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

Internal Tourist - Wheelies and the rest

Last weekend was a long weekend as Monday was a public holiday. It was also my first long weekend where I was out playing almost every day haha.

Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT Station

I went to gym early on Saturday before meeting my stressor and his girlfriend for an interesting lunch with them. Indeed there is a difference in thinking between a Singaporean and a China citizen. While conversing with her in my half-baked mandarin, I thought a lot about what she said, her frank remarks and opinions. Hmm.. Anyway we had lunch in MOF (Bugis Branch) of which the only thing that interests me is actually the dessert – Mocha imo. Partly because of what the lady said when she knew it is sweet potato… And partly because it is a hot/cold dessert that contains my favourite Japanese sweet potato.



Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Tanah Merah MRT Station
Beside Bedok Simpang

Then as I was preparing to head home, QR suddenly asked to meet me.. And we ended up in Miss U Café which is actually near my secondary school. Everytime I see my school, it never fails to bring me back memories. Anyway the mummy’s chicken wings were yummy.. probably because it was our dinner only hahahah.

The next day is gym again before meeting my friend. We were shopping around for birthday gifts (separately) but ended up empty handed. Coincidentally his mum and my dad share the same birthdate even. Hmm I haven’t told my dad yet. Anyway I did buy donuts back for my brother later in the day so at least I’m not such a “failure” haha. Oh and I managed to buy the Breadtalk Panda bread baked to gather donation for the China Earthquake Aid.






Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station

Anyway we idle till it was 5pm before making our way to Singapore Flyer which was the main activity. After many times of watching it from afar, I finally got a close-up view of it. Although my brother chided me for wasting 30 bucks considering the surrounding had construction work in progress, I did not regret going to the Singapore Flyer.

When you like your country and enjoy it and the various cultures here. You can’t help liking its people too
- Ravi Veloo “A tourist in my own country”

After reading that article, I am resolute to be an internal tourist. Haha.

At first my friend had complained we went up too early as the sun was still bright when we boarded the capsule. However, I felt that the timing was just right. Indeed I did not expect to see the moon on one end of the capsule and the sun on the other end. It was, in my opinion, a beautiful coincidence. And when we reached the peak, I wouldn’t say there was a “wow” feeling, but it felt pretty wonderful in its own way. Later, my friend did agree that the timing is just right because he realized if we tried to delay a bit longer, we might not have caught the sunset. Oh I do believe the night scenery would be very pretty too (no comparison made) but for that I need my tripod. And something else…
















Travel Details:
Nearest MRT: Pasir Ris MRT Station

After that we went to the E-Hub in Pasir Ris Downtown East to see an indoor ferris wheel. Very pretty sight but I did not board it haha. The structure of E-Hub is very unique because it is like a huge playground. It is afterall an entertainment complex extended from Downtown East and was designed with the targeted audience in mind.

Oh and I made my mum jogged with me to E-Hub the next morning to show her this new building too haha. I think I rested on that Monday as I had played too much the past 2 days haha.

And I took it easy for this weekend too partly because I had a gnawing pain on Friday that made me lethargic. I was contemplating if I should go for my French class that debuts on Saturday and ended up dragging myself there so that I will force myself to go gym later. I would say the lesson had been interesting though crammed and that I’m thankful I forced myself out as I had once again fulfilled something I wanted to do. I had been thinking since that long weekend how to give my mum a porridge treat at her favourite Bugis stall and was given a chance yesterday. She had earlier told me she will be visiting the temple but I thought we might not have a chance to meet because class ended late. Surprisingly she left home late too, plus the fact the gnawing pain made my gym session uncomfortable thus I decided to cut short my gym session and asked if she would be interested to lunch with me instead. Haha and she agreed.

Then we did some shopping in OG. I knew it is the GSS period now but was telling myself that I’m refusing to buy anything this time. The problem is I had once again spoil my shoes and mum made me buy another pair because she discarded that pair (I thought she will repair it for me haha). So I ended up buying something while she went home empty handed (so unfair when she was the one that had the intention to shop… zzz).

