Internal Tourist - Asian Civilisation Museum

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT Station
Admission Charges: SGD 8 / pax

Because of the special Manchu Mania! program, admission to this event and the Asian Civilisation Museum galleries was FREE which explains why I made a trip down today.



Asian Civilisation Museum was originally Empress Place Building.

For over a century this neo-Palladian building was used as government offices. The central portion was built 1684-65 in anticipation of Singapore’s transfer of rule from India to the Colonial Office. Vacated in the mid 1980s, it underwent major restoragion work in order to house the Asian Civilisation Museum.

First stop: Singapore River Gallery 1


Don't be mistaken to think these were old coins used in the past.  These are actually Hong Men membership token

Membership tokens were carried around by secret society members, touting slogans like ‘Members of the brotherhood should help one another.’

These are the real old coins.  I have some of these stashed at home haha.

Then in the Shaw Foyer was an exhibition on Fantastic Creatures!
Mythical creatures of all shapes and sizes are presented in this exhibition. One can find the mermaid here haha.

Next Gallery: Southeast Asia Gallery 3 and 4



This is a Sandstone torso.  What I found interesting was the headless component.  It is said that the missing head and arms means that the identity of the figure remains obscure, although the style is found frequently on images of deities such as Shiva or Vishnu.

Filial Piety
While parents are alive,
One must not travel afar.
If one must, one’s whereabouts
Should always be made known.
Analects, Book II: Li Ren 19

Somehow it made me very thoughtful...

Special Exhibition: The Kangxi Emperor - Treasures from the Forbidden City
Hailed as one of China's greatest emperors, the Kangxi Emperor, XuanYe, succeeded his father, Emperor Shunzhi, at the tender age of eight. During his reign (1662 to 1722), the Manchus consolidated rule over China and the Chinese empire expanded.

The Kangxi Emperor's many achievements can be attributed to his passion and competence in his various roles. He was an astute ruler, skilled warrior, keen scholar and patron of the arts. His intellect, political acumen, diverse talents and civic virtues won him the admiration and support of his subjects.
This exhibition showcases treasures from The Palace Museum, Beijing and offers visitors a rare glimpse into the Forbidden City.

Unfortunately, no photo is allowed so everything I seen inside can only be downloaded from my limited memory (i.e. I forgot what I saw already haha)

Oh but I was curious about the Forbidden City and read up some info in the wiki. Somehow it did not answer my nagging question though - Why is it called The Forbidden City? Beijing Services answered my question with this answer: In the feudal society, emperors had supreme power, so this residence was certainly a forbidden place. Hmm.. I guess this will suffice.

This rare set consists of six trays – two at the centre and four surrounding. The two trays in the middle are inspired by the symbols yin and yang. Such trays were most popular during the Kangxi period, and even in modern times.

I like this Sweetmeat Tray because of the yin-yang.

Torajan House

The Torajans from Sulawesi Indonesia are known for their tongkonans. A tongkonan is a very spectacular house for living in and for elebration. The towering roof and rich decoration protects its occupants from danger.

The root word, tongkon means “to sit in one’s proper place”. Your house shows who you are in the village! The higher status you have, the more decorated your house is.

Ampang Bilik or “the doorstep of the room” is found in the central room of the tokongnan. It is a beautiful decorative panel which features animals and images which are very special to the Torajans. See if you can spot the buffalo, the pig, the rooster, the snakes and the sun disks.

Last stop: South Asia Galleries 7 and 8



Traditional vehicles include elephants, horses, peacocks, bulls, eagles, lions and other vahana, on which ride the key Hindu gods = Shiva, Vishnu and Durga. All Hindu god travel in a ratha (chariot) on special festivals.



Then I wandered about their facilities.  This River Room which is so quiet now, will later turn into a bustle of activity for the Manchu Mania! activities. 

The children will be happily making stencil art, paper lanterns, colouring and making plaster models as cute as this...



Before I wrapped up, I have to comment that the touch screen machines are very cute.  Upon touching them, these guides will share information with you.  But what if it is in idle mode?  Then they will be portrayed as playing with their handphone, singing (I put my ears near the screen to hear what they are singing haha), praying, caressing a cloth, and playing with a face mask like this one...



For Souvenir, I chose to buy a set of magnet from the Heritage trades collection by Choo Keng Kwang

Featuring accomplished local artist Choo Keng Kwang’s collage of oil paintings from the Singapore Art Museum collection, donated by the Times Publishing Group. The images capture a calligrapher, fortune-teller, clog-maker and latern-maker at work – marking a nostalgic moment in time of traditional, dedicated workmanship and craft.

Which reminds me, my next stop should be Singapore Art Museum already haha. I ever blogged about it before but forgot to visit it still. Let's see fate.

