Leaving for a 'sidetrip' to Shanghai in the morning... all thanks to the fact that I've learned that it's in my best interest to respond with a simple 'yes' when I'm asked questions.
"Would you like to try this mooncake?"
"Would you like to do your laundry?"
"Would you like to visit Shanghai?"
Really, would you decline? Saying yes has thrown open doors that I never saw in front of me. What I find behind each door has been surprising and delightful. I've been enjoying the word 'delightful' immensely... or is it that I've been immensely delighted as of late. Regardless, I am both and it is good!
The whole idea of a travel-blog has been tossed to the winds. I've just had a short discussion (Hi Grace!) regarding documenting one's experiences while on a trip. I've taken half as many pictures as I'd expected to, having been rather content to see my surroundings with my own eyes and not necessarily through a lens. I could see with my own eyes and then document it with my camera, but this motion inevitably becomes repetitive and it almost gets in the way of one's natural movements... bottomline, I've been too busy experiencing my trip to formally document it. Blogging is an afterthought, to debrief, and I hope it'll suffice for you the reader... and any of my friends who were hoping to live vicariously through this 2-month trip. :)
I thought this blog would be more about Singapore, but I'm struggling with well, my words. I'd concocted an entire paragraph on how I see the country as a visitor (rather than a family member visiting family), but the only remnant of that paragraph will be this shortened version which unfortunately still sounds like a thesis statement to a stale school essay:
I'd described Singapore as glossy. I stand by the observation (not a difficult one to make) that Shopping is a national sport. Yes the S in Shopping was capitalized. It's THAT serious. Any features that may have been authentic has been replaced by rampant commercialization. The country is constantly making 'improvements' and the entire island is under construction, all on pace to turn it into what appears to be, sadly,... one gigantic resort. It does still impress with its world-class attractions and super-chic shopping districts, but as a whole. It just... isn't...charming?
Whew. Strangely enough, that was not easy to type.
So onto fun and easy: I had fun. Truly. Different if not normal type of fun. MRT-hopping' Hawker-centers-piggin' out type of fun. I went to F-1 and saw a variety of... well I think technically they're called 'vroom-vrooms'... only in practice, but nontheless, fun. I saw the views from the 38th floor of a condo-showroom... stunning. I sat by the Esplanade and enjoyed the lull and lights of the Singaporean skyline at night. I played Street Fighter at the Arcades under Bughis Junction... I ate Satay (meat on sticks!) and drank a pint of Tiger Beer at the Satay Club in Clarke Quay and chuckled at the sight of Hooter Girls...
But what MADE this part of my journey... is this little place in the Chinatown district when you exit the Outram Park MRT station. OSO Ristorante is the name, I'll never forget the music, the magic, the moment... when I... bit... into... my first morsel of foie gras. I may not have a dish like that anytime soon, if ever, but I'll always have that moment... that night... sigh. Beautiful. Just... beautiful. This place will stay with me for a long time.
I think I'll leave Singapore on this delicious note... :)
5.10.09
2.10.09
A quick look at the date indicated on the computer confirms it, it's been a month since I flew out of Los Angeles. It - the city - feels very very far away.
A cool breeze is coming through the kitchen window, the season's changing into Fall, although it could also just be the two storm systems that's threatening the coast of Taiwan that's causing the temperature to drop overnight. Nontheless it's a welcomed change to the constant humidity and heat that may not have dampened my spirits, but definitely my clothes. I will NOT miss the parts of this trip that found me sweating uncomfortably in inappropriate places...
To start, Singapore was a revelation.
At the heart of my trip, or the deciding factor that brought me to Singapore, was the celebration of my grandfather turning 98. It's difficult to describe what it's like to have a grandfather who is 98, or a grandma who is turning 94 but whose health is failing. They've lived in the same house for the past 40 plus years, the same furnishings still adorn the same floors, the orange carpet remains orange, although infinitely lighter in shade, not that the occupants of the house would even remember what shade it had been...
