SINGAPORE

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Question: What is this? Hint: Must be used in pairs:) Answer to this Quiz, click here :)

During the hazy season, I begin to like the rain. Though it is Autumn now in most cities, but here in Singapore, it is still Summer :) and the grass will always be green like this. This was taken after the rain...and some rainwater are collected on the grass and the 'petals' that has fallen as well...

This is the tallest building in Singapore...it is called UOB building in Raffles Place:) I was there to the Change Alley and The Arcade and happened to pass by. Tomorrow you'll see the Raffles Place MRT station, the closest ''european architecture'' we have in Singapore:)

I called this vivo shaped. And somehow in this building, or so called vivocity, everything is almost like a 'fluid' representation, from the icons, the ads, the ceiling, the outline, the carpark and now the fountain:)

There will be free appreciation of jazz, live jazz band performance in the outdoors. See how neatly the settings are to entice islanders to join in the Jazzy ambience:)

Being a suntanning craze, my frequent suntanning spot is Sentosa. There are three beaches, Siloso, KM8, Palawan Beach. Normally after the tann, my suntan-buddy and I would take the TRAM around the island and at one point which is where you will see here on this photo, the SOUTHERNMOST tip of ASIA:) The 3rd Quiz answers are here .

Now, this is the 3rd Quiz for Mr/Miss Sharp Eyes DP ;) Becos Quiz 2 (Circles...Circles) was a little difficult, I've decided to include a small clue on the photograph for those who are more observant to make the 'chase' a little exciting!;D The question to today's quiz is: What is this? p.s. I'm running into the future today, as I'm taking a long haul flight tonight;) I'll be back on Monday 12Noon to announce the 'WINNER';) So Carlos (Coimbra DP) , I hope with this 'extended play' time, you'll get an opportunity to join...

This is my favourite Indian food called ''Nasi Briyani''. I dun really eat a lot of red meat. But this mutton curry is so delicious that even now while typing out its description makes me 'salivate':p hmmm..... The stall is always in long queues (Long queue= means lots of demands); despite the price is S$5, lots of people still dun mind it becos they have really prepared the whole set meal really well. You can try it at Northpoint Mall, Basement 2, stall name ''Shami Banana Leaf Delights''

I post this because the colours resembles much like the coming Christmas season. Everywhere is in the midst of preparation for xmas, such as all decorations in green and red. Instead of putting up a christmas tree photo, I wanna introduce this very cooling dessert which is much favoured in Singapore. Not just becos of our climate which is summer summer summer throughout the whole year:) we also love spicy food like curry, sambal, chili crab etc So you can imagine, this coloured ice scrappings that formed like a 'mountain' and underneath are red beans, atap seeds (the soft ones are really delicious;)), some jelly cubes in pink, green stripes and they also added 'durian' these days:) I was told that in the 60s, this dessert is held in the hands and it is shaped like a ball:) Lots of children and adults both love it. But due to hygiene reasons, this way of eating ice-kachang is seldom seen. What kind of desserts do you like in your city?

We went to Sakae Sushi at Wheelock Place. It's something like our final dinner gathering for this year 2006. I like this round spherical shape interior lamp. The queue was super-long as usual but as we dun mind the counter seats and compromising to that we get to 'cut queue';) At the counter seats, you'll face these conveyor belts, 'conveying' all these colourful plates of sushi, maki, nigiri, makimono ....and ohh, sometimes sashimi:) Yesterday's quiz answer is related to today's. Thank you all for participating:) most of your answers are really imaginative;D Ta-daaa........ Here's the answer

Quiz lovers out there....again a look out for MISS SHARP-EYES DP or MR SHARP-EYES DP :) The question is: What is the function of this item in the photo?

I've got them as Wedding Anniversary gifts to Eliz & her husband. These flowers looked a little fragile, soft and delicate... Aren't they lovely?

Ohh..worry not. Our kind of dwellings are not tilted at such an angle :p It would be interesting if everyone lives in such a TILTED block of flats. Hee hee, one would climb the stairs but would seemed to be jus walking across a short distance. But hey, then wouldn't the furnitures need to be sealed tightly to the floors:)?

