. Defunct ANA Hotel, Singapore .

* Pictures credit to MK

. Serve Cambodia 2009 .

I left a part of me behind …

It has been close to 2 months since my trip to Cambodia. Time flies; I have yet to do up a proper blog post about the overseas community service trip as I was waiting for the rest to pass me their pictures. Honestly, it’s hard for me to express the myriad of feelings and emotions with words. After much reflection, it just dawned upon me that there isn’t a need for me to write about the things that the team had done to prove what we did & our worth.

The trip was indeed extremely rewarding as it taught me ,once again, how to appreciate and be contented with the very little things in life that we often overlook and take for granted. Prior to the trip, I embarked on a self-discovery journey to find myself ( self-identity) and to seek for some directions in life. In retrospect, I’d say that the awe-inspiring albeit short experience had certainly played a small but significant role in allowing me to find out more about myself.  A series of discovery: About how I portray myself to others under different circumstances, my working style with unfamiliar people, my capability to adapt to a culture and lifestyle that’s so vastly different from mine, the extent to which I’m able to give to others without asking for anything in return, etc. To quote Kelly Thompson, “the more you give of yourself to the people, the culture and the overall experience, the more you will try discover about yourself and others.”

All that aside, it was truly the children and teenagers at Kolap 4 Orphanage who made my short-lived stay so unforgettable. The group of people who welcomed us with open arms and treated us with so much warmth and sincerity throughout our stay. The same kids who have seen so many volunteers ( from all over the world ) come and go, but who still continue to open their hearts to us. It amazes me to see how brave and courageous they are … to befriend us & provide us with so much love and laughter despite knowing that it’s just a matter of time before we leave and be replaced by another batch of volunteers. Unconditional love? Not exactly, but close to it.  ( Archie does though! ) I tried putting myself in their shoes and it hit on me that I probably wouldn’t have the guts to open my heart out to a total stranger who would eventually leave me for good. The process is simply too heart-breaking. Yet as a volunteer, I did leave a tiny part of me behind.

Will I return? Hell,yes! In fact, I’m hoping to join the Serve Cambodia’ 2010 team either in September/December!  Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes as planned.

Kolap 4 Orphanage

Lily & Rodey, my “godsisters”  =)

MK & I are proud sponsors to our sponsored child, Pelsil

* Following collages done by Lionel! Thanks for being our photographer!

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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Due to time constraints, we didn’t have the opportunity to sight-see in Phnom Penh. Such a pity! Nevertheless, we managed to squeeze in some time to visit Cambodia’s infamous S-21 Prison ( now known as Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum ). The former high school was turned into a prison and detention centre by the Khmer Rouge ( notorious Communist party that killed over 1 million lives within 4 yrs) , led by Pol Pot. An estimated 17,000 people perished at S-21 Prison. Only 7 survived the ordeal. Please visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Tuol Sleng History for more information.

It takes one to visit this somber place in order to develop a better understanding of just how inhumane the Khmer Rouge were during their regime. No one was spared, not even the women, old or young. A lady was murdered, despite being heavily pregnant with a child. Another was killed, in spite of the fact that she had a newborn in tow. Countless of photographs of tortured and mutilated victims greeted us as we walked from room to room. Horrifying images of the grim past that continued to haunt me through that night. The blood-stained floor and various torture devices left in their original state and positions, were remnants of the tragic past. I can’t understand how these disgusting people could actually bring themselves to carry out such merciless acts on innocent lives; it’s just sick. It was a pity that we only had an hour to explore the museum … A trip to a place that is so steeped in history certainly warrants a longer return visit.

The exterior of the abandoned prison in early Jan 1979

*pic credit to Tuol Sleng

10 rules to abide by

The blood-stained torture chambers

. watami restaurant .

A hit among shoppers at ION, the Watami Restaurant is never seen without a horrendously long queue of customers, all eagerly awaiting for their turn to dine. One visit to the restaurant and it’s easy to see why this place is so popular. Reasonably good food at very wallet-friendly prices. If I rmr correctly, the Kanten Jelly with Fruits costs only $2+! My recommendations : Sashimi Reimen ( Cold Noodle with Sashimi ), Ishiyaki Kaisen Garlic Rice, Mushroom wrapped in Bacon on skewer, Choco Banana Pudding & any of the soda Calpis drink.  =)

As with most of my dinner dates with close girlfriends, Kristin & I were so engaged in our conversation that we almost didn’t realise that we were the last remaining customers in the restaurant! Oh, so typical of us girls!

Watami Restaurant
# B3 – 23 Ion Orchard

. food for thought .

Never compare your journey with someone else’s. It’s a marathon with no finish line. Someone else may start out faster than you, may seem to progress more quickly than you, but every runner has his own pace. Your journey is your journey, not a competition. You will never “arrive”. No one ever does.

- Cheryl Jacobs Nicolai -
http://photodino.wordpress.com/

. do you believe in Magic? .

