Me, my eyes and my camera...

Chinatown Walk

2011-09-18T22:55:00.001+08:00

Went to Chinatown today for a walk. Decided to try out a lens that I bought some time back. Haven't had the time to try it out. Bought it via ebay from Canada. It's the Nikon 70-300 4.5-5.6 ED lens. One of the few full-frame lenses that can be use on both DSLR and SLR cameras. The colors produced from this lens is fantastic!!! Here's some photos taken with the lens.... (I've posted them on Facebook too).

2011 already...

2011-09-03T10:04:00.002+08:00

Looks like I've not posted anything here for almost a year... How could I!!!

I promise to update with some shots I've taken this year... Look out for them!

Photos of Bedok Reservoir

2010-09-23T15:36:00.000+08:00

There was a photo competition that has to do with the lifestyle and activities in Bedok Reservoir. I had the impression that it would be hard to take photograph of the place especially when everywhere is just gravel and soil mostly. I was also not able to participate in the competition so I thought that I might as well try to take some pictures to upset the competition ;-)

Here's what I took...

Video on DSLR

2010-08-29T09:40:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything here...

Recently I've been exploring the possibility of video using a DSLR. The temptation to change my gear is great. Imagine...able to take video on a DSLR with just the flicker of a switch or a turn on a dial.

Not sure how clear the DSLR would be compared to the usual HD Camcorders...Until I stumbled onto this website... http://philipbloom.net/films/dslr-films/ .

Check the website out. Love it!!!

(I promise to update more often...)

Dec Updates

2009-12-11T17:58:00.007+08:00

Here is an update on my blog. Realized that I have not updated it since June.

I was holidaying in Hong Kong this Nov/Dec. Was there for 2 weeks. The weather was pretty decent (17-24 degrees celcius). The trip was memorable apart from the fact that I came back with a muscle strain on my back.

My back has been giving me problems this whole year. Just did a MRI scan yesterday. The doctors are using the scan to see if I needed an operation on my back or not. Let's see what the doctor says in 2 weeks' time. :-)

Anyway, here are some pictures from the trip:

Stanley in the evening.

MongKok Streets (about 5pm)

Fa Yuen Streets (You can buy almost anything there!)

June Holidays 2009

2009-05-30T11:02:00.002+08:00

It's the June holidays finally!!! Half year gone. We have been 'taught' to do reflections. I hated reflections. I believe in moving forward but not keep reflecting and looking back. Have wasted too many years reflecting.

Many events have passed by and many more to go.
Some of my thoughts:
1) Many things/frustrations I want to say but decided to keep quiet.
2) I missed my sec 2(2007) form class in my old school.
3) Love my current sec 1(2009) form class in my current school.
4) Confirmed that there are really people in this world who loves 're-inventing the wheel' and 'without brains' (aka walking zombie).
5) Confirmed that there are students who what we say in Chinese 'don't cry till they see the coffin' or worst case...blond walking zombies.
6) This is a very very hectic year. I don't understand why we are stretched like that.

Will explain later...

Photographs that you kids wanted

2009-05-04T22:46:00.002+08:00

Haven't had time to upload or to update any pictures taken over the past few months. I'll start by uploading one now...

Bery Nice Singlish...(Pls control your laughter...)

2009-02-20T09:45:00.002+08:00

Happened to chance upon this youtube version... Control yourself ok? :-)

How brainless can you get?

2009-02-17T13:30:00.004+08:00

This was observed yesterday when a class was playing so much that they got scolding again and again thoughout the lesson... Not surprisingly, they just did not learn what happened yesterday and the scolding continued today. Well, if they still do not understand why they are scolded day after day...then they really should remember to bring their brains to school.

Chinese New Year

2009-01-25T11:14:00.002+08:00

It's that time of the year again. Busy period for Chinese, the non-Chinese can probably find some time to take some good rest after 1 month of back-to-work.

Anyway, sorry for not updating my blog for so so long. Was busy with the 'O' Levels, and then gone for a long holiday. After that it's back to work, work and more work.

Don't think I'll get much rest for this CNY.

OK, ending this for the time being. Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!

(need to go was car now...)

Changi Chalet Details

2008-10-27T20:51:00.004+08:00

2E3,
Here are the details for the chalet (again!).

Chalet Name: NETHERAVON TERRACE BLOCK "A" (Corner house) (there's a bus stop just in front of the chalet block)
Date: 02 Nov 2008 (Sunday)
Time: 4pm onwards (should finish latest by 10pm)

Map of the chalet (look for "NB" in the map, across the street and near to "reception"):
http://www.aloharesorts.com.sg/templates/maps/images/map_changi.gif

Food confirmed:
- Chicken wings
- Sausages
- Satay
- Otah
- Fish
- Marshmallows
- Nutella
- Butter
- Fried Bee Hoon / Fried Rice
- Tongs (Yilin)

I will bring:
- Paper plates
- Cups
- Forks/Spoons
- Butter
- Aluminum Tray
- Aluminum Foil
- A bottle of cordial (don't complain)

The boys (leader = Zul) will have the important task of buying the following:
- Charcoal (1 packet - Large)
- Firestarter (1 box)
- Gas lighter (2-3 pcs)
(Please come as early as possible with these, otherwise there will be no barbecue!!!)

Lastly, let your parents know the place especially for those whom will be picked up by your parents after the barbecue!

Any questions post it here so everyone can see it!

O Levels Exams

2008-10-27T20:45:00.002+08:00

To all students from Shuqun and Damai taking the O levels...

Good luck to you guys and gals! Follow these few rules:

1) Don't panic.
2) Sleep early.
3) Take a break after one paper before you start studying for the next one.
4) Go for a walk (as a break).
5) Don't cry over spilled milk for the completed paper. Instead, look forward to your next paper.
6) Take care of yourself. Take vitamin C so that you don't catch a bug!

Cheers!!!

Exam time...

2008-09-29T20:45:00.002+08:00

Guess what! It's exam time again... This is when:

1) Kids who value their future will panic.
2) Kids who worry about how to answer to their parents will be stressed.
3) Kids who did not study will 'pray' that they will 'advance' to the next level next year.
4) Kids who just don't care about their results will be so bored and will end up getting caught doing 'stupid' things during the exams...

Whichever category you belong to just bear in mind... it's your choice in the first place! No one can force you into doing anything you don't like or don't want to do. So live with it!

Something Interesting from China

2008-09-21T13:56:00.003+08:00

Not sure if this is true but really interesting. (why not just give me the car...so wasteful!)

Chinese Blog Pictures

2008-09-19T08:16:00.003+08:00

Kids, here are the pictures you asked for... Let me know if I should take this post down after you used the pictures.

