Taxi

Is time for the taxi blog again!!! :) Haha...

Truth behold, I think taxi drivers made very good conversationalists. They often make my day. It was a long day for me and I took the cab around 10 pm home.

I started by asking the taxi driver how was business for him ever since the fare increased, only to realize his was from one of the smaller brands that have yet to increase the fare. Then the conversation branched out to him telling me about the different categories of passengers. Wow I did not know that locals is the category of passengers that taxi drivers like to pick rather than tourists etc. Locals out there, you must be happy! :)

There was much laughter when he described the different categories of passengers. Alas, my trip is short and it ended before he can finished. Nevertheless, a light hearted conversation that is good to have at the end of a day.

December

December has been a busy month as I am out by 8 am and often only home around 10.30pm most of the days.

In between I have followed a charity group to Myanmer. We visited some villages as well as do some sightseeings in cities like Bagan and Mandalay. For their richness is historical monuments, there are not many tourists as compared to the neighbouring historical cities like Siem Reap. This is possibly due to the fact that they are just opening up. I will recommend people to go Bagan. Though be beware of stupa fatigue. After maybe 5 stupas/temples for me....

It is quite a different experience travelling in a big group. For the past few years, I have often been travelling independently or with just a very small group of friends overseas even if I am visiting development organizations. There are advantages and disadvantages to both modes of travelling. For me, I still prefer my usual mode as I personally feel I get to experience more and have more communications with the local when I am with just 1 or 2 other travelling companions.

Back to December, I was also busy with
-- buying presents
-- learning magic tricks
-- watching K Drama
-- attending parties
-- searching for winter wear

Wow sounds like a busy month indeed.

Next month is January, what will it behold for me .....

Counting down to Sunday

Just 3 days to the half marathon.

Been sick for 2 - 3 weeks already, seen 3 doctors and still coughing. My friend, J just said the weather forecast is rainy for that day. Wow quite a few odds stacks against. But both J and me have already put in so much training. Hopefully we can still finish! Jiayou!

Kusu Trip

For the past month, on my way from work to home, I will inevitably pass by a prominent board that about the Kusu Island pilgramage.

I remembered going to Kusu Island a number of years ago. The impression is an idyllic island. Thus I recommended to my friend to try it yesterday with her date. It will be likely more interesting than always going to watch movies or eat, I reasoned.

In the end, she asked me to go together with her instead.

Wow the ferry terminal is a brand new terminal at Marina South. Ferry ticket is $16 and we managed to catch the last ferry at 5pm. After 25 minutes, we arrived at Kusu island. Is a lovely small island with the coconut trees swaying gently in the breeze.

For those who view it only as a religious place and dismiss it, I think it is a pity as it is a great place to visit for its natural environment and scenic settings too.

I thought it is really great to see a toaist temple and a mosque there. Speaks volume of religious tolerance.

Sharing Steve Jobs' Commencement Speech

Just wanted to share part of Steve Jobs' Commencement Speech at Stanford in 2005.

The quotes are all copied from the below link. Go to the link for the complete speech if you are interested.

http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

The first story is about connecting the dots.

...

Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

My second story is about love and loss.

.....

I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

My third story is about death.

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

.....

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Herbivore Japanese and Western Restaurant @ Bugis

Passed by this recently opened resturant at Fortune Centre a couple of times. Finally went in today to try the food together with Coolgal and Koala. Apparently I read in other blogs that the owner of this restaurant is the same one behine Zen Vegetarian. No wonder we thought the Japanese menu and the ambience have lots of similarities.

The first thing we noticed was the sign outside - "30% percent discount". I guess must be due to opening special. Checked with the waiter and he mentioned the discount is valid till end October.

The ambience is ok. The Japanese bentos are about the range of $18 to $22.

I had Gyoza Shabu Shabu $15 and olive fried rice $7. I thought the Shabu Shabu was fine and the olive fried rice was a tad too oily for me.

Koala has Curry Katsu (about $16 or $18) and Coolgal has Chicken Teriyaki Bento Set ($22).


(Shabu Shabu; picture courtesy of CoolGal)

The Curry Katsu looked delicious and the Chicken Teriyaki Bento Set also tasted quite ok. The dessert menu looks appetizing but we were too full for that.


