Orca's Haven

Moved!

2010-09-21T17:57:00.000+08:00

Finally I have made the shift. To a place with free access in the land of great firewalls.

http://orcahaven.typepad.com/

Byebye blogspot.

Byebye blogspot, and hello, typepad!

2010-09-19T11:06:00.000+08:00

Finally, I have moved.

Not for the physical self, but for the virtual haven I reside my mental self in.

I do like blogspot, for it is friendly and easy to use. However, the ban on blogspot doesn't seem to be winding down, and checks on proxy servers have been stepping up. Successful access to blogspot is now a feat, and doing editing work on it is even more challenging.

Thus, when the opportunity to set up a typepad account arose, I thought for some time and explored the settings. At first glance, it is a lot more intimidating than blogspot, with its many options. However, it is access-friendly in this country of great firewalls, and the server size and speed are quite impressive.

So, byebye blogspot, and hello, typepad!

Inception - complicating ambition

2010-09-13T15:02:00.000+08:00

Watched Inception last night.

Yet, a tad later than others in catching this highly rated thriller movie of the moment. The IT show. Blame it on the slowness of foreign movie screenings in this gigantic country.

Highly rated and raved. Many of my peers in Singapore found it both thrilling and intriguing. “Hard to grasp all of the show” was the common phrase. And yes, I had to agree with that, but from a different angle. When the film went rolling to the snow-covered landscape, aka the third layer of dreams, I was also falling into sedation, or else termed the land of boredom.

Though not exactly a novel theme, the opening of Inception was interesting, intriguing enough to keep one’s apt attention on the subsequent developments. The crisp and razor-sharp jigsaw pieces blowing out from the architecturally realistic dreams were quite breathtaking and lingered in the mind for some time.

Nevertheless, as with most ambitious creators, Inception attempted another step further, deeper into the mysterious world of dreams, a dream within yet another two dreams. On paper, this might have read like a real thriller, gluing the readers’ eyes to the pages. However, on screen, it pans out quickly into a weak and forced extension of the first two layers of dreams. Apart from a different landscape, and more powerful cinematic effects, the plot and want for this layer does not seem to be strongly warranted for or essential to the development of the movie.

Inception has some good ideas budding from the age-old beauty of dreams and its veil of mystery and decent acting from its cast. If it was somehow simpler in its ambitions, it would have made for a stronger movie.

Back in action

2010-09-11T16:40:00.000+08:00

For some strange, unknown (technical) reasons, I kept floating in and out of my MSN Messenger. It just crashed at whim, with increasing frequency towards the last two weeks, and finally it threw in the towel and simply refused to work.

"Your account has been temporarily blocked."

Hotmail or MSN accounts already seem to have some of the most junk emails around, and now, they add in vulnerability to account security. How wonderful.

Posting a query for assistance on the Windows Live solutions/forum (there is apparently no help desk around, or least not that I have managed to find) yielded zero results. In between searching for a solution and trying to maintain my connection to the rest of the world (alright, I am a tech slave in this sense.), I found some solace in reverting to the most primitive version of Messenger. Yes, it is basic, with no frills, but at least it works!

Finally, I have managed to resolve this unwarranted technical fault and I am back on MSN Messenger, minus all the crashes!

My Place

2010-09-11T16:22:00.000+08:00

Lately, I was posed this question: “Have you thought about settling in China?”

This is a question which has come across my path many a times during my stay in this dizzying and crowded city. I have never wavered away from my answer in this long chain of similar questions.

“No.”

Understanding the Chinese language and culture helps greatly in navigating this complex country, and makes adjusting to life an easier process. However, there is little connection, let alone sparks, between me and this city, be it culturally or spiritually. I like Shanghai, for its vitality, colourful history and gorgeous architecture from the past. However, I am not able to sense Shanghai or China within me; it is as if I am floating of the sphere, always peering in from outside.

I am here, but I do not belong here.

I do not have a sense of being to any particular place, yet. Born and bred in clean and organized Singapore, it is where my roots will always be, a place where there is a trove of memories in store for me. Physically, I know my way around the city, and the quirks of its people and culture, and I can blend in easily.

Despite being away for the few years, I have always attempted to catch up with the ins and outs of this little red dot, and have not felt out of place till now. Nevertheless, an unknown sense of detachment links, or de-links me, to this city I have known so well. A feeling of loss somehow lurks within me, standing me and the tiny isle I have always known as my base. Like a friend I have always known, yet I never really know her. Like a place I am always in, but I am just looking in.

Now, I need to look for the missing piece in my life puzzle. A place I can sink myself into.

The first impression

2010-09-07T17:04:00.002+08:00

What was your first impression of your best friend or other half? Can you still recall this vague first meeting you had?

First impressions last. Is that true?

I don’t buy into first impressions. No, I am not such a saint that I simply peer into the atmosphere behind a new acquaintance. Physical appearances have a weaker magnetic pull at me. A person can be physically attractive and that would usually lure lingering looks at his or her appearance, and I am no exception. Yet, what I bring back with me after that brief or first meeting would be a certain feel or thought about the person.

Laughingly, for all the rational being I am, I actually view a person based on hunches.

Some folks are charming and have great social skills, which puts everyone at ease when faced with the awkward first meeting and endears them to new friends. Some folks are simply tongue-tied and shy away into the background when propped up at the acquaintance table. At many times, don’t you wish you just had a magic wand to wave yourself into the air?

Yes, some people just put me on the pricks, and I feel like a one-legged bird constantly juggling the walk in the air. The comfort level is simply non-existent.

For some, the sense of distance just never narrows, either with time or more understanding (or an attempt to). So I may just as well be on the other side of the bubble peering into the party.

With a few people, there is distance, and there is time. Yet there is warmth and understanding. In a cramped world with little space and time, there is an impetus to expend the resources to know, understand, and share.

Perhaps we all have a certain bandwidth wired into us. All we need is to find the right frequency to tune in to.

Touching or to be touched?

2010-09-07T16:36:00.002+08:00

Ever cried recently like you did as a child? Was it over a touching movie or did a particular novel just tug at your heart, and thus your tear ducts?

It seems to be the season of touch and tears recently. The Chinese movie of the moment, The Tang Shan Earthquake, pulled, tugged and tore away at the hearts of many movie-goers. Amidst the pitch-darkness in the enclosed space for that two hour-slot, tears simply flowed freely for most.

I have yet to watch it. Yes, I am always a tad, one beat slow, when it comes to catching up with the latest movies. The goggle box somehow holds lesser appeal for me compared with the handy paperback or sleek computer screen (I am happily typing away now!). Yet, I doubt the rational being in me will tear or cry for a show.

Am I such a cold, heartless being? Perhaps so. Maybe not.

Perhaps so. Moving visuals are great impact on the vision and mind, creating a dramatic picture for the mind. And they will tend to stick in memory for a long time to come. Yet, all I can recall would merely be the colours and lines, and not the creation in its full essence.

Maybe not. Words have a far stronger grip on me. Lines of expression flowing away within the covers of a book or short prose of lyrics embedded in those lilting notes; these are medium by which I can be transported easily into an entirely different world by. A canvas without borders, a world without limits, endless scope for imagination and space for thoughts. The story or exact words may have escaped my failing memory with age, but the moment of pricking, the time of realization, and the seconds of thoughts.

So, yes, perhaps I will pick up Tang Shan and attempt to watch it though such movies are usually heavy for my liking. I wonder how it would go. Should I prepare more tissue packs?

The wonderland of words is still where I would prefer to shed my amour and seek my refuge in (L: it’s okay to be a crybaby!).

不如不见

2010-08-24T20:49:00.003+08:00

过去，怀念起来的滋味总是甜，如果重来过，或许已变质，不堪回首。

有些回忆，就让它永远停顿在过去，停留在美丽的梦里，细细回味。

很多人，现在与过去肯定有所改变，只是中间隔着的日子里，换来一场空。

能与过去重逢，你是否还认得它的影子，又或者一切已变得陌生，面目全非。

让过往重演，听来很浪漫，但不如让它永远冰峰在美好的回忆里，重温感动。

消失了的人，与其期盼再次相遇，不如继续怀念着逐渐模糊的唯美，不如不见。

回忆之所以美丽，是因为我们选择留下最美好的片段，来陪伴我们一直走下去。

Little specks of words floated in front me when I was listening to Eason Chan's 不如不见, and I just needed to pen them down. I wanted to upload the mp3 link for this song, but I suppose my current VPN is not strong enough for uploading media!

Chapter 18: Comfort breakfast, the American style

2010-08-21T18:13:00.004+08:00

Bagels are such seemingly humble and simple food for thought. The first time I came across this little gem was during my exchange stint in the States some years back. Perhaps owning to the far distances of this country and storage conveniences of this bread-like alternative (it can be frozen and stored for quite a while!), bagels are the breakfast staples, just as you tiaos in China and fried beehoon in Singapore.

Coming in numerous forms, from the plain ol’ good bagel to the cinnamon, sesame, onion-coated ones, there is a good range to relieve one of the usual mundane breakfast choices. However, coming from Asia, the continent of dizzy food choices, the bagel seems to a lone soul lurking only in some corners, with its common form being the supermarket frozen variety.

Spread some jam or cream cheese on it and there you go, a finger-licking good breakfast presents in no time. Slightly toasted and eaten on its own, the warm bagel slices is pure comfort food in the icy cold winter weather. This is certainly a welcome change from the usual cold cereals!

With a little imagination and slightly more time, a bagel-wich (bagel sandwich) can easily replace its better-known cousin. However, due to the more chewy texture of the bagel, it can take a tad more effort to cut through the generous fillings of the bagel-wich!

Pizzas do not have to be gigantic. Nicely cut into 4 quarters, the bagel pizza makes for good bite-sized bites over a nice cup of coffee and gossip talk.

Now that there is a decent bagel store in the neighbourhood, that adds one more satisfying choice to the array of food options!

过去、现在、未来

2010-08-16T23:54:00.006+08:00

你还记得你的过去有谁曾陪你一起走过吗？

过往的日子里，回忆起来时，嘴角仍会扬起甜丝丝的美好。走过的岁月里，蓦然回首，脑海里曾伤心的记忆早已化为甘甜，心中的回忆已变成美丽的点。

所谓往事，好的差的、开心的难过的、深刻的模糊的，到最后都融为一体，伴随我们着我们的现在与未来。

你正在用心经营你的现在吗？

现在的你，是否还会带着笑容来迎接每一天？明天对现在的你，是幅雨后的彩虹图又或者是大雨来临前的灰蒙天？你现在所走过的大街小巷，是一步步沉重的脚步还是一步一脚印的跳跃着？眼前的路，你是否一个人战战兢兢的，还是能借由他人的力量助你继续走下去？

现在的所有，看得见、触摸到、感受着，最深刻的生活着，最细微的体会，去创造遥远的未来。

你未来的梦又是什么呢？应该是闪烁的、期待着的。又或许是遥不可及的、超出想象的。过去与现在都已走远，未来的路上，你想和谁一起走着呢？又是否会有人在你的未来缺席？

闭上眼，让心去遐想，就不由自主地发出微笑了、苦笑了。

我想和你在一起
却在你未来缺席
给你的爱那些美丽
已长成藤蔓缠着我的生命

想微笑嘴角微微颤抖
回忆像风一来就乱的头发

在你的未来缺席
像是一出剧本未完待续
预留伏笔
把未完成从容继续

源自《缺席》、《走音》

Singapore: The city where dating rules abound

2010-08-13T14:15:00.000+08:00

Besides the economy and a bundle of many more issues, the men behind the isle-city of Singapore are sure a busy group. Dating, marriage and procreation, are also issues important enough to warrant constant scrutiny, repeated reminders, large-scale national campaigns, dedicated dating agencies (re: the infamous SDU) and attention from the whole nation.

Singapore woos singles in yet another dating campaign:
http://www.divaasia.com/article/10282

The latest approach is to promote interaction among singles, and hopefully more dating ensures thereafter, in the form of a television commercial. Government-led, a la Singapore-style.

Firstly, I wonder if the humble television set is still the preferred means of entertainment and information in the highly wired city these days. For the target group between 20 to 35 years of age, these are the busy multi-taskers, juggling studies/work and packed social lives, spending long hours away from home. With the multitude of activities calling for their attention, is the television still an effective tool of campaign communication for this group of busy people?

Secondly, promoting love via public campaigns, while a well-meaning effort to push up marriage and birth rates, can be a huge turn-off, especially for this group of young and individualistic people. Admitting to a lack of dates is one issue, receiving assistance via the authorities (nagging parents may rank top on the list, but having the government hovering over you is not any different either) is yet another poke in the face.

With all the effort and resources towards promoting dating all these years and its unsatisfactory results thus far, it is perhaps time to rethink the approach towards promoting love in the city. Life attitudes affect choices, and these attitudes are formed from an early stage in life. If a meritocratic society places great emphasis on tangible achievements from a young age, then societal influence and pressure will mould the young's values and attitudes later in life. Similarly, a slower-paced and free-wheeling city will encourage its residents to slowly soak in their surroundings and explore the different facets of themselves and social circles.

You can shape an environment, but the environment is also what shapes a person.