The pace of the house has not changed since I visited as a little girl, it's as if in this house, time slows down. This house IS the heart of the Chee Clan. Grandfather or Gong-Gong as we call him, had his birthday feted by his children, grand-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Four generations under one roof, eating the same foods we've always enjoyed, conversing in the manner in which we always have, and sitting on the same stairs that seated us as children. The new generation scampered about the dining room unaware... it will be years before they realize how blessed they were to have been a part of such a celebration, to be able to be in the house, in the company of family, to have that moment in time.
... to be continued.
A cool breeze is coming through the kitchen window, the season's changing into Fall, although it could also just be the two storm systems that's threatening the coast of Taiwan that's causing the temperature to drop overnight. Nontheless it's a welcomed change to the constant humidity and heat that may not have dampened my spirits, but definitely my clothes. I will NOT miss the parts of this trip that found me sweating uncomfortably in inappropriate places...
To start, Singapore was a revelation.
At the heart of my trip, or the deciding factor that brought me to Singapore, was the celebration of my grandfather turning 98. It's difficult to describe what it's like to have a grandfather who is 98, or a grandma who is turning 94 but whose health is failing. They've lived in the same house for the past 40 plus years, the same furnishings still adorn the same floors, the orange carpet remains orange, although infinitely lighter in shade, not that the occupants of the house would even remember what shade it had been...
The pace of the house has not changed since I visited as a little girl, it's as if in this house, time slows down. This house IS the heart of the Chee Clan. Grandfather or Gong-Gong as we call him, had his birthday feted by his children, grand-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Four generations under one roof, eating the same foods we've always enjoyed, conversing in the manner in which we always have, and sitting on the same stairs that seated us as children. The new generation scampered about the dining room unaware... it will be years before they realize how blessed they were to have been a part of such a celebration, to be able to be in the house, in the company of family, to have that moment in time.
... to be continued.
15.9.09
Annoyance
VERY quickly...
After a week and half in Singapore, based on my keen observation, I have arrived at this dreadful conclusion about Singapore: There is a disporportionate number of beautiful women versus good-looking men. Handsome's a stretch for most countries. Thanks to their fashion sense and slim physique, the women of Singapore are very pretty as a population, but I've spotted exactly TWO guys I thought were good-looking. One was European. Or Anglo... I've even been in the Clarke Quay district during lunchtime when all the folks are on lunch break. Nope. In fact, I'm qustioning if that man was the only cute guy I've seen on this trip because I can't even remember what the other guy looked like.
Off to Suntec City... or "SINGAPORE'S LARGEST SHOPPING MALL" dum-dum-dum... maybe I'll have better luck today? It's just eye-candy. Who doesn't like a handful every now and then? :)
After a week and half in Singapore, based on my keen observation, I have arrived at this dreadful conclusion about Singapore: There is a disporportionate number of beautiful women versus good-looking men. Handsome's a stretch for most countries. Thanks to their fashion sense and slim physique, the women of Singapore are very pretty as a population, but I've spotted exactly TWO guys I thought were good-looking. One was European. Or Anglo... I've even been in the Clarke Quay district during lunchtime when all the folks are on lunch break. Nope. In fact, I'm qustioning if that man was the only cute guy I've seen on this trip because I can't even remember what the other guy looked like.
Off to Suntec City... or "SINGAPORE'S LARGEST SHOPPING MALL" dum-dum-dum... maybe I'll have better luck today? It's just eye-candy. Who doesn't like a handful every now and then? :)
12.9.09
Quick blurb
Frances has Traveler's Block. That's writer's block but while traveling. I can't think of anything worse.
I'd like to write about something other than myself, but since I'm still stuck in a rut... that's all I can muster up. Sigh.
:(
Nevertheless, here's a quote from Hamlet which thanks to Kenneth Branagh's 4-hour epic production, IS my favorite play to this day... from Act II, Scene II: "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so".
I'd like to write about something other than myself, but since I'm still stuck in a rut... that's all I can muster up. Sigh.