Recipe: Cup Cakes

2008-09-13T10:23:00.006+08:00

Cupcakes

225g Self Raising Flour, sifted
130g Sugar
125g Butter, soften
3 Eggs, light beaten
60ml Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Toppings like chocolate chips, raisins, etc.

1. Preheat oven to 180C.
2. Place sugar, butter, eggs, milk and vanilla extract in a bowl.
3. Beat to combine.
4. Gradually add in the flour.
5. Beat well till mixture is smooth and pale.
6. Stir in chocolate chip, raisins, nuts, etc. (Anything you like to add in).
7. Spoon mixture into muffin cups.
8. Bake for 15 minutes till golden brown on top. (You can check if it's cooked using a toothpick)
9. Cool on rack.
10. Enjoy!

Recipe: Yogurt Bread

2008-09-13T10:09:00.003+08:00

Yogurt Bread

250g bread flour
15g sugar
3g salt
3g yeast
100g flavoured yogurt (I've used Mango yogurt)
60g fresh milk
25g egg (about half an egg)
30g butter

1. Place all wet ingredient into the bread maker.
2. Add all the dry ingredient on top of the wet ingredient. Make the yeast the last dry ingredient to be put into the bread maker.
3. Select sandwich bread mode. Start machine.
4. Machine will start kneeding and proofing process. Once 1st proofing is done, remove dough from the bread maker and separate dough into small buns. Place buns onto a flat bake tray.
5. Cover the tray with a cling wrap and allow the dough to go for second proofing until double its size again.
6. Egg wash the top of the buns and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of each small bun.
7. Bake in preheated oven at 170-180C for 20 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
8. Remove bun from tray to cool completely.

Note:
- This recipe can also be baked into a loaf. I would suggest baking the loaf at 160C for about 30mins.
- The dough is not sticky and is hence good to use for shaping to make into buns.
- To prevent wastage to the egg, you can adjust the amount of milk you use.

Recipe: Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt

2008-09-13T10:03:00.002+08:00

I love bread and just love to 'play' around in the kitchen. Have decided to post some recipe in the blog also to share with friends. Here's the first one.

Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt
7g sachet easy-blend dried yeast
280 ml water ( room temperature )
6-7 Tblsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp sea salt
2 Tblsp finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus extra sprigs
about 500 g unbleached white bread flour
2 tsp coarse sea salt
extra flour for dusting
extra oil for greasing bowl
An oiled roasting or baking tin, about 25cm x 35cm (I used a bread pan)

Place half the flour in a large bowl (I did this in my mixer bowl), add the salt, chopped rosemary and mix briefly.
Tip in the yeast and mix well.
Pour in all the water and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Mix until the flour is incorporated.
If you're doing this by hand, just beat the mixture together with your hand.
Gradually work in, spoonful by spoonful, enough of the remaining flour to make a soft but not sticky dough.
Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and silky, or 5 minutes slowly in a mixer with dough hook.
Leave to rise until doubled in size at cool to normal room temperature in a lightly oiled mixing bowl covered with a damp tea towel or clingfilm. This will take about 2 hours.
Once risen, knock back and shape into a rectangle, then press into the base of the tin. Push into the corners and even out.
Cover and let rise until doubled (about 45 minutes).
Flour fingertips and make 1cm deep dimples in the dough at regular intervals. Cover and let double again - approximately 45 minutes.
While dough is rising again, preheat oven to 220C/Gas Mark 7.
Once risen, press sprigs of rosemary into the dimples and fill with the remainder of the olive oil.
Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The bread should be golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack.

Term 4 week 1 2008

2008-09-09T14:30:00.004+08:00

Can you believe it? It's already term 4 week 1! Just find that this year goes by really fast. so busy with work and everything and all of a sudden it's term 4 already!

Just received my class T-shirt. Thanks to the class committee to 'finally' got it done. I like the colors. (Was thinking that the pink is not so 'pink' after all.)

Here's how it looks like in the front and back respectively...

Next in line... the EOY barbecue

Pot Luck Gathering (06/09/08)

2008-09-07T12:42:00.005+08:00

Classmates and I had a potluck dinner at Siew Yen and Geoff's place last night. There was so much good food that by the end of the evening, most were already eaten. Here are some pictures taken of the kids and friends.

Botanic Gardens September 2008

2008-09-03T22:45:00.003+08:00

Seems like I always visit the Botanic Garden (not the 'Botanical Garden') everytime I have a new camera. Went there this morning and took some pictures with the D300. The camera is really really sharp. I decided to leave the WB (White Balance) at automatic to see how it fared. I'm very happy to say that it is rather accurate. Here are some pictures taken using the camera. The lens I brought along is the 18-200 and the 60 Macro.

Leave your comments please!

2008-08-31T20:40:00.002+08:00

To my Sec 4A2 students... may you do well in your N-Levels next week.
Don't panic, and waste as many pieces of paper as you needed (after all...you've already paid for them :-) )

To all the other students...thank you for your presents and food. I certainly enjoy them very much!

Pictures of 2E3

2008-08-31T19:48:00.005+08:00

Here are the pictures as promised... Enjoy downloading them!

Term 3 holidays are here!

2008-08-31T14:46:00.002+08:00

Can't believe it! Term 3 holidays are here already... So so fast. Promised my class that I will post some of there pictures here for them. So kid, wait ha! I'll edit edit a bit first before posting them up.

You should live in a big city...

2008-07-18T15:19:00.001+08:00

Just took this short test... Maybe I should really live in a big city...

You Should Live in a Big City

You don't want anything in particular out of life... you want it all.

You crave new and exciting experiences. And you get bored fairly easily.

Only very big cities can keep you entertained and stimulated.

Where Should You Live?

The '888' Car

2008-07-09T14:43:00.000+08:00

Happened to walk past this car some time back. Finally got the time to post it up. I think the owner is desperate for cash or something... Wondering whether if he/she or the family actually won something (4D/Toto/BigSweep/etc)...especially when the back of the car spells 'I Will "888"!' :-)

Taiwan pictures from a phone

2008-06-25T14:50:00.000+08:00

Took some pictures using my phone when I was holidaying in Taiwan.

This was taken on the SQ flight to Taipei. Food was not too bad la!

Squid ink bread toast. The green thingy on top is the minced parsley and garlic. It was actually quite nice. Too bad I can't buy them back to Singapore.

The bakchang sold at Seven Eleven. You'll never find them in Singapore's 7-11. The 7-11 stores there sold almost anything and everything from mini shampoo, single-use toothbrushes to lunchbox meals and espresso coffee. Nice and really convenient when you compare to what you can only get in the Singapore version.

Fried stuff store at a night market. Not really keen on what they were selling though.

Day market to where I stayed. Pretty much the same as what Singapore used to have. You can also find lots of these markets in Malaysia and Indonesia. The hawkers sold cooked and uncook food there.

