tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64182149324209104162024-03-05T12:41:10.925+08:00Accidental Tourist in SingaporeWrite-up of me being an accidental tourist in the place I grew up, Singapore. Hoping to find interesting topics to photograph in the little island that I call home.MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-15689416786462580322022-08-20T23:48:00.006+08:002022-08-20T23:48:46.697+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - 2022: My Community Festival 2022 Workshop Find My Fixer: Pottery Designer Alvin Ng from Jalan Bahar Clay Studio 09<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxJlnmQeuvvC7yfQewoWfEBPhnVAbHlfA0y1ar3lIRGGDEp5puk8kF2o2BUIFsV3fikmlvywxRyICnfcNA2lQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />I attended a very interesting workshop conducted by <b>My Community Festival 2022 (MCF2022) </b>on 20 Aug 2022 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mycommunityfestival.sg/about/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0wfpL4PhAUmuWPeAsZYfPq">https://mycommunityfestival.sg/about/</a><br /><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mycommunityfestival.sg/mycomm_event/teaware-designer-alvin-ng-from-studio09/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1l6OcCjtXFga7W_aDD74GW">https://mycommunityfestival.sg/mycomm_event/teaware-designer-alvin-ng-from-studio09/</a> with <b>Mr. Alvin Ng</b> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/alving73/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1lcv3bgyC5WzULRVd8Oedl">https://www.instagram.com/alving73/</a> and his team of potters. <div><br /></div><div>Located at Jalan Bahar Clay Studios 97L Lorong Tawas, Singapore, 639824, Alvin kickstarted the program by giving us a tour of one of the 2 remaining dragon kilns in Singapore called <b>Guan Huat Dragon Kiln. </b><br /><br />The kiln measures a massive 43 metres long, 2.2 metres high and 2.5 metres wide which makes it the longest dragon kiln in Singapore. Built in 1958, Alvin mentioned that this kiln is one of the most unique original dragon kilns originating from the Fengxi region that worships to a 9 year old deity. <br /><br />Covered with bricks from Alexandra Brickworks, which happened to be the first brickyard in Singapore established in 1899 as well as other local bricks factories, it is truly a living history of Singapore. <br /><br />Although this wood fired Dragon kiln stopped breathing fire since the 1990s, its structure remained strong with visible glaze from wood ash (where soot will off drop off with every firing together with minerals sticking on the ceramics, creating one-of-a-kind pieces for the artistes). There are 3 doors for loading about 5000 pieces for each firing session with intermittent holes for wood to be thrown in to ensure that the temperature remains stable at 1280 degrees Celsius. It takes some 7 days for every firing which is a constant laborious affair for everyone involved. Read more about the wood firing process in this write-up from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/the-dragon-kiln-breathes-thow-kwang-dragon-kiln/story&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1uJijwSMKlmIS12OH3rGDj">https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/the-dragon-kiln-breathes-thow-kwang-dragon-kiln/story</a>. <br /><br />Alvin then proceeded to demonstrate his one-of-a-kind technique to incorporate the powder of old clay into new clay to make new tea ware after giving an overview of the 4 main types of clays that can be found in Singapore (white clay, orange clay, black clay and red clay (mainly in Redhill)). <br /><br />All the participants then had a go at making their own teaware using the clay supplied by Alvin. I had a go at making my 2 little tea cups with the help of <b>Mr. Andy Yeo</b> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/gong_yi_xuan_a2rt_studio&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1gAD-nuKvHmdErTRurTlF1">https://www.instagram.com/gong_yi_xuan_a2rt_studio</a> of Cultural Art Studio who was very patient to adjust my pieces (which were almost destroyed by my fumbling and heavy handed ways). Now I just have to wait for their call to pick up my pieces after firing.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVeBa1TZrXF4ck7NOhtOdfiNtf03yXw3dSYi6r73xtmfTFXDiiPHMeKH6iBNOWgFbZ11_826pPjwCu6rslGNP-teQjpWlZQPQqFmsk-SXQLKw5GfVNHDimZB1tzG-9OkoKXGneqSGuTKCgw8p4jr4rHzaa4Qwxf5oavu85wTFtMtBJWgDXJgva4GZcQ/s4000/20220820_171746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVeBa1TZrXF4ck7NOhtOdfiNtf03yXw3dSYi6r73xtmfTFXDiiPHMeKH6iBNOWgFbZ11_826pPjwCu6rslGNP-teQjpWlZQPQqFmsk-SXQLKw5GfVNHDimZB1tzG-9OkoKXGneqSGuTKCgw8p4jr4rHzaa4Qwxf5oavu85wTFtMtBJWgDXJgva4GZcQ/s320/20220820_171746.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /><br />Besides this lovely experience, I also brought 2 additional unique experiences: <br />- 1st one was a very nice set of coffee filter with matching cup made by the lovely <b>Ms. Lee Shen Lung (Ceramic Artist)</b> <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/leeshenlung/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2-yR0nuOrAUli9JkfwJIat">https://www.instagram.com/leeshenlung/</a>. She mentioned that each piece will take around 3-4 weeks from start to finish due to the length of time required to perform repeated sessions of drying, firing, and glazing of the pieces.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LLAWiUTSEHYhJoEPL9CI7C3NF77sQAx5sW7PkJjXBvTkWDti1HkpQDJBF2U7ZFqiVyKziTG2TGUENpFcsCwgmHqJmVWtAQuuBxOpIt3z53Cy9nG4nL2L8GQLxR6T_90Dt4fNleIqWu1wMNq4DKDwA0mjXfyMaGgPFud090LGLgV2OOSo7_xoMtTawg/s4000/20220820_203823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LLAWiUTSEHYhJoEPL9CI7C3NF77sQAx5sW7PkJjXBvTkWDti1HkpQDJBF2U7ZFqiVyKziTG2TGUENpFcsCwgmHqJmVWtAQuuBxOpIt3z53Cy9nG4nL2L8GQLxR6T_90Dt4fNleIqWu1wMNq4DKDwA0mjXfyMaGgPFud090LGLgV2OOSo7_xoMtTawg/s320/20220820_203823.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /> <br />- 2nd was on my way out of this area when I chanced up a pair of wild boars that came up to my car. I have never been so close to these animals before and thank goodness I was inside (not outside) the car when I saw them so close! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dymMtRdXceFnVsEVnvDJjaj5sNFC-Bm0VNDZTUBxtI9cffmfaxXsGO7U3qnNN_iySkmLovPWDZMMsHM0l9-vg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com97L Lor Tawas, Singapore 6398241.3515269 103.6927283-26.958706936178846 68.5364783 29.661760736178845 138.8489783tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-79728006668322737982020-01-13T15:05:00.003+08:002020-01-16T11:50:47.588+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - 2020 - 1st walk of the year with Geylang Adventures<div style="background-color: white;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">It's been a long hiatus since my last post... This entry is about my 1st <b>2020 walk</b> with the good people of <b>Geylang Adventures</b> under </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">"</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><i>Geylang Adventures: Lorongs of Wisdom</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">" edition as part of <b>Singapore Biennale 2019 </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">events lineup. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">We had an information packed 3 hour session with <i>Citizen Adventures (</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><i>Wanying)</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><i> </i>and <i>Geylang Adventures (Jo)</i>. </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Fun fact: Jo also guided me back in </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">2016 as part of the Singaplural walk "Transient Geylang". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">In this short time, I was</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> re-introduced to this part of my hometown that is not part of my usual commute and given a glimpse of the life stories of those currently staying or used to stay as well as those helping in this area like those from: </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/healthservesg/" target="_blank">Healthserve</a> (</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">who meets the needs of the migrant workers through medical care, counseling, case work, social assistance etc)</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/backalleybarbers/" target="_blank">BackAlleyBarbers</a> (who give out free haircuts to migrant workers & elderly in nursing homes)</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/singaporemigrantfriends/&source=gmail&ust=1578719986122000&usg=AFQjCNFvw6dWf7An3m4BQPeGKPK6KEqEQQ" href="https://www.facebook.com/singaporemigrantfriends/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Singapore Migrant Friends</a><span style="color: #222222;"> (community made up of </span><span style="color: #222222;">families of migrants from different countries (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar)) </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.citizenadventures.com&source=gmail&ust=1578719986121000&usg=AFQjCNGU3pyRZjGKP_3kRZW0OtsMP9FUxQ" href="http://www.citizenadventures.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Citizen <span class="il">Adventures</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">, an organisation that advocates that doing good starts from an individual level - loving thy neighbour and looking out for one another</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We were also given a small souvenir courtesy of </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.terraandember.com/&source=gmail&ust=1578719986121000&usg=AFQjCNEGpotx_7K5do0l5202K7R57Jf1aw" href="https://www.terraandember.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Terra and Ember</a> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a home-based ceramic studio who produce their own works and conducts classes in Geylang).</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>As what Ronald Reagan said "We cannot help everyone but everyone can help someone." and these organisations show the various ways any one can help someone.... </i></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhwhbqY_Avqklv_68N-z1xDlG_a-4Uzg_AdNnawXv_D6gq3_0WKkmcLo-ooycEi_iLy3LCw_4JaVeCS9ZcBtEVpDciP35SkGGxAS5Eu9vwCmqI0gq3R-O1sHP0sE1547VcRYfSU9iO8Qe/s1600/IMG_20200109_210722_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhwhbqY_Avqklv_68N-z1xDlG_a-4Uzg_AdNnawXv_D6gq3_0WKkmcLo-ooycEi_iLy3LCw_4JaVeCS9ZcBtEVpDciP35SkGGxAS5Eu9vwCmqI0gq3R-O1sHP0sE1547VcRYfSU9iO8Qe/s640/IMG_20200109_210722_2.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><i><b>So what is special about Geylang..... and some info</b></i></span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">For those unfamiliar with my part of t</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">he world, Singapore is well known to be a largely sanitized country, clean and green and basically Utopia when compared to other big cities in the world. This is a place where anyone can walk in the night without much concern and where the term 'streetwalk</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">er' might be unknown to someone from the younger demographic group. </span></span></span><br>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Against that backdrop, it is often surprising for visitors (and some Singaporeans) to find out that we have an area where vices like prostitution (legalized to boot), contraband drugs are openly sold on the streets with gambling in the open. Well, Geylang has the reputation to be that area in my lovely island city, where even locals fear to tread due to its "reputation". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="color: #222222;">Geylang is translated from kelang (factory) in Malay as this area is well known for processing of lemongrass and coconut back in the 19th century. In Feng Shui terms, the image of Geylang lanes are like that of a Centipede which feeds the Chickens (aka prostitutes) in the area.</span></span></span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Composed of north and south sections, Geylang Road stretches for some 3km with lanes (or "lorongs" in the local Malay language) extending from the main road. The lanes in the north are given odd numbered names (i.e. Lorong 1, Lorong 3, Lorong 5 and so on), and the lanes in the south are given even numbered names (i.e. Lorong 2, Lorong 4, Lorong 6 and so on). According to our guides, the red light district are in some of the even numbered lorongs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><b>Map: </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><a href="http://www.maplandia.com/singapore/singapore/geylang-serai/" title="google satellite map of Geylang Serai">Geylang Serai google map</a></span></span><br>
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<i style="color: purple; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Geylang Adventures: Lorongs of Wisdom </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">walk </span></b></i><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Wanying and Jo captured the attention of the participants that came from varied age groups (university level individuals to more matured persons like myself). They also provided inclusive information about the area and Singapore in general that engaged both locals and foreigners alike (our group had foreigners from Japan, Germany and US). </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">The walk was entertaining as various mediums were used such as playing cards to introduce history and the beginnings of the area and life stories using card games, board games, messages on cards hung from a wishing tree and of course, maps and old photographs. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jo is a long time resident of the area and shared with us snippets of what he sees in Geylang over the many years growing up here. Wanying and Jo shared that much has changed in Geylang especially after the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Little India riot in Dec 2013 (1st riot in Singapore in 40 years). With 30% more crime occurring in Geylang than in Little India, the government introduced many changes which include the imposition of s</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pecial liquor control zones with limited timings and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">some 300+ additional surveillance cameras (with visual, audio (various languages and dialects) and facial recognition capabilities). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">As this area has the h</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ighest concentration of religious institutions in Singapore, it was only fitting that we </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">visited the </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><a href="http://beokeng.com/disptemple.php?temple=chong-tuck-tong-temple" target="_blank">Chong Tuck Tong Temple</a> with </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">over 100+ years history where both </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Taoism and Buddhism faiths/ deities were represented. The temple started as villa and was used as private temple and a 1989 fire allowed it to be rebuilt to include both Buddhists and Taoist aspects. The fire was </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">seen as positive as </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chinese folk belief that fire has to happen every 100 years (part of the 4 elements). We were fortunate to be allowed to visit the temple in the night with the temple nicely decked out in their festive preparations. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br></span></span>We ended our walk</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> in a back alley (much like the one below) where we were introduced to the nice folks from </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/singaporemigrantfriends/&source=gmail&ust=1578719986122000&usg=AFQjCNFvw6dWf7An3m4BQPeGKPK6KEqEQQ" href="https://www.facebook.com/singaporemigrantfriends/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Singapore Migrant Friends</a>. We had a <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">chat over some watermelon provided by the organisers. This was definitely a new experience for me and immediately brought to mind a quote that goes something like "The world will be better if we talked to each other instead of about each other." </span></span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdVGha4uyDk6tOKMyfa6lloOz-nJt3y2KXo-ZFqoOT74SM9J0Ns3N29mvhBPkpca89NMawX0ndv1LgnDqjYeaevwUwWKyxesGD6ch9MsMYL8bZx9ykmS9Jis9i8BshNHU2E9sBFDjE3O-/s1600/IMG_20200109_211932_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdVGha4uyDk6tOKMyfa6lloOz-nJt3y2KXo-ZFqoOT74SM9J0Ns3N29mvhBPkpca89NMawX0ndv1LgnDqjYeaevwUwWKyxesGD6ch9MsMYL8bZx9ykmS9Jis9i8BshNHU2E9sBFDjE3O-/s640/IMG_20200109_211932_2.jpg" width="480"></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For anyone intere</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sted to find out more about Geylang and its ongoings, do go for a walk with Geylang Adventures or read from these links: </span></span><br>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://weehingthong.org/2014/03/30/geylang-red-light-district-in-squeaky-clean-singapore/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://weehingthong.org/</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2014/03/30/geylang-red-light-district-in-squeaky-clean-singapore</span></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://geylang.iamsingapore.com/">http://geylang.iamsingapore.com/</a> </span></li>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Till the next time....keep exploring your own backyard!</span></span></div>
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MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-66150262593558196332017-08-28T21:57:00.000+08:002017-08-28T21:57:16.023+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - Chek Jawa Trip <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chek Jawa (also known as <b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Tanjong Chek Jawa</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> or </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Tanjung Chek </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Jawa</b>)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> is located in the southern part of Pulau Ubin with a natural ecosystem unique to Singapore and also located in the surroundings of one of the last kampongs (or village) of Singapore. It's always a joy to visit this place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, although I must admit, the heat and humidity does get to me because of the tropical heat. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">A short boat ride about some 15 mins away for a small S$3 fee. Chek Jawa is </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">accessible by </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">walking or using a rental bike from the jetty. Here's some of the unique living things I managed to take photographs of when I was there for a recent overnight stay specially organised by the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Nature Photographic Society (Singapore): </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-84238239090523798622016-05-11T21:29:00.002+08:002016-05-11T21:29:48.380+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - Singapore Heritage Festival 2016: Bidadari Walk <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 107%;">By the end of 2016, the calls of </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">nature from Bidadari, an area of some 26 hectares will be
replaced by the familiar construction sounds of swirling cranes and ground
pounding machines. And with those sounds, 40% of Singapore’s bird species will disappear.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With my glassy
eyed memories from yesteryears when I accompanied my late grandmother to visit my
grandfather’s grave in that area, I am again faced with another loss of the
natural environment after witnessing the loss of another green lung, Bukit
Brown. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My earlier blog
entries regarding the loss of Bukit Brown, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/06/accidental-tourist-tale-of-2-greens.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/06/accidental-tourist-tale-of-2-greens.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/06/accidental-tourist-tale-of-2-greens.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/06/accidental-tourist-tale-of-2-greens.html</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/08/accidental-tourist-singapore-bukit.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/08/accidental-tourist-singapore-bukit.html</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those
who want to venture there, here’s a map of the trail, <a href="http://heritagefest.sg/events/bidadari-heritage-trail">http://heritagefest.sg/events/bidadari-heritage-trail</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I leave you
with a video of David Attenborough’s famous video of the amazing Lyre Bird singing
like a chainsaw…<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSB71jNq-yQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSB71jNq-yQ</a> as this was exactly what I heard when walking through the trail today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are some links for those who want to read more about this:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://singaporebirdgroup.wordpress.com/2015/05/24/birding-hotspot-bidadari/">https://singaporebirdgroup.wordpress.com/2015/05/24/birding-hotspot-bidadari/</a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/pub/naturewatch/text/a101a.htm">http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/pub/naturewatch/text/a101a.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nss.org.sg/documents/Conservation%20Proposal%20for%20Biddadari%20as%20a%20Nature%20Park.%20Revised.%204%20Dec.%202012.pdf">http://www.nss.org.sg/documents/Conservation%20Proposal%20for%20Biddadari%20as%20a%20Nature%20Park.%20Revised.%204%20Dec.%202012.pdf</a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond. </span></span></div>
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MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-49744701326131215922016-05-08T23:25:00.000+08:002016-05-17T20:49:04.427+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - War Memories at Changi<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">I had
