Travel Fair

Judging from the masses in Suntec queuing at ASA, Dynasty, Chan Brothers and even UOB travel, I can safely conclude tourism is back on track.

Anyway I rarely visit such fair.. I have never even been to Natas Fair. Because I hate crowd. But the planning for Italy trip has been too sluggish that I needed expert advices. And these places have a plethora of advices in the forms of their pamphlets and itineraries. Even the agent in Dynasty Travel had been extremely helpful in telling me that the air tix to Rome on 9th is no longer the cheaper one. No wonder I baulked at the price when I was checking at it a few days ago. He told me during Natas fair, the tickets had been snatched already.

Anyway it had been a fruitful trip considering I came down specially for it.

Judging the references I lugged back, you can guess how heavy my bag became that I forgot I had wanted to find a friend at the office and just headed straight to the mrt... Typing this post on my journey way home.

Back to planning mode.. I realised travelling excites me.. If only I can do that for the rest of my lifetime? Maybe I really am the typical only like to play type of person. Hmm...

P/s: I really think either starhub mobile data is crappy or my handphone connection to internet is pathetic. I am almost reaching home yet I still cannot login Facebook to update my status. CMI! Luckily I have Foolsgold to amuse me else I will be so bored. (That and Quickoffice!)

PP/s: Southern Italy Threatened by Tsunami from Undersea Volcano
I came up with a conclusion that those afraid will avoid Italy and those avid chase or Tsunami/Typhoon will flock Italy. Hmm I actually would prefer people be more "kia-se"... because hotels are getting full fast....

PP/s: It took me many days.. almost to the end of the month (which was my mum's deadline to decide whether to fly to Milan first and back Rome or to fly to/fro Milan or Rome or....) to finish the planning. And even now (8th April), everything is still fuzzy because air tickets have increased and nothing is confirmed. Nothing other than the fact that I will be getting a new passport tomorrow (9th April) haha. And the fact that I am going Italy with them regardless of how broke I will be..

 By the way, I could not resist snagging this 2 "tourist cards". To think I need to even planned how many days of WC card I need... Only Venice can think of it sia..

A long awaited encounter with Buddha

It is the time of the year once again. A year ago, auntie told me that in Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastry (KMSPKS) lies one of Asia's largest Buddha. At that time, she suggested I come back for a vegetarian meal and visit the Buddha. But a year passed by me and I never did make time to drive to KMSPKS. So when mum asked if I want to follow her for tomb sweeping, I decided I better agree and then try to find time to visit the Buddha while praying.

So i sacrificed my Sunday training (I totally stopped training this week sigh. Hopefully I can finish the Italy planning today before I konked out.) and sleep to catch sunrise in KMSPKS haha.

Besides this time, I have lumix with me so time to update photos. Took some repeated shots, skipped some sights. And due to time constraint missed some sight still. So what did I accomplished this trip?

First I learnt from auntie who suddenly explained the reason for choosing block 6 because it will remind my aunties due to the old address. Somehow now that I am typing this post, I suddenly thought it might also bring some familarity for my grandparents.

Then auntie tell me that she chose KMSPKS because for temple, the land is only 5 years renewable. But here due to it being a tourist attraction, it is freehold. Google search tell me that this is one of the largest Buddhist Monasteries of Singapore in present times. It had originally started out as a remote temple intended to propagate the Dharma and provide lodging for monks who came to Singapore without any arrangements. (Not sure about the land deed though. Too lazy to research “p.)

1920 Venerable Zhuan Dao expressed his desire to construct such a temple which took one year to complete construction and commenced as the first traditional Chinese forest monastery in Singapore and later become one of the most well known international Buddhist hub.

After founder Venerable Zhuan Dao expired in 1943, in 1947 Venerable Hong Choon became the monastery's abbot. He is well known due to his success in expanding the monastery.