(Curry Katsu; picture courtesy of CoolGal)

I will give the food 7 out of 10 but the price may be on the high side. Given that there are a number of other organic and vegetarian eating places in the same building, the prices may not be as attractive. Though with the 30% percent discount at the moment, the discounted prices are decent. Will go again to try the others dishes, especially the western fare.

The measure of a person

What is the measure of a person? Job? Net Worth? Or the value of his/her life valued in the intangibles or impact on others?

Come on wake up to the real world!!! Can you survive on air and water only? As espoused by the voices of the world.

Guess only the braves have the courage to take the road less taken. But maybe there is a middle path that can be tread. As the path ahead looks blurry, may the passion continues to burn brightly inside! Thats what keeps people alive! Dreams are made and fulfilled! Saluting the dreamers and daredevils!

Formula One and MBS

Koala and me took our french friends who were here in Singapore for 1 day to walk the Marina Bay on Saturday night. It was the qualifying night for the F1 race. Surprised that there were not many people at the Bay. The view was great and we were treated to fireworks and light shows. In addition, we could hear the cars clearly. They were zipping through the race-course. Cool! :) (Photo is courtesy of Koala)

Orphan Elephants

The National Geographic magazine featured orphan elephants in its issue this month.

Photo is from National Geographic.

I really admire the love the keepers have for the baby elephants. Apparently elephants are very family oriented and cohesive animals. In order to emulate their natural setting, the keepers sleep together with the baby elephants at night. But in order not to create too strong a bond that will be bad for the animal and keepers, the keepers will sleep with different baby elephants every day. The baby elephants drink milk every three hours and they will wake their keepers at night for the milk.

Ice cream making workshop

Went for a ice cream making workshop with Tweet Tickle today.

Photo: Courtesy of Tweet Tickle

I love ice cream and often eat ice cream. I know it is fattening but....only today, I realize how absolutely fattening it is. Full cream milk, sugar, whipping cream ... Wow!!! So absolutely sinful! No wonder it is so delicious for a sweet tooth lover like me.

Now that I know how to make simple ice cream, hoping I can experiment with healthier ingredients and make delicious ice cream. I am a believer that good food can still be healthy food, just need to experiment! :)

Please do not feed wild monkeys

Despite the many signs to remind people not to feed wild monkeys lest they become aggressive, it is very sad to see people still feeding the monkeys in MacRitchie Reservoir today. The no feeding rule is really to protect the monkeys as they will have to be put to sleep if they become aggressive. Maybe the people think they are doing something good by feeding. But is it really?

Mayday 3D DNA movie

Went to Mayday movie today. More like a concert movie as many of their songs are featured in the movie and the story centered over their concerts. Ticket was expensive at $20 each. Still managed to enjoy myself as I quite like their songs and they are quite positive. The lyrics of their songs are usually more sunshine in nature. It certainly helped to boost spirits. Especially when we are surrounded by negative news such as Europe debt crisis, high inflation, fraud by traders etc. The world certainly needs more uplifting news.

Mobile Ice Cream Man

After dinner today, it was time for ice cream when my friend and I chanced upon the mobile ice cream man at Clarke Quay. The lady in front of us wanted a type of ice cream that was not available today. The ice cream man uncle made an lengthy elaborate effort to explain its unavailability .....something to do with dry ice and the manufacturer. I was suitably impressed he made the effort even though the lady looked disinterested.

Yeah, my turn! *Uncle, 2 mint choc chip ice cream, one in a cup and one with biscuits.*

First the uncle took his cloth and cleaned the knife of any remaining ice cream from the previous order. Then he took the King's ice cream cube left from the previous order and put it back into the cold storage. With that, he brought up the King's Mint flavor ice cream cube and started to cut it. Once cut, he took 2 biscuits out from his biscuit tin and put them at the exposed sides of the ice icream and then placed a clean clear plastic over the biscuits. Then he peeled the cupboard wrapping from the covered side of the ice cream while also scooping ice cream remnants stuck at the cupboard wrapping and placed it back to my ice cream cube. Finishing mine, he continued to work on my friend's order of ice cream in a cup.