a crash revision course of WWII history when I went down to Changi for a walk organized
by the National Heritage Board in Changi that is held at the location of Singapore’s
latest National Monument, <b>Changi Prison Entrance Gate, Wall and Turrets</b> on 7
May 2016.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">This
latest national monument comprising of the Changi Prison Entrance Gate, Wall
and remaining 2 Turrets is in remembrance of the wartime experience as a symbol
of the suffering and hardship of Prisoners-of-War during the Japanese
Occupation from 1942 to 1945. This tour allowed for exclusive access to this
Monument right up next to its prison walls. First opened some 80 years ago, the
prison’s steel entrance gate, two turrets and a 180-metre long wall, are what
remains of the old prison. Back then, it was acclaimed as the most modern
institution of its kind in the East, boasting a comprehensive alarm system and
electrical lights in its cells. During WWII, it was the main war camp for civilians
and POWs in Southeast Asia with some 5000 or more persons packed into a place
designed for 600. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">You
can get more insights into this national monument at </span><a href="http://www.nhb.gov.sg/places/sites-and-monuments/national-monuments/changi-prison-gate-wall-and-turrets" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">http://www.nhb.gov.sg/places/sites-and-monuments/national-monuments/changi-prison-gate-wall-and-turrets</a></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">I
took the opportunity to visit a nearby museum i.e. <b>The Changi Museum</b> that is dedicated
to Singapore’s history during the Second World War which is located about a 10 minutes’
walk away. Here are some photos of the Chapel area as photos inside the museum
is prohibited. In this museum, visitors can view photographs, drawings and
letters by prisoners as well as replicas of murals of the chapel. I purchased the audio tour (costing SGD8) of which I will strongly recommend as I personally
got a more rewarding experience of what happened during those dark years in Singapore. Through the audio tour, I could relate the exhibits and got my chance
to hear audio recordings of the experiences of those who lived through it
including that of Singapore’s own war heroine, Elizabeth Choy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.1pt; line-height: 107%;">For
anyone interested in taking in more of such walks, there is a Changi war trail
that you can follow: more info available: <a href="http://heritagefest.sg/~/media/shf/files/trailpoint/stbwartimecivicdistricttrail45_brochure.pdf?la=en">http://heritagefest.sg/~/media/shf/files/trailpoint/stbwartimecivicdistricttrail45_brochure.pdf?la=en</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will suggest that those interested in this part of history combine this with another travel up to Kranji War Memorial - <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/06/end-of-empire-changi-museum-war-walk.html" target="_blank">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/06/end-of-empire-changi-museum-war-walk.html </a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-2772205211829400452016-03-13T18:44:00.002+08:002016-04-25T11:16:24.388+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - Walk - 2016 - March - Dakota Walkorganised for Singaplural 2016<div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I went on</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> an engaging <b>SingaPlural 2016</b> Walking Tour around <span class="il">Dakota</span> that was organised by the folks from Singapore Furniture Industries Council which was part of the activities for SingaPlural 2016 (http://www.singaplural.com/).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: rgb(34 , 34 , 34); font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">We were accompanied by residents (past and present) during the </span></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">trail that is organized by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Dakotaadventure/">Dakota Adventures</a>, a service provider engaged by SFIC ). Jonathan who is also </span><span style="color: rgb(34 , 34 , 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">part of the </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/savedakotacrescent/?ref=br_rs" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" target="_blank">SaveDakotaCrescent FB </a><span style="color: rgb(34 , 34 , 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">campaign also joined us. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: rgb(34 , 34 , 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a wonderful time spent with the guides who shared with us their knowledge re</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">garding the unique blocks in this area and I personally particularly enjoyed hearing the stories of the elderly folks who have been staying here for all their lives especially from Bilyy Koh who not only shared his stories of staying in Dakota but also allowed us into his abode after the tour. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some interesting facts/ stories shared during the walk: </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Part of Kallang bigger estate stretching up to Guillemard Road </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 types of blocks found in Dakota estate i.e. (1)</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">butterfly block - one of a kind block that is not found anywhere in Singapore. You can see the unique shape in the photo of the maps shown. To ensure privacy for the end unit with adequate ventilation in the tropical heat. The middle area is always an open courtyard area for community gathering and social interaction. (2) </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">8 storey blocks - original blocks no. 10 and 20 with the kitchen near the walking corridor - idea likely imported from British and Blk 28 being the only block with a common refuse chute (instead of the refuse chute inside the house) and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 storey blocks and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 storey blocks </span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Designs of the blocks are intended to help residents to identify their houses with the old folks recalling their inability to go home as all the blocks look too similar to them (back then, there were no block numbers) with reported d</span><span style="background-color: white;">eafness due to old airport located close to the residences</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Unique feature of the area is that there is no void deck at the bottom of the block with various shapes like those of butterfly (not modular cookie-cutter designs of current flats) with many f</span><span style="background-color: white;">lats differing in height and shapes standing next to each other </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Former namesake of the <b>Hyde park of Singapore</b> that was situated next to old airport</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Dakota was also the holiday zone back during British times with palm trees still lining the streets and named after the l</span><span style="background-color: white;">ogistics airplane, Dakota DC-3 that used to land in old Kallang Airport nearby</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Previously one of the largest estate built by <b>Singapore Improvement Trust </b>back in 1958 (predecessor of our current Housing and Development Board) with some </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">20 blocks (now 17 are left) </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back when the old airport was still functioning, residents were woken up in the morning not by alarm clocks but by the sound of the Concorde plane landing at 6:30 am with the accompaniment of walls shaking and cups/ plates rattling</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is only 1 Lift repairer in Singapore who is able to repair the remaining lifts in Dakota - he will retire once the last of the residents move out end of the 2016 </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Showcased Singapore's progress from s</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">lumps to 1st Pioneer HDB flat with its r</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">esidents having been at least displaced twice due to the modernization of Singapore with many having first moved here after the fires in their previous abode in slums. This intention to move out the Dakota residents marks their 2nd exodus. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Mountbatten Pink comes from a story when Admiral Mountbatten who observed that the sunset color along the shores around the area and thought that ships will not be spotted if they were painted pink. ore info available via </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountbatten_pink" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. Incidentally, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Admiral Mountbatten had accepted the Japanese surrender after WWII</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> - more info </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Mountbatten,_1st_Earl_Mountbatten_of_Burma" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">P.S. With the upcoming uncertainty behind the fate of this lovely quaint estate, there is a social movement to lend a voice to everyone who wants this unique location to be preserved for future generations so head down to Dakota and join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savedakotacrescent/?ref=br_rs" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">SaveDakotaCrescent FB </a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">campaign. More about this is reported <a href="http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore-news/long-time-residents-dakota-crescent-turn-tour-guides" target="_blank">here</a> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Till the next time, keep exploring! </span></span></div>
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MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-63622073796426745542016-01-25T21:53:00.000+08:002016-05-11T21:55:31.631+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - List of Singapore National Monuments Visited so far....and many many more to go.....<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">[Updated to include 72<sup>nd</sup>
National Monument as at 11 May 2016]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">25 Jan 2016: Decided to
do a list of Singapore National Monuments after doing my blog entry about the
newly minted 71st National Monument, Fullerton Hotel. So here goes my limited
list and hoping to complete this list someday!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Armenian
Apostolic Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> - flickr photo set: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157628186015087"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157628186015087</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Asian
Civilisations Museum (former Empress Place building) -</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Cathedral of the Good Shepherd</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Central
Fire Station</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">- flickr photo set: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157663873264136"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157663873264136</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Church
of Our Lady of Lourdes </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">-</span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/accidental-tourist-march-2012-walking.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/accidental-tourist-march-2012-walking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> and </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157663756300932"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157663756300932</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Church
of St Peter and St Paul </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">-
</span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/accidental-tourist-march-2012-walking.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/accidental-tourist-march-2012-walking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">Changi
Prison Entrance Gate, Wall and Turrets</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"> -</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2016/05/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-war.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2016/05/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-war.html</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Church
of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">flickr photo set: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157663352592510"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157663352592510</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Esplanade
Park Memorials </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">- </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/accidental-tourist-february-2012.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/accidental-tourist-february-2012.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Fullerton
Building</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> (<b>Former) </b>- </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2016/01/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-2016.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2016/01/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-2016.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">11.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Hajjah Fatimah Mosque </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Hill
Street Police Station (former) </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">13.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Hong
San See (29 Mohamed Sultan Road)</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> - flickr photo set: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157628186492409"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157628186492409</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> and blog post: </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">14.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Istana
Kampong Glam</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">15.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">jamae-mosque </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">16.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Lau
Pa Sat (former Telok Ayer Market)- </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">17.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Maghain
Aboth Synagogue</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">-</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">flickr
set - </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157661593399744"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/albums/72157661593399744</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">18.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">National
Gallery of Singapore (former City Hall and Supreme Court)</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">- flickr photo: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/20813025708/in/datetaken-public/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/20813025708/in/datetaken-public/</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">19.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">National
Museum</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">-</span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2010/12/accidental-tourist-museum-exploration.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2010/12/accidental-tourist-museum-exploration.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">, </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/09/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-sep.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/09/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-sep.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">20.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Peranakan
Museum (former Tao Nan School)-</span></b><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/09/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-2015.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/09/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-2015.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">21.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Prinsep
Street Presbyterian Church</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">-
flickr set saved in </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157628186234607"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157628186234607</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">22.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Raffles-Hotel </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">– blog post: </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/09/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-2015_19.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/09/accidental-tourist-of-singapore-2015_19.html </span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">23.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Saint
Andrew’s Cathedral - </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">flickr
photo set: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157628185649871"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157628185649871</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">24.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Singapore
Art Museum (former Saint Joseph’s Institution)- </span></b><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/08/accidental-tourist-2015-singapore-art.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/08/accidental-tourist-2015-singapore-art.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">, </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">25.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sri
Mariamman Temple</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> -</span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/01/accidental-tourist-in-singapore-hindu.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/01/accidental-tourist-in-singapore-hindu.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">26.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">27.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sri
Thendayuthapani Temple, Tank Road</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> -</span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/01/accidental-tourist-in-singapore-hindu.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/01/accidental-tourist-in-singapore-hindu.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">28.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">St
Joseph's Church </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">-</span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/accidental-tourist-march-2012-walking.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/accidental-tourist-march-2012-walking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">29.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sultan
Mosque</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> - flickr photo
set: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157663754518262"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157663754518262</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">30.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Tanjong
Pagar Railway Station (Former) </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">-</span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2011/06/ode-to-grand-dametanjong-pagar-railway.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2011/06/ode-to-grand-dametanjong-pagar-railway.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">, flickr set saved in </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157626708969444"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157626708969444</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">31.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Tan
Si Chong Su</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">32.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The
Arts House</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b> (former
Parliament House) </b>- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">33.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The
Cathay (former Cathay Building)</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">34.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thian
Hock Keng temple </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">-</span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2014/10/accidental-tourist-500px-photo-walk.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2014/10/accidental-tourist-500px-photo-walk.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">, </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">, flickr photo set: </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/56563125@N00/sets/72157647315190372"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">https://www.flickr.com/photos/56563125@N00/sets/72157647315190372</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Victoria
Theatre and Concert Hall</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<ol>
</ol>
MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-80956086715568927422016-01-12T22:14:00.000+08:002016-03-13T21:57:40.267+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - 2016 - Celebrate Monuments! The Fullerton Hotel Tour: 9 January 2016<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">Newly minted 71<sup>st</sup> <strong>National
Monument</strong> of Singapore, <strong>Fullerton Hotel</strong> opened its doors to a group of us
fortunate enough to take part in its inaugural Celebrate Monuments! tour on 9
January 2015. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">Before becoming a now world famous luxury hotel, this National Monument was originally a public institution known as the <strong>Fullerton Building</strong>.