After his death, Venerable Hong Choon Memorial Hall, a four-storeyed building was built in honour of Venerable Hong Choon. It resembles a huge ship and consists of the kitchen, dining hall, a meditation hall, Hall of No-Form and offices for Dharma propagation and activities. And the Hall of No Form is my main agenda as it has one of the largest and most spectacular bronze image of Buddha rising to a height of 13.8 metres and weighing 55 tons.

Other landmarks I took (again for some):

Pagoda of 10,000 Thousand Buddha : The roof of the pagoda has a golden stupa that is symbolic of the Buddha's sharp piercing wisdom. Within, there is one of the largest bronze image of Medicine Buddha in Southeast Asia. Also seen are the thousands of small Buddha images. I did not even went in for this one... sigh...

Statue of Guanyin : The statue stands the Dharma Hall and the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas.
I still remember the first time I came KMSPKS and caught sight of Guanyin Buddha. Told my mum I don't think will get lost if I catch sight of the Buddha next year. Up till now, yup I haven't got too lost. In fact I am getting familarised with this place after today's exploration.


My mum was rushing me so I did not take any more good photos that are worthy to be published. Probably the next time? But here's a recap of what I did not take...

Bodhi Tree : The sapling of this tree was brought from the sacred Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The latter was itself brought as a spaling from the sacred Bodhi Tree of Bodh Gaya, India. It was under the sacred Bodhi tree of Bodh Gaya that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Actually I have no idea how to take this tree.. but I was sorely tempted to hide under it and see if I can attain enlightenment (except Mum probably will drag me home.. or rather I have to follow her home as I'm not sure of the way back haha... Oh wait, if I attain enlightenment, I don't need to know the way back right? )

Hall of Amrta Vinaya (Precepts) : This is the hall where monks and nuns receive their precepts, guidelines for leading a peaceful life while spreading happiness in teh society.

Bell And Drum Tower : As per the name, this building has a bell and a drum. Everyday, in the morning, the bell is rung followed by the drum, each 108 times. In the evening, the process is repeated, nonetheless in opposite sequence. The sound of the bell and drum, it is believed, wards off troubles and adds to the wisdom.
Unfortunately the drum tower was closed when I was touring.


Dharma Hall : The two storey structure has a lecture hall on the ground floor with a Burmese-styled Buddha image and a library on the upper floor housing Buddhist scriptures and literatures.

Sairira Stupa : This one is dedicated to the founder abbot of the temple Venerable Zhuan Dao. Devotees walk clockwise around the stupa to pay their respect to the revered founder.



Hall of Great Strength : The hall is dedicated to the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. Above His image, a higher sign reads, "The Precious (or Treasure) Hall of Great Magnificence or 'Great Strength' or 'Great Hero'." A lower sign reads "Teacher of Men and Gods". A glass stupa in front of the image of Buddha preserves some of His relics gifted to the temple by a well known temple of Sri Lanka. The Image of Buddha is surrounded by an image of Amitabha Buddha (behind), young Arahant Venerable Ananda (right) and an elder Arahant, Maha Kashyapa (left). The image of Amitabha Buddha has Avalokiteshvara or Guanyin Bodhisattva on the left and Mahasthamaprapta or Dashizi Bodhisattva on the right. Along with Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva and the Maha Kashyapa form the trio called "The 3 Saints of the Western Paradise (Pureland)."

Before I left, the Hall of Great Compasion is my last stop. Also known as the The Mahakaruna, the hall is dedicated to the great compassionate virtues of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva or Guanyin. An image of Guanyin Bodhisattva with 1000 arms and eyes is right in the centre of the hall. It is flanked by Samantabhadra (Pu Xian) Bodhisattva with an elephant on the right. The bodhisattva is symbolic of perfected diligent practice of all Bodhisattvas and Buddhas and his elephant stands for the steadfastness and strength in the Bodhisattva's practice of the six perfections. Also standing close to Guanyin are Skana Bodhisattva and Sangharama Bodhisattva, both of whom are Dharma protectors. To the left, is an image of Manjushri bodhisattva.

Birth Month

If you were born in January, the number 1 rules your early years. You are independent, analytical and a born leader. However you can also be a little thoughtless as you take action without consulting others. You are also creative and tend to stand out from the crowd.