And while blogging, I decided to check out how was the Living Court House event that day. Stumbled into this photographer's set which I must say, has an amazing set of photo-work. I like some of the building photos the photographer has taken. Sigh I really regret not going to Living Court House early.

(Psst, for ACM, to avoid the noon crowd, I actually went there at 9am and stayed there for 3 hours to visit all the galleries haha. Then I came back after gym just to see the crowd and activities.. before leading a family of tourist from Indonesian who got lost to ACM while finding the Merlion. Ended up admiring the Esplanade MRT walkthrough which I haven't visited for a long long time ... Dead Beat!)

Related Posts:

Internal Tourist - Wheelies and the rest
Internal Tourist - Club
Internal Tourist - Temples
Internal Tourist - Palau Ubin and Changi
Internal Tourist - Southern Ridge
Internal Tourist - Museums
Internal Tourist - Arts
Internal Tourist - Arts Part 2
Internal Tourist - Asian Civilisation Museum

Ben Folds - Red is Blue

Ben Folds - Red is Blue

Everything is changing
You're looking for the cure
And you feel like you're the loneliest girl, in the world

Trouble in your head now
You don't know what to do
Seems like up is down and red, is blue

Red is blue, red is blue

Remember when we started
Days when all was fun
All we can make when life, was young

Now you're getting older
Nothing feels the same
You can't even make sense of, your own name

Because red is blue
Doesn't make much sense but
Red is blue
Messing with your head now
Red is blue

In your heart there's a room where you lock away
All the times, and the things that she said

And now
Red is blue
What was near is far now
Red is blue
Like a fallen star and
Red is blue

From the movie "Hoodwinked". Actually it is quite an interesting movie haha. Oh and I watched the first stage of initial D finished finally. Woah.. pretty exhilarating.

Some Musing

I have some thoughts over the weekend... random thoughts...

1) Do you think nature should be left alone or made more accessible for nature lovers? (Source: URA)

Sometimes, when I'm close to nature, I feel so lucky to be alive. 
But MOST of the times, when I'm in the nature area, I only feel sadness.  Whether it is in SG (Pasir Ris Mangrove, Sungei Buloh, Southern Ridge) or in MY (Berkelah's trip).. or overseas.. times and times.. I see rubbish strewn, I see litter floating in the river.  How many knows the reason why Grasstales was born?  Because I cannot stand people taking grasses for granted, stepping grasses wounded hearts over and over again.  Most importantly, I cannot stand people trying to cut corners and short cuts (I only accept it if there is no pavement in sight at all.)

How many times have you see the quote "take only pictures, leave only footprints".  How many times do you firmly adhere to it?  If only everybody would treasure Mother Nature... if only...

Afternote:
A fellow docent sent us this news
"South Africa tries to halt baboon break-ins"
Source: Google News

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Baboons seeking snacks are breaking into tourists' cars in South Africa and authorities are threatening to fine visitors who give them food.

Cape Town's chacma baboons are a popular attraction and some visitors give them treats in order to lure them closer and take pictures.

Some baboons now regard people as a source of food and have become increasingly aggressive to get it. There have been a number of recent break-ins of cars by monkeys seeking food.

A statement Monday from the city of Cape Town and the South African National Parks authority said that tour operators and tourists who deliberately lured baboons with food risked fines. It did not say how large the fines would be and officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Utterly disappointed. This is the price of tourism? This is when tourist thought they are being kind. They were indeed trying to help. Unfortunately it only worsens the situation (越帮越忙). It happens because for every action there is a reaction but most of the times, we forgot to notice the reaction, the impact.

This story also reminded me about the "begging children" cases I read months ago. The author thought he was kind to give these children food, only to realise these children had turned into fussy eaters because there are many other kind tourists who will give them food too. Shocked? Indeed, did we just taught the children
a) to just beg for the rest of their life without putting any effort instead of working hard for life.
b) even after begging, you can afford to be selective (i.e. unappreciative of the kinds these people had showered on you).

How do we handle such situation? I have absolutely no answer...

2) In our rush to explore the world, we overlook the fact that we are strangers to our own backyard.  There is a rich variety of unexplored nooks and crannies in Singapore.  Be it nature and parks, heritae, sports, arts and culture, shopping, food and entertainment or simply leisure attractions, uncover and rediscover the many surprising places to PLAY AS YOU LIKE! (Source: URA)

When I saw this quote, I was thinking "my exact sentiments".  I wanted to travel so badly I changed my environment etc.  But I ended up still stuck in SG.  In the process, I changed my mentality.  I wanted to visit SG, to understand SG, so that when I'm overseas, I can compare it with SG.  Most importantly, I know no matter how far I travel, SG is forever my home, even if I have so much grouses towards it.  Like what my friend say, because I never gave up hope for SG, thus everything miniscule things that happen here could render a big hoo-huh from me.