Posting of pictures at Clubsnap and flickr

2008-06-19T22:38:00.002+08:00

Hello friends and kids...
Have posted some pictures on both clubsnap and flickr.
Here are the links:

Clubsnap: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=387057

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31686577@N00/

Taiwan Trip June 2008

2008-06-18T10:08:00.006+08:00

Went on holiday to Taiwan last week. I can say that it's one of the most relaxing trip I've been to for a long long time. There were lots of new and interesting location to go to. Traveled to places like the Taroko Gorge, Hualien, Taitung, Taipei, YangMingShan, JiuFen, JinShan, JinGuaShi. There were lots to see and lots to eat. I bet that almost 40-50% of the pictures I took are of food. I'm putting up just some pictures I took during the trip. Some were HDRed.

Do comment on the pictures... :-)

HDR

2008-06-03T01:15:00.005+08:00

How many of you have heard of the term 'HDR'? HDR stands for High Dynamic Range imaging. It is were multiple exposures of the same scene but shot with different speeds to create under / Correct / over exposed pictures and combining them together in a picture. You can check out HDR from here. (http://hdrcreme.com/)
I'm currently playing a lot with HDR. Very interesting shots where you can get both the brightest and darkest tones from multiple pictures of the same scene and rendering a new photo.
Here are some of my examples. Pls commend on them. Thanks!!!

Downtown East Revamp

2008-05-10T12:01:00.002+08:00

Downtown East is within walking distance to where I live. Recently they finally opened after the revamp. Some shops and entertainment available there:

- Coffee Bean
- Gelare
- Mr Chicken Rice (former chef from Mandarin Hotel)
- Pasta Mania
- Kodak Shop
- NTUC
- Cathay Cinema
- Bowling Alleys
- Kids Playground
- Ferris Wheel

It rather crowded during the weekends so I try to avoid that place if I can.

Shopping Spree...

2008-05-02T10:59:00.004+08:00

Update - It's not so painful now... slowly cutting down the painkillers to once a day. Drinking lots of water. Have been eating solid foods this past week. Appetite going back to normal (which is what I dread!). Have slim down a bit because of this operation and I don't wish to put back or worst case, put back more weight than I want to. Wish to lose some more so that I can wear the clothes sizes I wanted.

Went to a sale at Lipo building on Wednesday evening. They are having a sale on Levi's, Calvin Klein underwear, Timberland and Chaps shirts. Prices are pretty good. Bought a pair of Levi's for $40, some Timberland shirts for $29.90 each. Was told that the Timberland shirts were $159. Might go back there again to see if there's anything else to buy.

Car battery went dead again! This is the fourth time in 2 years that I replaced the batteries. The original one lasted for over two years. Not sure what happened. Mechanic said that the alternator is charging properly. He suspected that it's the sound system that's draining the battery. But I had the system since I collected the car (and with the original battery) so I don't think it's the sound system. I've changed to an Amaron battery this time. Last two times were this battery named Delkor. Hopefully this time it will last longer!

Lastly, I'm out looking for a macro lens. Can't decide whether I should get a Nikon 60mm Micro lens or the Tokina/Tamron 100/90mm Macro lens. Prices are pretty similar. Only difference is that the Nikon can let me take pictures of food and items at sitting range while for the Tokina/Tamron ones I will have to move to the next table to take the picture. The Tokina/Tamron lenses is normally used to take close-up pictures of insect and nature (from a distance). Anyway, I'm looking for a second-handed lens and I'm not in a rush so will take my time to wait for a good quality and cheap one.

Like that how?

2008-04-24T00:30:00.002+08:00

My ramblings again! Need to get well soon. Loads of work to mark. Seeing doctor tomorrow for a quick review. I've finished all the antibiotic and pain killers but the pain still exists. I can't swallow much and my throat still hurts. I really don't know what else I can do. Can't even talk in my usual voice... so sad!

Finally! Some time to blog

2008-04-18T09:11:00.002+08:00

I have not had time to blog for a long long time. I think my friends and students probably have given up hope that this blog will ever be updated again!

It has been a rather troublesome 6 months for me. As you know, I moved in November last year to the east of Singapore. As a result of the move, I hurt my back and ended up resting for most of the school holidays at my new home. I was on pain killers and in bed most of the time.

By the end of December, I'm well enough to be back on my feet to prepare for the new school term. Having been posted to a new school (since I moved to the east), everything is like starting from scratch. There are new teachers, new system in the school, new scheme of work, new everything. I've to prepare my worksheets and lessons for the new classes as well. (Seems like my life is all about work...)

School started in January. I had my culture shock on the first day. 1st time I'm given Sec 2 express classes to teach. I'm just not use to the way they behave themselves. They are like angels and will take the initiatives to get their things done. Even now after knowing and teaching them for the past 4 months, they are pretty responsive and will try to do their work properly (in order to get good grades). Of course not all is plain sailing. There are also the 'monster' classes. I'm given one of them (which I shall not name). They practically and simply do not behave themselves in the right manner as 15 year olds. There have been many incidents examples like, someone who just cannot sit still in class and has to walk about and disturb his classmates all the time, one student who love answering and talking to classmates and teachers at the top of her screeching voice to those who just feel that they have no interest in the subject as they were 'forced' to do it who would simply go to sleep when lesson starts. One incident that I'll remember forever was about this student who apologised to me for some misbehaving that he had done in class. He started with "Cher, I'm sorry." A moment of silence. He continued, "Actually, I didn't mean it!" and he burst out with laughter! My mind was thinking at that moment...Why is he like that? Didn't his parents teach him respect? Or does he have parents? Maybe his parents and family are all like that too? I just don't know...

Anyway, latest update about me. I went for a sleep test recently and doctors found out that I have sleep apnea. I am not getting enough oxygen when sleeping. During the test, I actually stopped breathing for about 390 times and the longest period of not breathing was about 79 sec. That's scary and urgent enough for the doctors to quickly arrange an operation to try to fix the problem. According to them, I have enlarged tonsils (probably due to me being a teacher) which is getting in the way of breathing. These will be taken out during the operation. On top of that, they will also be shaping the top of my throat a bit, ensuring that my air passage is not blocked.
Well, I just had the operation and am now resting at home. Lots of pain for the first 3-4 days. I am now still on painkillers and not able to talk properly. The pain will go away soon and I'll be my normal self. I've not been able to eat anything apart from watery oats and soup. Doctors recommended ice cream to cool down the wound. So far I had 3 servings of ice cream as I find them too sweet to swallow. Imagine not able to even eat ice cream! I do hope to slim down a bit because of this. Haven't weigh myself yet. But I think I might have lose a couple of kg! :-)

Enough of me already. Will update again soon. Ciao!