The arrival of the 秋老虎

2010-08-11T15:19:00.000+08:00

秋老虎来了！

上星期六立秋了。接下来的这几天都好酷热的，闷闷得让人实在受不了。难熬的夏日季节看来还得等过了中秋再能得到解脱。

立秋之际，整个人都慵懒的很，礼拜一就一早就躲进被窝里，倒头睡到了天亮。虽然听起来很夸张，但是这12小时的睡眠却让我恢复了体力和精神，不再觉得那么昏昏沉沉了。

12小时的马拉松睡眠 -- 这也算是一项小记录吧。^0^

On Air

2010-08-11T14:35:00.004+08:00

After a long hiatus from K-drama, I am probably back in touch with their productions, after finishing two of their serials in a row. However, these two titles are random picks; till now, I still have difficulty telling the korean stars and shows apart!

A 2008 production, On Air is about the scenes behind a serial production in Korea. Less obssessed with fairy-tale love stories and fuzzy-beautiful scenes, On Air's storyline treads a balanced line between reality and drama-land. Portraying the struggles and hard work behind the scenes, and transporting between budding romances and some scenic settings (this show was partially shot on-location in Taiwan), On Air is a wonderful peek into the many faceless characters backing up the fancy TV productions. Glamourous stars may initially sell a show, but from the script to the location settings to the lighting to the directing, all these factors can make or break a show past its glamourous debut.

Being a prime time Korean serial, On Air naturally does not rest its laurels at merely depicting the life behind the scenes. Though a tad fast-paced and thrilling to be existent outside of reel life, the romance lines in this show is nevertheless a refreshing departure from the numerous accidents, memory loss, supposedly incest love and the rich-poor gaps most Korean dramas seem to be inflicted with.

As a young actor coming into his prime, Park Yong-Ha showed excellence and promise in his role as a first-time director in On Air. In comparison with the geeky acting with his earlier hit Winter Sonata, Park's delivery of an introverted PD who holds close to his ideals is both natural and engaging. It is a pity he has chosen to end his life prematurely. With his acting potential and boyish charm, he could have a promising career ahead.

The value of a person

2010-08-06T14:23:00.000+08:00

When a person's value is denomiated in terms of dollars and cents.
When a person's worth is measured with unit rates.
When a person is viewed in terms of contribution and shortfalls.
When a person is not who he stands for, but what he embodies.
When a person is important for what he brings, yet not what lies within him.
When a person is but a speck on the never ending chart, and yet not as a whole.
When society views a person not as a person, but a bolt in the wheel.
Churning, turning, and spinning, to keep the economy going.

So valued is the person.

GuideGecko Writing Contest

2010-07-28T19:41:00.000+08:00

Recently I entered for a writing contest on GuideGecko, an online site for travel guides. I have not travelled extensively as yet, so I decided to put up a simple compilation of reviews I have done on cafes and restaurants in this city I have called home for the past five years.

Here's the link to it:
http://www.guidegecko.com/the-eats-in-shanghai-travel-guide/d,10834

If you like the contents, do remember to click on the ratings icon! If you have any suggestions or comments, also feel free to let me know so that there is always room for improvement to look forward to.

Hope you will find it an entertaining read ^0^

Chapter 17: Fresh & Simple and Great Company

2010-07-28T13:20:00.001+08:00

At most times, eating is a shared experience, a delicate affair to be slowly enjoyed with like-minded friends. With top-notch freshness and careful preparation, Japanese food is one cuisine I have always endeared to.

Last weekend, I brought a visiting friend to Koyoma, a traditional Japanese restaurant located in the bustling XinTianDi area. Amidst the crowds, Koyoma is a comfortable spot for good eats and a cosy place for a group of friends to unwind at. We were lucky to get seats pretty fast even though it was a packed restaurant on a crowded Saturday night.

Though the restaurant ran out of salmon belly, we were quite delighted with the thick and succulent salmon sashimi too. Fresh, chewy and tender to the bite, these fresh darlings went very well with a good hint of wasabi and soy sauce.

Deceptively simple and boring, these little pieces of sushi were immaculately made, with generous dollops of fillings bursting from within. Sturdy and filled with tiny, chewy rice grains, they made for excellent bite-sized goodies. The crabstick sushi, were in particular, interestingly dosed with a strong touch of wasabi, bringing us to near-tears at our first unwitting taste.

Thick and swimming with carrots, onions, potatoes and beef pieces, this is one traditional Japanese curry rice. The fried chicken pieces were fried to a golden-brown perfection, with its fragrant, crispy skin as good evidence. Though consistent with Koyoma’s above-average culinary standards, this was, however, not the most impressive dish, and we are more biased towards those found at the chain, Coco Curry House, instead. Interestingly, a glass of iced water came with this curry rice set. Perhaps our South-East Asian tongues are well-adjusted to varying levels of spice; this light curry variation certainly did not warrant for more rice or water.

After a memorable and satisfying good dinner of Japanese goodness, we could not resist hopping over to Sweet Dynasty across the street. One of their dessert specialties, this bowl of beancurd was silky smooth yet solid enough to resist breaking into fragments when we tucked into it. Simple yet lovingly smooth to the touch, this made a perfect end to a good evening of great food and company.

Betrayal

2010-07-28T12:28:00.002+08:00

After a long hiatus from teary-soppy Korean drama shows, I have almost finished my course of the intelligence-themed serial, IRIS.

With its many twists and turns at unexpected corners, this show is reminiscent of the military theme Korean movie-makers are usually adept at. Personally, my favourite lies with the beautifully shot Joint Security Area;, a tense and bleak depiction of the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas. IRIS shares a similar theme; it also deals with power tussle from different angles, and tension between North and South Korea.

Standing at the bottom of the food chain and unaware of the complicated exchange of power tussles and monetary hunger behind the scenes, deceit, betrayal, and death come face to face with the lead character in this show. Promised many times over, and going all out to complete another gruesome mission, but returns to find yet another broken threshold of trust and another hold out for his capture and life.

The normal person in our lives would not undergo such a twisted fate, yet the theme is a common one. As we grow with the passing of time, do we find ourselves trusting others less? If so, have we considered what have caused us to evolve into these distrusting, cautious individuals? Do we amass more possessions as we grow older, and thus develop a need to protect and grow them?

We have willingly shared our time and toys with our peers when we were tiny tots, but are we still capable of having others share in our growing war chest of possessions? If we need to guard our words and actions in our everyday lives, then we are perhaps no different from soldiers put on security alerts. Each person is a possible candidate for invasion, and the risk is a breakdown of faith and trust, or betrayal. Are we risk takers?

In IRIS, the underlying flow is a secret organization which stands to benefit from conflict and war among different countries, and in this case, between the two sibling countries. It is perhaps not quite a realistic picture of the real world most of us are acquainted with, but it is indeed an interesting dose of greed, betrayal, clever deceit and gun power, all shot in a fast-paced fashion. Also, the acting in IRIS goes beyond the usual pretty-fluff smiles and pained expressions of lost love, which is certainly a good source of joy and relief.

Finally, a K-drama I am hooked on to watch from start to finish.

Supplements

2010-07-27T21:08:00.001+08:00

The human body is one amazing piece of machinery in action. He is a living being which is adept at communication, an intelligent mammal who knows how to shape his environment, and a mechanism which is capable of self-renewal.

Throughout my childhood and teens, like most other peers, the occasional cough and cold did not get me down a teensy bit, and pretty soon, I would be all alive and jumping again. However, with the passing of time, this mechanism seems to be slowing down, and suffers from more and longer downtime.

To avoid the over-reliance on curative medicine to overcome these signs of unhealthy balances, I sought to seek a more holistic approach to restoring a more harmonic state in my body. I chose supplements.

Faced with an initial barrage of supplements out on the market, I was soon dizzy with confusion and hesitation. There has to be at least a hundred types of pills gracing the shelves, claiming numerous benefits and functions. Carefully sifting through research on the web and coupled with professional advice from the doctor, I decided to start off my supplement regime with a few basics.

My daily assortment of supplements

Even with just four basics, I have yet to fully adjust to neither the mental thought nor the routine of consuming four pills on a daily basis. At times, I still wonder if I am just being a nervous wreak, worrying over the unnecessary. Nevertheless, supplements, as they are so-named, are meant to assist our bodily functions which may at times suffer from downtime, and this is a conviction I still hold true to my heart.

The sole challenge now is perseverance.

Cathay Pacific Airlines - Terrible service!!!

2010-07-27T17:17:00.001+08:00

I experienced a flight delay on Cathay Pacific from Singapore to Shanghai, and as a result, missed my connecting flight in Hong Kong, and had to stay overnight in Hong Kong to catch the earliest flight to Shanghai the next morning. For insurance purposes, I requested for a formal letter from Cathay.

The ground staff at the Cathay counter assured me that the letter provided would be sufficient. However, this proved to be wrong. In the letter given to me, there was no reason stated for the flight delay and the rescheduled details were vague. And naturally it was rejected by the insurance company. And now, I am still battling the slow (they can take up to 20 business days to reply to online feedback, which is also simply unacceptable in these times!) and unresponsive feedback system to request for a new letter.

Also, in the letter, it stated that transport and meals would be provided with my overnight stay in Hong Kong. However, no transport was provided as the stay was at the airport hotel next door. Yet the ground staff in Singapore conveniently missed out this part, and there was no one at the Hong Kong airport to direct me to the hotel airport. I had to ask around at the hotel before I could find my way around. Meals were also not provided in the hotel accommodation Cathay made with the hotel, totally different from what the Cathay staff in Singapore had promised.

I wrote in a feedback form regarding the inconsistencies in their letter provided and service rendered on their website. There was no response at all.

While I like their cabin crew and service on-board, I would not consider taking Cathay again due to the extremely bad administrative and management system of the airline. Bad service is one thing. The utter lack of service recovery, is yet another big minus.

Why have a feedback form when there is going to be no response, or worse, simply standardised responses? One can get that from the FAQ list, no?

无聊的炎夏天

2010-07-08T16:27:00.000+08:00

冗长的兹兹
平板的字字
怎么调也调不进去
他们不一样的调调

不一般的刻板
不一般的长气
很一般的叹息
很一般的无趣

就这样我们抱在一块吧
度过了非一般的夏日天

Friendship

2010-07-07T15:10:00.004+08:00

Friendship is a strange mass of sprouts and blooms, weeds and wilts, cheer and laughter, despair and betrayal.

Like any of us, it grows from a tiny sprout, gradually into a blossoming being in its own right. Nevertheless, we are gardeners in different varieties and each bud might not eventually grow to see its shadow.

I find it gratifying when the passing of years and growing of distances have not dampened the ties with the people I have grown up with at each stage of my life. Though time has grown into a gulf for some, I am glad I still get to keep others, and some surprises you with continued spurts of growth and blooms.

We have shared endless joyous times of eats and boring classes, and along the route to adulthood and on, we are also learning to split the lesser days among these shoulders. We have grown and changed, but within us, the elf of optimism lives on in us.

Entering into the decade-mark of friendship and strolling slowly into the big 3-milestone of our lives, life is a long path ahead of us, and many more memories awaiting us to forge together.

《岁月如歌》

2010-07-03T18:48:00.002+08:00

这是一首我很喜欢的歌曲，歌曲与歌词配塔的很完美，其中的画面令人感动。由于语言的分别，这首歌有两个版本。中文词的填词人是林夕（中文歌名为《兄妹》），是我非常喜爱和敬佩的作词人。或许是先听为主的关系，歌曲的原版，即粤语版，始终才是我的最爱。

某天下午，我决定将我对这首歌的最初感动和脑海里的画面，用自己的文字编写出来。

《岁月如歌》

要走了不知道如何掩饰心里

听见你脚步声接近自己

却也将离开我一步一步远离

很快你就走进别人美丽风景

还没时间整理去认清

衡量你的重要未来应该怎么经营

好像有些不舍我依然倾听着

最后却输给时间没给对的表情

你是否还记得那过去我们曾一起度过

在这迷失城市与它那大雾气里过

明天你就会走了愿你未来依然开朗幽默

或许像你说的时间太过短暂

我们试探能否更加勇敢

可以彼此分享我们心中理想

你寻找的启程就在今天日落

转身忍住不让我懦弱

怕你突然回过头看见的会是我难过

这天你要走了偶尔也联络吧

让我知道你那里天气是否晴朗

过去美好记忆就停止随时间让它去吧

但你愿意留住我们曾开心的日子

明天你就会走了愿你未来依然开朗快乐

Chapter 16 - An oasis of goodness

2010-06-30T23:55:00.000+08:00

Qimin Hotpot is a quaint house of goodness. An organic hotpot chain originating from Taiwan, this rustic restaurant advocates healthy eating and introduces organic ingredients in its menu as far as possible (beef and mutton are imported while its chicken and pork are sourced from free-range farms).

It even has its own vinegar enzyme drinks (made at its Taiwan plant)! Rustic yet elegant, there is even a real bookshelf with many books on food and herbs in general.

A set menu starts from an appetizer plate of four cute goodies, consisting of the plums, marinated pork cuts, mixed vegetables and soft, fluffy deviled egg (my favourite of the lot). Instead of the usual strong marinated present in many Chinese dishes, this plate is simple yet tasty to the palate.

There is a choice of different soup bases, and I picked the chicken stock. Clear and perhaps bland to the buds of many, the broth intensified into a tasty pot as more ingredients were cooked in it. The friendly staff were knowledgeable and advised on the cooking times for the various types of ingredients (vegetables, mushrooms, meat etc).

We also ordered the 红油抄手, a plate of freshly made, small dumplings, which went wonderfully with the slightly spicy dipping sauce (which you could vary with a number of additional dipping ingredients such as garlic, peanuts, parsley etc). The soup bases and sauces provided are generally moderate in taste as the restaurant encourages customers to taste the full flavour of the ingredients and experience wholesome eating.