His speed and dedication so impressed me. He effort to gave his customer their deserved portion including the remnants stuck at the cupboard is out of the world.

Indeed the ice cream costed me $1 each, but the dedication, pride and effort the uncle put in certainly made me feel the ice cream was worth so much more. Definitely much more than the $5.80 ice cream I had yesterday in a restaurant. (Yes I have been eating too much ice cream this week. Will ration for the whole of this month.) In fact, we passed by a ice cream palor selling expensive ice cream on the way home. The ice cream in the palor may be costly but the ice cream that I just had, beats it anyday!

From the uncle, I learnt is not about how much one earns in one's job or how much something is worth, is about the respect, pride, dedication and passion that are put in or felt that make the real difference.

Thank you Ice Cream Man Uncle, You make my day! :)

Nice quote

Just to share with you this quote:

The sun shines and warms and lights us and we have no curiosity to know why this is so; but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain, and hunger, and mosquitoes and silly people. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Running

These few weeks I have been running often to prepare for a half marathon in Dec. Signed up to encourage myself to exercise regularly.

I have to say I am literally dragging myself out of the door each time to run. Not really a fan of running. Personally I feel running is a pretty lonely and not so interesting. You just run and run and in solitude.

I have probably yet to discover the essence and beauty of running. For now, I am meeting my goal to exercise regularly. The next part is to enjoy the progress.

Fat loss

Excerpts from a Yahoo article I read. A good reminder for me.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/might-sabotaging-fitness-program-part-1-075643621.html

2. Concern with weight loss and not fat loss.

Most clients come in with a "target weight". While being of the correct weight is ok, it is not nearly as important as being of a good level of body fat.

We try to get "regular" people with jobs, families and other commitments down to 10-12 percent fat for men, and 16-19 percent for women. For most people this means a nice flat stomach and probably visible abs.

A lady can be 57kg and 16 percent bodyfat and be in great health, but another lady who weighs 57kg at 35 percent fat is in horrible shape.

They may be the same height and the same weight, but their health markers will be very different. Overall inflammation, brain function, blood fats, etc, will be much improved at a low body fat level.

Women (sorry ladies, its just an observation, nothing personal!) in particular have trouble making the distinction between weight and fat. So the key point I like to teach is that (depending on which studies you read) a kilo of muscle burns an extra 100+ calories per day while you do ... nothing!

It is like investing your money in a sure-fire growth fund. It pays you back while you sleep (literally!). In addition it looks lean, feels firm and is attractive.

So, taking regular body fat readings is critical to success! It is a much more objective indicator than weight which fluctuates with time of day, hydration status (i.e. did you pee?), hormonal fluctuations especially in ladies, water retention from illness or allergy etc.

Tea

Tea Bone Zen has moved and this time I went to their new place at Middle road. We had a hard time looking for it as the signboard was not that obvious.

However the search was worthwile and again it did not disappoint. This time I had the peach tea and my friend had rose tea. The tea was refreshing!



Like the new place. Ambience is quiet and nice. I heard they are going to start a bubble tea concept at the front of the shop space so I guess next time the ambience may be a bit different next time. Hopefully it will still remain a good place for tea! :)

Cakes

I always have difficulties deciding presents for my nieces and nephews. Something special and hopefully they can enjoy and remember.

Saw the groupon deals for cake decoration so bought a few.

Here are the 2 cakes designed by my nieces and nephews. Am glad that they enjoyed themselves.

Half Marathon & Fat Level

I have just registered for the half marathon this week. Will use it as a motivation to exercise more.

The reality is in my latest health checkup, my fat level is still at obese level even though I am underweight. Ever since I have tested for fat level, everytime the nurse or the person conducting the test will tell me that my fat level is too high and I should do something about it.

My good friend did not believe me until once we did the test together. Though she weighs more, she has a much lower fat level than me. I am glad that she finally believes me. One less person to discourage me from losing fat. As often when I mention to people my need to lose fat, they will be astonished and said I am just being silly as I do not look fat so nothing to worry.

Hmmm.... hidden fats can be more dangerous than the fat that people can see. According to the doctor, the goal is to convert fat to muscle, not about losing weight. Thus resistance training for upper body etc and more exercise.