If you were born in February, the number 2 will be important to you. You are especially intuitive. Relationships are especially important to you, and you may spend a lot of your life searching for that
special someone. Women are especially influential on your character development in your early years.

If you were born during March, the number 3 will figure prominently in your life. You often find yourself in the right place at the right time. You may also be destined for fame, and you tend to be wealthier than others. However it can be difficult for you to hold onto a relationship, and instances of infidelity and betrayal often plague your relationships.

If you were born in April the number 4 strongly influences your early years. You may be perceived as having a temper problem. On the other hand, you are also very creative and intelligent. You are a born leader who is very ambitious, and your natural charisma will have you attracting many friends and lovers throughout your
lifetime.

If you were born in May, the number 5 will play a significant role in your life. Self expression may be important to you and you may be a talented musician, actor or writer. You have a high respect for authority and you believe in the sanctity of marriage. You value your friends highly and spend a lot of time socializing.

If you were born in June, the number 6 is significant. You are a very romantic individual but alas a very jealous one. Your love life tends to be very complicated. A career in the creative arts suits you best. Your biggest character flaw is a tendency to spread rumors about other people.

If you were born in July, the number 7 is important. You are a sincere, candid and empathic individual. You care deeply for your family and will go to great lengths to maintain and protect your relatives. You can be cynical and sarcastic, which can sometimes get you into trouble with your loved ones.

If you were born in August, you will strongly identify with the number 8. You are destined to become a pillar of the community. You are a loving well rounded individual who values marriage, and strives to see the good in everyone. One of your weaknesses is developing health related problems from working too hard.

If you were born in September, the number 9 is significant in your character development. You are destined to play many roles in your lifetime. You are highly intelligent and spiritual, but tend to take adversity very personality. Your biggest weakness is becoming depressed when you lose your faith in yourself and God.

If you were born in October, the number 10, which is a higher vibration of 1, will be significant. You are naturally very lucky. When you decide on a goal you almost always meet it. The downside of your personality is that you can be very adversarial when crossed, and you also have a huge capacity for revenge.

If you were born in November, the number 11 - which is a higher vibration of 2 - will be of great importance to you. You are psychic, empathetic and positive. However sometimes you get overwhelmed by your own sensitivity and develop stress related health and psychological problems such as chronic fatigue and depression.

If you were born in December, you have a strong affinity to the number 12, which is a higher vibration of 3. You are a practical philosopher who values a stable lifestyle. You are also unusually lucky, and wealth and love find you easily. You also have an active social life, sometimes to the extent that you can ignore your other
responsibilities.

Bflygal's comments:
A friend was commenting that sometimes my blog is too boring because I tend to put divination and book review posts. Ya I do agree most of the times I will hide in these guises because of the hidden meanings in them are things I want to remember. But why do I always like to hide?

This squid ink pasta reminds me of how the squid will try to hide in its ink... I suddenly wish I have spurts of black ink to camouflage me.. and let me scurry into a no-man's island...

Disused railway track

A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one still in use while the other disused. Only one child played on the disused track, the rest on the operational track. The train came, and you were just beside the track interchange. It was not possible to stop the train but You could make the train change its course to the disused track and saved most of the kids. However, that would also mean the lone child playing by the disused track would be sacrificed. Or would you rather let the train go its way?

Source: My previous post from an email

In the past when I read it, I wondered why must there be people who played on operational track. Is it fair to let the lone child suffer? And my friend mentioned maybe even the train might be in trouble and that the group of children will know how to run when the train is coming. Lots of logic.

But today when I read it again, I only had one question, am I the lone child? The week was unbearable because of the sun that I actually burnt my feet. See the two tones...

Actually to leave two jobs in the same week really felt weird. And to be used as a political tool really felt horrible. Sometimes I wonder why must there be office politics. That is the reason why I started having thoughts of freelancing. At least I might be able to avoid all these manipulations.

And actually I don't like the feeling of not reaching the finishing line. I never planned to give up that early too even though I never shared the same vision as them. Thus I never follow their system and did it my own way. Was that wrong? Why must I be penalised?