Brimming with a whole lot of crunchy vegetables (you can eat it raw if you wish to for they are all organically grown), it does not take much or long for one to feel full and wholesome.In fact, I was quite satisfied before I finished the set!

Dessert consists of red bean soup and a refreshing vinegar enzyme drink to aid digestion.

Eating at Qimin is not a cheap affair, but an indulgent treat on days when you feel like going back to basics and enjoy what nature has to offer.

A scent of love, a bloom of florals

2010-06-30T16:00:00.000+08:00

I came across this display at a SASA store in Singapore.

Breathing of spring blooms and fluttering with love in the air, which matches the scent of this particular fragrance perfectly.

The look of expectation and glimpse of flirtation in her eyes against a background of warm glow from the sunset transports one into a world of floral fantasies and love escapades.

你的梦想呢？

2010-06-15T18:30:00.001+08:00

小时候，你的梦想是什么呢？

长大了，你实现这个梦想了吗？

梦想与工作，在我们熟悉的社会里，往往是两条分叉路。但，其实它们不应该是一个共同体吗？工作无疑在我们的生活里占据了很多时间，也会直接或间接影响我们的情绪与心里素质。

那，你喜欢你的工作吗？如果能让你从新选择，那又是否是一条截然不同的路呢？又或者，你已经习惯了这样的生活方式，也不愿意去改变现状？人长大了，拥有的更多了，却也会害怕失去而拼了命去留住它。我们在保护的，究竟是些什么呢？房贷、车子、漂亮的衣饰、新鲜的玩意儿、社会的认可？

这张清单里，包括了快乐吗？

最初的冲动，最终的感动，最直接的快感；要寻找这些或许需要时间的磨练和人生的洗礼，但失去了自我探索的勇气，这应该是个更永恒的遗憾吧？

Tales from Beijing – Note Four

2010-06-15T17:42:00.004+08:00

The Forbidden City – a name associated with grandeur, power, the loss of freedom. Generations of the last dynasty of China’s monarchy had lived here, together with countless servants and guards who had given their lives and spirits to their masters.

This art of exquisite Chinese design and craftsmanship is evident from the moment one steps forward onto the cobber-stoned grounds of the massive square. Dismissing the hordes of crowds from my mental sight, I could sense the satisfaction of absolute power amid the echoes of loneliness sounding in my midst. A life of luxury the owners of these grounds must have led, and yet another never-ending race for power and fortune many others had chased after.

One of my favourite elements of this enormous palace are the long, wide lanes or corridors adjourning the various chambers. Long, straight, and flanked by 2 rows of high walls, this is a never-ending route, a journey of a lifetime into the innermost depths of rivalry and power struggle.

There are crowds, and there will always be crowds, paying homage to this architectural and historical legacy. However, the space of this breathtaking art also means it is not difficult to seek a corner of solace in one of the many chambers or corners. Just be sure to leave behind your watch and put on your most comfortable shoes, for this beauty is one place you would want to linger on for that moment more.

The Fungal Invasion

2010-05-24T16:41:00.000+08:00

If you have asked how I was doing for the week which has passed us by, I would have needed more than a few minutes of thought.

And more than an ounce of courage, to put together the huge flashes of pain, depression, hopelessness and insomnia all rolled into one single prick of the needle.

Furiously burrowing through and beneath my already-thin skin for more and any possible virgin vein. Pendulum-ing between a cracked desert-field at its highest drought point and a snake rapidly shedding its unwanted skin, I was put on 24/7 mode. Never had I been so keenly observant of my own skin by the mere tearing and ripping of itself, slowly, but surely, into the wee hours of the nights. The parched ground was in continuous motion, frantically letting out loud pleas for help. The foreign fungal troops never rested on their laurels either, busily sowing fields of big, red, victorious patches upon the rapidly dehydrating skin layers. Left completely barren and fresh with huge fungi infections, the old skin guards threw in their armour, calling for their last service as they quickly detached themselves as the many pieces of white flakes rolling off the skin layer.

The pain from crying raw skin battling against this furious foreign attack kept me awake till extreme drowsiness slowly crept in at moments. The pit-less sense of hopelessness simply exploded each time I stared back into my own reflection.

Drained, exhausted, despaired, hopeless.

I, alone, could not fend off this sudden invasion. I made a seemingly exaggerated decision to a trivial matter, and decided to seek relief and hope in a well-trusted sanctuary thousands of miles away. I am back home, back in the safe comforts of well-trusted hands to pull me through this sudden attack of fungal infection. Treatment is a patience game and victory is the dangling carrot behind it. I sleep loadfuls now, thanks to the recuperative effects of the strong medicine. I no longer dread as much when I peer into the mirror, for each small improvement is a far cry from the initial days of red-hot explosions. I may tired more easily for the moment, and I am once again, at ease with facing crowds. Yes, red patches and pink rawness still show up in their pockets as I resemble more of a walking lobster. However, only better days can lie ahead, I believe.

Though I may never know the true reason behind this bout of skin infection, I am learning to take better care of my body and my skin. Less is more, and I am what I eat; two widely-known golden mantra but are they easily understood as well? I am only skin-deep, for it shows up the workings and failings of the body, laid out bare-faced for myself to examine and reflect upon.

Tales from Beijing - Note Three

2010-05-21T22:46:00.002+08:00

After a mildly exhausting morning (well, maybe closer to an hour or two) of prodding our feet and knees on the ancient grounds of the Great Wall, we decided to replenish our fuel stock. Chow time!

Before retreating for lunch, we swirled into action on the long ramp-way. Each equipped with a small motorized small wheeled vehicle (or rather, it looked more like a piece of plank), we were soon zipping on our way downhill. Long-legged beings, beware. The small, cramped space behind the wheel meant constant bending over of the body in order to execute the manual speed controls of this device well. So, allow for some sore knees after this little thrill ride!

Lunch was at this popular restaurant just at the foot of the Great Wall. Known for their fresh seafood, live catch (fish) is caught just from the concrete pit-hole-like pond by the corner of the restaurant, and grilled to perfection as wafts of strong barbecue aroma shroud this makeshift kitchen in dusty fog.

We had the star dish of this restaurant – the rainbow trout. Grilled to a healthy shade of dark brown and generously sprinkled with spices, the meat was succulently fresh and tender. Despite the huge plate it was served on, we managed to clean the plate well.

This Xining Fried Chicken Soft dish would appeal more to the ladies I would think, for it is heavily drenched in a sweet-sour lemonade-like sauce.

This fungi dish brims with goodness, and the stock was flavourful and had us scooping the ladle for seconds and thirds.

This pot of pork and chestnuts makes for a flavourful dish by itself, given the hot simmering gravy it comes in. However, the health-conscious folks might find this dish a tad oily and fatty for their liking.

I forgot what this dish was called, but it made for great, tasty appetizers. A mixture of scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, greens, meat (chicken or pork), and stuff it inside the mouth of this thin rice paper, and you have a great mini “rice burger”!

A sunny and scenic climb up this historic walled legacy followed by a truly satisfying lunch, this is what I would deem as travel, living.

Tales from Beijing – Note Two

2010-05-17T18:55:00.000+08:00

The room we had for the first night peered out into a dense pack of buildings and this particular n-shaped cube contrasted greatly with its stiff-necked counterparts. Asymmetrical and standing tall on two legs, the morning sun peeked neatly into its irregular hole.

Setting for one of Man’s greatest structures, the Great Wall, on this Saturday morning, we were once again faced with Beijing’s notorious traffic jams. Fine spring weather is always an enjoyable time for some outdoor activities, and Beijing, with its vast offerings of nearby countryside retreats, constantly lures weary city-dwellers into its relaxing rural arms. Fortunately, the cars were still moving, only stuck at times, and we managed to reach the Mu Tian Yu section of the Great Wall in about an hour’s time.

Not exactly up for a labourious climb up the mighty long wall, we were unanimous in choosing the cable ride up the half-way mark of the Great Wall. As our legs dangled lazily from the comfort of our cable seats, we heard joyous screams from the visitors sliding down the ramp below us. Instead of the cable, visitors could also choose to “ride” down a long, winding ramp for their return leg from the Great Wall. Looks like a much more exciting version of the moving bumper car!

Much of the scenery around the Mu Tian Yu section presented bare stretches of brown with patches of blooming greens against ever-winding ranges of mountains, provoking a melancholic feel around this great structure even in sunny spring weather. Each rest-point (did they used to be light towers?) along the wall had low arched brick ceilings, resembling olden-time bomb shelters. Nevertheless, being located in good vantage points along the wall, these rest points provided good old natural ventilation, especially under the sweltering heat.

Most of the steps up the Great Wall were manageable, though we practically had to sit or kneel down to overcome pretty steep gradients at some points. Do not get too absorbed in simply conquering the Great Wall though it does provide a big sense of satisfaction! Take your steps slowly, and look back at times for the changing landscape behind you. An increasingly winding road, the surprise of dark green trees coming into view, the excitement of seeing soft young buds anticipating the arrival of summer; there is an endless list of colours and senses as the seasons swirl around, waiting for you to discover.

Angkor Wat, a tale from the past.

2010-05-16T18:38:00.001+08:00

When  the day starts to come to an end, the burning rays from daylight  suddenly go out of sight and a sea-blue sky is what that remains. This  is also when Angkor Wat is viewed in her naked beauty, sharing with you  her tales from the past, speaking of a bygone era. 

Her ash-brown long silhouette,  enhanced by the stark blue skies, stared forlornly at her twin self in  the pond scattered with the pretty pink lotus flowers. The ocean-blue  skies hanging above her head shone brightly in the deep blue waters,  continuing its symmetry with Angkor Wat.

The short, clear moment before  dusk, is when you can take your time to appreciate the structure of  Angkor Wat in her full breadth. The crowd here is minimal, since her  stunning glamour at sunrise far outshines her quiet demure self at dusk.  You do not need much patience to make out her outline in blurred  darkness, or try hard to squirt your eyes to make out her shape under  the scorching rays. For she is all there, in full view. 

Do stop too, to appreciate the  quiet glamour around this grand lady. With the sunset coming from the  other opposite direction, the dry brown patches of green and dusty air  intensified the big orange glow shining its might against the gradually  darkening skies. 

As we slowly made our way back to  the entrance of Angkor Wat, we took the occasional retracing of steps  and cast a few more last glances at this enduring daring from a far  bygone era. As we started to play around with the elongated shadows on  the rocky path, I wondered about her glorious past, which has alas, also  become shadows of the past, lessons for the present, memories for the  future. 

Siem Reap, a treasure trove of  ancient marvels, an endearing city of mysteries, a tranquil place for  some quiet and self-time. Thank you, Siem Reap, for sharing your  moments, for lending us your hugs and ears. 

After spending some last moments  busking in the soft cushion of the dusky sunset, it was once again, time  to jet off to the next leg of our Cambodian trip - Phnom Penh, the  rapidly modernising twin of this country of wats.   

Tales from Beijing - Note One

2010-05-11T12:18:00.001+08:00

Beijing is a much changed place since 2008, the year of the widely anticipated Olympics Games. Putting economical figures aside, the addition of many more metro connections and the sprucing of the city landscape is a great bonus for this ancient capital and boost tons for the egos of the straight-talking residents.

After spending a minute figuring out the connecting points for the metro station, another minute was spent playing tug of war with the automated ticketing machine. No, it does not give change for 5 yuan. No, it does not accept 20-yuan notes. The easiest way was to purchase 2 tickets and push in a 50-yuan note; that way, the machine needn’t be tasked with the minor fuss of giving out change. Nevertheless, after getting past the minor logistical troubles, getting to the city centre from the airport took a merely 25 yuan and under half an hour. Transferring to any other metro line cost only 2 yuan, which was a tad surprising (a pleasant one though!) as the distances varied quite greatly among the lines.

Beijing’s organizational streak also shone in her direction signs at the metro stations. Neat and well-organised, they were prominently displayed and easily understood. Inside the Guo Mao stop, I came across this poster. A huge white jasmine flower (my guess since this is for a jasmine tea drink) against lovely hues of blue and green felt as if summer has already flown in, despite the unstable temperature fluctuations. And the spokesperson was Jam Hsiao, one of my favourite artistes!

Walking along the brightly-lit street of San Li Tun, the famous pubbing street of this capital, I encountered countless promoters trying to attract potential customers into their premises. Wow, how enthusiastic, but please give non-interested passer-bys some leeway to walk as well.

Some things, however, just never change. The road conditions in this huge city have taken yet another step backward, taking a further toll on the time and patience of wheeling residents. Touching down at the airport at 8-plus at night, I was taken aback by the slow-moving traffic as I peered out of the windows of the train. Granted that that was a Friday night, still these troves of cars stuck on roads in the suburbs painted the first description of the notorious traffic in this crowded city.

Looks like I would be well acquainted with the metro pretty soon.

Pu Tuo Shan (Finale) – Return in the midst of dusk and fog

2010-04-26T20:20:00.001+08:00

Due to the busy holiday period, we were not able to purchase the ferry tickets back to Shanghai. Nevertheless, Lady Luck still shed some light on us and bestowed the bus tickets upon us. Road conditions were crowded and the journey took us a whooping five-plus hours. The comforting touch from the soft glow of dusk helped to alleviate the boredom of sitting on the coach and watching the gradual retirement of the sun marked a joyous end to an enjoyable weekend getaway.