I am looking forward to a healthier me. Just bought my sports shoe today. Tomorrow will be waking up at 6am to run.

Have you tested for your fat level? Do not just believe in what the eyes can see. :)

Life is unpredictable

This 2 weeks, I met ex-colleagues who have relocated overseas. One to Hong Kong for a much better work opportunity and another to US with her husband. Both like it very much at their new found land and seem to live very well there too. Their faces beam with happiness and joy at the new directions of their lives. Feel very happy for them.

I always feel a tinge of sadness saying goodbyes and seeing people leaving. I remember reading somewhere we should also celebrate those staying behind. Just like mothers, they stay behind in the house while the children go to different places to work for better living. The children are always reassured that their mum will be there waiting for them at home upon their return.

I guess the below quote sum it all.

“They who go Feel not the pain of parting; it is they Who stay behind that suffer”
--(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882)

But maybe suffer is too strong a word. It takes quiet courage to stay behind too.

On a separate note, I call up another friend today to check up on her. She told me she may have a second relapse of cancer. I am praying that it is not true as the final result is not out yet. From what her doctor is telling her, there is a possibility. Life is really unpredictable. Just when you think you have surmount it and overcome it after suffering so much, nature seems to have another mind of its own.

Is a test of strength and will. I admire her for the strength and she seems to take it in her stride. She did not ask 'why me again'. Probably she has seen much more in life. And at this point in time, her concern is still on the Cambodia little gal that she has helped in one of the homes. Asking me whether I know anyone who is going to Cambodia that can help her check on the gal.

For a while now, i already know bad things do happen to good people. As much as we cannot control the ending, we can decide on our journey. No matter what happens, i guess we can dictate how we want to live it. To live it with a positive attitude and be a positive force to others or to wallow in self pity. Life is really unpredictable, and my hope for myself is to live it well and treasure each day of my life. Will have to constantly remind myself. Life is a gift!

Jane's Journey

My first outing ever since I am back from the Central Asia journey. Went to the movie primere, Jane's Journey that was held in National Museum this afternnon.

The movie is a documentary about the life of Dr Jane Goodall, the inspiring woman that devotes 5 decades of her life on chimpanzees and conservation. There was a question and answer session after the movie where she personally appeared. Since 1986, she has been travelling 300 days each year raising awareness about environmental sustainability and promoting her various projects. Is pretty amazing considering her age. She must have a lot of passion and conviction.

Just like to leave a code from her book - "If you really want something, and really work hard, and take advantage of opportunities, and never give up, you will find a way."

Fighting spirit

Went back home late today and was walking pass the block of flats where many uncles like to play chess etc to pass time. Just next to them was an elderly worker still working hard slotting flyers into the letter boxes, earning his keep.

Actually these are not uncommon sights. If you take the train at Tiong Bahru MRT, taking the escalator up you will see an elderly doing busking to earn his keep. Nearby there is another elderly selling tissues.

Meal times outside, it seems increasingly I have encountered disabled and elderly selling tissues.

All these people are working hard to earn their keep. Possibly it is their only way of survival, which means they likely have no choice. Their working hard probably only earn them enough to survive another day. Income inequality staring in your face can be quite painful. Life can be quite unfair. But really have to admire their fighting spirit. Hopefully life will offer them a fair chance.

Election

They say politics is a dirty game. I am not sure I can totally agree. Of course there are people who play it for their own benefits but there is also a group of people who are willing to sacrifice themselves for others.

Like to share some quotes from leaders that I admire.

You must be the change you want to see in the world. -- Mahatma Gandhi

The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just. -- Abraham Lincoln

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -- Abraham Lincoln

National interest should be above partisan interests. That is why I admired Obama for putting in strong republicans members into his team even though his is a Democrat.

Railway Trip plus Organic Farm

The Tanjong Pager Railway Station is going to close for travel in the next few months. I heard it may be earmarked for conservation after that. We took the opportunity to take a train ride from there for the last time (first time too for many people).

Thus the day outing is Train Ride to Johor -- Zhenxin Organic Farm -- KSL City Mall Shopping -- Singapore.