3) Wisdom tooth.  Haha what a weird topic on this.  Probably because I went for a dental check up and it was the first time I took 2 x-rays (a bitewing and a panaromic)  for my teeth.  The dentist was so shocked to hear it was my first time though hmm.. Did I look like I just came from outer space?  Anyway x-ray shows I only have 2 wisdom teeth.  The nurse was so excited when she said hey I have wisdom teeth whereas I'm like I thought everybody has wisdom teeth? Anyway I made the dentist explain more about wisdom teeth haha.  (Aiya, he enjoy explaining too!)  Oh and I realised that this is the first time I meet a male dentist.. and I suddenly remember my mum's comments on male dentist (she also just met one recently only haha).  Are there more female dentists than male?  I do admit that I still love and miss my pri sch dentist best... after which I'm quite ok with the dentist near my house... this guy.. hmm... I guess I don't have much of a choice...

4) Oops I forgot the rest of my muse.. tired... something happened in the middle of the writing... and took away all my thoughts with it.. leaving only Euphoria's December as my current mood song... leaving only me.. thinking.. musing... missing... humming... stoning... dazing...

Internal Tourist - Arts Part 2

My friend told me that I missed out 2 statues in my previous post

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT Station

Thus I went back to Raffles in search of
Salvador Dali's Homage to Newton.



Hmm an interesting figurine I should say. Unfortunately I went there at the wrong timing because so many people were crowding it, sadly, not to appreciate the artwork. I wish I can say more but I don't wish to say too much about people's behaviour other than I wish they could be more respectful towards art?

Fernando Botero's Bird is much more appreciated with a few tourists raring to take a picture with it.



The inscription is also rather optimistic:

"The UOB believes that so long as there is peace and optimism among its people, Singapore will continue to grow and prosper."

This was in 1990. Gosh 20 years has passed. I hope this inscription will instill more optimism in light of this dire economic situation.

After which I thought of going to the Supreme Court which was opened for 2 days for public's viewing.

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station or Raffles Place MRT Station (In between)

Beside Boat Quay (the stretch with lots of restaurants)





Unfortunately there was such a big crowd, and I don't fancy queuing up just to go in (because the queue was real long...). So I decided to give it a miss. Regrets? Probably but what to do. Anyway I always thought the new Supreme Court looks too futuristic that the roof looks like UFO to me especially when you compare with the former Supreme Court located on the far right of the photo. Hmm hmm hmm..



Anyway more information about the new Supreme Court from wiki:
* The circular disc, which represents the impartiality of justice, serves as a modern interpretation of the dome on the old building.
* The marble cladding of the building's external facade is made from laminated sheets of rosa aurora marble harvested in Portugal. In the day, the marble allows natural daylight to filter in, infusing the building with a natural illumination, an allusion to the light which comes from justice. Come nightfall, light from within the building continues to emanate outwards.
* The steel-framed disc is supported by 16 slanting tubular disc legs
* User-friendly features incorporated into the Supreme Court building include: a children corner, disabled-friendly features, an information counter, spacious and comfortable waiting areas and a bistro.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Singapore
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Supreme_Court_Building


Decided to make a visit to URA City Gallery the following week instead.

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT Station
Beside Maxwell Hawker Centre (Yummy food!) or Red Dot Design Museum
Building: URA Building




It is mostly about presenting Singapore in its fullest with lots of models to visualise.



Afterall the motto of URA is "To make Singapore a great city to live, work and play in".
Oh and while there, I caught sight of this photo.



Still remember this? It was the Chinese joyous procession found in Telok Ayer Green which I posted before. So that was modelled after this photograph.

I wrapped up the day with a visit to the Maxwell Hawker Centre and realised even on a Saturday, certain stalls can still draw the long queues. Woah!

Related Posts:

Internal Tourist - Wheelies and the rest
Internal Tourist - Club
Internal Tourist - Temples
Internal Tourist - Palau Ubin and Changi
Internal Tourist - Southern Ridge
Internal Tourist - Museums
Internal Tourist - Arts
Internal Tourist - Arts Part 2
Internal Tourist - Asian Civilisation Museum

Some stories and a test

The Story of the Four Candles

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit."
Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

The second candle said, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable."
Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer. People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."
And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.

Suddenly...

A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning.
The child began to cry,
"Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy,
"Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."

With shining eyes, the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out.
With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be,
Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again.