Zipping along the highway, long stretches of little plots of farmland were happily basking in the last hour of daylight, reflecting warm shades of yellow and orange. Yellow flowers were in season I think, judging from the many plots of yellow blooms coming into my view.

Initially a canvas of blue-gray shades with soft touches of light, a small yellow yolk gradually appeared, with its bright-yellow coat growing in intensity as it slowly flirted from point to point. Usually coated with coats of ash, the little farmlands and their tiny houses now glowed with beaming pride, with its lush greens beckoning against the mountainous background.

As the yellow yolk slowly glided down the grid lines and then disappeared behind the mountains, the sky quickly dropped back into its gray clouds. For some moments, the sun could still be seen peeking shyly through the dense, fluffy clouds, extending its cheerful yellow tint throughout the sky. Then as darkness descended further, the light tint grew into a deep red-orange ball, spreading its warmth across the approaching night, splitting the sky into distinct shades of ash-blue and deep orange.

As the day rapidly disappeared and night appeared, the lower temperatures also brought about a dense cloud of fog, shielding the choppy sea waves from view, along with most of its surroundings. Soon, only the gray prevailed, with only blurred orange glows from the fleeting street lights, and we were once again, on our long journey back home.

Pu Tuo Shan (Part 3) –Zhou Shan – the seafood lover

2010-04-23T18:02:00.000+08:00

Much of the seafood we consume in Shanghai originates from the waters of Zhou Shan. If you can put up with the ever-lingering scent of salt and fish in the air sticking upon yourself and getting your shoes dirty on the wet and slimy roads, the fishery port at Zhou Shan is one exciting visit, especially for the seafood-loving city dwellers.

It was here at the huge port that I saw the biggest monkfishes ever. This particular breed seems to be the specialty here; for they were everywhere we walked. Big enough to fill up a basket by itself, and there were loadfuls and loadfuls of them. Yum. Bliss.

Besides monkfishes, other marine residents were also huge in action. Sardines, crabs, pomfrets, and many I could not tell their names from. The workers at the port were pretty amused to see a group of city dwellers (we were probably the only ones not wearing the Paddington-style boots on the wet roads) with looks of curiosity and fascination, and frantically shooting pictures of every little thing, from the fishes to the sea to the workers themselves in action.

We spent an enjoyable morning acquainting ourselves with the sweet aroma of fresh seafood and crisp saltiness of the sea waves. We also found a little curio at the shops there – packets and packets of the local rice wine, just the same way milk is being packaged in. Though it tasted rather similar to most rice wines, it was a refreshingly interesting experience drinking wine from this small packet.

Not done with our seafood addiction, we went on to explore the secondary seafood markets in Zhou Shan. This was a more serious hunt though – we were selecting the ingredients for our lunch that afternoon.

Neat and noisy rows of seafood and a colourful feast of pails and buckets greeted us as we trooped into the wet market. Negotiation was not hard as it was already past noon, and vendors were more eager to reduce their inventory. After adding in processing fees (we brought our fresh acquires to a nearby restaurant, and got them to cook for us), the meal came up to only a few hundred renminbis for the table of six. It was a delicious feast as the kitchen whipped up at least eight dishes for us and most plates were emptied at the end of the meal. However, a bigger storm was quietly brewing as we were happily tucking into our delicacies. The cockles were not properly cooked the first time and we had to send them back for a second round of cooking. Alas, the damage was already done, and almost the entire group ended up with bouts of food poisoning upon our return to Shanghai.

An unforgettable trip, for its many firsts. The first time we traveled as a group. The first time we visited Pu Tuo Shan. The first time we had food poisoning on a mass scale. The trip gave us a bad experience to end with, but the pockets of happy times shall also stay with us for a long time to come.

Chapter 15 – The Jumping Frog

2010-04-20T12:16:00.000+08:00

Though the Shanghainese cuisine is traditionally sweet, the local people do have a taste-bud for spicy food too. Many spicy joints featuring cuisines known for their fiery tempers such as Sichuan and Hunan are widespread in this city of varied eats, and they are often bustling with customers, even towards the late hours of the night.

Wa Wa Jiao (cries of the bullfrog, if you really want a literal English translation of this cute signage) is a chain of restaurants featuring their signature dish – the spicy bullfrogs. Soft tender bullfrog legs cooked together with fried pieces of crunchy potato slices and lotus root pieces, this is one highly addictive hot of goodness, luring you for seconds while still battling the sensation in your buds. Cooked with a generous dose of little red chilli, there is a varying scale of spice levels you can choose from. Warning: The top spice level is not to be taken lightly!

For the health-conscious, you might want to request for a bowl of warm water to drain away some of the sinful oil before tucking into this addictive dish. Do not be concerned that you would look like a freak from outer space by doing so; this is apparently a common request here judging from the quick and nonchalant responses of the service staff here. You would be surprised at the colour changes after just a few dips (and the guilt level goes up a notch)!

Though well-known for their finger-licking good bullfrog legs, the chefs here also whip up a good variety of tasty dishes, especially this 口水鸡, white chicken meat dosed in sinfully smooth chilli oil. Served as an appetizer (or cold dish, as more commonly known in China), the smoothness of the chicken meat is emphasized by the red-hot chilli gravy and goes perfectly with a bowl of plain white rice.

As per Chinese-style, dishes here come in generous portions, so it can be a real challenge if you want to step in here alone. Even with a small group of friends (say, two or three), the extensive menu would leave you scratching your head over the must-haves to order from. Do it the Chinese-style, invite a big group of like-minded friends and have a rowdy good time!

Pu Tuo Shan (Part 2) – Neon lights: another side of Zhou Shan

2010-04-19T09:00:00.000+08:00

Zhou Shan is the mainland closest to Pu Tuo Shan, and there are frequent ferries going to and fro the two islands. Many visitors to Pu Tuo Shan can have the option of staying on Pu Tuo Shan (the big hotels or the many guesthouses dotted around the island) or on Zhou Shan, where there is a greater variety of housing options. To minimize traveling time, we chose to stay in this new hotel in the Shen Jia Men district, which turned out to be a value deal given the relatively comfortable and new settings at the rate of RMB398/night (twin-sharing!).

Shen Jia Men, seemingly ordinary in the daytime, proves to be a different character altogether when night falls. The galore of neon lights, including the many side alleys, came as a surprise to us, who were expecting a rather sleepy town. Many ktv lounges and massage parlours lie the streets, and many more gaily-dressed and heavily made-up young girls filled the streets. It was also common to see equally young boys strutting their way into these colourful establishments. New and expensive cars parked one after another also tell about the bustling business in this economy.

Seedy? Yes, you bet; the few females in the group were rejected entry even into the massage parlours.

Colourful? Yes, for a place known for its seafood, Zhou Shan has managed to surprise us with its split personality.

And along the way, this store caught our eye. It was kind of a mini challenge to guess the nature of the business based on the signage. Somehow, the name felt like it belonged to a tobacco store. Nevertheless, boutiques these days can really be quite creative I guess.

Serene and Holy – Pu Tuo Shan (Part 1)

2010-04-17T14:12:00.001+08:00

I have always wanted to visit the holy grounds of Pu Tuo Shan, a renowned Buddhist island off Shanghai. Besides being a believer in Buddhism, the usual glutton in me was also lured by the famed seafood offerings in Zhou Shan, the mainland adjacent to Pu Tuo Shan. Oh oops, these two reasons do not quite sound like complimentary ones on the itinerary!

After an early morning bus and ferry ride (the ferry ride was quite a tumultuous one given the choppy waters that day), we finally arrived at the well-known attraction. Unlike the many tourist sites I have come across here, the administration of Pu Tuo Shan has certainly done a good job here. Well-manicured lawns with lush greens and cheerful flowers, the well-paved roads are a delight to walk on, especially given the lack of heavy traffic (cabs are non-existent on this island, you can only pick from the few public buses, bicycles or the mini tour buses). Clear directions are also given throughout the island on reaching the many temples and attraction sites, making it easy for the newcomer to navigate around. And to maintain the sights of this island, garbage bins are also prominently displayed along the roads.

Every other person seemed to be happily strolling, slowly soaking in the foggy mountainous shades in the distance while taking in the crisp and fresh air. Photo-taking is common here, given the beautiful nature and well-restored houses on this gorgeous island. For the non-religious, a slow, aimless walk around this island can be a relaxing treat for the mind and an alluring feast for the eyes.

For the believer, a visit to the temple is a good experience, as many followers often revisit the island to return their thanks for wishes granted upon them. Like many temple attractions, the temples on Pu Tuo Shan are also filled with hordes of both believers and curious tourists. Perhaps the vast grounds of the temple provide ample space for some quiet respite as I made my way around, and the colourful blooms surrounding the temple added a touch of serenity to the otherwise busy grounds.

More interestingly, the temples on Pu Tuo Shan practice a policy of environmental-friendly measures. Every visitor is encouraged to offer only three incense sticks and huge offerings such as thick candles are not encouraged. And there is even a free guide service at the Pu Ji Temple we were at. Upon request, a monk would act as a guide, bringing the visitors through the rituals of praying and explaining the steps from holding the incense to the kowtowing. And if you have any questions about the temple and different deities, do feel free to raise them with the guide too. Humble and patient, they are good ambassadors of the temple and endear visitors to this place.

Due to the deliberate measure of preservation, be prepared to do a fair bit of walking and trekking in order to visit many of the spots here. However, it is certainly not a difficult trek, though it can get a bit chilly and foggy due to the altitude. Small food and drink stalls are dotted along the way to provide fuel for your next stretch, and you would be rewarded with some pretty sights too, so preserve on!

Chapter 14 – Quaint afternoon @ Café Dan

2010-04-16T16:15:00.000+08:00

Café Dan in one of those narrow alleys in 田子坊, one of the hip spots in town, is an unassuming wooden hut, with a handwritten menu board outside its doorway. The messy interior of the ground floor is filled with airtight containers of coffee beans of various types. For a café which prides itself on serving a fresh brew each day, one can expect to catch a strong whiff of caffeine as the roasting machine goes about its daily task.

Before you can hit the cosy grounds of the café, tread your steps carefully as the split horizontal steps up the hut requires a certain amount of balancing power!

It was a crowded afternoon that weekend, despite the cold and rainy weather. We had to sit at the bar counter, which turned out to be a blessed delight as we witnessed the patience and preciseness going into each cup of coffee (thanks to the love of the owner of Café Dan, a retired Japanese professor. It was a joy to watch coffee brewing transformed into an art!). Each cuppa is individually made and timed precisely during its formulation process.

The menu at this quaint café is a thick book, and rather confusing with its mixture of English, Chinese and Japanese descriptions. The pictures are however a comforting alternative to picking your choice of food. Pleasantly presented and wonderfully tasty, this is one of the assuring spots for a good chomp if you ever go hungry in this myriad of cafes and restaurants. Seemingly ordinary, I love the rice here, a crunchy bowl of unpolished rice beads.

Irena ordered the tiramisu and it was a surprising good twist on this Italian classic. Softer, a creamier texture with a thicker dusting of cocoa powder, this is definitely one of the better tiramisu finds in town.

Café Dan has wooden tables and chairs reminiscent of schooling days. There is also tatami-style area in the loft space upstairs (which seems to be perpetually taken); I shall try to have a chance at lazing in that corner one day!

Bayon - the grand dame

2010-04-16T15:17:00.006+08:00

Bayon is one serene grand dame best viewed under the soft touch of dusk if you want to avoid the scorching rays underneath the huge open grounds of her.

Composed of mostly four-faced Buddha statues, Bayon is relatively quiet compared with fellow peers of similar standing. Perhaps it has to do with the warm weather; or maybe the lack of unique traits like an overgrown nature coating (Ta Prohm) or the mystical glow under different weather changes (Angkor Wat), makes Bayon seems like one dull lady.

Bayon’s quiet nature endears her to those seeking a much-needed respite from the maddening hordes of tourists touring the Angkor site. Her low profile also enables her legacy to be well-preserved despite the passing of centuries.

Against the deep blue cloudless sky, Bayon looks like an assortment of Lego bricks, painstakingly built and layered to create this enormous maze. For the devout Buddhists, many a peaceful moment is well-spent studying the intricate carvings of the numerous Buddhist statues dotting the grounds of Bayon.

After a well-rested stop amongst the calm of Bayon, we started to head on to our next destination, back to our starting point – Angkor Wat, for its stunning finale before dusk.

The small wat wonders

2010-04-14T00:03:00.002+08:00

There are many, and many small wats dotted around the Angkor site, with some consisting of perhaps one or two full structures. Standing in the midst of trees, they hold their forlorn silence as the few tourists come by for the curious peek and a moment’s break. They provide a quiet respite from the busy and popular wats, allowing one to slowly appreciate the hard work going into the elaborate carvings of these wats. For the photo buff, these small gems are also a delight to capture as the generous space provide more angles to capture from, minus the presence of interfering crowds.

And with the sweltering, a mild breeze would indeed go well with a little nap under the shade of these small pockets of

tranquility.

Ta Prohm, the wat of trees

2010-04-13T23:44:00.002+08:00

Ta Prohm, a wat blessed and covered by nature, is overrun with trees. With huge tree roots crawling all over the walls of the structures at Ta Prohm, these magnificent creations of nature seem to lift their fingers up above ground and engulf the walls of this wat. The normal being is but a fraction of the size of a single root, and many more grow into cervices of the brick walls. It is a science lesson in magnified zoom, as the mysterious elements of the underground is being unraveled. 