The train ride was at 7.15am. Ticketing only opened half hour before as it was a unreserved train unlike the 8am train. Reached around 6.20am but the queue was already quite long. Looks like many people have the same idea to take the trains from the station before it closed. Finally got the ticket after 45 mins in queue. SGD 3 for adults and SGD 2 for children. Seats were oversold, so a number of us had to stand throughout the journey.

The train was supposed to reach at 8.11 am at Johore Sentral but ended we reached at 9.40am.

Went to lunch at Three O restaurant that ex-TCS actor Xie Shao Guang helped out. Friend is quite a big Xie Shao Guang's fan. Seeing him made her day! :)

Then we went to Zhenxin Organic Farm, about a 1.5 hour ride to Kluang. A 100 acres organic farm with dragon fruit, vegetables, mushrooms etc. It also have a small mini-zoo with fishes, rabbits, ducks and chickens. The rabbits are sick though. Hope they will get medical help for the rabbits soon.

Todai @ Marina Bay Sands

Went to Todai at MBS for a farewell lunch. It is a newly opened restaurant that served only buffet.

Called them a few times to check as we had a budget to keep and their weekend price was too expensive. They confirmed that they treat friday as a weekday lunch contrary to what we had read in other reviews. Thus it was $42 instead of $58 per person. And plus there was still a 10% discount currently for opening specials.

When we arrived, I was quite surprised and impressed by the wide spread. There were italian food, japanese sushi, korea food, western & chinese food. The choice of sushi available was dazzling indeed.

As for a vegetarian, my choice was quite limited as their strength was in seafood and not vegetables. However I still got to enjoy the dessert. There were many cakes that were cut quite small so that you could take a variety. The cakes were delicious.

The korea influence was quite notable throughout the restaurant. Many of the staff were koreans and photos of Korea stars were used as decorations in the restaurant. The TVs were also playing Korean MTVs.

Overall the Todai Buffet experience was enjoyable.

Tea Bone Zen Mind Cafe

Heard about this place but never gets a chance to go until recently. It only opens till 7pm and does not open on sunday, thus it is a bit hard to arrange for working people.

From the address, I know it is the at seah street besides Raffles Hotel. The thing is I often walk pass the street but have never see a tea cafe there before. Where exactly is it?

Oh it is nicely tucked on the 2nd floor of a shop house, which is why I have missed it so many times.

The place gives a laidback & cosy feeling. The setting is simple yet elegant. There is not many seats, I guess the maximum capacity is around 20 people.

I ordered the Melon Tea ($12) and my sister ordered Lemongrass Tea ($12) & Grilled Fishstrip ($6).

When we first sat down, the waitress brought towels to clean our hands, a small cup of refreshing drink plus some chips. This was really a nice start.

The teas come in a set, with a small snacks each. I am a fan (not a crazy one, just ordinary fan) of lemongrass and found most lemongrass drinks rather ordinary. I must say this lemongrass tea is one of the better ones I tried before. I can smell and taste the lemongrass distinctly! Nice!

For my melon tea, the taste is great! I was not sure what to expected since I have never drank a melon tea before. I was glad to find my melon tea refreshing. Is much better than I expect. Also like the snack that comes with it. The snack tastes like hawthorn.

The total bill comes up to $31.90. The tea is on the costly side I have to say. The menu has tea eggs that cost $3 each (i think so, cannot remember exactly) and other items that I find expensive. However the tea tastes better than most other tea cafes I have been. And these days quite a number of tea cafes charge prices like this or even more expensive even though they have teas that taste rather normal.

I am already looking forward to going there again to try out the other teas in their menu. Just that it may be a headache for planning with their limited opening hours.

Central Asia

Decided to chronicle my journey to Central Asia in this blog http://windvallacentralasia.blogspot.com/

So others may live

Have been following closely the situation in Japan. There is a saying, "it does not just rain, it pours". This is indeed so true. There are so many unfortunate events going on and everyday, you still hear about strong aftershocks. The survivors are left still fearing for their safety due to the strong aftershocks in the wintry weather that provide no warmth.

Despite the difficult conditions where they receive little water and food, we still hear the stories that survivors in the shelters are sorting out their waste for recycling! I am totally in awe of these people! Amazing resilience folks who still think about saving mother nature despite the tough time they are experiencing.