杜牧《清明》
清明时节雨纷纷，
路上行人欲断魂。
借问酒家何处有？
牧童遥指杏花村

September

Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people's mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves sports, leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

A Quiz where the title is forced to be "Still Believe In Love / Jenny Hyun"

I just had to do this ... because it gave me so much laughter when I saw my friend's version... and I got curious what itunes will give me. Plus it is definitely easier than doing the 25 items which I gave up in the end because ... who wants to know 25 things about me when there are other nicer reads haha. I loaded all my limited mp3s in my lappie to give itunes a variety.. but I have to admit it is a pity I could not include DaVichi's My Man & Crazy Woman (esp the latter... I would have like that to be the title of this post haha)

Instructions:
1. Put your iTunes on "shuffle".
2. For each question, skip to the next song to get your answer. You must use the title of that song as your answer, no matter how silly it may sound.

1. What would you say if someone were to say, "Is this o.k.?"
My Heart Will Go On / Various (Guess it is ok)

2. What do you like in a guy / girl?
Close to you (movie capture) / Corrinne May

3. How do you feel today?
Miss You / Yuna Ito

4. What is your life's purpose?
Dangerous / Roxette (Yeah Court Death!)

5. What is your motto?
All That She Wants / Various (What do I want, that is the question haha)

6. What do your friends think of you?
I Will Always Love You / Various (Aww that is so sweet.. now to define who are my friends hahaha)

7. What do you think of your parents?
Can't Help Falling In Love With You / UB40 (Hmm seriously, I did not play cheat... it is the truth!)

8. What do you often think about?
The Lover After Me / Savage Garden (Haha did my itunes read my mind well?)

9. What is 2 + 2?
Stand by Me / Various (Hmm... I thought that is 1+1 haha)

10. What do you think of your best friend?
Only Love / Trademark (Hmm it would have suit the question below... were itunes a teeny bit too fast?)

11. What do you think of the person you like?
愛情之所以為愛情 / 梁靜茹 (Hmm.. 我沉迷的感动与你不同.. 我的了解让我自由.. alright maybe itunes did know what it is churning out)

12. What is your life story?
Please Forgive Me / Various (Can't believe it... am I really going to apologize for the rest of my life??)

13. What do you want to be when you grow up?
Listen to Your Heart / Roxette (Exactly!)

14. What comes to mind when you see the person you like?
Two Can Play That Game / Bobby Brown (Eh this song is CL's song... hmmm.. maybe it was a mistake to load all the mp3s in my lappie into itunes... maybe I should use my PC.. the answers might be more accurate.. maybe...)

15. What do your parents think of you?
비밀 / Lena Park (Hmm 비밀 means secret which I guess is indeed a SECRET! And the album is called "10 Ways To Say I Love You"... And the chorus is "You are so beautiful girl.. You are so wonderful girl.." Once again, I really did not play cheat!)

16. What will you dance to at your wedding?
传说 / 林宥嘉 & 刘力扬 (A duet.. nice!)

17. What will they play at your funeral?
Careless Whisper / Various (Best liao... Oh and btw, Various because these are all instrumentals... which means maybe I should not have included them.. or maybe the lyrics don't matter when they appear haha)

18. What is your hobby / interest?
残废 / 吴克群 (No I don't play cripple... I am dumb though!)

19. What do you think of your friends?
Save The Best For Last / Various (Perfect answer!)

20. What is the worst that could happen?
사랑이 우습니 / DaVichi (Translated as "Is Love Ridiculous". Hmm itunes, u really are amazing!)

21. How will you die?
Tell Me Why / Taylor Swift (Haha I interpret as I will die while asking too much "Why" questions haha)

22. What is the one thing you regret most?
触电 / S.H.E (Of course.. it will get me killed!)

23. What makes you laugh?
Sacrifice / Various (No no.. I'm not sadistic!)

24. What makes you cry?
Invisible / Taylor Swift (Hmm the lyrics say "We could be a beautiful, miracle, unbelievable .. Instead of just Invisible".. Probably that will make me cry... in the past)

25. Will you ever get married?
Take My Breath Away / Various (Eh do I interpret that should my breath ever be taken away, I will die.. so...)

26. What scares you the most?
Dream / Gabrielle (Nightmare might scare me.. dream.. NEVER! Oh wait.. unfinished dream.. probably)

27. Does anyone like you?
Un-Break My Heart / Various (答非所问. Nice!）

28. If you could go back in time, what would you change?
Lucky / Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat (I'm saying I feel blessed enough and would like to change nothing ;-D)

29. What hurts right now?
Crazy For You / Let Loose (I am speechless!)

30. What will you post this as?
Still Believe In Love / Jenny Hyun (Eh... a hopeless romantic.. itunes.. you be a death of me)

p/s: Oh ya I was thinking of posting something NOW... something that is mindless.. but my emails had nothing interesting... and I was feeling ... I wouldn't say bored... just restless because I kind of gathered when GA said certain things are not meant, they are just not meant. Just as I know GA wants me to come terms that certain things in life, I should not be hankering. It is tough... I don't know.. I wish I can know 10 steps ahead, what is the scene.. Because sometimes it is hard to keep trying to be positive... Hmm...