However, it is a pity many parts of Ta Prohm were under restoration during that period, and we missed the opportunity to view her in her full glory.

Angkor Wat - busking in the early sunshine

2010-04-10T13:33:00.001+08:00

Angkor Wat, the landmark of Cambodia, is a place you would want to drag your feet around once you slip quietly through her huge rocky entrance.

Stacked upon one another like little bricks, Angkor Wat is one big dollhouse made up of blackened and grayish stones. Walking along the long corridor, it was as if I was once again trudging through the carefree days of campus life, revolving around the beautiful carved pillars and walls while raising my head up in awe of the long ceiling mural above me.

There are many and many more rolling pins doubling up as window shields here. These columns are fixed, but feeling my hands brush them by as I slowly walked down the quiet aisle, the columns were silently swirling around with their blessings.

The central green space within the grounds of Angkor Wat is one fine place for enjoying the early hours of dawn while strolling around to feel the fresh morning air. And if you have the time to spare, simply laze on the grass patch and say hi to the endless blue skies above and swaying palm trees.

A mysterious beauty before dawn, a grand lady in daybreak, a lively young girl under the sunshine; what other faces will Angkor Wat present when we visit her for a moment of dusk?

Knowing the true self

2010-04-08T19:09:00.000+08:00

"We never know the whole man, though sometimes, in quick flashes, we know the true man." - Agatha Christie, An Autobiography.

In this age of sensational journalism and celebrity scandals, the modern man is very often way too absorbed in peering into the lives of individuals removed from our true lives. How well do we really know our own selves then?

My own recollection of my life and its chronicle of happenings, is a haphazard store of memories. With the infant and toddler days mostly removed from my memory cache, what I can recall about my past are moments, moments in between gaps of time, blanks I have not been able to fill in, or perhaps too forgettable for keeps.

I was the clammed-up girl forever running for my classes; I was the nerd who loved spending afternoons revising her homework in the quiet of the homeroom. I too was the typical student who enjoyed the occasional skipping of tutorials and indulged instead in happy meal gatherings. I was once an acne-inflicted young adult battling never-ending projects and stressful seminars. And today, I am part of the workforce, and still struggling to locate the lighthouse in the darkness.

I do not know the complete me; every day is a journey of self-discovery, every episode is a step into defining the future self.

But, I have learned to give myself myself more love and strength to face each passing day, for I only live once.

Chapter 13: The unassuming star - 佳家汤包

2010-04-07T23:39:00.005+08:00

佳家汤包 is a renowned dumpling shop on the historical food street of Huang He Road, just off the bustling People’s Square. If Nan Xiang is the international face of dumplings, then 佳家 is one sparkling local gem, well-preserved and loved by the local population.

Despite its huge fame, the shop maintains a one-store policy and is happy to keep its customers queuing up for its tangy dumplings at any point in time. The store is one ordinary-looking and small shop-front on this busy street filled with numerous restaurants much bigger than 佳家. With only tables enough to seat around 30 or 40 customers, many of its fans have to wait patiently outside its shop (often spilling over to the road) while waiting for the next tables to be cleared. A 30-minute wait, especially during the weekends, is certainly not uncommon.

The star dish has to be the 纯蟹肉汤包, dumplings filled with generous fillings of juicy and tender crab meat. With its sweet tangy taste, this dish is worth the highest price point on the menu.

Another popular dish is the 蟹粉鲜肉汤包. The combination of pork and crab meat helps to balance out the sweetness of the crab meat (which some may find a tad overwhelming), and brings out a chewy touch through the thin and moist skin.

佳家, despite the horrendous queues and no-frills environment, it is bound to keep you going back for mores.

都是海鲜惹的祸

2010-04-07T12:05:00.003+08:00

这两天有种虚空的感觉。也许是吃了半生或不干净的海鲜的关系，我连续泻了无数次，简直就把厕所当成睡房了。现在想起食物还会有些不安的情绪，不知道吃完之后又要拜访厕所几回了。

今天外面是个晴朗天，阳光飞舞，蓝天万里。希望这也代表着一个好预兆，让这累人的病毒赶快烟消云散吧！

The lake of lotuses and more @ Angkor

2010-04-04T00:35:00.002+08:00

Angkor is a meandering site of wonders, with its sheer size and fascinating array of intricately designed temples, or wats; Angkor Wat is probably the most famous landmark inside this renowned site.

Angkor Wat is also reputed to be the best spot for catching the sunrise inside this huge temple maze. Hence, waking up at the unearthly hour of four in the wee morning, we were all ready to come up close with this elegant lady in her orange gown.

As the early morning breeze grazed us by as we took the tuk tuk to our destination, we gradually entered into pitch darkness as we entered the site. Being the pampered city creatures we are, it took us a while to get used to the lack of bright neon lights. Gingerly, we approached each step with cautious attention as we made our way towards Angkor Wat.

Along the way, we were rewarded with sparkling white dancers shining above our heads. The stars were out in full force, happily dancing their lullaby before the arrival of sunshine. When was the last time I have seen these many stars, I started to wonder. Hardly; which was not surprising as I spend most of my time in brightly-lit cities. A total novice in astronomy, I was elated to see interesting patterns these little sparks formed, creating a huge canvas wrapping the night sky.

Already, there were rows of seats placed near the small lake near Angkor Wat and vendors hawking beverages to the tourists in exchange for a seat ticket. Initially we were bemused at this sight of circus-style entertainment. Nevertheless, being the typical tourists, we decided to purchase a drink and be part of the circus.

Dark hues of orange and purplish-blue greeted us as we took our seats and strained to make out the silhouette of Angkor Wat in the dark surroundings. Patience. And Time.

Slowly, blue strips of the sky started to blossom, gradually engulfing its orange neighbours. The dark shadows cast by the lanky body of Angkor Wat started to become clearer as we peered into the lotus-filled lake. Short and dark, these little forms resembled more like miniature Lego bricks popping out from beneath the water.

Turning our attention away from the lake, the skies had already turned a light blue with a dash of faint orange splashed beneath. The waters had also captured the colours of the approaching sunrise and cast away its dark monotony. That instance, we understood the reputation of Angkor Wat for being the best sunrise-viewing spot. The reflections of Angkor Wat upon the lake created a matching canvas, an exact replica staring up at its original form. It was not a perfect symmetry, as the many lotuses floating on the water shielded the shadows in pockets, creating a blurry illusion, an uncertain sense of presence and imagination.

As the water became clearer and the reflections, more visible, we looked up at the orange glow now rapidly spreading its wings around the skies. The space above us became wrapped in an intense coat of orange-red, leaving small lines of blue trying to poke themselves out of the big coat. The full forces of the early morning sun were finally coming through.

Very quickly, the skies became a fluffy pillow of yellow-whites with the causal blue strips breaking its monotony. And soon, it was transparent, with a glow shining from within, before changing into a dark silver-blue suit to embrace the morning sun.

That also marked the start of our initiation into the Angkor world of wonders.

Rethinking South-East Asia – Reconnecting with home – Rediscovering my roots.

2010-04-02T00:34:00.000+08:00

I have always wanted to go on a backpacking trip, at least once in my lifetime. However, the ideal place I originally had in mind was much more traditional, a lot less surprising – Europe, the continent of inspiration and ideals.

Nevertheless, faced with a limited budget, I had to rethink my travel plans. The travel bug in me wanted to kick-start my restless feet around the globe in the present, and not into the future. Also I figured, I am still young and physically able to undertake more demanding trips. After all, not yet totally attuned to the highs of the grown-up society, going the more rugged mode of travel is not so much of an adventure than it is of a different travel experience.

Though having grown up in this tropical region, my growing-up years was a confusing mix of Eastern roots and Western influences, a hotpot of Oriental values and Western ideals. Somehow, there has always been this transparent cover, shielding our society from the rest of our neighbours.

We belong to the ASEAN, but are we a part of this vast fabric of diverse cultures and tongues?

I must admit, I am more comfortable soaking in the sights of the numerous Western cities or slowly appreciating the beauty of an Oriental setting. The closest experience I had to exploring any of our immediate neighbours was only a one-hour bus ride up north for the day. Having been away from home these years had also inspired me to explore my birthplace more thoroughly, to understand the neighbouring cities better, to see and experiment first-hand, the vast array of stunning heritage right at my doorstep.

A place nearer to home, somewhere closer to my roots – all I needed was to pinpoint a dot in South-East Asia, a place I am born into and grew up in.

Then, Cambodia, it was.

The attack @ work

2010-04-01T12:30:00.001+08:00

Have you ever been bogged down by work, and down to your knees?

Work, while not born into of our lives, is a closely knitted into our everyday lives. Despite the official stance of working hours, we are very often bringing work, or its related thoughts, into our personal arena. The physical over-work can be managed with the toiling of more hours but the strain of disappointment and hurt bites away at places we cannot control.

Ugly words during the course of work, whether meaning or otherwise, gnaw away at both the personal ego and professional pride. And the effect is lasting, long after work has been completed. It shakes not just our work ethics, but shatters too, our confidence. The result is a mess of bloodshed and a pool of angry tears.

Why then, why then do we spout those hurting words? Has the heavy pile of workload started to fray away at our better selves? Has the intense competition in the rat race taken away our well- meaning halves? Have we forgotten we are but similar individuals striving for livelihood in the concrete jungle? We may have different traits, but that makes us different-minded individuals, not eternal enemies.

Before those words of attack transmit from the mind to our mouths, do slow down a second, for in those angry exchanges, there is no winner, but only a pool of losers. For the wounded, let the tears dry and the smile shine, for those whom we do not care about, does not matter.

Chapter 12: The city of xiao long baos

2010-03-31T17:38:00.000+08:00

In the city of xiao long bao-s, or tiny pork dumplings, when it comes to feasting on the city's signature dumpling, choices are plentiful, from the numerous stalls dotting the roads to the many Chinese-style restaurants. 

My vote goes to Nan Xiang, the renowned Chinese teahouse inside the packed tourist attraction of Cheng Huang Miao. 

The trick to churning out memorable xiao long baos,  lies in the mastery of balance in the skin texture and its filling. Too thick, and one has to chew through a load of flour before reaching the warm fillings. Too thin, and the piping hot pork fillings comes oozing out. Nan Xiang does it with perfect grace while infusing the humble minced pork fillings with a tangy and juicy gravy. You can also choose from a variety of pork dumplings, from plain ones to those filled with crabmeat. One has to bite away carefully at the dumpling, as the hot gravy may just squirt at your arms if you are too forceful! 

Besides its signature xiao long baos, the soup dumpling is also one well-known dish at Nan Xiang. Presented in a small steam basket, this dish reminds me of a bigger take on the xiao long bao, with its generous filling of gravy. The meat filling is not as much here for its essence lies in its gravy and some like poking away at the skin after slurping the gravy (though I find it a tad too dry). Sip slowly, for the contents can be equally scalding. 

There are other goodies besides its pork dishes. The crater-looking prawn balls are crunchy with a light hint of sweetness while the red bean paste biscuits will suit those with a sweet tooth (though I prefer the version with cashew nuts). 

Besides pork dumplings, there are all sorts of other dumplings at Nan Xiang. For the carnivorous, vegetable xiao long baos might sound bland, but they taste pretty good.

曾经，最掏心，所以最开心曾经。

2010-03-29T18:15:00.002+08:00

曾经，是多么让人怀念的、令人陶醉的。过去，逝去了的时光，开心的、伤心的，却因为曾经的投入而变得美丽动人。

在岁月的旅程中，我们得到了越来越多的智慧，也变得越来越成熟。迈向成长的过过程中，我们却遗失了原有的自己，遗弃了原始的简单。

开心了，就开怀大笑。伤心的，就放声大哭。受委屈了，就大声说出来。兴奋的，就乱蹦跳。失落了，就防空自己，无需伪装自己。

《没那么见简单》

第一次在空中听到这首歌时，久久未能从脑海里消除。姚若龙的词，简单中却精准地描绘出对感情逐渐失去幻想，心态日渐平淡。如歌词里一般，这里面也并没有任何轰轰烈烈的画面，有的是对简单生活的渴望，对从前的怀念。

曾经，最掏心，所以最开心曾经。

作词：姚若龙

作曲：萧煌奇

演唱：黄小琥

没那麼简单就能找到聊得来的伴

尤其是在看过了那麼多的背叛

总是不安只好强悍

谁谋杀了我的浪漫

没那麼简单就能去爱别的全不看

变得实际也许好也许坏各一半

不爱孤单一久也习惯

不用担心谁也不用被谁管

感觉快乐就忙东忙西

感觉累了就放空自己

别人说的话随便听一听自己作决定

不想拥有太多情绪

一杯红酒配电影

在周末晚上关上了手机舒服窝在沙发裡

相爱没有那麼容易每个人有他的脾气

过了爱作梦的年纪轰轰烈烈不如平静

幸福没有那麼容易才会特别让人著迷

什麼都不懂的年纪

曾经最掏心所以最开心曾经

没那麼简单就能去爱别的全不看

变得实际也许好也许坏各一半

不爱孤单一久也习惯

不用担心谁也不用被谁管

感觉快乐就忙东忙西

感觉累了就放空自己

别人说的话随便听一听自己作决定

不想拥有太多情绪

一杯红酒配电影

在周末晚上关上了手机舒服窝在沙发裡

相爱没有那麼容易每个人有他的脾气

过了爱作梦的年纪轰轰烈烈不如平静

幸福没有那麼容易才会特别让人著迷

什麼都不懂的年纪

曾经最掏心所以最开心曾经

相爱没有那麼容易每个人有他的脾气

过了爱作梦的年纪轰轰烈烈不如平静

幸福没有那麼容易才会特别让人著迷

什麼都不懂的年纪

曾经最掏心所以最开心曾经

想念最伤心但却最动心的记忆

Chapter 11: Home comfort @ Cotton's

2010-03-23T17:11:00.000+08:00

There used to be this cosy spot I loved, for a lazy weekend brunch with friends or for late-night drinks.