Anyway looking back after the event, I guessed I expected the outcome. When my trainer went on leave, I started to feel isolated already. And the boss can sense how suppressed I feel each day. I cannot insist on my altruism with these pressing demands and expectations. Thus towards the end, I started having difficulty even getting someone to say yes. But to wrap it up, at least I learnt lots from these few gruelling weeks. I can now recognise sales tactics and know a little bit more about how to make human ticks.

Lately, I'm thinking if I should go back school again.. to do a degree course in psychology.. but I'm afraid... or rather I know, the actualities of psychology is not what I thought it was when I was younger.. If only I'm less idealistic..

Happy Chinese New Year

This year CNY is probably the least prepared CNY.  I started my spring cleaning before leaving for Europe but having been 1 month back from Europe, I haven't had much time to really clean up my room.. or even blog my Europe trip.  Point is, I'm considered out of job already but I think I am even busier than before... such is the weirdness in my situation haha.

Anyway I did not remember that today is V-day too.. so to add on.. Happy V-day to all the lovely couples out there =D

Source: Courtesy of my brother's bouquet for his girlfriend "p

Quote of the week

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
-BEACONSFIELD.

Discipline yourself to do the things you need to do when you need to do them, and the day will come when you will be able to do the things you want to do when you want to do them!
-Zig Ziglar (Zig Ziglar's Little Book of Big Quotes)

Time for me to set my sail for a good Year ahead :)

Donation

Out of curiosity, I spend time and effort to really learn more about sales.  I have friends who say I'm wasting my time and asking me to quit.  I have friends who respect that I just wanted to learn another skill set.  For all the responses I get, one thing is general at the moment, that even friends are not convinced to be regular donors.  What more strangers whom we just meet on the streets.  Why would they be more willing to donate?

Then my ex-colleague's advice comes into my mind. Do not succumb to do the wrong thing.  I took on this job to help create an awareness that cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer and Singapore Heart Foundation really need the generous donations as they are 100% publicly funded.  I really don't want to be stressed or tempted by the number games. I want to stay true to my objective because only by adhering strictly to this objective, then I will believe I am closer to my dream. :)

But how long can I last? The mind is a powerful tool, yet I must know my true love, my true dream, and I know I don't share the same dream as these people. So how do I strike a balance with these people? That's when I saw this email today - What God Wants?

Some shave hair, some grow hair for God.
Some give incense, some give flowers to God.
Food, gold, money, does God really wants this?
"Helping Hands are better than Praying Lips"
All God wants is
Food to the hungry
Money to educate someone and encourage the needy
Time spent to volunteer

It was never between God and us, it was always between people and people.  That's what God wants, for us to help each other.

I have a friend who wants me to just donate the amount of money and quit the job.  I refuse.  Because at the end of the day, I did not let more people know about Singapore Hearts Foundation.  And I did not find more regular donor who can actually help together raise more money for Singapore Hearts Foundation. One man's effort is limited. Which is why I will continue this as long as I can in hope to spread the word. But one thing to bear in mind, I must not get lost and corrupted.

Thus I don't wish to talk more about the company, to know more take a look at this site.

Rally

I have never been to a rally. But I know its power and how it always seem to motivate it. It is an essential ingredient and secret recipe for any MLM companies except you always must pay. And I never believing in paying to satisfy my curiosity, that is probably my only minus point and obstacle.

So when I was invited to attend one for free, I just say yes. Afterall when I join the company, I wanted to know the insides of a MLM style minus the MLM. And it had been rewarding as I am listening to all these motivational speakers teaching you how to fulfil your dream. As mentioned, to be successful, you have to be with the successful.

The first speaker was James Greaves, vice president of the Appco sharing with us how the founder Chris Niarchos had a vision for his company - global expansion. His sales was not good but each day when he return to office, Chris will just repeat his vision and he will perserve for one more day for that dream. That was 23 years ago.