Named after the then-governor of the <strong>Straits Settlement</strong> that included Singapore,
Penang and Malacca, this now 91 year old grand dame stands at 36.6m high
occupying some 41,000 square meters of prime land with Singapore’s then seafront (now Marina Bay area) is done with 3.5m
bricks in neoclassical style by Keyes and Dowdeswell, a Shanghai-based
architectural firm (who incidentally won an architectural competition for the
project).</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kytIOvgQL6O2TsaNtuLZELjk3aI_JQ5oaA2BjNexzd0ebhhHx9SWFD_uEtHbINICt5riAu8ad-RCrVdmHE4Miwta9bxJCda6-64Y31-ihdg3HOFUGq4ob9maX08SNBPPv5y-SyTnIlJb/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kytIOvgQL6O2TsaNtuLZELjk3aI_JQ5oaA2BjNexzd0ebhhHx9SWFD_uEtHbINICt5riAu8ad-RCrVdmHE4Miwta9bxJCda6-64Y31-ihdg3HOFUGq4ob9maX08SNBPPv5y-SyTnIlJb/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">This building has seen Singapore
from its earlier days with the </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">northern end of the building
covering the site of old Fort Fullerton, built back in 1829 to defend the Straits
Settlement against any naval attacks. This was also the location where a
sandstone monolith, the <strong>Singapore Stone</strong>, was discovered with an inscription
potentially dating back to the 13th century. For those interested, you can see
a fragment of the Singapore Stone as part of the collection of the Singapore’s National
Museum. </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The fort gave way to the first General Post Office that was termed by Joseph
Conrad as the ‘most important post office of the East’ back in 1874. The Fullerton
Building (known as the new General Post Office) was subsequently completed in
1928 and housed the Exchange, Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Club. You can see
an old photograph by clicking this link to the National Library Board showing the grounds
back then: <a href="http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/pictures/Details/8d4e60f6-4fa8-4b35-9654-5c261a2f7115"><span style="color: blue;">http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/pictures/Details/8d4e60f6-4fa8-4b35-9654-5c261a2f7115</span></a>.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The original entrance to the building was on the right side of the building
(facing One Fullerton). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Known as <strong>Mile 0</strong>, it was the nerve
centre of Singapore in which all roads and distances in Singapore were measured
as leading up to the Fullerton Building. We were told that the use of such
reference dates back to the Roman times.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6QmXJPlvIdsu_Y628FgKX3yiDSXVQCpyABVORtD-MBC3utrxRLFVzjWI0LIgqNttRXGk_aavFygmB42oPuxrUpwzTij3EDWciLyoqir3TB7eG8DxDCyI0U8bhiTGu7qcn06NAcrKz65m/s1600/jan-2016_23674414514_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6QmXJPlvIdsu_Y628FgKX3yiDSXVQCpyABVORtD-MBC3utrxRLFVzjWI0LIgqNttRXGk_aavFygmB42oPuxrUpwzTij3EDWciLyoqir3TB7eG8DxDCyI0U8bhiTGu7qcn06NAcrKz65m/s640/jan-2016_23674414514_o.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The building bore witness to the <strong>World War II</strong> as a makeshift operating room for
wounded British soldiers, and the location where General Percival discussed
with Sir Shenton the idea of surrendering Singapore to the Japanese before it
was the headquarters for the Japanese Military Administration. The
Income Tax Department (starting late 1948), Ministry of Finance and the
Economic Development Board later occupied it. The General Post Office was its
last occupant until March 1996. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Its site was also used for election rallies from
1959 till 1980s – we were told that this is the place where the late <strong>Lee Kuan
Yew</strong> made one of his many notable rally speeches back in 1980 stating:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whoever governs Singapore must have that iron in him. Or give it up. This
is not a game of cards! This is your life and mine! I've spent a whole lifetime
building this and as long as I'm in charge, nobody is going to knock it down. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><em>Source: </em><a href="https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew"><span style="color: blue;"><em>https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew</em></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After a S$400million makeover, the Fullerton Building was opened as the
Fullerton Hotel as a 5 star luxury hotel with 400 rooms spanning across 8 floors
at the stroke of midnight on 1 January 2001. The designer and architects of
the hotel had to accommodate detailed specifications that required minor
alternations to the exterior and at the same time take into consideration the
business aspects that required maximum usage of the space. The makeover was a
success as the hotel was given a stamp of approval from the <strong>Urban Redevelopment
Authority</strong> which awarded it URA’s Architectural </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Heritage Award
in 2001, </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Singapore's highest honour that recognise
the efforts of owners, architects, engineers, and contractors who have gone the
extra mile to undertake high quality and sensitive restoration of National
Monuments and conservation buildings. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><em>Source: </em></span></em></span><span lang="EN"><a href="http://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/publications/corporate/aha/2001/1-Fullerton-Road.aspx#"><span style="color: blue;"><em>http://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/publications/corporate/aha/2001/1-Fullerton-Road.aspx#</em></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">We had the chance to prod around
the Fullerton Hotel’s <strong>Presidential Suite</strong> (which is the </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">former card room of the elite Singapore Club)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"> located on the 2<sup>nd</sup> floor. Occupying a grand total of </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">2,142 square feet (normal hotel rooms are a pale 323-334 square feet), it
has all the furnishings worthy of its guests (for which we were informed on a
no-named basis, statesmen and dignitaries) with its white marbled flooring, private
elevator, Baby Grand piano, two intricately carved solid wood chairs with
inlaid mother-of-pearl, private study and bathrooms complete with Bulgari
bathroom amenities. You can enjoy a night's stay at this Presidential Suite for a grand S$6,888. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Source: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="http://www.fivestaralliance.com/articles/suite-luxury-the-presidential-suite-at-the-fullerton-hotel-singapore"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.fivestaralliance.com/articles/suite-luxury-the-presidential-suite-at-the-fullerton-hotel-singapore</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6Jfmm4qlbq6ai9PUT41nZYR4QI5nPLtf8m0WFK8gz6NddWD2c020Yi-_GcIVWDTOw4cEvinbtF2VTSfpkyGQxh4D6DvLsTgqaq6ZhMw0qz18qqHgZLZOqUET6m321h0VGX5gf53ooVaK/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6Jfmm4qlbq6ai9PUT41nZYR4QI5nPLtf8m0WFK8gz6NddWD2c020Yi-_GcIVWDTOw4cEvinbtF2VTSfpkyGQxh4D6DvLsTgqaq6ZhMw0qz18qqHgZLZOqUET6m321h0VGX5gf53ooVaK/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
This tour is part of <strong>Celebrate Monuments!</strong> by the <strong>Preservation
of Sites and Monuments</strong> (PSM) Division of the <strong>National Heritage Board</strong>. Conducted
by PSM Volunteer Guides, each hour-long tour is specially crafted to celebrate
a milestone in the history of a National Monument. Each tour is priced
at S$20 per person, and fully redeemable for food and beverage at any of the
restaurants located within The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay
Hotel after the tour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">Hop over this link
if you are keen to take this tour of its interior, exterior etc. and learn
about its history from one of PSM Guide: <a href="http://www.thefullertonheritage.com/tours#celebratemonuments!thefullertonhotel"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.thefullertonheritage.com/tours#celebratemonuments!thefullertonhotel</span></a>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;">You will need to hurry if you want to book as this round of tours ends on 7 Feb 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other resources: <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_527_2004-12-13.html"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_527_2004-12-13.html</span></span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.historichotelsworldwide.com/hotels-resorts/the-fullerton-hotel-singapore/history.php"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.historichotelsworldwide.com/hotels-resorts/the-fullerton-hotel-singapore/history.php</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/fullerton-hotel-gazetted-national-monument"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/fullerton-hotel-gazetted-national-monument</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/wise-sayings-lee-kuan-yew"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/wise-sayings-lee-kuan-yew</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="http://www.nhb.gov.sg/places/sites-and-monuments/national-monuments/former-fullerton-building"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://www.nhb.gov.sg/places/sites-and-monuments/national-monuments/former-fullerton-building</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Till the next time, onto the world and
beyond! </span></span>
MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-48984181838935016202015-09-19T22:32:00.000+08:002016-03-13T21:58:01.544+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - 2015: Raffles Hotel Walk of Fame 29 Aug 2015<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had the rare privilege of taking a walk around Singapore's grand dame, <strong><span style="color: yellow;">The Raffles Hotel</span></strong> when they opened the hotel for a walk designed as part of its line-up of activities to celebrate the Singapore's Jubilee Year. My good fortune as I managed to secure a place on its last <em><strong><span style="color: yellow;">Walk of Fame</span></strong></em> scheduled on 29 Aug 2015. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gazetted in 1987 as one of Singapore's national monuments, this grand lady of the far east was first made into a hotel on 1 Dec 1887 by the Sarkies brothers who were Armenian hoteliers. The <strong>Sarkies Brothers</strong> were successful hotel proprietors - they owned Strand Hotel (Yangon, Myanmar) and hotels in Penang, Malaysia including the Eastern and Oriental Hotel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The tour started inside the hotel lobby, which dates back to 1899. We were given many glimpses into rare historical facts of the hotel as we walked through its ground such as: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
it being the first building in Singapore to have electric lights and fans. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">it was originally facing the sea which by the 1930s was facing reclaimed land.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the name of the hotel was given during the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria of England - it coincided with the year the statue of <strong>Sir Stamford Raffles</strong> was unveiled at Padang in 1887. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">it started as a 10 room bungalow before undergoing several renovations over the century into what we now see, a 3 storey main building. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the main building was designed by famous architectural firm, <strong>Swan and Maclaren</strong>. This firm also designed other national monuments, such as the Victoria Memorial Hall and Goodwood Park Hotel. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the main lobby was once its main dining hall, which converted to a dancing (and even skating) hall after dinner.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the tiles that were previously in the main lobby are now displayed at the Tiffin Room and the Raffles Grill</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the now famous tag-line of 'Feed at Raffles' was originally coined by famous English writer, <strong>Rudyard Kipling</strong> who visited the hotel in its 1st year of operations. He actually said, 'Feed at Raffles and sleep at the Grand Hotel de l'Europe.' </span><a href="http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1117_2008-12-05.html?s=hotel%20l" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grand Hotel de l'Europe</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> was another grand hotel back in those days but in the passage of time, his quote was shortened to 'Feed at Raffles'. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
the famous Tiger incident in 1902: The real story is that the tiger escaped from a nearby performing circus and hid under an elevated restaurant with raised platforms called the <strong>Bar and Billiard Room</strong> although many would recall this story as one of the tiger hiding under one of the Billiard tables instead. Riding on such an amazing story, the hotel had, on the 99th anniversary, made a live tiger was part of the hotel's celebrations in 1986 to coincide with the lunar new year of the tiger. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The story of how the silver beef wagon in <strong>Raffles Grill</strong> was buried by the staff of Raffles during the Second World War in order to preserve it from the enemies and we were allowed to admire its beautiful silver in pristine condition. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
I learned that the Raffles gift shop was once the Horse stables as the guide said that a skeleton of horse was found on the location during the hotel's restoration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The origins of the signature cocktail of Raffles Hotel (and a key drink for those visitors to Singapore), the <strong>Singapore Sling</strong>. It was concocted back in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese bar captain for the ladies who were not allowed to drink alcohol in public. That gave a reason for why the drink is colored like fruit punch. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Singapore's famous late <strong>Orang Utan</strong>, Ah Meng was chauffeured here to eat breakfast with the late Michael Jackson who visited Singapore in 1993. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My good fortune continued as I was allowed to go into <strong><span style="color: yellow;">Sarkies Suite</span></strong>, one of its 2 Presidential Suites where <strong>Queen Elizabeth II</strong> and <strong>Michael Jackson</strong> may have resided when they were in Singapore. I and the rest on the tour, wooed and wowed at all the beautiful furnishings (including the original carpet that lined the main dining (now lobby)) and ornate pieces of furniture and marveled at our good fortune to have visited this room which would have cost around S$1,300 to stay each night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The tour ended at the Hotel's <strong>Hall of Fame</strong>, where the photographs of famous personalities like Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Somerset Maugham, Prince William and its original visionary owners, the Sarkies Brothers, hang proudly on the wall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can :
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</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
get more facts and figures about this grand dame at </span><a href="http://www.nhb.gov.sg/places/sites-and-monuments/national-monuments/raffles-hotel"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.nhb.gov.sg/places/sites-and-monuments/national-monuments/raffles-hotel</span></a></li>
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</span>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
access a </span><a href="https://sg.news.yahoo.com/video/8-secrets-singapores-famed-raffles-134041597.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Youtube video</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> on this tour here. </span></li>
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</span></ul>
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Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!</span><br />