At Cotton's, a large outdoor seating area greets you the moment you step into the doorway, a perfect spot for rowdy barbecue barbecue parties in summer. Once inside the main building, its large red sofa seats and a working chimney inside the main room transports one back home, into the cosiness of home. The huge white windows add a simple touch of elegance to the place, together with classy-looking lamps.

The weekend brunch sets at Cotton's are Western-style, and one of my favourites has to be the fluffy scrambled eggs and warm hash brown together with tender sausages. This goes wonderfully with the bread basket with its good variety of choices.

On the second storey, there is a small patio, which is a real breeze when nicer weather approaches in say, spring. The many small tables around the second storey also makes it a good hangout for some late night drinks.

The last I have been to Cotton's was nearly a year ago, and I had been a tad disappointed with its food quality to considering a re-visit. The handsome house is still a warm and cosy place for friends to have a long brunch over, but the drop in its food quality is a real spoiler in wanting to keep Cotton's on the repeat list.

Age-ing

2010-03-23T13:01:00.001+08:00

Ageing, it is a tool of fright, for it brings despair to the faces of many.

Why do we fear the coming of years? We dread to look into the mirror, and gasp with horror as those lines and spots flash their victorious smiles at us.

Why do we fear growing old? We cannot bear to see our favourite clothes being abandoned to the sidelines as our waistlines can no longer fit into them.

Why do we fear ageing? We are tired of the many pretences we have learnt to put on in the name of adulthood. The spontaniety and carelessness, the raw reflections of emotions, has passed us by.

Why do we fear adding to our age? We are fearful, we are breathless from the sackfuls of to-dos being heaped upon our small selves.

Why do we fear the passing of each year? The extra candle we have to blow off, the eternal wish which never materializes, the ballooning loads of expectations from around us; perhaps; we just want to remain as guileless, overlooked individuals.

Age-ing, a picture of changing landscape; for it makes one depressed at times, just thinking about the years which have flown us by. Age-ing, a testimony of wisdom and maturity; for it renders one thankful for the experiences, which has been bestowed upon us, good or bad.

Chapter 10: The mysteries @ People 7

2010-03-16T16:53:00.001+08:00

Don’t wait till the last minute to use the washroom at People 7, a theme pub-restaurant in the popular dining area of Ju Lu Road. Locating the WCs in this dimly lit place is a teaser challenge in itself, with the misleading door maze and unconventional knobs. If you are already waving your arms up in despair, the easier solution is to wait for the last person to walk out from the right washroom.

The doorway at People 7 is a small flight of steel steps up and you will hit a 3x3 diagram on the wall, not unlike the dials on the telephone. No doorknob, no visible door entrance, no doorbell, no signage indicating how one should enter the restaurant. Even more challenging than The Arabian Nights, you cannot simply say “open sesame” or rub a little lamp and wait for a genie to come to your rescue. For those who have made prior reservations, they will be provided with a password to crack the first mystery of the night. For the spontaneous crowd, you can try your luck for the night and hit the jackpot or wait for rescue from the staff after several failed attempts!

The cuisine at People 7 is Taiwanese-influenced, with a modern twist to it. Though light in taste and dainty presented, it does not leave a deep impression. For one, the food is not a factor in luring me back for seconds, though the light touches might be a good change when one has gone through too many a oily feasts.

However, the cocktails and dessert is a different chapter altogether. The cocktail menu is an extensive one, with some impressive in-house concoctions. Do beware that some innocent-sounding drinks are rather potent creations!

Personally, my favourite at People 7 is its rendition of the classic Italian dessert, the tiramisu. Its creamy texture coated with a generous topping of cocoa powder, gives the dessert a soft and smooth touch, which melts in your mouth without overwhelming your taste-buds. It may not be the classic dessert it is known for, but this creamier variation is one gem which will lure me going back for seconds.

放晴的一天

2010-03-16T12:06:00.001+08:00

上海这几个星期的心情很不漂亮，都是灰蒙蒙的，有些时候甚至带点伤感。

一个周六下午，难得的放晴天，我也到街上去走走，去感受久违的晴朗。街上两旁的树木虽仍是赤裸裸的，冬季的影子始终挥不去，但有了柔白白的云朵的陪衬，春天的脚步似乎又靠近了一些。

不知不觉走到了熟悉的路口，却发现它不同了，也消失了。

从前，这条带点残旧，一条小小的街上，被人群挤的只见头不见尾，地面也总是有些脏脏的。但在夜里，这里散发的生命力包围着人群，让即将消逝的一天继续发光发热，划上圆满的句点。虽然现在没有办法看得到它将成什么模样，但周围现代崭新的线条正大声喊着，我们就是要抛开过去，建造未来。

过去，经过时间的洗礼，是有它的不足，有它该改善的地方。未来，掌握在我们身上，有它无限的能量，无穷的可能性。过去，总会溜走，带着它的秘密静静的走掉。在有限的时间里，我们该如何好好了解、珍惜那流逝的经历？是重新打造未来的过去，或是仔细感受现有的过去，让它也能成为我们未来的一部分呢？

Playing tourist

2010-03-15T21:55:00.000+08:00

I don't get guests often, but when friends drop by this crowded city, it is a great joy to explore and revisit this place I call home for the past four years.

A rare clear and dry day, perfect for venturing out onto the streets and trying out the small eats of this city.

Japanese food is in bloom here, with plentiful of different specialties. This ramen shop makes pretty good broth and the char siew rice is juicy and finger-licking good!

Some times, I love to play tourist too.

Shanghai is one gorgeous lady when night falls.

Our last dinner for this trip - Chinese fast-food. The order tag was quite interesting, it seemed to be written with the Cantonese dialect in mind. The food was quite salty - a big D for disappointing.

Leaving memories of my little hole. Apologies for the cold spells though!

A touch of nature @ Changi Airport

2010-03-12T17:43:00.002+08:00

Do you know, you can dance in the midst of fluttering butterflies and pretty blooms before catching the plane at Changi Airport (Terminal Three)? Beyond glitzy shops and comfortable snooze corners, you can also step out for some tropical warm and feast on a colourful bed of flowers and lively butterflies. It is a much-needed relief from the usual cold concrete usually associated with the building of departures, and makes the experience a much more pleasant one.

These cut pineapples are used to attract the butterflies though they make a beautiful picture in themselves too.

This butterfly-shaped bloom attracted many of its kind that day.

This is the smallest butterfly in the garden, or so I remember it to be.

Usually a lone shadow in my flight path, I don't particularly fancy airports for they resemble many a times, the moment of departure, growing miles away from the place where some of my closest ties are. This departure was different, because together, we explored another aspect of the airport, an oasis of peace and moments of tranquility.

Thanks for the send-off.

Connecting the different paths in life

2010-03-11T15:30:00.001+08:00

It is gratifying when one can walk through the different phases of life with like-minded friends. Many years have passed us by, and we may not have shared each and every moment as we gingerly trod upon new paths, facing new experiences, meeting new people. Every experience brings a different dimension to our lives, fusing us with new challenges and blessing us with wisdom.

We are perhaps very different from what we used to be; we have grown from a group of noisy students into the different roles we have taken on now. However, we are always able to pick up the missing paths in our lives and connect the pieces together; it is as if we are walking through them again, this time round with familiar faces and renewed strength.

Befriending new acquaintances is not difficult; it’s keeping the old ties which requires more than e-mails and messages. Step on the brakes, and lend your time and ears for the people who matter to you.

Chapter 9: The rare indulgence @ Laris

2010-03-09T14:12:00.009+08:00

There is a great variety of excellent dining options at numerous price points in this city, and restaurants at established locations such as the Bund and the Xin Tian Di areas are rather foreign to me. After all, cafes and restaurants sprout up like wildfire all over the city, and there is never a lack of choices for novelty’s sake.

We have heard and passed by the Laris Restaurant on the famous Bund strip many a times, and one fine spring afternoon, we decided to indulge in some self-pampering and venture out to this renowned establishment.

Maintaining our usual value policy, we decided to adopt the weekend brunch set. Seated comfortably in the elegant restaurant, we lazed around looking out into the rare clear skies and the tall skyscrapers across the Bund. The complimentary bread basket was a nice starter for us, and its offerings were gorgeous enough to have us asking for seconds.

Fresh cod fish and soft and fluffy rice, makes this tasty dish a memorable experience.

Pancakes are deceptively simple, yet rather challenging to hunt down that perfect pancake done right in this city. Laris’ rendition is warm and soft, and gives a good chew, making it a worthy main dish in itself.

Mashed potatoes are comfort food to me, for their simplicity and satisfying warmth. This one, paired with chewy duck meat, reminds me of tasty home-style food.

The chocolate plate was elegantly dusted with cocoa powder and looked so pretty that we almost could not bear to devour them. These four little pieces look innocent, but hold good power for that lasting melting impression.

With surprisingly simple ingredients and minimal seasonings, the chefs behind Laris do good justice to its fame and prices. As we say bye bye to the icy winds of winter, it is a place I would be glad to revisit in good old springtime.

Going the B-way up into the skies

2010-03-09T12:32:00.003+08:00

I have ever wondered, on more than one occasion, the premium differences one get when travelling via the way too expensive business class versus the more affordable coach or aka cattle class in the skies. Though I am not able to afford to or lucky enough to enjoy such trips during the course of my work, I do try to make the most of my limited mileage to take a glimpse at this exclusive class whenever I can. Naturally, this upgrade comes in real handy when I am checking in my usual huge bounty of supplies back from Singapore - 20kg does not go a long way when one is trying to stock up for the next six months!

This was not my first attempt at snoozing in the business cabin of China Eastern, but my maiden try in taking some snapshots! One point I really appreciate about upgrading to business class is the extra legroom, which prevents those aching knees and gives me a better snooze (this plane is not spacious as the last one I took as the seat can only recline to a certain angle, unlike those which can lie 180-degree flat).

Somehow the window near my seat was deeply flawed, obstructing the view very badly. The skies are quite blue and cheerful that day but, for once, I got a window seat without a view, or a scarred view.

The food was a lot more palatable, though I was a bit irritated that they missed out my earlier order just because I was asleep when they were serving the rounds. Nevertheless this salmon alternative tasted quite nice too and I quite enjoyed the cold seafood salad and warm pastry.

Despite the nice touches in the business cabin, the human factor can be upped better. More conscientious effort can be made to the needs of passengers instead of walking through the motions, which can feel a tad too mechanical.

I wonder if I have missed it all this while, but there are changing cubicles at the baggage claim area in the Pudong Airport now. I imagine it can be quite convenient for passengers arriving from different climates and want to have a quick change before getting out of the airport. Another preparation for the World Expo?

Sharing - the beauty of Asian dining

2010-03-05T17:38:00.000+08:00

The beauty of eating in Asia lies in the communal culture, the homely feel of everyone tucking in at the dining table. The same beauty extends to the wonderful street food in Singapore, whereby many delicious dishes are excellent for sharing among family and friends.

Not wanting to burst the waistline? The Western influence in Singapore lends a tapas twist to hawker eats, and pesto! Many local favourites are presented in miniature portions, such that even a small group of like-minded friends like ours could well afford to try out numerous dishes at one setting.

Super-value deal: You get to enjoy one-with-one meal set when you pay via the credit card.

We probably tried out most of the dishes on the menu that night. Though some were only passable, most did pretty decent renditions of the local delights. The fish curry was quite impressive, and went well with the bite-sized prata pieces. Kudos, Ibis!

It is a joy to be able to enjoy food with good friends.

Chapter 8 - The Princess tea @ 代官山

2010-03-02T14:57:00.000+08:00

代官山 is an adorable Japanese-inspired cafe-restaurant. Gaily done up with large splashes of purple and pink, it invokes a sense of home a la Princess-style.

Purple chandelier lights - the water drops add a touch of class to the place.

The dishes, while Japanese in nature, are a mix of Western and Japanese influences. Fussy tastebuds might grumble at its deviation from the traditional Japanese dishes or the lack of a distinctive gourmet taste; the ordinary masses like myself are contented to be enjoying the cheerful dishes which also happen to be a little sizzling in sweetness. I particularly enjoy the good variety of sushi dishes, with their contemporary renditions.

With its extensive menu and affordable prices, 代官山 makes for a good haunt for the fairer gender to catch up over tea and some sweets. And with its numerous stores all over the city, it is also easily accessible.

Food and reunion

2010-02-26T21:07:00.000+08:00

Food, it is a comfort cushion, whether one is in a joyous mood or feeling down in the dumps. And when it is shared over a good round of chit-chat, even simple food and its humble surroundings become transformed into cosy hang-outs. Because food has taken on the role of a rope, binding friends together, bringing hearts closer together. 

It is always a joy to meet up with old friends, updating one another on the on-goings in our lives. More than 10 years have passed us by, but we always manage to discover and share new, common interests.

Though the original Chinatown is long gone and further destroyed by myopic planning, it is still a little joy rummaging through the many stalls selling goodies and snacks for the festive season.