I also immensely respect those firemen, policemen, technicans and workers working against the clock and radiation to prevent a worse disaster in the troubled nuclear plant. These are usually the ordinary folks, those not in the highest positions and those who do not earn the most/highest bucks that are risking their lives.

I remembered reading a book very long ago about a elite rescue force. Their motto is "So others may live". Putting others lives before your own, this seems to be what these people are doing now, choosing to risk their lives and stand by your responsibilities so that others can live. I have only admiration for these people. In such trying times, human nature are really put into test and the good and bad side can prevail. Despite our seemingly insignificance in the face of mother nature, the spirits of these people shine brilliantly through the difficult time! I sincerely wish them success in protecting the land and people they care about!

Day 4 Lavender Forest ( 薰衣草森林)

Lavender Forest (http://www.lavendercottage.com.tw/), I heard about this place online. The story of its founders (2 gals) was pretty inspiring, and I thought I wanted to visit it. They wanted to spread the message of love. It seems though sadly at the moment one of the gals is suffering from stage 4 cancer.

The place is indeed a popular place. I heard its place for lodging is fully booked months if not a year in advance. Packed mostly with local tourists. The marketing of the place was quite well done, they have a very consistent theme there. Similar to the whole town concept, Lavender Forest also seems to protrary "Wishing you happiness" message. There is a place for you to write your wish and hang on the hut; post boxes with names like "Happy Me", "Family", "Buddies" etc; wishing tree; board that mentioned "Dreams come True" .... The air is injected with a feel good factor. I think it is actually infectious to a certain extent!

And of course there is also Lavender. It was grown on a hill but the patch of land used to grow lavender is really not that big. Still it is lovely to watch the lavender growing there.

After visiting Lavender Forest, Mr Xu brought us to another beautiful place with lots of flowers before we needed to rush for the 3 hour bus to Taipei. It was a pity that we were in Shin She for such a short time. It has so much to offer. I think many people only come to this place for the Lavender Forest and then leave. But really from the looks of it if you are someone who like nature, you can budget 1-2 days instead of a few hours there.

Day 4: Shin She 新社

This was really a busy day for us. Too many places to cover and too little time.

We woke up to a clear brillant sky at Cingjing and set off at 9.30am. Reached Sun Moon Lake and took an hour ferry ride touring the lake. Then rushed to catch the 1-hour bus to Taitung. Upon reaching, took another 1 hour bus to Shin She. Everything was packed according to bus schedule so that we would not miss any.

This would be one of the highlights of our trip. I had called the local town government tourism office at Shin She the previous day to enquire about the way to reach the town as well as the transport in the area. I learnt that there was a Guo Guang bus (NT 250) that we could take though we needed to indicate our interest early (normally 3 days in advance). Upon hearing that we were coming the next day, they said they will make the necessary arrangement for us.

I was surprised when I received a call from them to confirm with us the time of our connecting bus. On the connecting bus they called again to check we were on the bus. Wow amazing service. It was also the best deal that we had.

After alighting from the connecting bus, we were picked up by the Guo Guang Bus.

Shin She (新社 http://www.shinshe.org.tw) is a place where the tourism board has themed it as a happiness town with a purple heritage (紫色古乡，幸福小镇). Indeed everywhere you go, you could distinctly feel the sincerity and effort they put in to bring the message across to visitors. According to the tourism board, they wanted visitor to feel at home, romantic and happy.

Being a rural area with lots of farms etc, it gives a rustic idyllic feeling. The driver of the Guo Guang bus, Mr Xu was extremely helpful and informative. He dished out many information about the plants and farms we see along the way to Lavender Forest.

Taiwan Day 3 (B): Cingjing

The cherry blossoms in Cingjing were very beautiful indeed. They could be seen in patches everywhere. It was my first time seeing the cherry blossoms and I was really surprised to find them in plentiful in Cingjing. Cingjing is a unique place. It does not look like your average Taiwanese town. In fact, European achitecture inspired buildings can be seen everywhere.

This is the minshu that I stayed as it looks in the morning.