December Update

2007-12-05T19:10:00.000+08:00

A friend has been asking me how come I've not updated my blog for so long. It was because of all the events which took place these 2 months. Moving house, packing, unpacking, my back getting hurt twice (which resulted in staying in bed and on painkillers for almost the whole month), going away for staff retreat...

It's up till now that I'm feeling better and the itch to take pictures that I finally decide to update again.

Posting below is a view from my new place. Taken today (it has been raining the entire day). The weather has been cool and nice. Don't even want to get out of the house...

I know I have not taken anything the whole of this holiday. Will try to do so soon.

Blog update October

2007-10-18T23:43:00.000+08:00

Quick update... some news and some info.

1) Super busy with invigilation for 'O's.

2) Happy that my class improved in their subjects. (Well...at least for some of them) And that they will be given their choice of stream.

3) Pray hard that my students in Sec 4 DT class can suddenly 'see the light' in whatever they read and do well in all their subject.

4) Sleepy... going to bed...

Ciao!

September Holidays are here!!!

2007-09-01T10:40:00.000+08:00

September holidays finally started. Finally get to have some rest and time to prepare for the new term. I'm pretty pleased that most of my kids did well for most of their subjects this term. Just hope that they will work hard for the EOY exams and able to choose the stream they wished for and promote as the whole class. (So kids if you are reading this...study hard!)

Had some time yesterday afternoon after the teachers' day lunch (we had ours at Raffles Marina). Since I have the DSLR camera, decided to take some pictures in the afternoon. The sun was pretty strong (and hot) at about 4-5pm. These were taken at Labrador Park. I did slight tweaking to increase the intensity of the colors. Otherwise, everything was left untouched.

Another local talent

2007-07-20T01:03:00.000+08:00

Kumar, our other local talent's stand-up comedy at Dick Lee's Concert... Wah!!! Keep laughing man!!! (Bro, this is for you since you are in SL...)

Found on Youtube

2007-07-20T00:59:00.000+08:00

Found our local talent, Mr Dick Lee on Youtube... You'll appreciate his songwriting skills if you are a local Singaporean...

Parents Do, Child Do Video

2007-07-20T00:53:00.000+08:00

Happened to 'discover' this video on Youtube. I think it's very meaningful and relevant to what we adults are doing and demonstrating everyday. It takes just a little effort to get things right the first time.

Crab Feast at Ang Mo Kio

2007-07-15T12:04:00.000+08:00

My friends and I went for a crab feast the other night. They came from the US but have been to Singapore many times. The restaurant was super packed when we got there at 6.30pm. Had to wait in a queue and order the food about an hour in advance while we wait for our table. The wait was long but it was all worth it at the end. The crab bee hoon was fantastic, the butter and peppered crabs were also very good... Here are some pictures taken:

July update...

2007-07-15T11:33:00.000+08:00

It's July now. The last posting was in May... Wow! Almost 2 months not posted anything here...

It's been a hellish 2 months for me...

June Holidays: NPCC seminar, NPCC school camp, Camp Victory (Sec 4 intensive study), Additional DT workshops for sec 4, Special needs prep work and course, Special needs talk to parents in school.

July: School reopens, meetings, lessons, prep for lesson plans, marking, prep for 'O' level prelims, planning for Staff Activity Day (SAD), planning for teachers' day lunch...

Where got time to post??? Sorry for venting frustration here...

Update in a while...

Pictures from the FujiCam...

2007-05-26T01:23:00.001+08:00

Still amazed by the camera. The macro shots are fantastic. I would use the camera for most of my pictures and update them...

First shot was taken in the morning when I was just about to leave home for work.

The second picture was taken when I was waiting for the traffic light to turn to GREEN.

The last picture was taken at the school camp when we were waiting for the programme to start.

Hidden Talents in my class!!!

2007-05-26T00:02:00.000+08:00

School holiday starts tomorrow!!! Good for the kids but bad for us. We have to prepare lessons and whatever for the new term...Sigh...

Anyway, my class just finish a school camp. They performed for parents, teachers and the principal along with the other classes. So proud of them!

Kids, here are the videoes I promised. I am very proud of you showing your 'hidden talents'. Some of you can be great actors, musicians and MCs!
Will show the full version when we are back in school!!!

Another one...

And the last one...

Exam's Over

2007-05-19T11:47:00.000+08:00

Finally! Mid-year exam is over. Good for the kids, bad for us. Lots of marking and updating to do before term ends next Friday. And I'm sick... :-(

Kids did rather badly for their exams. A friend who happened to see a student's script almost fell off the chair laughing when he saw the answer to a picture of the folding bar that boy gave... HAIR PIN CLIP!!! (A folding bar is used to hold and bend sheet metal)

Anyway, back to marking!!!

Blogging again...

2007-05-01T16:58:00.000+08:00

Have not updated this blog for a long long time. Paiseh...

Just bought a new camera. Was looking for it (Fujifilm f31fd) for a while. Finally decided to buy it before the offer ends. I think I got a good deal for it.

Here are some macro pictures I took this afternoon.

Will try out the night shots next time. I heard that the camera is good at that!

On another note, there are so many events and issues happening in school that I don't even have time to sit down and think! Not convenient to share it here though...

Well, another time!

Ciao!!!

More pictures from CNY 2007

2007-03-04T10:49:00.000+08:00

Today is the last day of this year's Chinese New Year. To sum it up... this year is a pretty boring year. Busy during the weekdays with common tests and school activities, busy with marking the papers to prepare keying in the marks after comon tests. Blah blah blah blah...

Here are some pictures from this year's thoughts...

CNY Gathering (Cont')

2007-03-04T10:09:00.000+08:00

This is what happens when you passed a camera phone to some enthusiastic kids!

CNY Gathering

2007-03-04T09:29:00.000+08:00

My secondary school friends and I had a CNY barbecue gathering last night. We've known each other for like 20 years! The group had shrunk and grown over the years with the addition of spouse and their kids!
This year we had our gathering at Joan's place. We had barbecue and Joan also made lots of other fantastic food. (Joan, offer still stands if you decided to open a catering business ;-) ) Here's some pictures of them taken using the phone camera (sorry! Too busy eating)

More song lyrics

2007-02-20T22:14:00.000+08:00

This song always make me feel sad...

Jesse - Joshua Kadison

From a phone booth in Vegas, Jessie calls at 5 A.M.

to tell me how she's tired of all of them.

She says, "Baby, I been thinking 'bout a trailer by the sea.

We could go to Mexico... you, the cat and me.

We'll drink tequila and look for sea shells.

Now, doesn't that sound sweet?"Oh, Jessie, you always do this every time I get back on my feet.

Jessie paint your pictures 'bout how it's gonna be.

By now I should know better, your dreams are never free.