:(
Nevertheless, here's a quote from Hamlet which thanks to Kenneth Branagh's 4-hour epic production, IS my favorite play to this day... from Act II, Scene II: "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so".
11.9.09
Thought of the Night...
It's a dangerous thing, blogging at 3 in the morning.
Continuing with my Shakespearean state of mind... tonight's quote of choice is from Twelfth Night, one of my favorite plays and one that introduced me to Shakespeare in 7th grade. Mrs. Floe, the devil herself on scooter, made sure we ate, drank, and slept Shakespeare. More on that another time.
And so from Act III, Scene 1: "Love sought is good, but giv'n unsought is better".
Earlier today, a friend wondered why it was that it's never the one who you want to be clingy that is, and it's always the ones you don't want to be clingy who are. Her ex from five years ago hasn't quite got the message that even if he was the last man on earth, she wouldn't be back with him.
Anyway, my thoughts on the subject - I don't think clingy is a good thing, period.
Reflecting on the quote, I'll let love come to me.
Continuing with my Shakespearean state of mind... tonight's quote of choice is from Twelfth Night, one of my favorite plays and one that introduced me to Shakespeare in 7th grade. Mrs. Floe, the devil herself on scooter, made sure we ate, drank, and slept Shakespeare. More on that another time.
And so from Act III, Scene 1: "Love sought is good, but giv'n unsought is better".
Earlier today, a friend wondered why it was that it's never the one who you want to be clingy that is, and it's always the ones you don't want to be clingy who are. Her ex from five years ago hasn't quite got the message that even if he was the last man on earth, she wouldn't be back with him.
Anyway, my thoughts on the subject - I don't think clingy is a good thing, period.
Reflecting on the quote, I'll let love come to me.
9.9.09
Quote of the Day
While leaving Kasai Road, I enjoy a moment with the snippity little dog next door who is barking its stupid little head off. It barked at me, I 'barked' back, it barked some more, I bared my teeth and snarled a little... what? Don't judge me.
Seeing this, Auntie Agnes says, "that dog - all sound and fury signfying nothing".
My mouth is agape, "What! That's a brilliant quote!"
"... it's Shakespeare!"
In the back of her car I hang my head in shame... "Oh..."
My mom chimes in, "don't you have all his books...? Time to..."
".... yeah..."
So here, quote of the day from Sir William Shakespeare: "Life is a tale told by an idiot -- full of sound and fury, signifying nothing".
Sometimes that's how I view my blogs. Fail.
Seeing this, Auntie Agnes says, "that dog - all sound and fury signfying nothing".
My mouth is agape, "What! That's a brilliant quote!"
"... it's Shakespeare!"
In the back of her car I hang my head in shame... "Oh..."
My mom chimes in, "don't you have all his books...? Time to..."
".... yeah..."
So here, quote of the day from Sir William Shakespeare: "Life is a tale told by an idiot -- full of sound and fury, signifying nothing".
Sometimes that's how I view my blogs. Fail.
6.9.09
Continuation...
So to keep me from playing anymore Bejeweled for the evening... already a quick tangent: stupid brother brings out the "oh-look-it's-a-game-and-there's-a-high-score-table-and-my-name's-not-on-it-so-now-I-have-to-play-it" in me EVERYTIME we're together. So in spite of the fact that I am in a foreign country and therefore should be doing what may be considered... foreign things, I am in fact, sitting on the floor of his flat, on the laptop, playing my 1,000th game of Bejeweled. At least I was, and now I've decided to write a bit, but I'm not sure what's going to come out because it's 12:45 in the morning after a not-too-eventful day.