Taiwan Day 3 Part A: Mount He Huan & Cingjing Farm

Day 3 - 4/3/2011

Wake up early in the morning to a sumptous breakfast at the minshu. Even though it should be considered a relatively simple one, brown rice porridge with dishes such as cabbage, eggs, peanuts and bamboo shoots, it was one of my best meals in Taiwan.

After breakfast it was time for our 4 hours half-day trip to Mount He Huan (NT 500) . We decided to do a half-day trip that started at 9.30am instead of the sunrise trip that started at 4.30am as the sky was cloudy thus the chance of a visible sunrise seemed lower. It was the right choice apparently that day.

Before we left, the minshu caretaker was asking us whether we were going in our current attire. He said that what we wore may not be enough even though we had wore every thick clothing that we had brought with us to Taiwan. He went to the back of the minshu and returned with 2 worn out but thick jackets to lend us.

It was lucky that we have those jackets with us. Mt He Huan was certainly cold. At some point, the temperature dipped to -1 degree celsius. Even though the sky was cloudy, we managed to take a few clear shots that day when the sky cleared for a short while.

After Mt He Huan, we went to the Cingjing Farm. There were many sheeps in the farms and we managed to catch the sheep show and the horse show.

In the sheep show, they showed us how trained dogs are used to round out sheeps in those nomadic cultures. It was amazing seeing the dog going about doing it.

Taiwan Day 2 : Flower Expo

Day 2 - 3/3/2011

We wake up early to go to the Taipei International Flower Expo. Our schedule was changed so that we could go on a weekday as we heard that the queue would be very long on a weekend. Entrance fee is NT 300.

We took the MRT to Yuanshan station. Indeed there were a lot of people but surprisingly it was a very orderly event. Most of the visitors seem to be local residents. The expo encompasses a very large area and can possibly take a few days to view everything.

One tip though, go to the various stations to get your viewting tickets first before starting to view those exhibits that do not need tickets. Most exhibits do not need tickets. When we managed to get some tickets, the viewing time was for 3 pm to 7pm which were too late for us.

The flowers on display were dazzling.

You can really smell the scent of flowers as you walked among them.

After the expo, we took the High Speed Rail to Taichung (about 1 hr, NT 700). The HSR was clean and nice. Reaching Taichung, we took an hour bus to Nantou followed by a 50 min-taxi ride (NT 800) to reach Cingjing that is at an altitude of 1750m. It was close to 8 pm when we arrived at our Euro Country Villa Minshu.

Tsunami

Saw the devastating pictures of the Japan Tsunami. Nature forces are enormous while we are all so insignificant relative to them.

Hopefully the casualty will be limited.

Taiwan Day 1: Tapei 101

Went to Taiwan 2/3/2011 - 7/3/2011 with a friend who also like me have a few days of leave to clear before end March.

Day 1 (2/3/2011)

Flight from Singapore to HK to Taipei (Cathay Pacific)

-- Oops forgotten to bring HK currency. Even though it is a 1 hr transit, will be nice to have brough HK currency so that we can buy snacks.

Taipei at last! Everyone on the plane was in jackets, well prepared for the weather.

I remembered vividly the government weather bereau that I checked several times forecasted temperature at 18-20 degree in Taipei for the period.... But the outside temperature was 13 degrees!! Hmmm.... it was due to a sudden cold spell as I would learn later.

Checked in Taipei Garden Hotel. Nice hotel that is 10 mins walks from Ximending.

After putting the bags we went to Ximending. At night, we went to Taipei 101. The night was so cold. The highest point of Taipei 101 was shrouded by the clouds. It played peek-a-boo as the clouds flies past.

梦想

Share with you the poem:

其实梦想一止没变，虽然不得不向现实妥协
但还是拥有这信仰，梦想会属于不放弃的人
时间但却毫不留情，愿他不冲淡坚持的信念
禀着一颗赤子之心，勇敢向前不向困难畏缩

Rider Cafe @ Bukit Timah Saddle Club

Went to Rider Cafe @ Bukit Timah Saddle Club for breakfast to celebrate the birthday of a friend.

Loved the greenery and relaxing ambience of the place. We reached there pretty early without a reservation. I thought not many Singaporeans will be up early in the morning to eat breakfast. How wrong was I?