Thoughts of the day

Source: Email

I went to God’s Clinic to have my routine check-up and I confirmed I was ill:

When God took my blood pressure, He saw I was low in tenderness.

When he read my temperature, the thermometer registered 40º of anxiety.

He ran an electrocardiogram and found that I needed several ‘love bypasses’ since my arteries were blocked with loneliness and could not provide for an empty heart.

I went to orthopedics, because I could not walk by my brother’s side and I could not hug my friends, since I had fractured myself when tripping with envy.

He also found I was shortsighted, since I could not see beyond the shortcomings of my brothers and sisters.

When I complained about deafness, the diagnosis was that I had stopped listening to God’s voice talking to me on a daily basis.

For all of that, God gave me a free consultation thanks to his mercifulness. So my pledge is to, once I leave this clinic, only take the natural remedies he prescribed through his words of truth:

Every morning, take a full glass of gratitude

When getting to work, take one spoon of peace

When getting home, take one dose of love.

When getting to bed, take two tablets of clear conscience

Do not give in to sadness or desperation for what you are going through today.

God knows how you feel......

God knows exactly and with perfection what is being allowed to happen to you in your life at this precise moment.

God’s purpose for you is simply perfect.

He wants to show you things that only you can understand by living what you are living, and by being in the place you are now.

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Source: Email

XYZ Office -> A fire alarm rang at 6 PM when almost all shift employees are in office(approx 5000). As usual entire office was evacuated within 3 mins & every employee gathered outside office. 10 mins passed...... ......... ......... ......... .5 more mins passed.

Security Officer -> Announcement started, "Dear Employees - With melting heart I am making this announcement that for many of you it will be a last evacuation drill, as we are laying off almost 80% employee. While moving in who-so-ever ID card won't work are layed off & all their belongings will be couriered to them tomorrow. We followed this approach as we don't want to fill email box size with layoff mail in thousands & also to avoid any fight inside office". Hope you have nice career ahead. Please move on & try your luck.

Source: Watchman (Movie) - Rorschach
Heard joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says "Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up." Man bursts into tears. Says "But Doctor... I am Pagliacci."

Bflygal's comments: Bitter realities of life... with a list of remedies... to balance my soul.

Moi Mar Newsweek

Jim Rogers Doesn't Mince Words About the Crisis
By Maria Bartiromo

Source: Businessweek

Jim Rogers is a global investor who hooked up with George Soros to start the legendary Quantum Fund.
A few interesting points he made that got me thinking:
1) These are people who think the only solution is to save their friends on Wall Street rather than to save 300 million Americans.
2) It's going to be the 29-year-old farmers who have the Lamborghinis. So you should find yourself a nice farmer and hook up with him or her, because that's where the money's going to be in the next couple of decades.

True? I'm not sure.. But let me compare such economist article with this environmentalist youtube clip


Refreshing video because once again I realised I lost my focus. I had to keep reading "Do It Anyway" by Mother Teresa. I had to keep hearing this clip. To remember that at the end of the day, it was only between God and me. It was only between Earth and me. True I am aware of my discontent because once again, my capabilities were struck off as zilch. I have no proven record to show them, I have no accomplishments to dazzle them. But it was never between them and me. Why do I even thought of trying hard to prove them my ability? No.

Never conform. Even if I ended up like Rorschach in Watchman. I decided to continue to be stubborn even if that will make my life harder than it already is. Because I hate the world that Severn Suzuki described. The "buy and throw away" mentality instead of sharing. The big hoo-hah over who is going to lose the election. The cold and callous corporate world.

Yes I wished what George Soros say will come true, to let those should bankrupt, bankrupt. The world's focus is totally lost. I don't wish to lose my focus either.

Internal Tourist - Arts

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT Station
Beside Asian Civilisation Museum


Decided to visit the Art House on a Saturday after my gym session… On my way, I saw the Asian Civilisation Museum again. Sigh when can I visit it (for free “p). That and the URA City gallery which is so near my office yet I’m still procrastinating.

As I pass by the Cavenagh Bridge, I caught sight of these little children statues trying to jump down the river haha.


I walked based on my instinct. Thus when I saw this grain sculpture, I was telling myself, this should be my destination. It is indeed not fun to get lost when there is a drizzle.

It is called the Golden Grain: Exposed! By Kumari Nahappan. It is a 3m tall grain pod.

The Art House which is originally a Parliament House since 1965 but was gazetted as a monument on 3rd July 1992.