When you become exhausted from your festive shopping, or simply want a respite from the sweltering February weather, drop by a dessert shop for a cool sweet. 

While enjoying our favourite tong shui, we were amazed to witness this:

A lady next to us ordered this. And this was not even half the size of the full dessert. Check this out:

We thought this could easily satisfy a group of thirsty souls; nevertheless, it somehow diminished slowly and was gone when we were ready to leave the store. *wink*

Chapter 7:（查）无此人

2010-02-23T16:05:00.000+08:00

The humble Hong Kong-style tea-house, or more affectionately known as 茶餐厅, is a popular fixture in the everyday lives of the people in the dim sum city. For those of us living outside of that radar screen, pinning down that 茶餐厅 done right, it can prove to be a culinary challenge. 

In a cosmopolitan city like Shanghai, cuisines of varying styles congregate here, also with varying quality. However, the hunt for comfort food such as 公仔面 (instant noodles), 菠萝包 (pineapple bun), 云吞面 (dumpling noodles), 鸳鸯 (a mixture of coffee and tea), and such, has proven to be a painstaking mission over the years. Given the wide variety of food and drinks usually available at a 茶餐厅, trying to strike a good balance amongst all these offerings in a foreign city can be a delicate act for the restaurateurs. 

查, or Cha’s Restaurant, is a pretty new fixture on Shanghai’s茶餐厅 map, but it is already proving itself to be a formidable establishment. Opening its doors only at 11am, on weekends, queues usually start to form long before that, as its ever-growing hordes of fans flock to this humble teahouse to satisfy their 茶餐厅 cravings.

Given its premium location (just off the busy street of Huai Hai Road, one of Shanghai’s main shopping belt), the small hole查 has planted itself in also ensures a crowded and noisy ambience at most times, lending it more of the true-blue 茶餐厅 character.

Done up in a nondescript manner resembling the typical teahouse in Hong Kong complete with high lounge-type seats on both sides of the 茶餐厅, complete with staff in white-and-black uniforms, 查’’s popularity is rightly justified by its beautiful rendition of the common茶餐厅 offerings. 

These traditional egg tarts are increasingly difficult to locate in this city, given the preference for the sweeter Portuguese-type version. The crust is warm and fluffy without flaking when you bite into the soft and rich custard with the right tinge of sweetness, a delightful snack to behold at any time. 

Seemingly simple, the humble 鸳鸯 drink is a good perk-me-up on lazy weekend mornings or a real comfort in cold weather. 查 does a nice job with a strong brew, ensuring a balanced taste of both coffee and tea. This is one drink which can be taken on its own or with just a pinch of sugar. 

Just when you think instant noodles are sinfully convenient cravings, dishing them a la fried-style complete with tiny strips of onions and greens, char siew (Cantonese-style roast pork) and scrambled egg pieces, has an amazing home-style feel to it. Perhaps because this would be something Mum would whip up with limited ingredients?

I always have a soft spot for the cute-looking 菠萝包, complete with the indispensable piece of butter tucked snugly in its midst. My favourite take of this simple bun is that from 新旺茶餐厅(Xin Wang Restaurant), a popular chain of 茶餐厅s in Shanghai. 查does a good job here, with a softer bun, but with the same goodness of smooth and flaky crust (this picture does not do its original state good justice, as I sliced it into half to share the sin with a friend). It would probably give 新旺’s a good run for its bun glory. 

Waiting for a table at 查 these days is a test of patience, but you can be sure I will be back to continue my exploration of the rest of its menu. 

Chapter 6: Cats and the Brew

2010-02-16T01:23:00.008+08:00

The Boxing Cat Brewery is one young lady standing quietly on a forlorn street in the beautiful ex-French Concession area. She has to be one lonely soul, for there is no other eating establishment within visible sight. However, with the generally young and bubbly crowd paying homage to her sleek three-storey bungalow nicely toasted by a sparkling fireplace, the many cheerful rounds of home-style beer and pool games are bound to liven up the many cold and quiet nights in this part of the city.

An American-styled brewery, The Boxing Cat offers eight different types of home beer, of which any four of them will be available per day. One particular brew is the Brewer’s Choice, which is like the rotating wheel of fortune, pending on the mood of the bartender I guess.

The complimentary bread was nicely toasted and went well with the accompanying dressing. A thoughtful act.

The beer menu laid on the table is an attractive one, with interesting names such as Wild Mild and Donkey Punch Dunkel, and accompanying descriptions of the their inspirations and taste. One thumb up for creativity - it sure beats reading bland information about alcohol contents! Since this lady is known for its beer prowess, we decided to try out the sampler set, which comes in a set of 4 medium-sized glasses of the beers of the day. The sizes came as a small shock to us, who were expecting small shot glasses instead!

For a brewery, we walked in with pretty high expectations. We were not sorely disappointed; however, we were not excited either. The taste was smooth in general; the let-down was in the body of the beer. It was lacking in some notes, thus failing to complete a nice tune. I would probably stick to the lighter beer types the next time.

This was our main dish (one main dish is probably sufficient to share between two persons as the servings here are true American-style, that is, huge) – honey brown beer chicken with mashed potatoes. It was the words brown beer which enticed us to order this; chicken and beer make such good friends, don’t they? The chicken was tender and the gravy was thick and appetizing enough for us to finish the dish. Unfortunately, there was not much hint of beer in this dish, and it tasted more of the common gravy dressing for mashed potatoes, which indeed did the potatoes good justice here.

These were the mini pork cutlet burgers on the starter menu. Fist-sized, the pork was chewy yet none-too-tough, and nicely marinated, which went well with the soft bun. Unsurprisingly for a brewery (where finger food and starters usually score much better than their main offerings), this had to be the most memorable bite we had for the night.

Apple pie is one comfort food when the need for sugar kicks in; especially it comes piping hot with melting ice-cream flowing over the top. However, this version has a pretty rough texture, and its apple pieces were a bit too soggy and sweet. It reminded me of a dessert hastily put together and then left in the cold for a while too long. For someone with a sweet tooth, mediocre desserts can be a real disappointment, even more so than the mains.

The Boxing Cat Brewery is a nice haunt for some light drinks with a couple of friends, and a friendly atmosphere surrounds the place. If you are not too fussy an eater, you can settle your meal here. Otherwise, you would do better to stick with the beer and starters.

Chapter 5: Tip-toeing into the Secret Garden

2010-02-09T08:08:00.007+08:00

One of my all-time favourite reads is the Secret Garden, a book which transcends across time and age. Gushes of colours gradually unfold before your eyes to reveal a lost ground, of life and hope, of dazzling colours and fallen beauty, of warm sunshine and bare branches, of sacred promises and abandoned hopes. The Secret Garden is a journey which brings you to different paths and roads, to experience the garden of paradise in each heart.

Thus, when I came across this place taking after the same namesake, I was both intrigued and excited. The Secret Garden in Shanghai is a Cantonese restaurant residing in a old-time bungalow tucked in a quiet corner of the city center. Stepping into the wood-themed restaurant, it felt as if time has stopped in the 1930s of Shanghai’s golden era, complete with wooden planks lining the ground, narrow steps leading to the upper floor, a long corridor outside the various dining rooms, a cranky old piano by the corner, large intricate Chinese-style ceiling lamps, red tablecloths, wooden chairs, and huge ceramic-style washbasins in the restrooms. However, a rather spacious alfresco-dining space is also available on the second storey, leading this grand old lady a homely touch for its guests.

Goose liver is the specialty of the Secret Garden, or so we were recommended by the friendly staff. Intrigued by the impressive list of goose liver dishes, we were game for Cantonese-style goose liver.

This Goose Liver Soup Pot is an interesting take on the Western soup in a bread bowl. Simple and soft, it makes for a warm hug in colder weather, though some may find it a tad bland.

This is one dish we thoroughly enjoyed – Green Tea Dumplings with Goose Liver fillings. Dumplings look deceptively simple, but to get the right “chew”, it is actually an art, something frozen ones and many restaurants can hardly master. This one is extremely smooth to the touch and has the right bite, plus the generous servings of stuffing marinated just nicely, this makes for a good second or more helping.

Roast pork is a staple in Chinese dishes, especially in Cantonese ones. The skill of the chef is tested in not only picking the right amount of fats in the meat, but also in the marination. This sauce is usually a tightly-guarded secret! This one we tried contains the fatty “three-layer” pork, especially favoured by locals in this city. Tender, moist and sweet, it is a tasty dish companion to the fluffy white rice.

Though I usually favour the sweet tooth over its salty counterpart, this custard bun won and bowed me over. Covered with a soft and thin bun, the yolk stuff is smooth and contains just a slight tinge of saltiness, which melts easily in the mouth. Compared with the typical salty and rough custard buns I have tried for dim sum tea, this is one Class A custard bun I will be coming back for.

Fire is one common gimmick added to dishes to enhance the dining experience. This fish dish (somehow I have forgotten the name of it) is one dish. Aesthetically pleasing and tasty to please most taste buds, it is one decent high-fire.

The Secret Garden does a good job with its food and its friendly and polite staff keeps customers coming back for more. Located in a beautiful compound, and just minutes away from the bustling crowd, it is also a tranquil spot for some dim sum with a few friends when you are tired out from the bargaining and shopping on a causal afternoon.

There used to be a Greek-themed restaurant right next to the Secret Garden in the same compound, though it has changed to an Italian place the last time I went back. Perhaps I should give it a try and keep my fingers crossed that this change is for the better.

Chapter 4: 禾绿回转寿司

2010-02-02T12:51:00.000+08:00

禾绿回转寿司is a chain of conveyor-belt sushi stores, the type of restaurant which many Japanese food critics would love to criticize and blast for its often-perceived image of low-quality and unauthentic Japanese-influenced food in a lousy environment (plates of ready-made sushi swirling around with time does not sound too appealing, does it?).

Nevertheless, eating is not solely about the food; it is also very much about the setting, one’s mood, the surrounding (that is, companions), budget (or I prefer to read it as value) and other intangible factors not easily deciphered on a list of check boxes. I like 禾绿 for its appetizing eats packaged in aesthetically-pleasing colours and shapes and polite staff. The reasonable prices also endear 禾绿 as a good food haunt with a few good friends.

Its price-quality allure makes 禾绿 a popular lunch spot for executives near its many branches. If you have the time to spare, make it a point to visit it after its busy lunch hour crowds have gone. The conveyor belt is usually quite lonely during off-peak hours, but the staff will be most willing to pick up your orders for freshly-made sushi to the chefs hard at work behind the belts.

I enjoyed this dish of tamago-themed sushi a lot. Coming in cute yellow-coating, it is soft yet not too mushy, and the unagi filling gives it a chewy texture from within.

You can’t disappoint much with fried foodstuff. The agedashi tofu and tempura set makes a good companion to the nice cold noodles. The noodles are chewy and the dipping sauce contains just the right amount of saltiness, a perfect dish to combat the unbearable heat in summer.

This is one pretty sushi, covered with crabmeat coating and filled with more crabmeat from within. It reminds me of an orange-themed rainbow spreading its smiles from (four) all angles. And they taste quite good too.

Hand-rolls may look deceptively simple but they are also one challenging item to make. These two rolls are quite yummy, with a good combination of fresh ingredients, chewy rice and crunchy seaweed covering.

We must have cleaned off at least 8 plates of sushi and other dishes among the two of us that day, and amused the staff quite well (given that we were the sole customers during that slow weekday late afternoon). Despite the lull, the staff were friendly and attentive, and we thoroughly enjoyed our late lunch there.

If you are looking for exquisite or traditional Japanese eats at this joint, then you can be sure of disappointment. After all, 禾绿 is a modern conveyor-belt chain of good-value eats in a clean and bubbly setting. Simply roll out the critic in you, buckle down and enjoy these simple pleasures.

The kopitiam goodies – Ya Kun

2010-01-30T17:26:00.000+08:00

I used to enjoy having my sip of kopi siu dai (local-style coffee which is usually made through pouring the brew through a stocking-like mash, is affectionately known as kopi, while siu dai means less sweet) and kaya toast (toasted bread with coconut jam) at Ya Kun, a popular chain of old-style coffee shops in Singapore (famed for their own kaya and Singapore-style coffee concoctions).

Yes, past tense, until I found the standards slipping. My favourite crisp and warm kaya toast turned a tad too hard, a bit too rough. Did Ya Kun change its supplier? And my kopi siu dai started to taste more like its sweeter counterpart. Disappointment with a capital D.

However, during my last trip to Singapore, a friend introduced me to a new way to continue enjoying the bites at Ya Kun.

Toasted bread sticks dipped in sinfully-rich nutella spread! The smooth and rich texture of the spread goes wonderfully with the crisp bread sticks, even when they turn cold. It’s an awfully addictive snack to have around when you are enjoying a good round of gossip conversation!