Second speaker was a Singaporean, Wong Chee Wai. He uprooted himself to Thailand to be their organisation head. He had 4 tips:
1. Think big
2. High standards
3. Stay humble
4. Embrace failure
5. Never give up

Because it does not matter how long you take to reach as long as you get there.

Chris Niarchos, the founder, also made a speech sharing with all that not everybody is a natural. Most actually use their own fortes and maximise them. As usual he believed if you want to be something more, you have to be around people who are that. However, most importantly, is how one defines wealth - because wealth is what you are comfortable with as you write your own ticket.

Michael Scully, country head of Germany, feels that we must believe in what we do. When people doubt you, it is a challenge but when you doubt yourself, you gave people the reason to doubt too.

When an idea becomes a dream, and you empower it, it will come true. Thus never let those who doubt you steal your dreams.

The last speaker I was listening to was a guy who doesn’t believe in luck. He only believed that the harder you work, the luckier you get as you make your own luck. Most importantly, you should never take your foot off the pedal.

Afterall, progression happens only if you are teaching others your job.

Anyway the rally was held in Putrajaya, somewhere in KL. I did not have spare time to explore this place though but the scenery where the building is located is fabulous.


My last thought of this trip probably is this little sticker found in my hotel… What was running in my mind was – “I think the sticker is too far away from the sprinkler”… hahaha

Malacca (5th Feb 2010) – In Tribute of William Farquhar

In my life, everything happens for a reason. I had always wanted to visit Malacca after learning it is known for its Peranakan culture but I never know that Singapore’s first Resident, Major General William Farquhar was living in Malacca all these while.. that is till I came back from Malacca months later.. and attended NLB’s exhibition “William Farquhar: Singapore’s First Resident and Commandant (1819 – 1823)”

The Malacca trip had been a last minute trip thus I did not do any research before heading to Malaysia... and everything I shot was impromptu. Hmm let's see what I have taken and researched upon…

Malacca or Melaka in Malay is dubbed The Historical State or Negeri Bersejarah amongst locals. It is the third smallest Malaysian state, after Perlis and Penang.

In the 18th century, Malacca was a flourishing and expanding port. But between 1804 and 1805, its growing prosperity was seen as a threat to Penang by Lieutenant-Governor of the Prince of Wales Island (Penang), Robert Farquhar. Due to his advice, EIC ordered William Farquhar to destroy Malacca which Farquhar had to obey even after several arguments and memorandum. Luckily Sir Stamford Raffles was visiting Malacca then and happened to share the same sentiments as William Farquhar, penning another memorandum that managed to halt the demolition works. In addition, due to Farquhar’s slow and deliberate destruction of the fort, Christ Church, the Stadhuys (Town Hall) and other public buildings were saved.

Woke up early to catch the first train to Lavendar station to board the bus into Malaysia. It alighted at Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall where we split to have lunch. I ended up buying my souvenir and some tidbits right in the mall.

As we walked to our designated lunch area, we passed by the historic landmark of Dutch Square also called Red Square as this area is surrounded by all the red or more precisely light maroon painted buildings. It was formerly the center of Dutch administration. The buildings in Dutch Square were made of brick but during British administration, they were painted with salmon red to ease maintainability. The state government somehow has darken it a bit to be light maroon as what we see today.

Among these eye-catching buildings, Stadthuys is the largest building of them all. In old Dutch spelling, it is literally translated as 'town hall' and pronounced as 'stat-highs'. It was built between 1641 and 1660 as the residence for Dutch Governor and his deputy and thus the structure reflects Dutch architecture. Today it is the "Museum of History and Ethnography". The museum exhibits traditional wedding clothes and artifacts of Melaka, dating back to its days of glory.

Next to Stadthuys is Christ Church, built in 1753 by Dutch. It is the oldest protestant church in Malaysia. The building houses hand-crafted church benches, jointless ceiling skylights, a copper replica of the Bible, a headstone written in the Armenian language, and a replica of "The Last Supper". In fact once you enter, Last Supper painting made of glazed tiles is visibly over the altar. The ceiling in the church, which is the most notable feature, where the beams are over 15 m long each was made from a single tree.