A recap: Lunch was Dim Sum - delightfully-plated and delicious - at the Conrad Hotel with my First Uncle, Auntie, Cousin and Cousin-in-Law. This was followed by a visit to the Peranakan Museum and a long trek to and through the major shopping plazas on Orchard Road. Subsequently amazed by Singaporean architectural ingenuity. They have been and are somehow able to construct massive shopping blocks and underground thruways without disrupting the daily flow of traffic and access to neighboring plazas. Incidentally, I came face to face with most of Singaporeans in the new Ion center... insane number of shoppers and lookers. Highlight of this little window-shopping trip? A new bakery called BreadSociety... cute little shop with French tunes playing overhead, aside from the unmistakable smell of freshly baked bread, I was drawn by the bakers in action, with one in particular that I thought was the head-chef, who was Japanese and looked up and flashed a quick and friendly smile in my direction when he saw me watching him with fascination as his deft fingers worked the dough. It was amazing to see each and every little baked good hand-worked to such a degree, there were seven bakers working in a tiny station, but while working at a brisk pace, they all seemed happy and relaxed. I had one lovely creation - a light bread with stuffed smoked chicken topped with melted cheese... mmmm....
Back to the original intention of this blog, to continue patting myself on the back on my why I should be proud of myself list:
10. I will not settle for less than what I deserve.
To expound: Because dammit I offer nothing less in return. With anything and anyone that I truly care about, I will do nothing half-assed.
Bonus material: A snippet to Frances at age 18 to early 20's: Relatively alone, having moved south from San Fran to LA. Looked up what it meant to be self-actualized, wanted to be that. Often sidetracked by ill-advised romantic pursuits which subsequently failed miserably, but from an individual growth standpoint, undeterred in becoming a well-rounded and likable person. I noted my strengths and weaknesses, what I wanted, what I wanted to work on. I wanted and still want to be the best version of myself in all situations and with all people, but while that's unlikely because I tend to bend (not over backwards) to accommodate who I'm with, I'm looking for people (and THE person) that when around them, I find that I AM the best version of myself. I want to be challenged. I want to be inspired. I want... a list of things that'll make up its own blog at another time, haha.
And this takes us to...
#11: I am eternally optimistic.
A recap: Lunch was Dim Sum - delightfully-plated and delicious - at the Conrad Hotel with my First Uncle, Auntie, Cousin and Cousin-in-Law. This was followed by a visit to the Peranakan Museum and a long trek to and through the major shopping plazas on Orchard Road. Subsequently amazed by Singaporean architectural ingenuity. They have been and are somehow able to construct massive shopping blocks and underground thruways without disrupting the daily flow of traffic and access to neighboring plazas. Incidentally, I came face to face with most of Singaporeans in the new Ion center... insane number of shoppers and lookers. Highlight of this little window-shopping trip? A new bakery called BreadSociety... cute little shop with French tunes playing overhead, aside from the unmistakable smell of freshly baked bread, I was drawn by the bakers in action, with one in particular that I thought was the head-chef, who was Japanese and looked up and flashed a quick and friendly smile in my direction when he saw me watching him with fascination as his deft fingers worked the dough. It was amazing to see each and every little baked good hand-worked to such a degree, there were seven bakers working in a tiny station, but while working at a brisk pace, they all seemed happy and relaxed. I had one lovely creation - a light bread with stuffed smoked chicken topped with melted cheese... mmmm....
Back to the original intention of this blog, to continue patting myself on the back on my why I should be proud of myself list:
10. I will not settle for less than what I deserve.
To expound: Because dammit I offer nothing less in return. With anything and anyone that I truly care about, I will do nothing half-assed.
Bonus material: A snippet to Frances at age 18 to early 20's: Relatively alone, having moved south from San Fran to LA. Looked up what it meant to be self-actualized, wanted to be that. Often sidetracked by ill-advised romantic pursuits which subsequently failed miserably, but from an individual growth standpoint, undeterred in becoming a well-rounded and likable person. I noted my strengths and weaknesses, what I wanted, what I wanted to work on. I wanted and still want to be the best version of myself in all situations and with all people, but while that's unlikely because I tend to bend (not over backwards) to accommodate who I'm with, I'm looking for people (and THE person) that when around them, I find that I AM the best version of myself. I want to be challenged. I want to be inspired. I want... a list of things that'll make up its own blog at another time, haha.
And this takes us to...
#11: I am eternally optimistic.
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