But tell me all about our little trailer by the sea;

Jessie you can always sell any dream to me.

Oh, Jessie, you can always sell any dream to me.

She asks me how the cat's been. I say, "Moses he's just fine

but he used to think about you all the time.

We finally took your pictures down off the wall.

Oh, Jessie, how do you always seem to know just when to call?"

She says, "Get your stuff together. Bring Moses and drive real fast."

And I listen to her promise, "I swear to God this time it's gonna last."

Jessie paint your pictures 'bout how it's gonna be.

By now I should know better, your dreams are never free.

But tell me all about our little trailer by the sea;

Jessie you can always sell any dream to me.

Oh, Jessie, you can always sell any dream to me.

I'll love you in the sunshine, lay you down in the warm white sand.

And who knows, maybe this time things'll turn out just the way you planned.

Jessie paint your pictures 'bout how it's gonna be.

By now I should know better, your dreams are never free.

But tell me all about our little trailer by the sea;

Jessie you can always sell any dream to me.

Oh, Jessie, you can always sell any dream to me.

Country Songs

2007-02-20T21:51:00.000+08:00

Friend and I were talking about country songs. They make such good ballads and touching stories. Here are some songs we talked about... If you know anything else that's good let me know too. Thanks in advance.

1) Jesus, take the wheel - Carrie Underwood
2) In my daughter's eyes - Martina McBride
3) Bless the broken road - Rascal Flatts
4) Love, me - Collin Raye (All time favourite!)

The lyrics:

Jesus, take the wheel - Carrie Underwood

She was drivin' last friday on her way to cincinnati

On a snow white Christmas Eve

Goin' home to see her Momma and her Daddy

With her baby in a back seat

Fifty miles to go and she was runnin' low

On faith and gasoline

It'd been a long hard year

She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention

She was goin' way too fast

Before she knew it she was spinnin on thin black sheet of glass

She saw both their lives flash before her eyes

She didn't even have time to cry

She was so scared, she threw her hands up in the air

(Chorus)

Jesus take the wheel

Take it from my hands'

Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go

Give me one more chance

Save me from this road I'm on

Jesus take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder and that car came to a stop

She cried when she saw that baby in the back seat sleepin' like a rock

For the first time in a long time she bowed her head to pray

She said I'm sorry for the way

I've been livin' my life

I know I've got to change

So from now on tonight

(Repeat chorus)

In my daughter's eyes - Martina McBride

In my daughter's eyes, I am a hero.

I am strong an' wise,And I know no fear.

But the truth is plain to see: She was sent to rescue me,

I see who I wanna be, in my daughter's eyes.

In my daughter's eyes, everyone is equal,

Darkness turns to light,And the world is at peace.

This miracle God gave to me,

Gives me strength when I am weak.

I find reason to believe, in my daughter's eyes.

An' when she wraps her hand around my finger,Oh, it puts a smile in my heart.

Everything becomes a little clearer.I realise what life is all about.

It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough;

It's givin' more when you feel like givin' up.

I've seen the light: it's in my daughter's eyes.

In my daughter's eyes, I can see the future.

A reflection of who I am,An' what will be.

An' though she'll grow an', some day, leave:Maybe raise a family,

When I'm gone, I hope you'll see,

How happy she made me,

For I'll be there, in my daughter's eyes.

Bless the broken road - Rascal Flatts

I set out on a narrow way many years ago

Hoping I would find true love along the broken road

But I got lost a time or two

Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through

I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You've been there you understand

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

Now I'm just rolling home

Into my lover's arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you.

Love, Me - Collin Raye

I read a note my grandma wrote back in nineteen twenty-three.

Grandpa kept it in his coat, and he showed it once to me.

He said,"Boy, you might not understand, but a long, long time ago,

Grandma's daddy didn't like me none, but I loved your Grandma so.

"We had this crazy plan to meet and run away together.

Get married in the first town we came to, and live forever.

But nailed to the tree where we were supposed to meet, instead

Of her, I found this letter, and this is what it said:

If you get there before I do, don't give up on me.

I'll meet you when my chores are through;

I don't know how long I'll be.

But I'm not gonna let you down, darling wait and see.

And between now and then, till I see you again,

I'll be loving you. Love, me.

I read those words just hours before my Grandma passed away,

In the doorway of a church where me and Grandpa stopped to pray.

I know I'd never seen him cry in all my fifteen years;

But as he said these words to her, his eyes filled up with tears.

If you get there before I do, don't give up on me.

I'll meet you when my chores are through;

I don't know how long I'll be.

But I'm not gonna let you down, darling wait and see.

And between now and then, till I see you again,

I'll be loving you. Love, me.

Between now and then, till I see you again,

I'll be loving you. Love, me.

Are Singaporeans so rich nowadays?

2007-02-17T11:39:00.000+08:00

I was walking past a void deck with a friend when my friend noticed a box of stuff that was thrown away. We approached the box and discovered packets of mushrooms, cans of food, medicine and also other food stuff 'left' by their previous owner.

We were surprized that they actually threw away food like that. Are Singaporeans so rich nowadays that with the yearly Chinese New Year spring cleaning exercise we can just throw away stuff that are still ok for use?

A friend from Sri Lanka came back to visit also commented when he saw a writing table and sofa set thrown away at a void deck that furniture in that condition would still be repaired and reused if they are in Sri Lanka. Singaporeans just end up buying a new one! It does makes perfect sense by donating them to the needies.

I have seen kids under financial assistance in school fall under 2 categories - one where they are so poor that they have no money for food during recess and the other where they are still able to affort some luxuries like an MP3 player or a handphone. The 2 extremes in our society seems to be widening - the rich getting richer while the poor are struggling and getting poorer.

A week ago, I picked up a Yamaha piano/organ bench that was thrown away. It was in perfect condition - no tear, no scratches. Probably the owner simply has no space for a chair that size... It's now placed beside the main door for me to sit when I put on my shoes. I've been wanting to buy a nice looking bench to put there. Thanks whoever he/she is!!!

Organic Vegetable Farm

2007-02-08T09:32:00.000+08:00

A friend introduce to us during a gathering about this organic vegetable farm. Some friends went on a shopping spree on vegetables and showed us what they've bought. $1.50 - $2 per pack. The vegetables come with the roots intact. Will try to visit here in the future.

I also know of a goats farm where you can buy goats milk. Anyone who knows anything also natural and interesting, let me know.

Update...

2007-02-04T14:11:00.000+08:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I updated the blog. Very busy with work. Here's a list of stuff I've been doing:
1) Tons of drawings to mark from the classes I teach! Would be nice if everyone submits his/her work on time.
2) There are also some problems with the upper secondary kids. Some of them don't even want to come to school regularly. Just don't know what they want to do next time!
3) In the SWC this year, preparing for upcoming CNY celebrations.
4) Preparing lessons... trying to make it interesting so that kids will turn up for lessons.