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MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-28759686043228878222015-09-14T09:59:00.000+08:002016-03-13T21:58:15.553+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore: 2015 - Accidental Tourist Singapore Food Rendezvous<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Accidental Tourist Singapore Food Rendezvous </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></b><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>I realised that I have not done a single food entry even though I am just like every true blue Singaporean out there who values cheap and good food and craves for excellent food that starts off our day and ends our nights. </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p>Here is my list of recommendations if you are out and about this little island: </o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbPANkUEdpkE-v7Fj7NYibjzKqcss-bBY8uhWQkq2v1ttkvLHKp5eC-LfSKE4o2_4SjZ7bvJ8hSH37JCaRv2j24wO5BIAmccYCxqR0r1Uayq77ya6wt15wqEkLKiZak4qrEhiwVDSnM6n/s1600/blogger-image--1849880481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbPANkUEdpkE-v7Fj7NYibjzKqcss-bBY8uhWQkq2v1ttkvLHKp5eC-LfSKE4o2_4SjZ7bvJ8hSH37JCaRv2j24wO5BIAmccYCxqR0r1Uayq77ya6wt15wqEkLKiZak4qrEhiwVDSnM6n/s400/blogger-image--1849880481.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<strong style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></strong>
<strong style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nasi Lemak</strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
(fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, with condiments
like sambal, otak-otak and ikan billis or in coupled with a cup of teh tarik
(pulled milk tea). My pick is International Nasi Lemak at Changi Village or
Salera Rasa at Adam road food market although we frequent Selera Rasa at Adam
Road Food Centre often.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sAPFFm_OjudWt-kA747wYoH5Liw070m4SRj5iKRkwKLpgD8wjlIc0psLPcS5GLJxOYZLoeV9LPQCB4RLndU3rRfvqSjCOE3chJlLd-n627Kuf9dL3Y6J2vp_XgzMa4eIhGHcTUr_Xase/s640/blogger-image-577758343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho1vdYIx2uudX-gPO3GkcgOJcyyDoV_R5eyOAhnP334Jfoj0K9TpiAs0JKtM8Z3X5G6oV9kq6uHWvwlxRhM7zWzzs4xdpZ-By6UtofND0f-bE7qAf_NHXIYw05OxJO-91dCMlS01TagP5/s1600/blogger-image--672875613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQnbr4nQfLGnQVjRmTerzRGbuAKB8P4jkR0g8vPohXvJqPiFrk6V8SnKpWMXSatdqj3tpFjdALTvDsbIBPuKg3MOkQ0qMW9sLq4Iub2lKvBqv1JfdeBbAu_Sahxnl8jVG3bJHG72p1SIr/s1600/blogger-image--1291798952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVws9R3w9V5nQpHnAC7WN0ElZ036CMDbllJmir74cOXQ7qWAu4wxYg_CNffG108WDdUZLtTiFROXv2-VIzs2f4yJrOIAZUcCmuiHnWgVxFBTQS7Aced7lcl5WhOafKiC3hWbp0hl_WwH8F/s1600/blogger-image--111976405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are 2 lists of places where you can get this dish: </span><a href="http://rubbisheatrubbishgrow.com/2014/08/31/best-nasi-lemak-in-singapore/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://rubbisheatrubbishgrow.com/2014/08/31/best-nasi-lemak-in-singapore/</a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
or </span><a href="http://sg.openrice.com/singapore/article/best-nasi-lemak-in-singapore/1024" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://sg.openrice.com/singapore/article/best-nasi-lemak-in-singapore/1024</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
and the recipe: </span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/78938/malaysian-nasi-lemak/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://allrecipes.com/recipe/78938/malaysian-nasi-lemak/</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This dish is an art of preparation and seen this part of the world. Malay for
coconut rice, Nasi lemak is a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and
pandan leaf. Accompanied with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">otak-otak
and</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ikan billis</b> and condiments
like <b>Sambal</b> (spicy sauce made from a variety of chili pounded into a
chili paste with ingredients such as shrimp paste, fish sauce, garlic, shallot,
sugar, lime juice etc). <b>Otak-otak</b> is a fish puree blend from raw fish,
chopped onions, coconut milk, herbs and spices with egg that is wrapped in a
banana leaf and grilled over an open charcoal fire. Flavored with spicy <i>rempah</i>,
a Malay term for the hand-pounded spices and seasoning. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">kan billis </span></b>is the
Malay term for anchovies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you do not fancy rice in the morning or have space
left in your stomach after a hearty Malay Nasi Lemak breakfast, my next food
recommendation is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kaya Toast</b>. This traditional
Chinese local breakfast endears itself to the young and old as it is easy to
find in food centres, hawker centres, cafes all over the island. The main star
of this set is a kaya spread (made from Pandan leaf aka Screwpine leaves and 3
other basic ingredients i.e. eggs, sugar and coconut milk) on toasted bread. In
some locations, the toasting is done over charcoal but it is more common to see
electric toasting of the bread . The breakfast set is accompanied with soft-boiled (aka half-boiled
eggs) and washed down with hot piping traditional coffee which is more full
bodied, less acidic with a soft buttery after-taste. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f you are keen to have a
go at making this, here’s the Kaya recipe: </span><a href="http://nasilemaklover.blogspot.sg/2010/05/homemade-pandan-kaya.html">http://nasilemaklover.blogspot.sg/2010/05/homemade-pandan-kaya.html</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My usual place for kaya toast set is either at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ya Kun</b> (</span><a href="http://yakun.com/">http://yakun.com/</a> a
Singapore brand which started back in the 1940s or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Killiney Kopitiam</b> (<a href="http://killiney-kopitiam.com/coprofile.html">http://killiney-kopitiam.com/coprofile.html</a>)
another Singapore brand that started back in 1919 from a small foodshop at Killiney
Road. <o:p></o:p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho1vdYIx2uudX-gPO3GkcgOJcyyDoV_R5eyOAhnP334Jfoj0K9TpiAs0JKtM8Z3X5G6oV9kq6uHWvwlxRhM7zWzzs4xdpZ-By6UtofND0f-bE7qAf_NHXIYw05OxJO-91dCMlS01TagP5/s1600/blogger-image--672875613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho1vdYIx2uudX-gPO3GkcgOJcyyDoV_R5eyOAhnP334Jfoj0K9TpiAs0JKtM8Z3X5G6oV9kq6uHWvwlxRhM7zWzzs4xdpZ-By6UtofND0f-bE7qAf_NHXIYw05OxJO-91dCMlS01TagP5/s640/blogger-image--672875613.jpg" width="451" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An alternative
that hails from India: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Roti Prata</b>,
(aka Roti Chanai in Malaysia) which is a type of Indian pancake made of flour.
I usually order 2 pieces of Roti Prata (1<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><sup>st</sup> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">piece with egg and a 2<sup>nd</sup>
plain prata). It usually comes with curry gravy and washed down with coffee.
Those who cannot take curry will choose sugar to add flavour to this dish. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho1vdYIx2uudX-gPO3GkcgOJcyyDoV_R5eyOAhnP334Jfoj0K9TpiAs0JKtM8Z3X5G6oV9kq6uHWvwlxRhM7zWzzs4xdpZ-By6UtofND0f-bE7qAf_NHXIYw05OxJO-91dCMlS01TagP5/s640/blogger-image--672875613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For
those wanting to have a go at making this, </span><a href="http://ieatishootipost.sg/how-to-make-roti-prata-aka-roti-canai-everything-you-need-to-know/">http://ieatishootipost.sg/how-to-make-roti-prata-aka-roti-canai-everything-you-need-to-know/</a>
has a recipe. For me, I prefer to leave it to the professionals at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Springleaf Prata Place</b> located at 49
Jalan Tua Kong (which opens from morning till 11 p.m. so this works well as a
supper dish too). <a href="http://ieatishootipost.sg/singapore-famous-five-best-roti-prata-2/">http://ieatishootipost.sg/singapore-famous-five-best-roti-prata-2/</a>
has his list of top 5 locations serving roti prata. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Lunch / brunch</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the Oriental choice, I will suggest that you try a
‘cannot go wrong’ <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hainanese Chicken Rice</b>.
This is a rice dish originating from Hainan, China. This
seemingly simple dish is deceptively difficult to execute. Why? The flavor and
all-important rice, chili and of course the chicken all have to be done in the
right portions to get this right. The recipe of this iconic Singapore dish is
best explained by the experts –available from Food Network by our very own Ms.
Violet Oon </span><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/hainanese-chicken-rice-recipe.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/hainanese-chicken-rice-recipe.html#</a></div>
.
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for the next question of where is the best place to have the chicken rice in
Singapore? This is an on-going (sometimes raging) debate for Singaporeans known
to be extremely passionate about their food so I will give you at least 2 lists
to help you decide: <o:p></o:p></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/the-best-5-hainanese-chicken-rice/">>http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/the-best-5-hainanese-chicken-rice/</a></span></div>
(I agree with 4 out of the 5 choices) and <a href="http://www.hungrygowhere.com/dining-guide/what-to-eat/5-best-chicken-rice-in-singapore-*aid-46763101/">http://www.hungrygowhere.com/dining-guide/what-to-eat/5-best-chicken-rice-in-singapore-*aid-46763101/</a>
<o:p></o:p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQnbr4nQfLGnQVjRmTerzRGbuAKB8P4jkR0g8vPohXvJqPiFrk6V8SnKpWMXSatdqj3tpFjdALTvDsbIBPuKg3MOkQ0qMW9sLq4Iub2lKvBqv1JfdeBbAu_Sahxnl8jVG3bJHG72p1SIr/s1600/blogger-image--1291798952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQnbr4nQfLGnQVjRmTerzRGbuAKB8P4jkR0g8vPohXvJqPiFrk6V8SnKpWMXSatdqj3tpFjdALTvDsbIBPuKg3MOkQ0qMW9sLq4Iub2lKvBqv1JfdeBbAu_Sahxnl8jVG3bJHG72p1SIr/s320/blogger-image--1291798952.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Laksa </strong>is a spicy coconut-based thick bee hoon noodle soup dish of the
Peranakans (descendants of early Chinese migrants who
settled in parts of Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore with their unique blend
of Chinese, Malay and other influences in their cuisine). This dish is usually served with fishcakes and prawns (cockles are a
maybe for some of us) topped with sambal for a food journey to the seaside.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">List of places serving Laksa: </span><a href="http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/the-5-best-laksa-in-singapore/">http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/the-5-best-laksa-in-singapore/</a></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recipe for the bravehearts out there: </span><a href="http://rasamalaysia.com/laksa/">http://rasamalaysia.com/laksa/</a></div>
<o:p></o:p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVws9R3w9V5nQpHnAC7WN0ElZ036CMDbllJmir74cOXQ7qWAu4wxYg_CNffG108WDdUZLtTiFROXv2-VIzs2f4yJrOIAZUcCmuiHnWgVxFBTQS7Aced7lcl5WhOafKiC3hWbp0hl_WwH8F/s1600/blogger-image--111976405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVws9R3w9V5nQpHnAC7WN0ElZ036CMDbllJmir74cOXQ7qWAu4wxYg_CNffG108WDdUZLtTiFROXv2-VIzs2f4yJrOIAZUcCmuiHnWgVxFBTQS7Aced7lcl5WhOafKiC3hWbp0hl_WwH8F/s640/blogger-image--111976405.jpg" width="454" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVws9R3w9V5nQpHnAC7WN0ElZ036CMDbllJmir74cOXQ7qWAu4wxYg_CNffG108WDdUZLtTiFROXv2-VIzs2f4yJrOIAZUcCmuiHnWgVxFBTQS7Aced7lcl5WhOafKiC3hWbp0hl_WwH8F/s640/blogger-image--111976405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another Oriental favorite of mine is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bak Kut Teh </b>where meaty <span style="color: #333333;">pork
ribs are lovingly boiled for hours with lots of garlic, pepper, medicinal herbs
and spices</span>. Personally I like the one served at Keppel Road </span><a href="http://www.yelp.com.sg/biz/outram-park-ah-hua-bah-kut-teh-singapore">http://www.yelp.com.sg/biz/outram-park-ah-hua-bah-kut-teh-singapore</a></div>
or Midview City (<a href="http://shiokhochiak.blogspot.sg/2012/07/rong-cheng-bak-kut-teh-now-in-midview.html">http://shiokhochiak.blogspot.sg/2012/07/rong-cheng-bak-kut-teh-now-in-midview.html</a>
<o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here is the list of other BKT places: </span><a href="http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/the-best-bak-kut-teh-in-singapore/">http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/the-best-bak-kut-teh-in-singapore/
or </a></div>
<a href="http://www.hungrygowhere.com/gallery/5-best-bak-kut-teh-in-singapore-*gid-dc5f3101/">http://www.hungrygowhere.com/gallery/5-best-bak-kut-teh-in-singapore-*gid-dc5f3101/</a>
<o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recipe-time: </span><a href="http://fatboo.com/2013/05/singapore-bak-kut-teh-teochew-recipe.html">http://fatboo.com/2013/05/singapore-bak-kut-teh-teochew-recipe.html</a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dinner<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chili Crab</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What is it?</i> It is quintessentially a Singapore invention – see </span><a href="http://www.yoursingapore.com/dining-drinks-singapore/local-dishes/chilli-crab.html">http://www.yoursingapore.com/dining-drinks-singapore/local-dishes/chilli-crab.html</a></div>
Most important ingredient is the crabs – please do not use the small flower crabs and use at least the mud crabs with more fleshy pieces (especially
on the claws). This is a must-have seafood dish in which the stir-fried crab is
coated with sweet, savoury and spicy tomato based sauce. Singaporeans usually
take this with steam or deep fried buns (also known as mantou). This dish is
best enjoyed using fingers to pry open the crab flesh especially for those who
manage to get one of the 2 crab claws and is certainly not for those who do not
like to dig in to enjoy their food.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFxx_xGrMtsUuuUTTKemX4FliK1wNWCVR0Y8061aspt3fSod3j2YHl-67Kz5F2NOB_ojAGLbfBGXPYRJ7K1fqt-W98CncYyYDh2cd-ho_vcv6zBNjy4P9WNZ-Z_jSpklOn15aJnjsmMyS/s1600/blogger-image--680070701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFxx_xGrMtsUuuUTTKemX4FliK1wNWCVR0Y8061aspt3fSod3j2YHl-67Kz5F2NOB_ojAGLbfBGXPYRJ7K1fqt-W98CncYyYDh2cd-ho_vcv6zBNjy4P9WNZ-Z_jSpklOn15aJnjsmMyS/s640/blogger-image--680070701.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recipe for adventurous souls: </span><a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/singapore-chilli-crab">http://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/singapore-chilli-crab</a></div>
<o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Want a list of crab places? Here’s the essential list- </span><a href="http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/best-chilli-crab-in-singapore/">http://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/best-chilli-crab-in-singapore/</a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Satay <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5gx-GXJpbTRsQ5bvPNzh9ElqwGta3b3-1JjvtqET1_vUpy8yVyMQQXPlxcPRvr-Sc_U43vfX8dEq2FywZnOGHNzlYbk8a2zGoZrSB0eQzDE20EtLA4HtHGfvfehabUGgR1EEJuFG2BeL/s1600/blogger-image--1431570524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5gx-GXJpbTRsQ5bvPNzh9ElqwGta3b3-1JjvtqET1_vUpy8yVyMQQXPlxcPRvr-Sc_U43vfX8dEq2FywZnOGHNzlYbk8a2zGoZrSB0eQzDE20EtLA4HtHGfvfehabUGgR1EEJuFG2BeL/s640/blogger-image--1431570524.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Imagine<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>having glistening skewered meats (usually pork (sometimes with
lard), chicken or mutton) lovingly grilled over charcoal accompanied with a
dressing of thick and tangy peanut based sauce at S$0.80 -$1.50 a-piece (used to be
cheaper but then again we had inflation). One of the best stalls adds grated
pineapple to its delicious sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Best </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stall list:</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hungrygowhere.com/dining-guide/what-to-eat/8-best-satay-stalls-in-singapore-*aid-cc623f00/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">http://www.hungrygowhere.com/dining-guide/what-to-eat/8-best-satay-stalls-in-singapore-*aid-cc623f00/</span></a></span><span lang="FR"> </span>- agree with most in
this list <o:p></o:p>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recipe:</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.singaporelocalfavourites.com/2009/09/singapore-satay-receipe.html">http://www.singaporelocalfavourites.com/2009/09/singapore-satay-receipe.html</a></span><o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
A final plug for dinner involves the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Peranakan cuisine</b>. Peranakans
themselves often keep many of their family recipes within their family and
truth be told, their recipes often involve at least 1 full day of labor of love
(many actually require more as there are different sauces prepared for
different dishes). CNN has a good way of explaining this food art: </span><a href="http://travel.cnn.com/getting-know-singapores-oldest-fusion-cuisine-187406">http://travel.cnn.com/getting-know-singapores-oldest-fusion-cuisine-187406</a>.