Sandwiched between Christ Church and Laksamana Road is Malaysia Youth Museum and Art Gallery which was built in 1784 as Dutch Administrative Complex. In 1826, it was turned into a school (Malacca Free School). In 1920s, the building was renovated to be double-storey building and later used as a post office before converting into museum as what we see today.

If you are standing right at the entrance of Christ Church, there is an antique looking water fountain which is still functioning well. This is Queen Victoria's Fountain. It was completely built in 1901 by British to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.

Another significant icon visible in Dutch Square is Red Clock Tower. It was erected in 1886 in honour of a generous Chinese tycoon named Tan Beng Swee. Some called it 'Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower'.

Crossing the road (which fyi is a very high adrelaine activity as traffic is constantly on the move and the only way to cross the road is by raising your hand and showing strong intent that you want to cross the road so that the drivers will slow down) leads one to Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat). This street is famous for its antique goods. It is also famous for its carnival-like atmosphere during weekend nights. Sadly I could not stay to watch it as I only had a few hours to tour Melaka and had to head to KL in the evening. But the afternoon walk was fun with a lot of interesting souvenirs.

Malacca is well-known for its food and desert e.g. satay celup and chendol.

It is also known for its Peranakan (Nyonya-Baba) cuisine which is a mixture of Chinese (mostly southern Hokkien or Fujian influence), Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, British and Malay cooking with most dishes being spicy in nature. Interesting dishes of the Peranakan include Itik Tim (a soup containing duck and salted vegetables), Ayam Pong Teh (chicken casserole with salted brown-bean sauce which is usually served with potatoes) as well as the famous Nyonya Laksa.

Taragon was where we had our sumptous nonya feast and I probably did try some but I forgot to take photos haha. The deco was exquisite with beautiful lighting and display set giving one a fuzzy warm feeling. However I did felt the owner wanted to cheat us when he offered a 'student price' western meal package as he complimented that we look like a students gathering. 

Chicken Rice Ball is another dish popular with domestic Chinese tourists. I tried this in my next visit to Malacca and it was definitely YUMMY! Check it out here.

This Cheng Ho Cultural Museum (Muzium Budaya Cheng Ho) looks interesting hmm..

More sight-seeings...

Heavily decorated bicycle rickshaws are also commonly found in Malacca. Some even play blaring loud music. Kind of remind me of Thailand tuk tuks.

I like the butterfly lamp haha.. and the cute little souvenirs... and the ingenious bowl with chopsticks.. Totally awesome...

and the cute bear bear stools..

What I missed in Malacca:
* Fort A Famosa or "The Famous" in Portuguese: Constructed by the Portuguese in 1511, it suffered severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion. It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.
(It is sad to say that most sources credit Sir Stamford Raffles for the timely intervention but did not mention anything about Major General William Farquhar, probably because he did not manage to halt the destruction. Well even in those days, only success stories count.)
* Maritime Museum, replica of the Frol de la mar ship, Malacca
* St. John's Fort: Reconstructed by the Dutch in the third quarter of the 18th century, the cannons in this fort point inwards towards the mainland because at that time, the threat to Malacca was mainly from inland rather than the sea.

Eh not very keen to really go back just for it though.. Maybe the Fort A Famosa? Hmm shall see how, as even my second time down Malacca, I did not stay long at all and headed to the zoo after breakfast.

Faulpez Cooking - Mushrooms

Cup mushrooms Often described as "meat for vegetarians" because of their nutrients, mushrooms are loaded with B vitamins and taste great raw or cooked.

To easily clean mushrooms, use a pastry brush to remove the dirt - don't rinse them as they absorb water.

To keep mushrooms at their freshest, store in a paper bag in the fridge - if you store them in a plastic bag they'll sweat. Cup mushrooms taste great with chicken, bacon, eggs, asparagus, ricotta, parmesan, garlic and red wine. They contain as much vitamin B3 as meat and are a good source of vitamin B2 and biotin. They supply dietary fibre, too.