Cosy place to relax hmm…


One of the exhibition I wanted to see is by Aware. And I like this artwork best!

Photographer: Jessica Yeo (20 year old)
As quoted: Beauty goes beyond skin deep. Beauty does not lie in just the eyes of the beholder. Often, when I photograph my friends, they shy away, saying they do not look good enough. So I finally managed to convince one of them to pose for this, and she agreed as her face would not be fully shown. In this photo, a beautiful rose in bloom is used, to represent the beauty that lies within, and outside, a bloom that is stunning, yet unknown or unrecognized by the world.

After seeing this work by a 20 year old student, I suddenly felt enlightened. The day before, I had followed a friend to her makeover session to see the process. And I had wondered if I should do a (personal) makeover once in my lifetime. Somehow after this, I felt there isn’t a need.

Another gallery is “A Point of View – asian sense” by Devendra Bisaria.


Then I’m off to find the white and original Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles statue

Before finding the black version.


I always wondered why there were 2 colours especially when my memory only contains the white version. I only realised today that the black version can be found in front of Victoria Memorial Hall and Victoria Theatre which happened to be my favourite place. I had a lot of memories here as I attended a couple of performances during my school days. Sometimes, I do wonder why I did not chose the arts scene… but then I know the reason why.


Then on my way back where I passed by more statues

e.g. the River Merchants by Aw Tee Hong which shows Scotsman, Alexander Laurie Johnston, a prominent merchant of early Singapore

Mediating between a Chinese Trader and a Malay Chief

Whilst Indian and Chinese coolies load sacks onto a bullock cart – a common sight around the river as trade expanded.

Caught sight of another sculpture… a sculpture that I never really gave much notice thinking it is just a big stone

.. till I realised the intricate carvings inside…

The sculpture is called Progress and Advancement by Yang Ying Feng.

Another sculpture in Raffles Place MRT area… very famous... very hard to miss...


Oh and the sculpture in Peranakan Museum. Guess what, I made another trip down just to take this photo because I wanted to see if the little girl is really pointing to the museum. Turns out, she was pointing to the eagle, or so I thought.

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Beside Fort Canning Park, Substation




Anyway I went back because I wanted to visit Substation. Founded in 1990 by the late Kuo Pao Kun, The Substation is Singapore's first independent contemporary arts centre.

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Beside Fort Canning Park, Peranakan Museum


I think I like the drawing better haha. Maybe it is the problem of the photographer aka ME!

They happen to have a gallery that day, so I took a peek.

Marisa Keller, Kelly Reedy & Julia Roberts presents Moving.

Before making my way to Timbre.

I had visited it on a Friday night with a couple of colleagues. Quite like the band especially the violinist. Food wise, we had pizza which was pretty good.

Travel Details:
No nearest public transport.  Super ULU, must drive.
At Seletar
140B Piccadilly
Singapore Flying Club


And while on the topic of “colleagues” and “food” and “Friday night”, I had just visited Sunset Grill with another group of colleagues on a Friday night again.. and this time we had buffalo wings and button mushrooms and main dish. It was the first time I had buffalo wings, and I must say level 1 is already a spiced version.. thus when I had level 6 (unwillingly because I lost the guessing number game and the guy had chose the only level 6 which was mixed in the plate of level 2 for me), it really left a different experience on me. Initially I felt nothing wrong because the chicken wing was cold but after a while, my mouth starts to burn… and when I reached home, I felt queasy haha. Luckily, I recovered fast the next day else there will be no Substation photos included in this post ;-)

Related Posts:

Internal Tourist - Wheelies and the rest
Internal Tourist - Club
Internal Tourist - Temples
Internal Tourist - Palau Ubin and Changi
Internal Tourist - Southern Ridge
Internal Tourist - Museums
Internal Tourist - Arts
Internal Tourist - Arts Part 2
Internal Tourist - Asian Civilisation Museum

Everyday and Not-So-Everyday Questions

Image Source: Barnes and Noble
Source: Can a Guy Get Pregnant?: Scientific Answers to Everyday (and Not-So-Everyday) Questions by Bill Sones, Rich Sones

It was the title that caught my attention. And I found lots of questions in this book related to

1. The Body.

Do humans have white and dark meat, like chickens?
Fish have red, pink, and white muscles – designed for slow, intermediate, or fast action.
In a white meat mood? Look for a sprinter or power lifter, with predominantly pale fast-twitch muscle fibers. You’ll find redder meat – more capillary rich and adept at oxygenation – in the red slow-twitch muscle fibers of endurance athletes such as cyclists and marathoners.

Can people commit crimes in their sleep?
Do blind people see in their dreams?
Can dreams foretell the future?
Do Siamese twins die together?
Is it possible to will warts away?
Why do faces look the way they do?