Pretty boring stuff hor!
Update with pictures next time!
Ciao!!!

Dinner at Brios

2007-01-21T22:33:00.000+08:00

Went Brios Cafe(Grand Copthorne) for dinner with a friend. They had a 2 for 1 promotion with UOB credit card. The total bill came to about $46 dollars. That's only $23 per person!!! The food was good. There were sushi, sashimi, chilled seafood, escargot (snails), Peranakan food (the lamb rendang was fantastic!), western cuisines and pastries. There's even a chocolate fondue where you can have strawberries, marshmallows, cakes drenched in chocolate! Managed to take some pictures during the meal. Pardon the bad composition!

It's praying time again!

2007-01-21T22:10:00.000+08:00

It's time again for praying to ancestors. This is normally done before the Chinese New Year. Clothes and spending money made of paper are 'sent' to them. It's like sending them a 'bonus' for them to prepare for the new year.

Butter cake from a breadmaker

2007-01-14T11:38:00.000+08:00

What you are looking at is a butter and sultana cake that was made using a breadmaker. It actually measured about 10cmx10cmx5cm. It has the smell of a cake, the taste of a cake but the looks of a badly made bread. It's soft on the inside. But no way will it looked like a cake! (more like a hardened loaf of bread that failed to rise)

The cake was pretty good if you can bypass it's looks.

More pictures from the phone

2007-01-14T11:21:00.000+08:00

Was having breakfast on Saturday and took the first picture at the shop beside the coffeeshop at JooChiat. It's a tailor shop. I think they do the laundry too. I have not seen such a shop in Singapore for so long already. I remembered when I was younger (about 5-8 years old) my grandfather had this ironing shop in Chinatown which he opened with a couple of my granduncles. I remembered seeing that they are always ironing the laundry and folding them nicely or hanging them up. Sad to say, with all these re-development happening around Chinatown, the shop is long gone and I can't remember where it used to be.

Found these cans of soup at Cold Storage supermarket. Checked out the ingredients. It's actually the Scottish slang for chicken and leek soup. And no, I did not buy a can of soup that day...

Dangerous driving!

2007-01-13T14:44:00.000+08:00

I've noticed that more and more drivers are using their handphones without the headsets while driving nowadays. Don't understand why they want to pick up the phone while they are driving. They should have plugged in the headsets even before they started driving!

Was driving yesterday evening on AYE filtering out from Jurong Town Hall road when I saw this auntie sitting in her Renault Megane in the other lane. She was holding on to the steering wheel with one hand while the other hand was holding her handphone next to her left ear. Traffic was pretty bad due to the rain (it's been raining for a day already). I was thinking to myself as I drove away from her... I hope the other drivers around her will be alright if she decides to crash her car into the curb or something. (I know it sounds bad but I really can't stand anyone stupid enough to use the phone without a headset while driving that!!!)

Pictures from SE k800i phone

2007-01-11T22:56:00.000+08:00

Bought a new phone recently, the Sony Ericsson k800i. Here's a picture taken using the phone. I was very surprised by the quality of the camera... 3.2 megapixels, auto focus, xenon flash. Tell me what you think of the picture quality.

More pictures from the US trip

2006-12-30T07:44:00.000+08:00

More pictures from the US trip! I particularly like the last picture of the statue of liberty!

Pictures from US Trip

2006-12-30T07:05:00.000+08:00

Here's some pictures from the US trip. I'll post more later...

Back from my US trip

2006-12-28T21:02:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone!
First of all, let me say - a Happy New Year and wish that all of you will have a wonderful and great 2007!!!
Back from the US last week and finally have some time to blog about the trip. The trip was fantastic! Took many photos (although not as many as compared from the China trip in June but I'm very satisfied and happy with them).
I'm very happy that I brought the D80 along with this trip. Else with my PnS (S45), I don't think it will be very successful. A friend suggested that I place my pictures at Picasa Web Albums. I think I will do that. Check out the link afterwards. I will post some of my nice pictures here...

Here are my comments from the trip:

1) Wonderful food! I have never tasted pork and chicken that nice before. The portions were also pretty huge. 2 persons can share a main meal. We ordered a couple of apertizers, a main meal and maybe a dessert for sharing.

2) I've never tipped so much before! We had to leave a tip (about 20% of the total bill) at every restaurant or diner we ate at.

3) Attractions were pretty expensive! Taking the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Building just to see the day and night views of New York City were quite expensive. But you had to do it since you are already there. So no choice...

4) People are nice to you! The Americans seem to be nicer people compared to those from the UK and Australia. At least they treated anyone who passes through the customs at the airport fairly (unlike the other 2 countries). I was asked as many questions as the caucasian guy in the next counter before I passed through.

Anyway, check out the pictures and the weblink coming soon...

Holiday (Finally!!!)

2006-12-08T07:40:00.000+08:00

Going for a holiday today. Will be back in late December. Hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures while I'm holidaying.
Merry Christmas to everyone!!!
(Kids! See you back in school.)

"So madam, where and what are your suggestions?"

2006-11-21T09:13:00.000+08:00

I was reading the Sunday papers when I came across an article at Webthreads titled "Is this the way to punish kids?"

The parent complained that primary school children were punished by keeping them in class during recess for up to 5 days in a row or cancelling PE periods. The parent also mentioned that recess is important to the kids to avoid hunger pangs and asked if these forms of punishment acceptable and do they serve their purpose?

I was not surprised that punishments were carried out during recess times as we also do that in my school. We have a 30 minutes recess period and sometimes, kids who really misbehaves during lessons or cannot complete their work will be let off 15mins late. This is done so to give them at least 10 mins to buy and eat their food. They will not have the time to play and chat with their friends. (10 mins is a long time to eat!) Kids who decided to skip food and play with their friends and remained hungry should not complain to their parents that they are punished with no food!

For parents who do not agree to this form of punishment might want to provide some suggestions as to how the kids should be punished.
I'm listing a few of possiblilities:
1) After school punishment - Maybe clean a toilet (as a group), clears the rubbish in the canteen, etc (Kid will learn responsibilities, or he/she will learn things the 'hard' way. Isn't that what we used to do. So how have we turned out to be?)
2) Multiple but shorter punishments carried out during the recess time throughout the week? (Doesn't makes sense to me. Why punish them the whole week for something they do say, on Monday?)
3) Have parent counselling the kid at home on when to talk appropriately, why he/she is misbehaving. (Since parent feel that school is not doing a great job, maybe the parent should step in. But having said that, I believe parents should already been doing a GOOD JOB, right?)

(These are just my ramblings and my thoughts... Keep an open mind, ok?)

