. Its said that oils are a whole lot more difficult to use, especially cos they don't blend as well.

[3rd Stop: CHIJMES]
I was wondering why the heck the Singaporeans must be so unique and can't just put CHIMES as its pronounced but must add a J. Then i found out that it's short for Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. So actually the CHIJ has most meaning, and the MES is added on. This place was cool, really beautiful. Such a nice atmosphere to eat in. The little shops selling souvenirs and little knick-knacks are also quite cute although the prices are to slaughter the tourists.

One thing about the place is that it has fantastic stained glass. Actually come to think of it, all the churches and more have fantastic stained glass. It's like a necessary thing.

It was raining all through the afternoon and i was tired. So i decided to go back to the hostel and call it a day.

Back at the hostel, i had a lot of time to think and reflect about the day gone by. I was amazed by cars that stopped for pedestrians. Here, pedestrians rule and drivers drool. They have such a good system of transportation that people don't need to buy cars, they can just hop on the MRT or the buses and get to wherever they wanna go so easily.

I also noticed the Ipod Generation. Everywhere i turn, especially at the MRT stations, there's all sorts of earphones stuck in people's heads. It's cool, i do it sometimes too. Especially if i'm alone. I even counted the number of people from City Hall station to Bugis station, which is only a station away and after 50 i stopped counting. PSP here, ipod there, mp3 player there, walkman phone somewhere else... I felt so bare cos i left my canggih phone behind and only took my old one with me.

I also realised that i feared my safety for nothing. Singapore's so safe. I should have just brought my phone and wallet. Almost no snatchthieves at all. Its like they don't exist. The crime rate is really low in Singapore. I'm starting to wish i stayed here now.

Anyway, its getting late so i showered and went to sleep.
Tomorrow will be a new day.


Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Changi to Bangi... Sembawang to Senawang

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Hello all!

I'm back!
In case you all didnt know, i went down to Singapore on the 14th and i just came back today.
I'll update you about my very eventful trip later on, cos i'm really tired and not exactly in the right mood to write about stuff.

See y'all!

Monday, August 14, 2006

Arrrgh...u helping or what?

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I don't understand .
Am i some day-old newsapaper that you throw into your neighbour's house?
Are you put on this earth to purposely test me/annoy me/piss me off?
I'm trying so hard not to get angry but you're really pushing my limit.
But at least i'm improving.
Look, i bet you didn't notice that i was angry today, right?
Hahaha, bet you didn't.
I feel like a pad.
Use then throw.
Actually, thats not right.
It's more like a good book.
Read then pass to other people to read.
Hmph.
So anyway, HELP HELP, fire fire!
Call the FIREMAN!
Call now! Emergency!
Fireman, come now!

Ok enough psychotic ramblings today.
Nighty night.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Bleargh

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I have some things on my mind that i want to blog about , but i'm just too lazy to do it properly.
YAY! I'm going to singapore on monday! I'm all packed up and ready to go. Got my tickets and everything. I can't believe i'm finally going after all the planning and unplanning and replanning. haha YES! Even though some things didn't turn out the way i hoped it would be, but i'm sure i'll have loads of fun anyway! Anybody? Still not too late, can still join me?

I just came back from watching Pantas dan Garang 2 and Tokyo Drift at the Movie Marathon at Starlight Cinema. It was a cool night so it wasn't too bad. A new friend, Josie, she brought tons of food, and we struggled to finish it. After that, we had to wait for about half an hour before we could get out of the place.

Now almost everyone has the Tokyo Drift song as their ringtone. YERRRR. -.-

Anyway, time to go beddy bye now otherwise i'll probably be late for church.


Stacie orrico - I'm not missing you

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Ooh
I'm not missin' you

Been through just about everything,
That i could go through,
When it comes to relationships.
Don't know what i was missing
Or why i ain't listen
When i told myself that was it.
But here i go,
Hurt again.
Cause of my curiosity.
Now that it's over,
What else could it be,
Besides a cheat?

I made a promise never to settle,
Why didn't i keep it?
Cause i hid the heart break, cryin' and cheatin',
The fooling around.
But i'm not missin' you...

I'm not going through emotions,
Waiting and a hoping you call me.
I'm not missin' you.
You mighta had me open,
But i must be goin' because,
I got lots to do.
I know i'm usually hanging on,
I used to hate to see you go.
But this time is different;
I don't even feel the distance.
I'm not missin'; i'm not missin' you...

It's a shame in way,
Cause i feel that i may not
Ever find the right one for me.
Did i leave him this year,
Right n front of my face (oh).
Will my love ever be?
Why would i go,
on a search again?
When i know what the
end will be.
What good is love
When it keeps on hurting me?

No, i can't be with you
Cause i'm scared.
Felt like i was falling when you left me.
I can't keep going through life
Unaware of what i'm missing
Or the person that i could be.
Love's good when it's right.
Bad, when it's left in your memory.
All the times, and anytime.
I guess love would be nice for someone, as this life...
I'm not missin' you...

I'm not going through emotions,
Waiting and a hoping you call me.
I'm not missin' you.
You mighta had me open,
But i must be goin' because,
I got lots to do.
I know i'm usually hanging on,
I used to hate to see you go
(i used to hate it).
Different...
(don't feel the) distance.
I'm not missin'; i'm not missin' you...

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Anniversary

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Today's my parents dunno how many years anniversary. I think its 21 years. Haha not very long right, yeah cos they're still relatively young.

My dad bought my mum a ring that she'd had her eyes on for a long long time. Haha, aww so romantic. I never knew he had it in him. She's been hinting for so long, but he never said a word. He just looked and told her she can buy it herself. Sigh, the romance of the old. I suppose you'll have to do things like this to keep up the romance.