Can you get sick from picking your nose and eating it?
Picking your nose and eating it is actually good for you. Mucus secretions are loaded with antibodies for fighting off infections, the basic purpose of a runny nose. Non-human primates grooming each other, picking off who-knows-what from the hair and skin, and promptly putting it in their mouths.

Where does your body heat go after it departs?
Why do guys have nipples?
Is it possible to stutter in one language but speak normally in another?
Can a person's hair turn all white overnight?
Are there people who don't have "flatulent moments'?
Can dreams help you stop smoking or lose weight?
Is DIY ("Do It Yourself") surgery possible?

Can a guy get pregnant?
Very unlikely but still possible. There is an article on the first male pregnancy found here

Why do you see bright lights when you press on your closed eyelids?
Are sleepwalkers acting out their dreams?
Will it ever be possible to freeze people and bring them back to life in the future?
Can you lift a person by the hair without the hair ripping out?
Why are sumo wrestlers so fat?
Can men breastfeed babies?
Can a body live without a head?

If you're starving, can you eat your clothes?
Depending on the material.

Are there "false pregnancies' in men?
Can a human glow like a firefly by eating the right food?
Are Siamese triplets possible?
Can human stomach acid dissolve an automobile?
Why are there equal numbers of men and women?

How is it possible to walk over red-hot coals in bare feet?
The sweat palpitation, the fear will actually protect your body from harm. But should you ever get complacent then be prepared for a burnt feet.


Can a head live without a body?
Can sex cure a headache?

Can you drink your own urine if you are dying of thirst?
Urine is antibacterial, antiprotozoal, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-tuberculostatic. Drinking urine can be a therapy.

2. Love.

Why is kissing so popular?
As we suckle, we feel and we don't forget. "p


How old do you have to be to fall in love?
I love this question. The truth is so long you move away from being totally ego-centric; stepping outside of one’s own sense of self and attachment to another person or image of person. Therefore there is no age limit. This is why an adult can be unable to truly fall in love because they cannot get out of their own need system whereas a 6 year old love may looks like a puppy love but it is the real deal. Many people get confused on lust with love which complicates things. In addition, love at any age can arrive and depart quickly because it is not love that makes long term relationships, it is liking…


Do opposites attract?
Why do the "girls get prettier at closing time"?

Does it help to practice kissing on an inanimate object?
Probably.

How choosy are most people when it comes to dating?
Start by keeping a list of the number of the opposite gender you encounter, and how many of them you would be willing to date. Be honest. You will be startled to find out just how incredibly fussy you really are.

Does danger contribute to romance?
YES!


How can you tell if a marriage will last?
Does height matter when it comes to love?
Do people flirt the same way in all cultures?

Why do so many couples get divorced?
There was a lot of calculation and probability to explain this scenario.. which started with an initial hypothesis that 80% of the population is faithful and 20% is not. Thus the first set of marriage, there will be 64 faithful marriages and the divorce rate is 36%. By the second set of marriage, the divorce rate has gone up to a whooping 80% rate. Hmm is it true? Well sometimes life should not be determined by probability (The movie, Along Comes Polly, will tell you why =D )


Can a dream lead to true love?

Why is love so fickle?
Have you ever seen a child panic and agitated when he/she notices the mummy is not around. However the child immediately calms down and ignores the mummy after she accompanied the child for some time. We usually stop focussing on what we have – Security and starts longing for what we do not have – Excitement.


Does music contribute to romance?
Is it better to dump your lover, or to get dumped?

Does playing "hard to get" work?
Not true. They just want someone who is hard for other men but easy for them to attract haha.

Do men dream more about their wives, other women, or other men?
Does "romance" exist in all cultures?
Can someone be allergic to kissing?

Why is it so hard to talk to someone you're attracted to?
Because he/she matters.


What was romance like when Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet?

3. Death.
How long can you survive buried alive?
Could vampires have really existed?
Can dead bodies literally spin in their graves?
Could you die from having sex in a dream?
Will AC or DC electricity kill you faster?
Does an MRI of a dead body look different from one of a living body?
Do patients sometimes wake up in the middle of surgery?
Can a voodoo curse kill?

Can you be in a terrible accident without feeling pain?
I remember the answer for this is yes.


What would it be like to die in outer space?
Would a penny tossed off the Empire State Building bore through a human skull?
Would a guillotined head feel itself hit the ground?
Will a household cat or dog eat its owner who dies, leaving the pet alone and unfed?

Is it common to die on the toilet?
It’s more common to die in bed since people spend about 8 hours a day there. Dreaming is actually the riskiest part of sleeping.

Can a person die laughing?
Can dreams serve as early warning signs of illness?
If you die in a dream, will you actually die in your sleep?
What food has made the most people sick?
Is it possible to be scared to death?
Could a black hole kill us all?
Is it unreasonable to be afraid of being buried alive?