2006-11-20T23:09:00.000+08:00

These 2 shots (part of a fence) were taken during noon. The sun was behind the clouds and it started to rain after 10 minutes or so.

Thi 3rd picture was taken tonight in the car after the rain when I had nothing better to do...

Lens Test

2006-11-19T20:47:00.000+08:00

Took the new lens out for a 'walk' at Peirce Reservoir today. When I reached there, it was just about to rain. I had about 15 mins before it started to drizzle. The colors from the lens is of Nikon standard. I was impressed by the VR that I could take sharper pictures using normal speeds handheld.
The picture of the monkeys was taken from the car. I stopped the car at the roadside and took this picture. Turns out that it's slightly blurry. VR didn't help much since it's a moving object.
Took this picture at the multistorey carpark when I reached home. This was taken handheld at 200mm f5.6 1/80 VR=on. (I am still very impressed!!!) I couldn't have taken this using the Sigma 70-300mm APO lens. The picture would have been very blur handheld.

Nikon 18-200VR 3.5-5.6

2006-11-19T00:28:00.000+08:00

Just bought the Nikon 18-200VR 3.5-5.6 lens. The VR is really something! I'm really sold on VR. Did a couple of quick test shots in my room at 200mm 1/25 f5.6 (with and without VR) and the picture with VR turned on is sharper than the one without VR! For what it's worth, VR really something!!! Here is a picture of the lens.

New Camera (D80) Testing

2006-11-18T18:22:00.000+08:00

Sold off the Canon 400D a couple of weeks ago and bought a Nikon D80 instead. Still used to the functions and buttons of a Nikon. Also prefers the color of the pictures from the Nikon. Here are some pictures taken using the new camera. The lens used was a 12 year old 28-85mm Nikon lens. Go ahead and give me some comments to the quality of the pictures!

Canon 420EX Flash

2006-10-31T06:13:00.000+08:00

Putting this flash unit up for sale on clubsnap. Sigh....

Healthy Community @ South West

2006-10-30T06:36:00.000+08:00

Some group pictures taken last Sunday at the Healthy Community @ South West where the NPCC cadets, School Prefects and soccer players participated in.

Pecking Bird Project

2006-10-26T23:35:00.000+08:00

Here's some project work done by the Secondary One...

School Dance Team

2006-10-25T16:37:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures from the school dance team!

2006 NPCC LaserQuest Competition (Part 3)

2006-10-21T11:40:00.000+08:00

The winning teams.... as well as the best female and male players.

2006 NPCC LaserQuest Competition (Part 2)

2006-10-21T10:38:00.000+08:00

Some pictures of the team... Btw, the top left picture is our Emcees for the event.

2006 NPCC LaserQuest Competition (Part 1)

2006-10-21T10:00:00.000+08:00

The CCA I'm in held a LaserQuest Competition yesterday afternoon. There are 11 teams (including ours) present. We won 1st while RiverValley Sec won 2nd. 3rd place went to Tanglin Sec. It was certainly good to see everyone so excited about the competition. There were fair play, players who demanded that 'penalties' be given to the other team, players who just couldn't keep their mouth shut (even when they won their competitor over 1000 pts during one match)!
Overall, I'm please with the team spirit and attitude of my school cadets. They were pretty well behave and independant and able to manage the event with minimal supervision. Here's some pictures of the event and team pictures.

2006 NPCC Teacher Officers Bowling Competition

2006-10-01T09:17:00.000+08:00

Finally have the time to update my blog. Sorry for the delay!
We had a bowling competition in September held at Victor's Bowl at Marina South. The competition was opened to all NPCC teacher officers. Only a handful of them signed up for it.
Anyway we had a lot of fun. My team (Katherine and I) even won a trophy each. We came in 1st runner-up!

More pictures...

2006-09-03T13:31:00.000+08:00

Promised the girls that I'll post the pictures in my blog.
Girls, here they are. Enjoy!

Teachers' Day Celebration 2006 (End)

2006-09-01T11:30:00.000+08:00

Some snapshots of the day...

Teachers' Day Celebrations 2006 (Con't)

2006-09-01T11:13:00.000+08:00

The performance continues...

Students from Shekou, China who happen to be visiting the school and Singapore join in the celebrations with a song "明天会更好".

Our 2 emcees for the day.

Teachers' Day Celebration 2006 (Con't)

2006-09-01T11:04:00.000+08:00

After the workout, teachers and students were treated to dance and singing acts performed by our prefects and other students.

Teachers' Day Celebration 2006

2006-09-01T10:49:00.000+08:00

The school celebrated Teachers' Day on Thursday. The kids started with some aerobic exercises in the hall. Everyone enjoy the workout dancing to the music of Black Eyed Peas.

The 4th picture showing the instructors and helpers leading everyone in the hall for the workout.

Interclass Games (con't)

2006-08-30T23:09:00.000+08:00

Interclass Games

2006-08-30T22:51:00.000+08:00

Later the same afternoon, the interclass games were held. There were Captain's ball and Frisbee competition going on at the same time. Our class won 5th place. Very good effort from the team. Everyone took part and well. The others who are not playing came and cheer the players.

*** GOOD JOB, 1/1 !!! ***

The Twin's Birthdays

2006-08-30T20:40:00.000+08:00

The twins in my form class celebrated their birthdays in advance today. The class was there. Here are some pictures taken at the 'gathering'. Happy Birthday Girls!!!

Botanic Gardens (Con't)

2006-08-27T00:22:00.000+08:00

I was lucky to take some of these pictures of a dragonfly. I guessed the weather was so hot that it just stay there and not move at all!

Anyway, we ended up at a ice cream palor after we left the Botanic Gardens. This place was 'discovered' when a friend and I were driving aimlessly at the Bukit Timah area. They sell Italian ice cream (Gelato). The cup in first picture is contains Tiramisu and Chocolate flavour while the second picture makes up of fruits of the forrest (mixed berries) and lemon. Both cups of ice cream tasted heavenly!!!

Botanic Gardens

2006-08-27T00:13:00.000+08:00

Some friends from Hong Kong came over for a weekend holiday. Brought them to botanic Gardens on Saturday to feed the fish and ducks. As usual, I brought along my camera to take pictures. It was such a hot day that we stayed for just 45 mins! The recent hot spell caused the pond to dry up and the level of water in the pond has been lowered to about 45cm from the normal watermark. Water lilies and flowers at the pond were practically drying up. Would be nice to see a whole pond full of lilies...

Hygiene Issue

2006-08-22T23:18:00.000+08:00

I was at Parkway Parade Foodcourt this evening having dinner with a couple of friends. What I saw made me think twice about ordering food from a particular stall again.