Today was another fulfilling day. As usual I headed gym in the morning as the gym is usually less crowded and finished earlier than planned because I hurt a nerve and did not want to exercise further. I was thinking where I should spend my time when I remembered that I had passed by KFC yesterday and realised they served breakfast in the Bugis branch too. Yummy, I ended up ordering an egg wrap meal and whiled my time away before heading back home for my appointment with my beautician. I wouldn’t say it is fantastic or not, but I had been curious about the Honey Biscuit so I guess I did satisfy my curiosity in the end.

Oh and I had a fruitful trip in the library (both my Uni library and NLB) as I found some interesting books. And with the NLB doubling the reading quota again, I am once again tempted to borrow every books I see haha.

To conclude, I feel that lately whatever I wish to do/try/eat, will be pre-planned somehow e.g. visiting Miss U Café, taking a ride in the Singapore Flyer, giving my mum a treat at her favourite porridge stall, and finally trying the KFC breakfast. Somehow I feel very grateful for how the events turn out, I really appreciate the plan .. the path.. the present.

QR, you mentioned “我们都是孤独地存在。。而不同的是。。你孤独的这么自在”
我可以如此自在，因为我很感激现在。。。

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

IT Show 2008 and Bao Today

Weird that I have no urge to go this year IT Show and yet I ended there twice, on a last minute decision. It was the first time I went on the first day and I was surprised to see a large crowd. As I went there after briefing, so I was quite tired and skipped the crowded areas aka level 3 & level 4. Bought my ext hdd and left immediately. My friend had commented it must have been my shortest IT show trip. True!



So when I learnt that my friend was in the IT show yesterday, I thought maybe should give myself a 2nd chance to see what this show has. Afterall that day, I saw the GPS and was quite curious about it. But when I reached the bridge heading to Suntec, I asked myself why did I not head home. Because it was even more crowded than Thursday. Haha so once again, I only explored level 6 because the crowd in level 3&4 totally freaked me out. But I was told that the cameras have touchscreen feature now. Coolz.. maybe shall see it someday in a camera shop bah haha. Then I saw the GPS but my friend told me if I drive about 80km/h, the GPS cannot catch up with the environment haha. Oh and there was a GPS for the motorbike too.



Actually level 6 has its interesting stuff too. This year Pluto upgraded to level 4, so did not get to see its deals. Oh and I saw Singapore Pool on level 6 too. Haha that was interesting and I ended up asking a lot of questions about the PoolzConnect which is an accounting betting service via telephone. But I guessed I wasted the lady's time because I don't bet at all and I ended up not registering for the service.



Later on I accompanied my friend for dinner. Chose Bao Today because of the name, which was an apt choice because I wasn't eating much as I had to go back for dinner. The theme is on Justice Bao so the deco of the shop and the names of the buns were quite interesting. Took some photos with my camera.



and Wang Chao Black Sesame Bun. Very yummy because the sesame paste was pipping hot too. and Lu Ding Ji Deer Meat Bao and Ma Han Black Sesame Chicken Bun



Next time shall try the 1/2 assorted meat bun.. looks interesting on the web...

Mooncake Festival 2007

I'm typing this while on the bus home. Ever since I brought my lappie out for a walk last Saturday, I'm addicted to use it while on the bus home. The only problem is I keep concussing while trying to study or type report. In fact for the past 1 hour, I had actually fallen asleep in a typing posture. Yikes! Thus I decided maybe I should type out my post on moon cake (which I had wanted to do last night except I was quite brain dead by the time I got home.) Anyway it seems to be working as I'm not so sleepy already. Guess reports are indeed harder to type. Oh and coincidentally, I awoke at the entrance of Aston's Specialities in East Coast haha. Maybe it is an omen that I should try that restaurant out one day? But the long queue had put me off.

Anyway my friend had wanted to check out the moon cake fair in Takashimaya on Friday and I was tempted! I had wanted to bring my camera along for fun too but was too concussed on Friday morning to remember about it. In the end I had to settle with my hand phone to do the job. Times like this, I really don’t regret buying my handphone.