感觉

2010-01-30T12:41:00.000+08:00

“人类是高级生物，高级生物表达一己的意念，了解对方的意念，大多数情形之下，都极隐晦，不那么直接。” – 倪匡《生活体验》

有了电话、视频、SMS, IM, Facebook,等多样化的沟通工具，人与人之间不再被距离所束缚，大可跟远在地球另一端的友人畅谈。但是，社会越进步、沟通的方式越多，我们反而越不会表达自己了。

你有试过与网友在虚拟世界看似无话不说，但见了面却突然觉得好陌生，气氛好尴尬？你又是否很享受嬉游在你庞大的网络家族当中，在没有它的空挡里，总觉得有些落寞？与朋友一起坐下来，聊聊彼此的最近，分享对方的喜悲，你有多久没这样的经历了？

孩童心里的喜怒哀乐，一览无遗，因为他们往往毫无保留地自己表现出当下的感受。或许，换了成人这么做，会被视为任性、不成熟。可是，在别人武装起自己，不轻易将真实的情感表露在脸上，这就是成熟的标榜吗？

费尽心思去掩饰自己，又得用尽力量去猜测他人话中的话，这样的相处之道，也实在好累人吧。

我们，是在保护自己吗？

Les Choristes

2010-01-28T19:32:00.001+08:00

There is nothing fancy about Les Choristes, a movie about a school for school rejects set in a rural French town in the 1940s. In a confined space, problematic children and teens live out each day amongst reject and abandon. Each passing day is a living reminder of the rejection, from the society at large, and then abandoned, by the adults in their lives. One winter, a musician-teacher, Clement Mathieu, arrived at Fond de l’étang, the bottom of the pond, together with his fallen dreams and lost hopes. It seems appropriate that Clement Mathieu should be here, adding his share of disappointment to the place of lost hope. 

Yet, in a classroom of disobedient voices, mischievous hearts, and playful tricks, Mathieu and his young charges found common solace in music. In these young hearts, the musician in Mathieu rekindled, and he worked hard to wow back his lost love. In their balding new teacher, the once-listless students discovered a totally new world to expend the abundance of bursting energy within their young spirits, a place they could roam freely, among joy and peace. 

From a rowdy group of hopeless delinquents, a choir of boys was transformed, made possible only by the single-minded pursuit of love for music and care for the young hearts. This amateur choir might have only existed for a short while, but the legacy of hope and joy of music reached far wider than its physical establishment. 

The voice is a single and weak medium, but voices of varying tones and textures come together to form a spectrum of dancing notes and phrases.   

In Les Choristes, crisp and clear voices feature strongly in harmonious melodies, seemingly deceptive yet possessing all the elements of a full-fledged orchestra. A simple story with strong narrative skills and well-developed characters, together with haunting music pieces, this is the strong allure of Les Choristes, un film de musique par les enfants, a film worth admiring slowly and over again. 

又是雨天

2010-01-27T16:03:00.002+08:00

天气真的很会牵动人的心，影响人们的情绪起伏。

今天迎来了朦胧的一天，仿佛一场小雨过后的天空，并没有被洗净它疲惫的驱壳。从窗外放眼望去，这座城市突然变得好渺小，一切就近在咫尺。这样的一个冬雨天，并没有一般雨天所带来的丝丝写意。望着它那灰蒙蒙的头顶，反而心情有些沉重，期望天空能快点放晴。

<<谎>>

2010-01-26T09:39:00.000+08:00

你的慌伏下了字字句句

也铺满了许多的虚构

你的谎说穿了真真假假

更实现了不少的借口

你的不用心

出卖了你的不诚实你的不诚恳

我的太用心

送走了我的欢笑声你的脚步声

我难过的

是精心设计的谎言

不仅是漫不经心的诺言

你不在乎

的事却是我的行与言

不只是微不足道的戏言

我的人生思路

也只是你的小题大做

我的敏感小事

你的哲学理论

是你的自尊心在做作

我的无聊小事

我的理性遇到了

你的随性

我们都好累

拼命去搓拼两个不同范围

我们真太傻

用力去想象不可能的妥协

你的自由与自在

在我身上打了阵冷风

仿佛在五月的天空下

我们都还在努力

低档弥漫的灰色冬天的寒风

直到泡影都稀释

幻觉也慢慢熄灭了

Chapter 3: Sweet bites at Lisboa

2010-01-25T14:59:00.002+08:00

Lisboa Restaurant is owned by the 4^th lady of Macau’s famed gambling tycoon, Mr Stanley Ho. I first tried this Macau-Portuguese – themed bistro during one of my trips to Hong Kong, and went back with lovely images of some of its simply but delicious snacks floating in my mind for a long time.

So, when Lisboa branched out into Shanghai, a delighted me was more than happy to continue patronizing this favourite bistro of mine. However, as with most long-distance relationships, the miles across the two cities resulted in some differences between the menus and the tastes of the culinary skills. Nevertheless, overall standards are decent and it way beats longing for unattainable eats across oceans and miles.

The top consistency lies in Lisboa’s lovely egg-white eggs; instead of the yellow egg yolk filling, it is filled with smooth egg white custard, and thus, somehow it feels like a healthier snack to the deceiving self in me.

Another of my favourite bites at Lisboa is the crispy pork cutlet bun.Though a tad inferior to its counterpart in Hong Kong, it still retains the crispiness from its fried bun and tenderness in its sweetly-marinated pork cutlet.

Another signature dish at Lisboa is its marinated pigeon. With just the right pinch of sweetness and a good crispy texture, it makes for a great finger-licking eat.

I have a soft penchant for Hong Kong-style coffee and 鸳鸯(a mixture of tea and coffee with condensed milk). The iced coffee at Lisboa Hong Kong impresses me with its strong aroma and generous helpings of coffee powder lingering on top of the drink, which is very much unlike the typical Western-style iced coffee drinks. However, the Shanghai variation is weaker in taste and lacks the addictive awakening aroma.

There are a few variations of the humble Chinese-style fried rice at Lisboa and they are quite delicious, though definitely a tad oily for the health-conscious. One of my top choices is the Macau Fried Rice, for its right mix of small cubes of fatty pork, mixed seafood, and strips of scrambled eggs amidst the strongly-flavoured rice. Those seeking a healthier dish might want to try out the Macau Lady Fried Rice (yes, they do have pretty fancy names for dishes here), a lighter version of Lisboa’s famed fried rice (egg white is used in this dish).

Lisboa is typically crowded and noisy, and is great for an enjoyable and yet affordable tea-time gathering with a few friends. With its wide variety of yummy sweet snacks, it is also a place good for satisfying the occasional sweet tooth you might have from time to time.

Ponyo – With love, from the sea

2010-01-22T08:00:00.003+08:00

Ponyo is the 10^th and latest film by acclaimed Japanese animator, Hayao Miyazaki (of Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away).

Ponyo backtracks from the usage of computer-generated imagery (starting from digital paint in Princess Monoke and used more extensively in Miyazaki’s recent animated films, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, though still retaining traditional animation as the major tool) and tracks back to Miyazaki’s traditional style of hand-drawn animation. Going back to basics and using an extensive range of watercolours for the first time in years, Miyazaki waves a whimsical child-like wand over his latest work. Ponyo revolves around a simple theme of friendship and the sea, which is easily understood by young audiences around the world. Its stunning visuals of the sea and its numerous inhabitants, colourful portrays of the 2 child characters and their wild and free gestures, vivid renditions of the sea waving its magic wand on the land, integrating every bit and piece of these two massive beings together; they bring together a delightful feast of unbridled images, only restricted by the boundaries of one’s imagination.

Ponyo is endearing not only in its detailed and attentive illustrations, but also in its captivating observations of the world of children. Sosuke and Ponyo, the two main leads in Ponyo, are not bounded by the rules of society, and allow their true emotions to flow freely. Sosuke genuinely cares for Ponyo the little goldfish and goes to great lengths to protect her, even praying for her return when she goes missing. To Sosuke, the fact that Ponyo is a goldfish, commonly found in the waters, does not ring a single note in his mind. Ponyo is his friend, and therefore he feels a compelling need to protect her.

Ponyo, coming from the sea, is free from any preconceived notion of appropriate behaviour deemed suitable for children. She squirts water at people she does not like and flashes her wide grin at people she is happy to be with. She skips and hops around happily with a lighted lamp on her forehead. When she is exhausted, she simply closes her eyes and sleeps, even in the middle of a meal.

Such free expressions of emotions and thoughts are typical in young children, and some of their seemingly weird acts can often be explained by their single-mindedness in pursuing the wind of happiness in their minds, whether for themselves or for the people they love. Such love is unconditional and precious as it shrinks and grows scarce with their passing of age.

Ponyo is not about astonishing visuals as compared with modern technology, nor is it a compelling storyteller with creative plots and dialogue. Instead, Ponyo transports us gradually into a simple world of the sea and love, engulfing us into a comfortable heap of colours, and immersing us with riveting whirls of thoughtfully-crafted visuals, releasing the lost innocence and imagination in us.

Chapter 2: Back into the 1930s – 小城故事

2010-01-18T08:00:00.012+08:00

If there is a common grouse I have to gripe about restaurants here, it is the slide in standards, both culinary and otherwise, with the passing of time. A newly opened place might be the star for the following months to come, but with the departure of the founding chef, ballooning ego of the owners, inadequate training of the ground staff, or other factors, it is often a challenge to continually tug at the hearts and stomachs of patrons.

小城故事is a cosy restaurant specializing in simple Taiwanese fare, and also stands out for its delectable range of desserts, in particular, its icy-cold yet flavourful smoothies. It is a cosy spot I often visit, to the extent that I realized I have yet to take many photos of both the restaurant and its offerings (need to remind myself to put up more photos later on!).

小城故事looks like it has stopped in the 1930s, with its arched brick partitions, old English-style high lounge and wooden-tapestry seats. Some of my favourite eats here include the 菜圃蛋 (pickled radish omelet, a distinctive Taiwanese eat), 三杯鸡,Three-Flavoured Chicken(a signature Taiwanese dish, chicken pieces deeply flavoured with different Chinese seasonings), 冰沙(Taiwanese smoothie; 小城故事offers a variety of flavours here, and some of my favourites include the 花生冰, Peanut Butter Smoothie with its rich and smooth texture, 恋爱冰沙, a concoction of coffee and peanut flavours). In summer, I love the 台式冷面, Taiwanese Cold Noodles, for its smooth noodles and rich peanut butter seasoning.

That day, the two of us ordered a few dishes for our late lunch, the Cold Tofu with century egg and pork floss, the basil omelet (九层塔蛋), 三杯鸡and the台式冷面. We enjoyed all the dishes. The Cold Tofu was icy-smooth (reminds me of the Japanese cold tofu) and went very well with the crispy pork floss. We were particularly attached to the九层塔蛋, my first order of this dish then. Though seemingly simple and unattractive, this thin omelet manages a good balance of basil leaves and egg, endearing it as an enjoyable standalone snack or a good companion to a simple bowl of plain, warm congee.

True-bred Taiwanese might grin at the thought of 小城故事being an authentic Taiwanese restaurant, but to non-natives like me, it has consistently managed to strikes a good balance between simple home-cooked fare, polite service and cosy ambiance. That, in itself, is a feat, in the art of management.

I do not know the age of this homely beauty, but it was one of the first restaurants I had visited since coming to this city five years ago. And it is one of the places I will continue to patronize in the months and years to come by.

The Kite Runner – A cobweb of lies

2010-01-14T08:00:00.000+08:00

I just finished reading <The Kite Runner>. It has been lying on my bookshelf for a long time, and gradually fading into its world of neglect and abandon till I found the urge to pick it up.

I first bought this book upon the recommendation of a friend who is an avid reader. However, I was distracted with other books and magazines on hand, and slowly forgot about it till recently. And surprisingly, I finished it in one sitting, cosying up in my blanket on a cold winter night.

<Kite> is a riveting read, though sometimes tugging at the tear ducts with its riveting narration of Amir and his emotional struggles. Putting aside the war and historical struggles in Afghanistan, the main setting of >, it is more of a microscopic look into the thoughts and emotions of a child boy as he gradually steps into manhood amidst the chaos and pains of a cruelly changing landscape.

Lies, deception, and emotional struggles, slowly plant their seeds inside Amir and continue to tug and prick at him as his young and sheltered soul has to continually deal with a constant yearning for more fatherly attention and rapid changes to his beloved home country.

A sensitive and smart boy, Amir’s inner world is however, a loose mash of emotions unguided by stronger and older souls, and far too delicate to face sudden splashes of dark colours. His incessant yearning for more love from his father and a weak child spirit led him to his an irreversible decision in his childhood, hurting not only his best childhood pal, but continues to haunt his emotional self into adulthood. This led to a spiral of lies, tightly interwoven to prevent one and others from falling apart. To protect his new world of delusion and lies, he resorted to a deeper level of lies, deception. He started to create a world of deception to mislead others, deception to inflict pain onto others, onto people who has loved and protected him from young. All so, to cocoon his cowardice act; all the more, to persevere his relationship with the figure he respects and loves the most, his father. This pool of mess simply grew in the quiet corners of Amir as he grows up and moves to a totally new environment, forbidding him from sharing his true self with anyone, including his loved ones.

A lie never stops at one, unless it is being exposed. Telling one is way easy and weaving multiple ones takes some practice. Detangling the mis-mash of skeletons and cobwebs is the inner demon everyone has to face at one point of time, or many a times, for some. We protect and hurt ourselves at the same time as we have to constant cook up untruths to protect another untruth, buying ourselves little pockets of time and surreal relief.

Some webs disintegrate, simply because there are too many lines of lies, becoming too heavy a burden on ourselves, on our loved ones. Some skeletons continue to live within us, occasionally pricking at our bones and reminding ourselves of our ugly sides. And, some fine lines are being constantly woven, because we are getting too used to covering our worlds with delusion. It is a tough act to be naked and face our true selves, with its dark spots, creases, pit-holes, wrinkled patches and many other ugly revelations.

Each single day, I remind myself not to add new lines or webs, while trying hard to untie the knots of old webs. How about you?