Although it's not right but I always feel that gloves used by the food vendors are for themselves rather than for the customers that they serve. It happened again today. I ordered "Fried DongFen". The food handler at the stall used his left hand which was protected by gloves to take the raw dongfen from a container. When he can't take all in one hand, he used his right hand (which has no glove) to hold them and put into the bowl. It just doesn't make sense.

I've also seen on another occassion in another eating place that a lady took raw noodles using her gloved hand, then using the same hands to collect money from the customers. It seems that the gloves were used to protect her hands from getting dirty and not for our sake!

Band Performance @ Lau Pat Sat

2006-08-20T14:51:00.000+08:00

The school band performed at the Lau Pat Sat yesterday evening. Many people stopped eating to see what's going on. Many of them were also taking pictures of the band while they perform. They did a wonderful job there. I remembered some music pieces like "Theme from Dances with Wolves" and "Stars on 45"(70's and 80's music).

China Trip - 3 Gorges Cruise - Day 2 (Con't)

2006-08-13T16:22:00.000+08:00

These are the sampans which we took to see some of the sights.
The sampans can take about 20-25 people. We went with a tourgroup from Taiwan. Our tourgroup took the left side of the boat while the other group took the right hand side.
When we were on board, the Taiwanese wanted to take pictures at the front of the boat. Half of them started standing up and walking to the front at the same time! I really cannot imagine anyone more stupid! Don't they know that the boat will capsize if all of them were to do that!!??

One of the boat masters singing a folk song for us.

China Trip - 3 Gorges Cruise - Day 2

2006-08-13T16:09:00.000+08:00

After a good night's sleep, we were told to go to the top deck before we proceed for breakfast. We were supposed to pass the first gorge that morning. The thing is... the water level was supposed to be much much lower than now. But since they have increase the water level, you don't really feel like you are passing through a gorge. But overall, I can imagine how tall the mountains were as compared to now.
A picture of our cruiseship. We were on board of a smaller leisure boat which will bring us to see other parts of the river which our cruise ship is not able to access.

Here in this picture you can see 2 signboards. One showing 175metres while the other showing 150metres. By the end of this year, the level of the water in the river will rise to the first marking and will reach the second marking by 2008. Most plantations and people living below the 175Metre mark will be moved by then.

This is a very nice place to visit so if you have the chance, do so quickly before everything is gone!

China Trip - 3 Gorges Cruise - FengDu (Part2)

2006-08-13T15:48:00.000+08:00

The ski lift which took us up to the ghost city.

Devotees praying for luck, health, whatever they hope for to the gods in the temple. You can buy offerings for the gods.

China Trip - 3 Gorges Cruise - FengDu (Part1)

2006-08-13T15:28:00.000+08:00

First stop from the cruise was to this city called 'FengDu'. It is supposed to be a ghost city where all those who died will pass through here. The weather was very hot. Ladies selling hats were standing from where we disembarked pursuading us to buy hats and maps from them. If you are interested, you can even get a 50-60% off from the things they sell.
Small girl selling sweet potatoes along the steps near the ship.
Many shops selling gifts, souvenirs, food and drinks along the streets as we approach the ghost city. Eat if you dare! I wouldn't since I have a weak stomach. Don't want to be sick halfway during the trip.
The signboard showing a view of the city before the entrance. Pretty big place. And a lot of walking. We were told that we can take a ski lift which will bring us up to the city or to take a hike up. All of us voted for the ski lift! :-)

China Tour - 3 Gorges Cruise - Day 1

2006-08-12T15:17:00.000+08:00

My first meal on board of the cruiseship. Simple toast, sausages and ham. We brought packets of Milo so we made some Cafe Mocha with the coffee the restaurant has provided. I still cannot understand why they serve tomatoes, potatoes, chinese cabbages, and pickles along with western breakfast! Btw, notice the Chinese soup spoons and chopsticks. There wasn't a set of fork and knife available. Sigh...
We had a briefing about the ship facilities as well as the itenerary for the 3 days. The lady spoke in Mandarin and later did a separate briefing in English as there were also guests from Australia, UK and the US.
Some views from the ship while cruising.

National Day Celebration

2006-08-10T14:45:00.000+08:00

Had my first National Day celebration in school on 8 August. There was a ceremony at the parade square and a fun fair that day.

Chongqing Hotpot

2006-08-09T23:59:00.000+08:00

The whole tour group ended up in a Chongqing Hotpot restaurant once we arrive in Chongqing. Finally get to try out the actual stuff! My take on this... the soup is really spicy! The tongue actually numbs before you feel the spiciness all the way down to the stomach. The ones in Singapore are really not that spicy. This restaurant serves buffet style and the dishes they serves are very different too. There's the clotted duck blood, pork slices, fish balls, vegetables, liver, duck liver, duck everything! (Most of us don't take beef, so we decided to just skip it).

After dinner, the coach took us to the harbour where our cruise was already docked there. This was the first time I'm going for a cruise vacation. Very excited. I imagined that it will be something like the Superstar Virgo, Leo style. But when I say the size of the cruise ship, I was not that impressed. Very small. Supposed to be able to hold about 160-180 passengers. We had to carry our hand luggage and walk to the ship on this platform on top of fast flowing yellow river. Porters carried the rest of the suitcases to the ship. We rested on the ship for one night before the ship moves off from the harbour in the morning.

ChengDu Lunch

2006-08-09T23:49:00.000+08:00

We went to this restaurant for our lunch before proceeding to Chongqing. We were supposed to board the cruise ship in Chongqing that night. The restaurant serves traditional food and comes with name taken from 'the romance of three kingdoms'. The food was very good. Enjoyed it very much!

The Painted Faces Show (China ChengDu)

2006-08-09T23:34:00.000+08:00

These were taken at the show - The Shadows Show. The last picture is the man who made these shadows of animals. I just think he's good.

Chinese Painted Faces

2006-08-08T23:04:00.000+08:00

The pictures from the China trip continues....
These were taken at the ChengDu Cultural Theatre where the actors staged a variety of shows. There were acrobats, singing, dances and the most popular, the painted faces. Painted faces show was where the actors dressed up in tradition war costumes and changes their faces in split seconds. They change about 6-8 faces through the show. I tried to take pictures of them changing faces but I was just to slow. :-)

JiuZaiGou, China (Day 3) - JiuZaiGou

2006-07-16T22:53:00.000+08:00

Today we start out JiuZaiGou tour after breakfast. Here's a brief summary of the place. "JiuZaiGou is known far and wide as a 'Fairyland'. The name came from nine Tibetan villages scattered thoughtout the valley. It's attraction lies in its simple, idyllic beauty; a fairyland, primitive and natural and still in its pristine state. With majestic and unrivelled emerald lakes, layered waterfalls, collorful forests, snow peaks and Tibetan folk villages, all blending in harmony with each other - it is nature's jewel set into the mountains."