For those brave souls wanting to try out, Amazon has a few books on sale – just
search ‘Nyonya recipes’ in their book section.<o:p></o:p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQIzPmuV3UxILwM1XV9O-2PdmefTvEv9pmo4zHmudA4tGNthfJDyUdqZ_of2rq0FxXf-VG9imzD91TcaIu_NAsDgFjkyle_1q3UK-A-jJ1LEHOIgipW0YjObZ4e6GNj6RjqzMKys3cRMP/s1600/blogger-image-2064574115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQIzPmuV3UxILwM1XV9O-2PdmefTvEv9pmo4zHmudA4tGNthfJDyUdqZ_of2rq0FxXf-VG9imzD91TcaIu_NAsDgFjkyle_1q3UK-A-jJ1LEHOIgipW0YjObZ4e6GNj6RjqzMKys3cRMP/s640/blogger-image-2064574115.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Room for Dessert?</strong>
There are tons of dessert options locally but I will be dipping my tastebuds
into the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Top 5 Tropical Fruits</b>
that you can find all over in Singapore (nowadays many are no longer seasonal but
available all-year-round): </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. <b>Durian</b>
– aka King of Fruit. I think I am right in saying that this is one fruit that
will divide the world into ‘Love it’ and ‘Hate it’ groups. The first thing that
will hit you is the smell - to durian lovers, its distinctive scent is perfume
while those unable to stomach it says that it is offensive like rotten flesh. One
thing for sure, the durian scent permeates everything even when the husk is
intact so it is the only fruit that is prohibited on public transport and
buildings (and even airplanes!). There are many varieties (and grades) of
durians but its general creamy and pudding-like flesh entices durian lovers to
eat it over and over again. Caution though…the scent lingers on your fingers
(if you use them to eat the fruit) so it is best to do an old technique of
riding the smell from your fingers by washing your fingers under water running
over a durian shell. As for your breath, just make sure your companion does not
mind the scent as mints are absolutely of no help at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. <b>Mangosteen
</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">– aka Queen of Fruit. </span>You
had the king so now here’s the queen. Its bright white flesh is eaten fresh after removing the skin. Please note that
the semi-hard reddish shells stains everything you touch so do be careful when disposing the shells.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Watermelon</b> - This fruit is relatively
inexpensive but substantial in water content. It is best taken on a hot
summer day while sitting on a sandy beach overlooking the sea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. <b>Rambutan
</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">- t</span>his fruit is distinctive
as it is red with a hairy with fleshy soft spines. The flesh inside is
translucent, sweet and firm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coconuts</b>- the best are the young
coconuts which are green on the outside with a thin white flesh on the inside.
The juice fills the inside and best drunk straight from the husk to cool and
refresh a dehydrated person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here you go, my tip of the iceberg in Singapore culinary cuisine. I have provided the links to other
lists (from CNN and the Guardian UK) to baffle you further on the wide range of food that we have in this little dot: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://travel.cnn.com/singapore/none/40-singapore-foods-we-cant-live-without-810208"><span style="color: blue;">http://travel.cnn.com/singapore/none/40-singapore-foods-we-cant-live-without-810208</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/may/29/top-10-cheap-eats-singapore-street-food"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/may/29/top-10-cheap-eats-singapore-street-food</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://sethlui.com/best-local-famous-foods-to-eat-singapore/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://sethlui.com/best-local-famous-foods-to-eat-singapore/</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span><br />
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<br />MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-35240957923852171512015-09-10T12:30:00.000+08:002016-03-13T21:58:45.339+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - Sep 2015: Singapore National Museum: 50 made in Singapore Products Exhibition <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What does <em>Mercedes-Benz</em>, <em>Bridgestone Tyres </em>and<em>
Rollei Cameras </em>have in common? Maybe brands like <em>Star Brand </em>(sugar), <em>Woh Hup</em>
(Oyster Sauce) and <em>Khong Guan </em>(biscuits) are easier for those familiar with
cooking / food items? Brands like <em>Kwanpen </em>and <em>Bata </em>pop up on the fashion front.
On medicinal side, there's the <em>Axe Brand </em>(Universal Oil), <em>Three Legs Cooling Water </em>and all
famous <em>Tiger Balm</em>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span 10pt="" quot="" rial="" sans-serif="">All these brands have links back to our little
red dot. For example, <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cycle and Carriage, renamed in 1899 by the
Chua brothers, had its 1<sup>st</sup> Singapore branch in Orchard Road in 1916
and its Singapore HQ in 1926. 1951 was when it acquired the franchise of
Mercedes-Benz. <o:p></o:p>
</span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span> </div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Singapore shores was the 1<sup>st</sup>
overseas factory for Bridgestone Tyres back in the 60s. <o:p></o:p>
</span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span> </div>
</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAENSQbcI15JZbZVlnOL8BdV9B3BbvOnZXb4JVopgroEEK2j7ISE1kTDys8oFj0IMbjwz-kgj0cXA2V6DVVpOcUGcBeAMwCS7s9_RcYjGkDvgse8FcxNAj9Pqu0XHj6O1k3ElNNxFj83x/s1600/blogger-image--1370887666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAENSQbcI15JZbZVlnOL8BdV9B3BbvOnZXb4JVopgroEEK2j7ISE1kTDys8oFj0IMbjwz-kgj0cXA2V6DVVpOcUGcBeAMwCS7s9_RcYjGkDvgse8FcxNAj9Pqu0XHj6O1k3ElNNxFj83x/s640/blogger-image--1370887666.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span> </div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of Singapore’s largest sugar suppliers, Star Brand (Sugar) was started back in 1940s. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span 10pt="" quot="" rial="" sans-serif="">Woh Hup now known to be a sauce brand was back in the day also a noodle manufacturer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Khong Guan Singapore was established in the 1940s.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kwanpen was started in 1930s by Kwan Pen Seng who used to repair bags owned by
the British in Singapore. <o:p></o:p>
</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Bata opened its Singapore store in 1930s when
the Czech brand was Europe’s largest shoe manufacturer. <o:p></o:p>
</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TAZJJRf_dU8xd9c6Ly3QQ-yEpw9HXQqTTHCLtr9ewIW-Q1aRAIBWqzp7uFuaom9IhmsCUSCIuydzEAfMXPT_xW-ZVZp5Z_PvSfgiKfr6zSYpA_bN6-aIVSbEQjvVeOUa6jT6zA6D5QoQ/s1600/blogger-image-942673711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TAZJJRf_dU8xd9c6Ly3QQ-yEpw9HXQqTTHCLtr9ewIW-Q1aRAIBWqzp7uFuaom9IhmsCUSCIuydzEAfMXPT_xW-ZVZp5Z_PvSfgiKfr6zSYpA_bN6-aIVSbEQjvVeOUa6jT6zA6D5QoQ/s640/blogger-image-942673711.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Three Legs </em>Cooling Water was developed using
traditional Chinese herbs in 1930s to treat ‘heatiness’ related ailments. <o:p></o:p>
</span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span> </div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Tiger Balm </em>(known to me as Hor Yiu) is by far
the most famous medicinal brands which started as a traditional ointment paste
for aches and pains by the famous Aw Brothers who started its Singapore
operations in 1920s. The same <em>Aw Brothers</em> started the <em>Haw Par Villas</em> (</span></span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2014/07/accidental-tourist-yesteryear-theme.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">other blog entry</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">). <o:p></o:p>
</span></li>
</ul>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I hope you will spare some time to pop in to the '50 made
in Singapore products' Exhibition before it ends its run at the Singapore National
Museum on 13 September 2015. <o:p></o:p>
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Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span></span></div>
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MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-83927335502064044082015-09-05T18:21:00.003+08:002016-03-13T21:59:07.081+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - 2015 - Visit to the Peranakan 峇峇娘惹 Museum- Great Peranakans: Fifty Remarkable Lives Exhibition<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Peranakan <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">峇峇娘惹 Museum- </span></strong><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Great Peranakans: Fifty Remarkable Lives Exhibition</strong> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was in for some local culture immersion so I took a ride down to <strong>Peranakan Museum</strong> to join its 1 hour tour with their volunteer guide who walked through the highlights of the exhibition that showcases <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: justify;">the achievements of 50 men (and women) for past 200 years. Those ladies and gentlemen were instrumental in Singapore's life and culture by contributing to the arts, culture, education, business, governance, and public service. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The Peranakans were very successful as traders as they often acted as middlemen between the British and the local Chinese and Malays because being mostly English educated, they were able to bridge the communication gap by speaking two or more languages.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">It turns out that being linguistic during those early years was advantageous with a fair number of Peranakans gaining wealth through opium, land, gambier, setting up of shipping and banking conglomerates. I will strongly recommend that if you want to head down to the exhibition, you will be able to get the most from the exhibition if you pair the visit with the walking tours. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the tour, I was given very interesting titbits about these greats and their relations for example, I realized that <em><strong>our current President Tony Tan's lineage</strong> </em>is way back to his <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">maternal grandmother is the daughter of the notable Peranakan Tan Jiak Kim (<a href="http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1846_2011-10-13.html?s=tony">http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1846_2011-10-13.html?s=tony</a> tan). </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Quick info about who were President Tony Tan's ancestry who were featured in this same exhibition:</u> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>Tan Jiak Kim</strong> (1859-1917) is known as the Colonial Peranakan as he is a strong ally of the British who attended the coronation of George V on 1911. He is the grandson of Tan Kim Seng and son of Tan Beng Swee. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">More info available at <a href="http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1136_2009-06-29.html?s=tan">http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1136_2009-06-29.html?s=tan</a> jiak kim </span></span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;">Tan Jiak Kim's grandfather <strong>Tan Kim Seng</strong> was also featured as one of the 50 Great Peranakans. He was a prominent merchant and philanthropist in 19th century. There is a Tan Kim Seng Fountain at the Esplanade Park to commemorate Tan Kim Seng's contributions to the first public waterworks in Singapore. He had donated generously towards the construction of MacRitchie Reservoir in the 1860s, one of the 4 main reservoirs of Singapore. </span></li>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Here's a snap of what this all means graphically: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwtUtmNmFAuvzNtqmWSbCGMdzrEm8rJyciisG2o8KE5kKG5F7-_APu-WTaWRJdeh2i7bj4NkpHtY3AHvT6Q3jWs0PwJfKWuLtpfMXgZsQXBzZC62vCzrkRzdzKCJ4Fz6NLQlcI5AOesLI/s1600/Peranakans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwtUtmNmFAuvzNtqmWSbCGMdzrEm8rJyciisG2o8KE5kKG5F7-_APu-WTaWRJdeh2i7bj4NkpHtY3AHvT6Q3jWs0PwJfKWuLtpfMXgZsQXBzZC62vCzrkRzdzKCJ4Fz6NLQlcI5AOesLI/s640/Peranakans.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Another interesting tidbit was the fact that <em>President <strong>Tony Tan's grandmother was buried in</strong></em><strong> <em>Bukit Brown cemetery</em></strong>. Here's a copy of the letter that was sent to the President by the people that were trying to protect Bukit Brown: </span><a href="http://blog.bukitbrown.org/post/44373443203/a-plea-to-the-president-discover-your-roots-I"><span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">http://blog.bukitbrown.org/post/44373443203/a-plea-to-the-president-discover-your-roots-I</span></a><span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">. You can see some of my thoughts about Bukit Brown in this earlier posting: </span><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/search/label/Bukit%20Brown"><span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/search/label/Bukit%20Brown</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;">Another interesting fact was that 4 out of the 10 cabinet officers in 1965 were Peranakans i.e. Lee Kuan Yee, Toh Chin Chye, Goh Keng Swee and Yong Nuyk Lin. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Here's some photos to showcase the exhibits: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllDLoCVyb3jviZG7K3AbUHMwxkXYF1TtlszPOzSPXz4wtKmWVYlEBuMmbaxERICSgkfQN_p8xKRz9BFMWj6LMV_sMkDHFS6WjkNL51isUKJC1PO882NEs8LJO_ta2q7cvF9_Da9JcqhS9/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllDLoCVyb3jviZG7K3AbUHMwxkXYF1TtlszPOzSPXz4wtKmWVYlEBuMmbaxERICSgkfQN_p8xKRz9BFMWj6LMV_sMkDHFS6WjkNL51isUKJC1PO882NEs8LJO_ta2q7cvF9_Da9JcqhS9/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFqkxYAiPEgGVGqiaBCZ3e2w0L8ycFEqljVu3zKVmQMuTAY3rtSSiN4k7RyLRf1xpbArJHkld4ZvI98UAlitRc-olJa8H6V-cdIyUVRSybhjEJxdKKpkcdx0pbVK8Pooi67iwWsW81WAq/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFqkxYAiPEgGVGqiaBCZ3e2w0L8ycFEqljVu3zKVmQMuTAY3rtSSiN4k7RyLRf1xpbArJHkld4ZvI98UAlitRc-olJa8H6V-cdIyUVRSybhjEJxdKKpkcdx0pbVK8Pooi67iwWsW81WAq/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span></div>
MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-80407062342508777582015-08-30T23:37:00.002+08:002016-03-13T21:59:25.657+08:00Accidental Tourist of Singapore - 2015- - Lao Sai Tao Yuan Teochew Opera Performance of 六国封相 at Pulau Ubin 28 August 2015<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Lao Sai Tao Yuan Teochew Opera Shoot at Pulau Ubin 28 August 2015</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: large;">I did something totally out of the norm for a 'leave-hungry <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">city-gal' - I took leave and went with a few photography friends of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/singapore.shutterjourneyphotographygroup" target="_blank">Singapore Shutterjourney </a>to Pulau Ubin to capture an Opera show. Not just any Opera show, it is performed by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lao.saitaoyuan" target="_blank">Lao Sai Tao Yuan</a>, the oldest surviving Teochew Opera troupe in Singapore having been around since 19th century. Through modern <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lao.saitaoyuan" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, I managed to keep track of their performance dates and this <span style="color: #cccccc;">performance in particular, caught my eye as it is held at far flung Pulau Ubin. For those unfamiliar with Pulau Ubin, some 10mins by bumboat from mainland Singapore, it is best described as<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> what one would expect from Singapore in the early 1950s-1960s. Peppered with traditional houses and roaming dogs, the island eludes a rustic authentic vibe no long felt in my urbanised and modern city. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">After a hearty breakfast at Changi Village, we hopped on a bumboat at Changi Jetty for S$2.50 to Ubin. The troupe members were already there and in the midst of getting ready. This is my first morning shoot of an opera show. Growing up, I am more familiar with opera shows done in the evenings. It slowly became clear that opera is not only a showcase of Chinese culture and traditional, it was also an art form requiring loads of teamwork and coordination.... all the way from the make-up to dressing and costume changes in-between. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Kudos to the performers, many belong to the pioneer generation all of whom have a wealth of experience both in terms of skill, expertise and precision</span> in executing the opera moves while burdened with heavy costumes....all with poise and grace of true professionals under tropical 35 degree Celsius heat. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">What warmed me was that all the troupe members of Lao Sai Tao Yuan were not only patient but also welcoming to us photographers. 八爷(班主) and Carine took time off their busyness to speak with us and were extremely accommodating to us taking photos of them throughout the whole morning all the way from makeup, costumes dressing to disrobing. It was truly an experience that I will not forget for the rest of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy looking at these photos as much as I did taking the photos. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BhU_vyPo5XdZcefUwWa0LIkqTfINxk1REv8rLoHEXcMYTZYmVJ6JhpFxGsCIlxIKpVC5KirgI7IcuOKncvuDaI4KbbnOLW5YLug0-hGV_CL-aJhvz-K28mCSJFWk9yKVNmI8SE9ihGjQ/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BhU_vyPo5XdZcefUwWa0LIkqTfINxk1REv8rLoHEXcMYTZYmVJ6JhpFxGsCIlxIKpVC5KirgI7IcuOKncvuDaI4KbbnOLW5YLug0-hGV_CL-aJhvz-K28mCSJFWk9yKVNmI8SE9ihGjQ/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I have also done a slideshow of selected photos taken of that day...uploaded on YouTube</span></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/NmIF_CrIvk8"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">https://youtu.be/NmIF_CrIvk8</span></a><a href="https://youtu.be/NmIF_CrIvk8" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">You Tube Video</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">My other blog post of an earlier visit involving Chinese Opera (</span><span style="color: #cccccc;">with another troupe) are:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new";"><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2010/10/accidental-tourist-chinese-opera.html"><span style="font-size: large;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2010/10/accidental<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">-tourist-chinese-opera.html</span></span></a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://jpgmag.com/stories/18276"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">http://jpgmag.com/stories/18276</span></a></li>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: "courier new";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!</span> </span></span> </span>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-34108223321769751402015-08-22T22:50:00.000+08:002015-08-22T22:50:00.630+08:00Accidental Tourist - 2015 - Singapore Art Museum - 'After Utopia' exhibition<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: white;"><strong>Singapore Art Museum</strong> - <strong>'After Utopia' exhibition</strong> till 18 Oct 2015</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I am not an art person least of all, <strong>avant garde art</strong>. Not cultured enough I think but I saw some interesting exhibits at the <strong>Singapore Art Museum</strong> when I wandered onto the 'After Utopia' exhibition by chance. </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What caught my eye for the 'After Utopia' exhibition was the exhibit by <strong>Svay Sareth</strong> for which he videoed himself walking from his home in Siem Reap to Cambodia's capital, <strong>Phnom Penh</strong>, dragging a 8kg sphere. When I first saw the video, the first thing that came to my mind was "Boh liao (Singlish for no sense) video of man dragging a silver ball." But as I stood there watching the video, which has no accompanying music or narration, I was somehow drawn to it. Only after reading the explanation did I realize that the artist was doing this to come to terms with a painful past. I like the exhibit for making me want to find out more about the art piece. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: white;">The next exhibit is done by Thai artist, <strong>Kamin Lertchaiprasert</strong> called <strong>Sitting</strong>. This installation <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">consists of 366 papier mâché figures seated in meditative style, their number representing the days in a leap year. Kamin Lertchaiprasert’s works are interesting as each artwork is unique. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Here are a collection of my photos taken at the 'After Utopia' Exhibition</span>: </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!</span></div>
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MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-82739008537899830572015-08-17T22:27:00.000+08:002016-03-13T21:59:51.219+08:00Accidental Tourist - 2015 - Asian Civilizations Museum exhibition: Buddhist treasures from the oldest museum in Asia - Indian museum of Kolkata (Calcutta) 亚洲文明博物馆<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM) of Singapore: Exhibition:
Buddhist treasures from Asia's oldest museum - the Indian museum of Kolkata
(Calcutta)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">亚洲文明博物馆</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">最新的展</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">览</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">: </span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">佛教珍品从</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">亚洲最古老的博物馆</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">加</span><span style="font-family: "batang" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">尔各答印度博物</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">馆</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> (</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">加</span><span style="font-family: "batang" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">尔各答</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">)</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This museum has been named the top museum in
Singapore and ranked 9th in Asia by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards for
Museums released in Sept 16 2014. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">这个博物馆在 2014 年 9 月 16 日定名为新加坡的顶级博物馆排名第</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> 9 </span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">的</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> TripAdvisor </span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">的旅客</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">选择亚洲奖</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">博物</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">馆发布</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">。</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was fortunate enough to spend an hour walking
amongst the Buddhist treasures on loan to ACM from Kolkata Museum, Asia's oldest museum on 13 August 2015. I
chanced upon this last guided tour expertly managed by the ACM's volunteer guide
and was transported to lands far away in India across centuries of Buddhist art
that spans some 2200 years from Gandhara (2nd century), Mathura (1st to 3rd
century), Gupta (5th century) to Pala (10th - 11th century). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">在</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> 2015 </span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">年</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> 8 </span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">月</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> 13 </span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">日</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">我很幸运</span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">加入</span></span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">最后</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">一个小</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">时的</span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">步行游</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">览</span></span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">。</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">在</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">ACM</span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">导</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">游</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">指</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">导</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">下</span></span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">,运送到很远的印度政局跨越几个世纪的跨越从一些</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> 2200 </span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">年的佛教</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">艺术</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Gandhara
(2nd century), Mathura (1st to 3rd century), Gupta (5th century) to Pala (10th
- 11th century). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Singapore's links to Calcutta started during the
British rule with Singapore being ruled together with Melaka and Penang by the
British based in Kolkata. Founded in 1814 (some 5 years before Sir Stamford
Raffles reached Singapore shores), the Indian Museum, Kolkata contains one of
the greatest collection of Indian sculptures. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">加尔各答</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" en-us="" lang="EN-US" mingliu="" zh-cn="">,</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">新加坡</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" en-us="" lang="EN-US" mingliu="" zh-cn="">,</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">马六甲和槟城</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">一起<span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">在</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">英国统治</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">下</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">。</span></span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">成立于</span><span style="font-family: "arial";">1814</span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">年(</span><font-size: 12pt="" zh-cn=""><span style="font-family: "arial";">5</span></font-size:><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">年<span class="shorttext">后</span></span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">,</span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">莱佛士爵士<span class="shorttext">成立</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">现代</span></span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">新加坡</span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">作</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">为英国殖民地</span></span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">),印度馆,加尔各答印度包含雕塑最大的收藏之一</span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">。</span>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The pieces on display showcase different phases and
interpretations of Buddha and his teachings. Buddha (literally the 'enlightened
one') was an Indian prince named Siddhatha Gautama born sometime between the
6th and 4th centuries BC. He is sometimes called Shakyamuni which means 'sage
of the Shakya clan'. It was a visual treat showcasing centuries old depictions
of Buddha's birth, life, enlightenment and death (nirvana) carved out of
sandstone, Schist, stucco, bronze, basalt and stone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">展出的作品展示</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">佛陀和他的教导的解释</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">不同的</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">阶段</span></span><span class="shorttext"><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">。</span></span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">佛</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">陀</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">从字面上开明的人</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">) </span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">是一个名</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">为</span><font-size: 12pt="" zh-cn=""><span style="font-family: "arial";">Siddhatha</span></font-size:><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">的印度王子</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">在</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">第</span><span 12pt="" zh-cn=""><span style="font-family: "arial";">6</span></span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">和第</span><span 12pt="" zh-cn=""><span style="font-family: "arial";">4</span></span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">公元前数百年</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">间的某个时候出生的</span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">。</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">他有时称为释迦牟尼这意味着</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> '</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">释迦族的圣人。</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">这是一种视觉享受</span><span style="font-family: "pmingliu" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">。</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">展示百年佛陀的诞生</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">、</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">生活</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">、</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">启迪和死亡(涅槃)</span><span style="font-family: "ms mincho"; font-size: 12pt;">用</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">砂岩,片岩,粉刷,</span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">古</span><span 12pt="" lang="ZH-CN" mingliu="" zh-cn="">铜色,玄武岩石</span><span 12pt="" gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" quot="" zh-cn="">。</span><span 12pt="" en-us="" gothic="" lang="EN-US" quot="" zh-cn=""><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the photographs of the exquisite
pieces that were on loan - captured on iPhone<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="shorttext"><span gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" large="" quot="" style="font-size: large;" zh-cn="">下面是一些租借的精美作品的照片:</span></span></div>
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<span class="shorttext"><span gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" large="" quot="" style="font-size: large;" zh-cn=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxOFIS8IIOMi0YYYS-nFT9tzWtGm7jzWitTxRmV1AjuUUBWE7GCPCscjrWI4JwODGH0OQpbUDv436IbKdbrtFOvxNupvp3ZAfA-Y7jz5rZuoTrxRrrwOmI6ckmtq0fOuvPz7ZbVLJENYG/s1600/20468023418_cda91b06ec_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxOFIS8IIOMi0YYYS-nFT9tzWtGm7jzWitTxRmV1AjuUUBWE7GCPCscjrWI4JwODGH0OQpbUDv436IbKdbrtFOvxNupvp3ZAfA-Y7jz5rZuoTrxRrrwOmI6ckmtq0fOuvPz7ZbVLJENYG/s1600/20468023418_cda91b06ec_o.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="shorttext"><span gothic="" lang="ZH-CN" large="" quot="" style="font-size: large;" zh-cn=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKwIoxRdIv_Op-r9O6nTUNAZDIV91JizZwVhoKXvY1iaysAljHeoYWfl75eTxQ1Bya83K2mZYuaIFRqnW866JPSlHDXitJOPCloC9wSmTVBQM8g3L9w7i_oLy9CB52G_yhEFYl75jhkPU/s1600/20662630621_5235411fe3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKwIoxRdIv_Op-r9O6nTUNAZDIV91JizZwVhoKXvY1iaysAljHeoYWfl75eTxQ1Bya83K2mZYuaIFRqnW866JPSlHDXitJOPCloC9wSmTVBQM8g3L9w7i_oLy9CB52G_yhEFYl75jhkPU/s1600/20662630621_5235411fe3_o.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><font-size: large="">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!</font-size:></span></div>
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<font-size: large=""><span style="font-size: large;">我们在这里告别<span style="font-family: "arial";">。</span>去环游世界!</span></font-size:></div>
MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-14731765005488888162015-07-08T23:24:00.007+08:002015-09-06T23:37:48.741+08:00Accidental Tourist - 2015 - Singapore's 1st UNESCO World Heritage Site,Singapore Botanic Gardens 新加坡意外的旅客-新加坡植物园世 界遗产网站<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Singapore welcomed its very first </span><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5786/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">UNESCO World Heritage Site</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 3 days ago on 5 July 2015. The 1859 Singapore Botanic Gardens joins a prestigious list and rose to the top amongst excellent company. It holds the honor of being the first botanic gardens in Asia to be listed on the converted world heritage list and only the third in the world; the other 2 being the Orto botanico di Padova in Italy and England's Royal Botanic Gardens. The Gardens joins the likes of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Cambodia's Angkor with its magnificent temples and China's Great Wall on the world heritage list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2015 年 7 月 5 日, 新加坡欢迎第一个联合国教科文组织的世界遗产,新加坡植物园。1859 新加坡植物园加入一个有名望和最优秀的列表。它拥有在亚洲上市转换后的世界文化遗产名单和只有第三个世界第一的植物园的荣誉。其他 2 被意的是大利<span style="font-family: Arial;">Orto botanico di Padova <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">的</span></span>和英国的皇家植物园。<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">新加坡植物园上世界遗产名录接澳大利亚的大堡礁,柬埔寨的吴哥和中国的长城。</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I always remember my first excursion to the Gardens as a photography student where I saw the Gardens in new light holding onto my camera and taking in all the flora and fauna with my camera. It was also the place where I had my 1st in-depth education totaling 6 weeks of nature photography organized by the </span><a href="http://npss.org.sg/main/index.php"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nature Photographic Society of Singapore (NPSS</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">) which hosted their classes there. It was also one of the locations I first tested my newly minted Infrared converted D90 Nikon DSLR as I needed the nice combination of tree, sky and structures coupled with the massive amounts of sunlight that Singapore is well known for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">我永远记得我第一次作为一个摄影学生出游到花园。那天我用新的眼光看见花园的植物区系和动物群。这也是我第一次深入教育 6 周的自然摄影由组织的地方</span><a href="http://npss.org.sg/main/index.php"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nature Photographic Society of Singapore (NPSS</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">) 。我第一次测试我新崛起的红外转换的 D90 尼康是<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">在</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">新加坡植物园<span style="font-family: Arial;">。</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">花园有足够<span style="font-family: Arial;">的</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">阳光和很好的树、 天空和结构的必需结合</span></span>。</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is my small collection of photos taken at the Gardens over the course of my photographic journey: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">请欣赏我的花园里的照片小集合:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtC7Lv9RXLiEsep5d7cni5tltPh3dOox2dS1N4IpohavfddHvNhn3TUF4tITKcMG_SnRJURRgaxDBHHjzBVKz6Xz_zqhi2DZ4HG135LiF-3PLGBwlnoyM4m8Hw_Qt-cTP4oc8LxA7zIyH/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtC7Lv9RXLiEsep5d7cni5tltPh3dOox2dS1N4IpohavfddHvNhn3TUF4tITKcMG_SnRJURRgaxDBHHjzBVKz6Xz_zqhi2DZ4HG135LiF-3PLGBwlnoyM4m8Hw_Qt-cTP4oc8LxA7zIyH/s640/Slide2.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaanWQBPvZvdwto6JsE3vxohVjBBVLXEYzVUFbDbTH1jZh08k5He8bYzOjq47z_u6HkSu1GuOV-hiQS1o092VvhMitvJJKhfKO9SMxQxf4kw7G2Nks-4JjoEwaXz_YDhYYXBMn9wJs1SMF/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaanWQBPvZvdwto6JsE3vxohVjBBVLXEYzVUFbDbTH1jZh08k5He8bYzOjq47z_u6HkSu1GuOV-hiQS1o092VvhMitvJJKhfKO9SMxQxf4kw7G2Nks-4JjoEwaXz_YDhYYXBMn9wJs1SMF/s640/Slide3.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">我们在这里告别<span style="font-family: Arial;">。</span>去环游世界!</span>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-91095817820073164682015-06-20T16:17:00.000+08:002015-09-06T23:38:55.025+08:00Accidental Tourist in Singapore - Weekend Stay at Pod coupled with cupping (TCM) and catting sessions<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We had a "radical" idea to spend a night at a pod hotel and basically prodding down the streets of Chinatown Singapore with a vague itinerary of hitting a cat café in the evening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Why radical? Well, when you combine the ages of all 3 of us, you will realize it ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Here are my beginning thoughts before starting on my stay......"On my way to Pod stay at Matchbox Hostel with long time old friends F and L. Staycation with a difference because pod stay means solo cocoon- communal like living - something that 40 year olds like us stay away from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">What seemed like a good idea back when it was first conceived but now? A sense of anticipation of what to expect (or not expect) hahahaha"<br /><br /> We started our program for the day by taking a morning walk that coincided with the <span style="color: blue;">Heritage Fest 2015</span> <em>Delicious Chinatown Walk</em>(</span><a href="http://heritagefest.sg/events/delicious-chinatown"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">http://heritagefest.sg/events/delicious-chinatown</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">). It was a nice walk to re-acquaint locals like us to what our little city can offer. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cJ5dV-_xwYhlqpnbj439Zq21st24sPHjh3QjdNHeQb0jOWA2BellAYeSif1UJg0nzgK4cr_mydbcGXcWLq6-Nsi0c4tiUhKem24nF2dJ1xyI0x-JYCmRWg-FPHIhdCby9CuD7J3WNflg/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cJ5dV-_xwYhlqpnbj439Zq21st24sPHjh3QjdNHeQb0jOWA2BellAYeSif1UJg0nzgK4cr_mydbcGXcWLq6-Nsi0c4tiUhKem24nF2dJ1xyI0x-JYCmRWg-FPHIhdCby9CuD7J3WNflg/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Whilst walking amongst the stalls of the wet market, we were introduced to the history of our now famous <span style="color: red;">'Chili Crab'</span> first introduced by Madam Cheah who started this culinary delight at her stall located in Changi Road which was the original location of the now famous Palm Beach and shown stalls that sell the spices and ingredients for <span style="color: red;">Lak</span><span style="color: red;">sa</span> (Chinese noodle soup with chili and coconut milk) and traditional herbs used to make soups that allow kids to grow big and tall (<span style="color: blue;">peanut </span>soup) and<span style="color: #38761d;"> Lemongrass</span> (Malay origin) for its anti cancer and wind removal properties. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We also went down to individual shops like those selling traditional biscuits like <span style="color: blue;">Lou Poh Pang (Old Wives biscuit).</span> The biscuit has winter melon filing and the story of how it got its name is that in the olden days, a dutiful wife sold herself to get money for father-in-law's medical bills and her husband sold these biscuits to redeem his wife's freedom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We ended our little walk at a Chinatown dim sum eatery called <span style="color: blue;">Yum Cha</span> (drink tea in Cantonese). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Our next leg was at a <span style="color: purple;">Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) </span>shop where we tried out cupping therapy (which according to </span><a href="http://www.tcmwiki.com/wiki/cupping"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">http://www.tcmwiki.com/wiki/cupping</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> is s a treatment in which a cup sucked to the skin to create local stimulation for disease treatment and prevention). We came out of the cupping session with slightly bruised skin in those areas where wind was removed and feeling rather sleepy so we headed back to our pod stay for an afternoon nap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Our pod stay was at <span style="color: #f4cccc;">Matchbox Hostel</span> located at the top of Ann Siang Hill. We opted for the lower bunks given our slightly creaky knees and less nimble bodies in a 'ladies only' room instead of the much bigger area for the mixed dorm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Evening stop was at the Cat Café appropriately called <span style="color: purple;">'The Company of Cats'</span>. It was my 1st time at the cattery and frankly it can be quite therapeutic to be surrounded by the fluffies. I will leave it to the photos to showcase these fluffies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We didn't realize it but our night was not yet over until we partake in the festivities near our pod stay that included a <span style="color: #0066cc;">B<span class="_58cm">hangra<u></u></span></span> performance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">All in all, a unique and unforgettable staycation involving long time friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!</span>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-88375338102592604932015-03-28T07:33:00.000+08:002015-09-06T23:39:17.707+08:00Accidental Tourist in Singapore - cycling around Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Recently taken up Cycling in Singapore and slowly discovering that there are still many places left to discover in Singapore. The rides are always pleasant as the connections work well from place to place with occassional traffic lights. Can't wait to explore more about this means of travelling as so far, i have only been exploring the North Eastern Riverline route that has taken me past Bishan, Buangkok, Punggol, Hougang, Sengkang, Ang Mo Kio (more info at https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network about the extensiveness of the Park Connector) - some of the photos taken so far during my rides....</span></div>
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Till the next time, onto the world and beyond!MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-18374572664233059132015-03-27T13:13:00.000+08:002016-03-13T22:00:31.039+08:00Accidental Tourist - 2015 - Treetop walk<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking in </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singapore</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is best done in early morning or late evening when the temperature becomes more bearable even though humidity remains a constant 90% throughout the entire day (and night). But to venture to </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treetop walk at Macritchie</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I had to brave the afternoon sun as the trail closes by 5pm. I chose to access the trail from </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Venus Drive</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, off </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upper Thomson Road</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> - frankly because it was a shorter trail (2.5km) vs. the other access point which is another 2km away. Walking can be therapeutic as you only need your physical body to get you ahead. For me, this is one activity that can be an enjoyable activity even if I do it alone. In this area, you almost feel like you are at one with nature with birds chirping and crickets sounds surrounding you the whole way. When I was up on the walkway, it was literally a bird's eye view as you are above the canopy of trees with a panoramic view of the nearby </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upper Peirce Reservoir</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“The TreeTop Walk is accessible from MacRitchie Reservoir Park via MacRitchie Nature Trail or from Venus Drive, off Upper Thomson Road. The distance to the entrance of the TreeTop Walk is approximately 4.5 km (1.5 – 2 hour walk) from the reservoir park and 2.5 km (45 mins – 1 hr walk) from the carpark at Venus Drive. Therefore, a round trip including the TreeTop Walk is about 7 to 10 km (3-5 hours depending on your walking pace).”</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">There will be</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">a one-way system</b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">on the Tree Top Walk. That is, visitors can only enter from the Bukit Peirce entrance (via Peirce Track). Walking towards Bukit Kalang, visitors will exit along the Petaling Trail.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">More FAQs about the Walk on</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span><a href="http://www.nparks.gov.sg/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">the NParks website</a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">. </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Till the next time, into the world and beyond! </span></span></div>
MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-47144246125340925452014-10-24T23:27:00.000+08:002016-03-13T22:01:19.165+08:00Accidental Tourist - 2014 Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk - Tiong Bahru walk<span style="font-size: large;">This is the 2nd photowalk that I managed to do over the past few months to continue shooting in my little island - the previous walk is captured in my <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2014/10/accidental-tourist-500px-photo-walk.html">earlier blog entry</a> and now the "<a href="http://kelbyone.com/photowalk/walk/singapore-singapore/"><span style="color: purple;">Scott Kelby Worldwide photowalk</span></a>" held on October 11, 2014. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This photowalk has a constant on my photo calendar having gone for my first worldwalk back in 2011: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">2011: Oct 2 - walk around Marina Bay area of Singapore - walk leader was Bernard Goh - <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157627682277461/with/6206379519/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157627682277461/with/6206379519/</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">2013: Oct 5 - Civil District Trail of Singapore - walk leader was Wilson Wong - <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157627682277461/with/6206451967/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/sets/72157627682277461/with/6206451967/</a></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For Scott Kelby's walk, (Wilson Wong as walk leader) it was a nice little stroll around familiar <span style="color: purple;">Tiong Bahru neighborhood</span> where I did several walks earlier i.e. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">OH! Open House event in 2012: <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/02/oh-open-house-at-tiong-bahru-singapore.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/02/oh-open-house-at-tiong-bahru-singapore.html</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Air Raid Walk again in 2012: <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/02/tiong-bahru-air-raid-walk-on-4-feb-2012.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/02/tiong-bahru-air-raid-walk-on-4-feb-2012.html</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Escape to Nostalgia in 2011: <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2011/05/escape-to-nostalgic-side-of.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2011/05/escape-to-nostalgic-side-of.html</a></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Interestingly, there is a link back to my earlier walk that I did which I only realised now...there is a "Kim Cheng Street" (formerly known as "Kim Ching Street" in this Tiong Bahru neighbourhood which is named after Tan Kim Ching, who was a prominent member of the Hokkien clan back in 1800s. More info available here: <a href="http://tiongbahruestate.blogspot.sg/2007/08/tan-kim-ching-1829-1892.html">http://tiongbahruestate.blogspot.sg/2007/08/tan-kim-ching-1829-1892.html</a>. Coincidentally, he was the 1st leader appointed for the Hokkien Thian Hock Keng Temple that I visited for the earlier walk (<a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2014/10/accidental-tourist-500px-photo-walk.