Sexy Magic, Urban Illusions

Magic Just Got Hotter

With a repertoire of prop magic tricks and illusions, the duo magicians entertained Soy & I immensely with their sneak preview at St James a couple months back. Spellbound by their dazzling performance, we left the preview, in anticipation of greater stuff for their latest show. Unfortunately, the performance last weekend seemed lackluster as it had quite a number of recycled acts from their preview. Nevertheless, some acts such as the simple origami trick continue to keep me intrigued. Till the next magical performance!

* For the 2 following pictures: credit to Magic Babe Ning’s official website

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Speaking of the mysterious world of magic, my favourite magician has got to be Cyril Takayama. Known for his impressive sleigh-of-hand tricks, Cyril is popular for his signature “Hamburger in Menu” trick. Unlike most magicians who perform prop magic on stage, Cyril however engages his audience in street magic, at a close-up distance. Here are some videos of his amazing repertoire of street magic tricks! Watch it to believe it!  :p

* Pic from Google Images

25th
month

. Snippets of January .

Exploration Weekends. Horseback Riding. Photography. Short-lived happiness with ‘Passing Cloud’. Became a glutton and went on a Crabs’ feast. Got paid for my 1st ever blog advertorial.

January Acquisitions

Things that make me smile

. Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale .

A Dog’s Devotion

. a stone’s throw away from Orchard .

Singapore Botanic Garden

A hot spot among expats, domestic workers, tourists and budding photographers, the beautiful Singapore Botanic Garden is a green oasis located right in the prime area of an urban concrete jungle. In a way, its close proximity to town makes it the Singapore version of Central Park. For those who enjoy people-watching, rest assured that you wouldn’t be disappointed. Take a glance at the lush green lawn and you’ll see that it’ll be dotted with small groups of people from all walks of life. From having a lovely picnic of sumptuous food to taking a leisure stroll along the many trails to sunbathing under the sun  ( we even spotted a Caucasian lady in her bikini!), this park has a little for everyone and anyone. There was a moment when the both of us felt as if we weren’t in Singapore anymore because many of the people around us were speaking in foreign languages!

Rich in biodiversity, the Botanic Garden has also attracted its fair share of photographers, locally and overseas, who are keen to capture a Kodak moment of the diverse wildlife ( especially birds). In fact, I don’t think that I’ve ever come across so many photographers armed with their DSLR at just one location! A simple Google search for “Photography at SBG” revealed a whole long list of photo-blogs and photo albums, many of which have breath-taking and stunning sights of nature at its best ( flora, fauna, insects, birds, etc ). Truly, a haven for all avid nature photographers.

Spotted! The largest camera lens that I’ve ever since in my entire life!

Our own collection of pictures from the garden of tranquility & serenity.
Warning: Visual Overload

Randomness
Spur of the moment pictures !

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National Orchid Garden

Showcasing more than 1,000 species of Orchids and 2,000 hybrids, the National Orchid Garden boasts the largest display of orchids in the world. To many Singaporeans, the Orchid is synonymous with Singapore as the beautiful Vanda Miss Joaquim is our country’s National Flower. However, do you know that the Orchid is the largest family of the flowering plants, with approximately 25,000 species and over 100,000 hybrids? WOW. I sure didn’t know that prior to this visit. Take your time to admire the full bloom and splendor of the wide variety of Orchids as you make your way around the beautifully landscaped garden. Keep your eyes peeled for the designated “Photo Spot” (refer to the pic below) that are located at some of the most picturesque parts of the garden! Very touristy lol.

Admission – $5/adult

SAME, SAME BUT DIFFERENT

spot the odd ball !

Hear no evil

See no evil

Speak no evil

Keeping the best for the last ( MK’s picture of the trip) !

Capturing water cascading down the waterfall in still moments

♥

. not often said, but felt .

“I’ll always treasure our friendship without counting the miles between us, the days we are apart or the differences we share.”

2003: Back in those days, when we were once nerds looking all geeky in our school uniform. 2010: 6 yrs forward, we are now the sophisticated ladies that we so wanted to be when we were young. The night at Timbre@Substation goes to show how 6 yrs of absence was not much of a hurdle to our friendship. Sure, moments of that lovely evening will turn into yesterday and become nothing more than a memory of the past. But somehow, I can’t help but have a strong feeling that this dinner marks the beginning of a renewed bond.

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Changes but the Same

Change is the only constant. It has been way too long since O & I last met up. Too many changes that have happened within the span of 4 months. Indeed, there were times when I felt guilty for letting work and “ME”  time get into the way of friendships. But with some friends, we simply have this mutual understanding that we wouldn’t let the increasing time spent apart affect the quality of our friendship.

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Let’s be a glutton for the Night !

TGIF, for everyone loves Fridays. Nothing better to end the long work week with a night out with colleagues. A mouth-watering crab feast at Melben ( All the favourites: Chilli Crab, Creamy Butter Crab & the Signature Crab Bee Hoon ), followed by drinks and a heart-to-heart chat at Canopy ( A hidden oasis smack right in Bishan Park – Just the ideal place for couples. ).

To quote Serene, “It’s the differences among us that made us friends.“