We first check out the Marriott Hotel’s moon cake. I tried the Strawberry Yoghurt Moon cake and the blueberry cheese moon cake (latest creation) . The strawberry one was too sweet in my opinion so I changed my mind to buy it. As for the blueberry one, it was cheesy indeed! I mention to my classmates about this and they joke that maybe it is a cheesecake trying to pass of as a moon cake. Indeed it does not really taste very moon-cakish. But then it is not alone. While in the fair, I had seen some really weird moon cakes. They were either extra colourful or extra odd looking like this from Beccarino.

The next stop was the Moon cake fair.
Gosh it sure is crowded. And the very first shop we saw is Kee Wah selling Hong Kong goodies that left my friend “fuming” haha. Because it was selling much cheaper than what she had bought (from Hong Kong) last year. Guess next time I know where to get my Hong Kong souvenirs for people already haha.

The next shop, Rivon by Whitelink was also selling gifts too. Haha maybe some people don't want to give moon cakes, prefer to give biscuits and such instead. The guy was funny to ask us buy and keep the box as make-up box... hmm...


I lingered pretty long at the Conrad - Golden Peony because of its cranberry and wolfberry moon cake. I was very curious about it and in the end, they were the only mooncakes I bought. I bought one of each flavour (Sweet Potato Pastry, Mini Snowskin with Jasmine, Mini Snowskin with Cranberry and Mini Snowskin with Wolfberry).

And the person pack it nicely into 2 small boxes like this

I saw Goodwood Park’s chempedak paste moon cake and yam paste with red date moon cake too. Reminded me that I had bought it last year.. and that so fast, it is the time of the year again. Sighz. Anyway they were so-so. People tend to give the D24 durian paste good reviews but my parents were not impressed (not because they have high taste though).

Also saw Tunk Lok moon cakes and I like this mini moon cake packaging
Not forgetting those famous bird nest moon cakes


and Mini Snowskin with Golden Grapes with Chocolate Chips from Li Bai (Pretty Yummy, just that I did not want to buy 1 box home)

and Durian Moon cake from Home's Favourites


and whiskey mooncake e.g. Ritz Carlton - Mini Bing-Pi Strawberry Vodka Moon cake (I think I did not get the chance to try it though)


and cute little moon cake motifs from Hua Yue Ting.


Overall, I think this fair is just average because there were more unknown names than those hotel names (as compared to last year).


I think I shall head to my area later to see the moon cakes.

Back for 2nd half, Century Square is giving out cute little tea light lanterns for the occasion.

As quoted from their site : Simply spend $50* and get a specially designed tea-light lantern. Available in red or green. Limited to one redemption per customer per day.

While I did not manage to try the Bakerzin in Taka that day, I tried the Truffle Mini Snow Skin Moon cake (Brandied Cherry) this time here. It was pretty delicious. Tempted to buy but I suspect if I buy one box, I might end up getting drunk (joking... just that my parents after trying the Conrad one already scold me for wasting money.. so hmm... shall see how tempted I am bah)


The mini snowskin moon cake filled with Japanese sweet potato paste and champagne chocolate from Intercontinental - Man Fu Yuan is also quite interesting.


Oh ya I just realised that I forgot to visit the Raffles the Plaza in Taka that day. Sianz. I had wanted to try the Szechuan's Mini Snow-Skin Lychee sob sob. Hopefully I can catch it again in Tampines Mall bah. Oh and a lot of people seems to be commenting on their cheong-sam packaging hmm..


Anyway this post is just my Humble Opinion. I also have no reason why I wanted to blog about Moon cake this time round especially since all the moon cakes that I have reviewed were not particularly enticing to me namely because my mum only likes to eat Teochew Yam Mooncake from Garden Pastry (which is really good lah.. but I don't have the picture at the moment) and because I'm not a mooncake lover. I prefer the pomelos that tags along for this festival haha...

Disclaimer : All images are from the relevant sites or pamphlets that I had collected on that day or were taken by me though that is rare haha.