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2014/10/accidental-tourist-500px-photo-walk.html</a>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some captures of the neighborhood (and its resident cat): </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> More photos can be seen from my Flickr page at <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/15317716527/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/magtyfoto/15317716527/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-24036088457300543532014-10-17T00:26:00.003+08:002014-10-21T13:56:22.756+08:00Accidental Tourist - 500px photo walk around SIngapore Chinatown<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">One of the ways I try to continue shooting in my own country is to take photo walks. For the past few months, I managed to bag 2 international walks by joining the <span style="color: blue;">500px photo walk</span> in September and the Scott Kelby Global photo walk in October (another post). </span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">The 500px photowalk was a first for me - Led by Wilson of </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Singapore.SPIN/"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="entity _586o" data-fulltext="Singapore Photography Interest Network - Travel" data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Singapore Photography Interest Network - Travel" data-type="ent:group" data-uid="147788551977495">Singapore Photography Interest Network </span></span></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Singapore.SPIN/">aka SPIN</a>, the participants took a romp around Singapore <span style="color: blue;">Chinatown</span> area. </span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">Starting at the new <span style="color: blue;">Telok Ayer MRT</span> (Downtown Line)</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">(named after the Hokkien (dialect) that used to populate this area) a pit stop at <span style="color: blue;">Thian Hock Keng Temple</span> (an iconic temple in this area -as it is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore back when I did another walk in 2012 - <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/10/accidental-tourist-october-2012-walking.html</a>) before heading out to the main Chinatown area via Amoy Street market. </span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Some trivia about this location: (extracted from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_656_2004-12-31.html) </span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Malay name: In Malay, <i>telok </i>means "bay" and <i>ayer </i>means "water". <br>Chinese name: The Hokkien name for Telok Ayer Street was <i>Gwan Sun Koi</i>, where <i>koi </i>meant "street" and <i>Gwan Sun </i>referred to the name of a shop along Telok Ayer Street. Telok Ayer Bay was also known as <i>nan wan </i>or "southern bay" by the Chinese.</span></span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">It was the usual humid hot day for sunny Singapore but the walk was made better with good spirits and good company. Once into Chinatown, a stop over at the beautiful <span style="color: blue;">Buddha Tooth Relic Temple</span> (one of those places I have taken frequent visits - <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/06/accidental-tourist-annual-vesak-day.html%20">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/06/accidental-tourist-annual-vesak-day.html </a>and <a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2010/06/accidental-tourist-vesak-day.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2010/06/accidental-tourist-vesak-day.html</a>) </span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">Teatime stop at the new <a href="http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/dining/restaurants/chinatown-food-street.html">Chinatown Food Street area </a>before heading upwards to catch the Mid Autumn opening ceremony and traffic jams. The night ended on a high with light trails and evening light. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Thian Hock Keng Temple</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Buddha Tooth Relic Temple</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - Mid Autumn Festival Celebrations</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Mid Autumn Festival Celebrations</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">More photos available on my Flickr account - </span><a href="https://flickr.com/photos/56563125@N00/sets/72157647315190372" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://flickr.com/photos/56563125@N00/sets/72157647315190372</a></div><div><span style="font-size: large; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span></div>
MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-414019359350152742014-09-19T07:11:00.001+08:002014-09-19T09:31:34.193+08:00Accidental Tourist - Archiwalks with Fabian of ArchiWalksSpent a pleasant Thursday evening walking around Bugis / Kampong Glam area with Liza. The walk is part of the <b>ArchiFest 2014</b> and conducted by Fabian of <b>Archiwalks.com</b> - we started with the quirky Park view Square (built in 2002 aka Gotham City and inspired by 1920-30s Art deco architecture) before heading to the various art done around the edge of Kampong Glam by <b>Earnest Zacharevic</b> <a href="https://m.facebook.com/Ernestzachas" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">https://m.facebook.com/Ernestzachas</a>, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">hopped, skipped and jumped to a beautifully tiled </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Malabar Muslim </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">mosque (</span><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_Malabar">Masjid_Malabar</a>) and a conservation boutique hotel called <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>The Sultan</b>. We ended the walk with a sumptuous archiwalk inspired cuisine cooked by Mark Wee at <b>A for Arbite. </b></span><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.passportchop.com/" style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></font></p><br><div>From the massively impressive mural of the girl with lion cub (it spans from the front to the end of the wall of the length of the shophouse all done using a photo not projection!) to the trolley kids (similar to the bicycle kids in Georgetown), the peeping kid and kids having a wild time somersaulting out of boxes. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">These street art murals are done on the side walls of shophouses in Jalan Pisang and Jalan Klapa, facing Victoria Street, which houses events and marketing company amcasia!</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP7wvaNCVddzEdgrFKMqupE38HMSM0uzL5FivyUb1XXLIv3J-hQLcojG5aI09Ji0Vg9Wdz_rB7hKCRhdU0ZoPi-aRQHNQWesbVz4tybPwaye5CDpz69x_4v3iMWOxHj6PcPPqh5v8H8bN/s640/blogger-image--1858679635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoO55_Jznez62qOZSIOchd3UstoY7Sub8VDpD2tm02H2sx1hb_3L3G7vLx6npnyaGxZrcdxwwdJVUOfBs2q1vpmsEsHHg679msyitkyVrT5IPs05ORyKgj7nzDzfRvTBoCVCGb-Bgx0DH/s640/blogger-image--1893796135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoO55_Jznez62qOZSIOchd3UstoY7Sub8VDpD2tm02H2sx1hb_3L3G7vLx6npnyaGxZrcdxwwdJVUOfBs2q1vpmsEsHHg679msyitkyVrT5IPs05ORyKgj7nzDzfRvTBoCVCGb-Bgx0DH/s640/blogger-image--1893796135.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSaettM1JQaM2m8KnOJ2_OsY-lWJ79GTm1zqWjhQiJbsMEOxoBFeQD_VIX2KqITXt1_1Ft8v-4nk4glGC0pT4rcv1IfyvpTWNDDsGl8LA3FLps7ShY9HJ8f-G2SjxKg2t2FC8PnkLntcH/s640/blogger-image-95781581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSaettM1JQaM2m8KnOJ2_OsY-lWJ79GTm1zqWjhQiJbsMEOxoBFeQD_VIX2KqITXt1_1Ft8v-4nk4glGC0pT4rcv1IfyvpTWNDDsGl8LA3FLps7ShY9HJ8f-G2SjxKg2t2FC8PnkLntcH/s640/blogger-image-95781581.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div>We ended with a short but insightful tour around <b>The Sultan</b>, boutique hotel nestled along Jalan Sultan (2012 URA Architecture Heritage Award winner) where we had the chance to go in to take a look at the various detailing and careful work done to preserve the beauty of the traditional shophouses (http://thesultan.com.sg). </div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEw__X-a_hBqJS-pQ2u45J7d2-_8XxVQKp6tqHOmOYGDzhCAqDaEb9kl9flYEok8VTS8_a1rLchxhvAii1TMz2QWvJ2Tr81LJUtALZkZSaG3wKmyuXPXy6ozcYkOoOZB8JIR9p_U0r6Ov/s640/blogger-image--94551177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEw__X-a_hBqJS-pQ2u45J7d2-_8XxVQKp6tqHOmOYGDzhCAqDaEb9kl9flYEok8VTS8_a1rLchxhvAii1TMz2QWvJ2Tr81LJUtALZkZSaG3wKmyuXPXy6ozcYkOoOZB8JIR9p_U0r6Ov/s640/blogger-image--94551177.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dinner at </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A for Arbite</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> was inspired by the walk itself and created by Mark. He took the time to </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">come out after each dish is served to </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">explain his inspiration for the dish. A Truly wonderful experience to end a delightful walk! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhi6e-TPbXdhG5_pqd1-HSXVzQ0bOMWD3n_glG9BnVVzXs3CMOoJs4zsuCrJ9S2cRqwu-LT8bH88sUqKPv6cm774lccBkBh_GBZWUAPiTR46ManzPoZ6zDq7CzGNDLyPoUn5zImi2LcHc/s640/blogger-image--900350874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhi6e-TPbXdhG5_pqd1-HSXVzQ0bOMWD3n_glG9BnVVzXs3CMOoJs4zsuCrJ9S2cRqwu-LT8bH88sUqKPv6cm774lccBkBh_GBZWUAPiTR46ManzPoZ6zDq7CzGNDLyPoUn5zImi2LcHc/s640/blogger-image--900350874.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div>My walk was "Eat Your Architecture" - <a href="http://eatyourarchitecture.peatix.com/">http://eatyourarchitecture.peatix.com/</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>There are more walks planned end Sep till early Oct 2014 so hurry along and get your tickets from them at http://www.archiwalks.com. </div><div><br></div><div>Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </div>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-33350003486471628932014-07-20T16:40:00.002+08:002014-07-20T16:40:05.560+08:00Accidental Tourist - Yesteryear Theme Park - Haw Par Villa <span style="font-size: x-large;">With the MRT (equivalent of Subway or Tube depending on where you come from) open, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Haw Par Villa</b></span>, originally <b><span style="color: purple;">Tiger Balm Gardens</span></b>, can be easily accessible by </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">hopping onto a train - getting on the right train line (<span style="color: blue;">Circle Line</span>) and stopping at Haw Par Villa Station (no. <span style="color: blue;">CC25</span>) which is right in front of the entrance to the theme park. It's one of the few places </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">you can visit </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">in Singapore </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">without having to pay an entrance fee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a family run theme park back in the day before being taken charge by the (<span style="color: blue;">Singapore Tourism Board</span>). Thankfully, they didn't do much to change the place as it remained more or less the same place that I remember when I last visited during my school days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some quick info about this place - Haw Par is based on the names of the 2 brothers of original <span style="color: purple;">Aw family</span> who ran this place. The original intent is to teach traditional Chinese values with its most famous attraction (then and remaining) the <span style="color: purple;"><b>Ten Courts of Hell </b></span>with many urban legends or ghost stories surrounding this attraction. I found a webpage (http://wheresidewalksend.com/court-of-hell/) </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">that explained all 10 courts - which to this day, I still find some of the images quite disturbing. Ah well....enjoy some photos before switching away.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-46288537153763913332013-08-10T23:49:00.000+08:002013-08-10T23:49:14.506+08:00Accidental Tourist - Taking a Boat Ride down Singapore River with Singapore Shutterjourney PhotographyGroup<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">One of the most touristy things to do in Singapore is to take a cruise down the Singapore River and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/singapore.shutterjourneyphotographygroup">Singapore Shutterjourney Photography Group</a> did just that over one of the weekends in July coining the event "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/501533339914250/">The Accidental Tourist</a>". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">A bunch of shutterbugs keen on taking photos that can only be sighted from the boat/ water level gathered at the Clarke Quay before cruising our way down to the Merlion and looping back to the same location. The entire journey was quite a treat and armed with my trusty Ricoh, these are my photos for the day. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IwJNTrhjFz4rPS42EQRqZnOVwk6k5ZmbHUhpT7u1hXzW-zlc4P0XLbFevMEhgqf_0HINJN080TzNxw2egbXqsmjGF7vdaMiJB1pMPYkOA3DhH7CiI6ShTENNsfktwSu_sxk4JYt5Dl0J/s1600/2013-07-14+16-16-33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IwJNTrhjFz4rPS42EQRqZnOVwk6k5ZmbHUhpT7u1hXzW-zlc4P0XLbFevMEhgqf_0HINJN080TzNxw2egbXqsmjGF7vdaMiJB1pMPYkOA3DhH7CiI6ShTENNsfktwSu_sxk4JYt5Dl0J/s640/2013-07-14+16-16-33.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo that can only be taken from the Boat</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW2WxQ5duEGpAquAL_gRdK0kuPeR8lh8JyNVXUXNUXUFiwGlpTrPXAhHERALQ8Nt_s6pBz2ZfeqKmnKGhMXgCclnRVsWWy48OIUDWj-8pYh43hv5KieYFw5W3mfdM0FbB7-2yGkIusib-/s1600/2013-07-14+16-08-48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaW2WxQ5duEGpAquAL_gRdK0kuPeR8lh8JyNVXUXNUXUFiwGlpTrPXAhHERALQ8Nt_s6pBz2ZfeqKmnKGhMXgCclnRVsWWy48OIUDWj-8pYh43hv5KieYFw5W3mfdM0FbB7-2yGkIusib-/s400/2013-07-14+16-08-48.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bemused tourists looking at us (pseudo tourists) </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp9ngTrAU4RF-wydQAZWMklSQ9BJYZ5dK628os_q4mM3dZUvHyucj1zdptILx-j2mAUx5zmNy9bRzitLIDeA6-jEgc6n9M8-gJAh6gaDHrf-kndMD176cN4rRlyODKtfEUKgNCSpu_7we/s1600/2013-07-14+16-23-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp9ngTrAU4RF-wydQAZWMklSQ9BJYZ5dK628os_q4mM3dZUvHyucj1zdptILx-j2mAUx5zmNy9bRzitLIDeA6-jEgc6n9M8-gJAh6gaDHrf-kndMD176cN4rRlyODKtfEUKgNCSpu_7we/s400/2013-07-14+16-23-29.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Till the next time, onto the world and beyond! </span></div>
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MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418214932420910416.post-73139279260127933802013-08-08T18:45:00.001+08:002015-09-05T17:54:25.236+08:00Accidental Tourist - the Singapore Bukit Brown Battle has been lost....<span arial="" helvetica="" neue="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: x-large;" x-large="">Announcement in the news on Aug 5, 2013 casts a heavy shadow over the plight of Bukit Brown and its surrounding area. It is now confirmed that the Land Transport Authority has awarded a tender to build a new road linking Adam Road, the MacRitchie Viaduct and Thomson Road via Bukit Brown Cemetery (with little mention of any impact on the land areas occupied by premier exclusive country club, Singapore Island Country Club) at a cost of S$134.7 million. The winner of the tender is local contractor Swee Hong, which is expected to complete construction by end 2017. 4,153 graves will be affected by or are in the vicinity of the new road.
This news is just too sad but I find this in sync with the overall lunar 7<sup>th</sup> month ghostly feel that started on 7 Aug.
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<span arial="" helvetica="" neue="" sans-serif="" x-large=""><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzlqBxyXhNsOke5-GiBkC_ibYyP8tZ5dlb-HL0N1QDLoCseUaCzjbWrvL-BtBdgjnVs54smkfVZ7dev0R4yjWydYtMGiqVrQnj612qVZ-QMgY5LOnfnn87anyEHsgiGv1HnksffAgiYk0/s1600/2012-03-10+18-07-53+-+0095-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzlqBxyXhNsOke5-GiBkC_ibYyP8tZ5dlb-HL0N1QDLoCseUaCzjbWrvL-BtBdgjnVs54smkfVZ7dev0R4yjWydYtMGiqVrQnj612qVZ-QMgY5LOnfnn87anyEHsgiGv1HnksffAgiYk0/s640/2012-03-10+18-07-53+-+0095-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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For those who want to know what the fuss is about, please drop by my earlier blog posts: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/06/accidental-tourist-tale-of-2-greens.html">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2013/06/accidental-tourist-tale-of-2-greens.html</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/mixed-feelings-walks-around-bukit-brown.html"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2012/03/mixed-feelings-walks-around-bukit-brown.html</span></a></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Until the next time, onto the world and beyond. </span>MagTYhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00185049535570470863noreply@blogger.com0