Now my turn...i don't really know what to do for them. Dinner? Something handmade? Sigh... choices choices. Maybe i'll draw them something. Draw their faces in a card or something. My mum loves my drawings. Any suggestions? Quick quick!

Fireman comes to the rescue!

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I almost got real angry again today.
And i'm glad for my dear Fireman.
I felt it coming on, the choke in my throat, but He came in and cooled me.
Helped me understand, rationalise and react in a nicer way.
Makes me really sad to know that i could be real teruk without him.
Makes me feel guilty for the many times i did.
Makes me more determined to never do things like that again.
Maybe i should think about anger management classes -.-

[honestly]
Honestly, there ARE many things i don't like about myself.
And honestly, i am getting help (like my fireman) in changing these ugly things.
And honestly, i'm feeling a mite discouraged.
Cos honestly, this sucks.
Honestly, i wasn't and probably still aren't an honest person.
Not honest to people, not honest to myself, not honest to God.
And it really discourages me when i'm trying to be honest and stupid things happen.
Like when my parents were surprised that the one who committed the so-called crime wasn't me.
The first thing they did was point the finger at me.
And i had been clean for a long time.
You can't imagine how upset i was.
And discouraging incidents like that, get me wondering...
whether i should even bother, since no one will believe me anyway.
God knows, i regret ever letting myself get an evil track record like that.
I know how hard it is to rebuild a reputation.
And i have been working real hard at it, especially the one with my parents.
And i'm so thankful that now they believe me.

...now its just everyone else...

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

My fireman

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The anger has subsided.
Actually it subsided last night, while i was praying.
And i actually thought that pride was my biggest problem.
No way.
It's anger.
I'm such an easy target for the prowling lion.
Once i get angry, then he just adds more fuel.
Thank God i have God.
Always ready with arms wide open and a fire extinguisher.

[on a different note]
My travel plans have been screwed up.
It really sucks, it really really does.
I'm so disappointed.
I've been looking forward to it so SO much.
But i'm just gonna do it alone.
My friend, TheBlur, he said it's so depressing to eat alone, go out alone, do things alone that he almost never does it alone.
But i've been doing it alone for so long, it doesn't feel like much to me.
So this shouldn't be any different.
[little conscience cricket]
'aw, but its so far away. you really shouldn't travel alone like this. it's dangerous. and such.'
Sigh. What to do.
So now is to decide whether to go this coming monday or the week before my parents go.
And where to stay.
Sigh, so long blog, i'll off to plan my itinerary.

Anger burns Pt.2

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I'm still abit upset.
I'm scared.
Sigh.
I think i'll just have to jump right into it and then its sink or swim.
Therefore, i'm leaving tomorrow.

[i'm such a chicken]

After making my decision to go, i'm thinking, 'but theres practice on friday'
Bla bla bla. I'm so lame.
Sigh.

Anger burns

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You know, i always get warnings whenever i'm starting to get pissed. I get all warm, i start sweating and i feel this choke coming up from my diaphragm and i may or may not start to tear. I'm a weird person, i often cry when i get so angry.

Well. I'm not crying now. I just learnt a very important lesson. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Haha almost the same anyway. God, i need you so much.

I absolutely downright hate it when people change my plans, disturb it, or make me wait. I guess i've got to learn how to deal with that. Patience, something i lack so much. You'd think after so long, i would have learnt patience. One of my biggest shortcomings that i really need to overcome.

I'm still pissed, Lord. And i don't want to go to sleep like this. Please give me peace. Help me be dependent on you so that people won't disappoint me. I need to feel your arms around me, just hugging me. I've missed you all this while, but i never realised it. I need you now, for always.

Ah, the young and restless

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I'm bored out of my brains. I'm so restless now since i've been sitting at home almost all the time. I would LOVE to go out, but i want to save my money for the upcoming trips and i know if i leave the house, i'll use money.

And so i read, and read. Devour whatever printed material i have in my house. Burn them up in my mind...But now, i've finished reading everything. Books, magazines, newspapers...heck, even product labels.

So i'm back to being bored. I can't wait to leave town. I can't wait to leave my house and the people i live with, the people i always see, my friends. I just wanna be away from it all, just for a while. To be more or less alone (ahah like i said, more or less) or at least with people i choose to be. I've been thinking alot about studying overseas. Money's a problem, but then i shouldn't let it be a problem. I made a *hehe* mid year resolution, to study and do really well and try to earn a scholarship to one of my dream higher education institutes.

Time will tell how that'll turn out.

I've been questioning and questioning about what God wants me to do with my life. What am i supposed to do... Ever since i landed myself in the hospital, i've wondered, is KBU really where i'm supposed to be studying, is that really what i'm supposed to be studying. And i got an answer. It took a lot more thinking before i decided to make a change.

People questioned me and bugged me, saying things like this industry is not very profitable, you probably won't make alot of money, this industry promotes vanity and is just encouraging rich people to waste their money and asking me time and time again whether this is what i really want to do. That really discouraged me and made me doubt whether i really am prepared to deal with this.

Others encouraged me, and i can't tell you how much i appreciate those sweet words of encouragement. I'm so glad that my parents understood and they willingly helped me through this whole process of looking for a new college, canceling my old course. My parents *my dad especially* would have freaked, cos they had already warned me to choose wisely, way before i started and i know that this is costing them so much, but they didn't. And i realise that the path has been smoothed for me.

And so people, yes i'm sure that this is what i'm going to do.
*i'm so tempted to put the words stop bugging me in bold here*
Hope that answers all your questions.