The place was packed. The counter girl asked us to walk around first. Thus we wandered around and came upon this seemingly forlorn horse. It heard our footsteps and walked towards us. Many flies were battling for residence near its eyes. I guessed it badly needed a bathe.

After about just 10 minutes, we got a call to say that they had a table for us.

The setting of the cafe is quite open. There is greenery to be enjoyed. Like the fact that on a sunday morning instead of air-con, we got to enjoy fresh air. Refreshing!

One friend had the Usual (Poached Egg, Bacon, Breakfast Banger, Mushroom, Basil Tomato and Sourdough) $16 (left picture) while I had the vegetarian version also $16.

The birthday gal had Brioche French Toast with Banana, Bacon and Strawberries $14 and Sunrise Smoothie $8.

The french toast was good. Highly recommended by all three of us. Mine was good too just that I was not sure it was worth $16. However the ambience of the place make up for it. We chatted while gazing at horses. It was a lazy and relaxing morning.

SPCA

The SPCA number is 6287-5355. Do keep this number in your phone contact. You never know when you will need it.

Recently it has come in useful for me again. I guess is my third time calling SPCA for a bird again. I came upon a boy who had saved an injured pigeon. He was just hanging around with the bird and did not know who to approach. Thus I called the SPCA for him.

My first encounter many years ago with the SPCA was also over a pigeon. I saw an injured pigeon and did not know who to call. So I thought of calling SPCA for help. I learnt from them that I needed to pick the pigeon so that they could get it from me afterwards. When I went back again the pigeon was already rescued.

The next time a few months after, I encountered an owl lying on the floor outside Takashimya in bright daylight while on my way to office. The owl was motionless even though I touched it gently. I rushed to office to get a box to hold it. My colleague who was rather an expert with birds helped me with the owl.

The owl regained consiousness after a while. I think it was rather disoriented as it seemed to have flown and banged itself onto the glass doors of the shopping centre. See its cute picture below. And of course, the SPCA did send its people to collect the owl. I learnt subsequently that after examining the owl and ascertaining it was all right, they had released it back to the wild.


Really thankful that there is such an organization for us to turn to whenever we encounter injured animals.

加油

加油，可以的！

Voyage de la Vie

Brought my mum to Resort World Sentosa to watch Voyage de la Vie to celebrate her birthday. It is a theatrical circus show that follows a boy journey to adulthood.

My first circus show and I must say I enjoyed it! It is quite spectacular. I like the constant action, there is always excitement. Amazed at the flexibility of the cast members. Some parts are very graceful, the cast members seem floating flying around the stage. The only blemish is the singing part which is not very clear. Luckily the singing portion takes up a small part of the show.

Overall the show is great and even my mum who loves going to concert say that this is better compared to many concerts. More interesting. She is already planning to recommend it to her friends and relatives!

Empress Jade @ Mount Faber

Went to Empress Jade @ Mount Faber. Is part of Jewel Box. Been a while since I last went to Jewel Box. It has been revamped and now it looks more sleek and sophisticated.

There is still a nice live band playing at the western dining area. I like the breezy outdoor area and the koi pond. A relaxing feeling indeed.

This time though, I am going to Empress Jade, a floor above the western dining area. My friend has chosen the place for her birthday celebration. The chinese restaurant looks chic.

We ordered a Gui Hua Long Jin (flower tea) @ $6 per pax. It is quite of recommended and I must say I enjoyed the tea. Lightly fragrant.

As it is a short notice appointment, I actually already had dinner at home. Thus I just ordered light bites, Vegetarian Spring roll ($10) and Almond Soup ($6).

When the vegetarian spring roll came, I was quite surprised at the big serving. Double-checked with the waitress that it was for one pax. Wow 8 small spring rolls. Quite worth it! The spring roll is crunchy and yet not oily. Almond soup is quite delicious too.

My friend ordered steamed crabmeat rice ($10) and Silver Cod Fish ($16). The food looked nice and tasted quite good for her. However the serving though for her dishes were too small that left her only half full after the meal.


Overall, like the atmosphere of Jewel Box, just that it is a bit out of the way to reach if you do not have a car. Calling a cab may be necessary.