4. Animals.
Does a "dog year" really equal seven human years?
No.
1 year old dog reach sexual maturity.
Therefore a 2 year old dog is young, a 9 year dog is about mid age and a 14 year old dog is an elder. The actual proportion of dog year : human year is
1 dog year : 15 human year
2 dog year : +10 human year
Every other dog year = +3 human year
Therefore 10 dog years = 49 human years and not 70 human years
(Note is just a calculation though...)

Hmm I forgot most of the answers already… hee hee..

Where did your zest went?

Source: A Slice of Life "Unblock your flow" by Eugene Loh

1. Limiting beliefs: Are you listening to your inner voice or the chants of others?
2. Draining relationships
3. Career dissatisfaction: Are you dragging yourself to work or feeling excited?
4. Scarcity thinking: Do you feel like you are just surviving, and that you barely have the time/money/emotions/energy to do anything else? Shift your pserspective and attract what you want in your life.
5. The things you're putting up with: What are you tolerating? Tolerating is different from being flexible.

Which reminds me of 2 things:
1. Trusting. How much do one trust the society, the donations that will be going when I buy this...
2. Giving. Still remember my McDonald story where this lady bought 2 breakfast sets for 2 man who were just trying to keep warm in McDonald with a cup of coffee. If someone suddenly asked you to buy him a meal, are you willing to treat him? Sometimes, we are more willingly to give though, if the person had not asked first. Probably the magic of giving disappears when a person becomes thick-skinned to demand. Hmm...

Songs about Life...

另类人生
- Energy

阿弟：
向西 交通阻塞
我决定下车自己走
慢点还是会到的
向东 又淋雨了
云散了人还湿透著
彩虹却浮现了
会累 但很想冲
我好奇不停破关后
未来究竟多不同
会痛 还能忍受
太倔强是好是坏呢
答案随时变动
EG：
有人说 要拼命加入热门人生才幸福
其实能找到爱的另类人生才被羡慕
为最爱的事物 拿真心去付出
那快乐会胜过 获得最贵的礼物
有人说赢得热门人生才满足
其实有更多美景在最少人去的山谷
为自己而投入 不为了比胜负
我微笑学会了 去未来有很多路
（是做梦？是太傻？已分不清楚）
阿弟：
会累 但很想冲
我好奇不停破关后
未来究竟多不同
（你是不是跟我一样
在这星球上
渴望看见不会说谎的眼神）
会痛 还能忍受
太倔强是好是坏呢
答案随时变动
EG：
有人说 要拼命加入热门人生才幸福
（有时候 人长大了 勇气却变小了）
其实能找到爱的另类人生才被羡慕
为最爱的事物 拿真心去付出
那快乐会胜过 获得最贵的礼物
有人说赢得热门人生才满足
其实有更多美景在最少人去的山谷
为自己而投入 不为了比胜负
我微笑学会了 去未来有很多路
（安静的天空 我好清楚听见自己的声音
世界没有极限 只有画地自限）
为自己而投入 不为了比胜负
我微笑学会了 去未来有很多路
坤达：你还在做梦吗？
阿弟：我微笑学会了

Pocket Full Of Sunshine
- Natasha Bedingfield
OOOOh yea yea yea

I got a pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it’s all mine
Oh, woah

Do what you want,
But your never gonna break me,
Sticks and stone are never gonna shake me
Oh, oh

I got a pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it’s all mine
Oh, woah

Wish that you could
But your never gonna own me
Do anything you want
You can't slow me down
Oh, oh

Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away)
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A hiding place (a hiding place)

I got a pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it’s all mine
Oh, (got a pocket, got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine)
oh (and I know that it's all mine)

Do what you want,
But you never gonna break me,
Sticks and stone are never gonna shake me
Oh, (never gonna shake me)
oh (never gonna shake me)

Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away)
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A hiding place (a hiding place)

There's a place that I go
That nobody knows
Where the rivers flow
And I call it home
And there’s no more lies
And the darkness is light
And nobody cries
There’s only butterflies

Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away)
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A hiding place (a hiding place)

Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away)
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)
A hiding place (a hiding place)

The sun is on my side
It takes me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I'll be alright

The sun is on my side
It takes me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I'll be alright

Bflygals' comments:
Yeah pocketful of sunshine!

Was reading a friend's note on her granddad's death in 2001 which triggered my own memories of seeing my granddad's death. And I left such a comment for her "treasure the present so that we can cherish the memories. It is the only gift our close ones give us."

Indeed, in life, what really matters is the present. And what you should focus is on the positive things. Most importantly, what you should remember is your drive and not your motivation. Because motivation does not last, drive does!