This is a hand written 'ad' about babysitting which i found on the noticeboard. This board has a broken alkalic panel, been vandalised at the bus stop and somehow it is illegal to put up any ads like this without consent from the authorities. It's format is rather more like a piece of note. The language is a mixed of chinese and engish-a little unusual. Even the style is very sincere, very genuine. She even included her (bad) experience of parents cheating on her, not paying her etc thereby demanding a upfront deposit of $300 (cos she's afraid people will 'cheat her') Just felt her writing is like some scribbles that looked like some abstract graphics from far :p

I love this soundtrack in the movie 'Dirty Dancing' - not just this soundtrack, the movie also:) In the 90's, I remembered going to movies at the old cinema Lido (now a cineplex). With my classmates especially Ching Sian and we often hang around Orchard Road then went for McDonald's together and those days were really with lots of laughters. That used to be my kind of Saturdays' activities after our extra cirricular activities. We joined the uniform group called Girl Guides so sometimes in the late evenings we will attend camp fires organised by other schools' guides or scouts:) Those were the days.... Have a good weekend!

The more difficult to reach, ''must be'' a better fruit? This mentality is very strange in Singapore. In fact, I dun think it is something we are proud of. This mentality even has a name called 'Kiasu-ism'. Can you believe it? Even the Wikipedia has information about it !(Read what Zsolt feels about this mentality) On theme day of November, Kim wrote very nice comments to me about what she heard about Singapore, being very forward looking in many aspects. I was glad. But being a Singaporean, sometimes I dun see eye to eye with Kiasu Singaporeans. This behaviour - it's very annoying and irritating behaviour:( I dunno why only Singapore is so famous for this? And it can be such a vicious cycle as many parents are teaching their children the 'wrong doings' with bad examples set. It is not gracious at all. Why can't our people be recognise as more 'world-class' people?

These lamps are unique in my eyes... They are not found on the streets or in the outdoors, They are part of the different lamps placed intentionally in series of 3's. I wonder why in threes'?

I was rather weak in my Chinese writing at that time when I was only 15 years old. And one school teacher told me this: "Having a pen-pal is an effective way to improve Chinese writing'' To speak (I mean conversational Chinese) is not a problem, at least to me, BUT not for writing Chinese :( So I decided to... continue click here to this true story , my real life story about how the MAILBOX relates to me. Whenever I walk past mailboxes, this particular kind of mailbox design always captured my attention. And whenever I was in Hong Kong too (There's still plentiful there, but not so in Singapore.)Hence now in Singapore, it is something that is about to disappear soon... I managed to find this traditional mailbox at Vivocity food republic. p.s. I have previously wrote a post about how Singapore is striving to become a digital nation, you may click here if you wanna read about it;) as it'll soon be a reality that we are going to have email boxes replacing such snail

What does GREEN symbolise to you? To me it's linked straight away to sunlight giving its energy to create 'life':) I love the sunshine, and it means plants get to photosynthesize. Thus, spiritually it means 'life' or Protect our Earth:D => Liveliness. See you can also roll on the tarn , see photo by Wilf ;) My 14-year-old cousin is packing his luggage for his Volleyball training in Taiwan. This trip, organised by his High School, is a compulsory training and these young men will have a friendly match with some of the schools in Taipei. The tricky part about this packing is, NO GREEN and also NO RED. (Green is pro- and Red is anti-). Simply becos of Taiwan's current political situation, he can't bring the RED backpack..., no green windbreaker, no green school uniform, no red shoebag:( aww.... Colours can be so sensitive. I guess some of you who live in cities with the four-seasons climate are already experiencing Autumn, and Joensuu, East Finland is alread

Every day I must pass by this particularly block. Today I like this moment when the sky is of this blue...I love all hues of blue and twilight is very special time of the day for me. I like this instrumental as it can express how I feel about this 'mood'.

Waiting can be infuriating and it can also be such a joy. I pressed the bell today, but no one answered. I didn't know whether was it because no one was at home or maybe they didn't hear someone ringing the bell. While waiting, I squad down and saw this, still holding on to my umbrella, I decided to take out my camera. Now you know why to me, the waiting is 'a joy'?:)

How about a temple instead of Churches' pix? ;) This temple (Seu Teck Sean Tong Temple) is right in the centre of this housing estate where I took the night shot which Olivier from Evry (France) likes:) Actually this is a rather old estate in Singapore called Toa Payoh. Many efforts have been taken to 'upgrade' the surrounding areas like having a lift that stops on every floor, new market etc. And strangely if you were to take a shuttle bus within this town, you'll see more senior citizens than others. Some estates just has a demographic of young newly weds, some have more couples with young toddlers and some have big families with more primary or secondary school children. This is how the zoomed out view looked like:)

ohh, it's really a long bus. Today I managed to capture it with my Sony Cybershot;) I'm feeling a little glad as I can share it with you all here:D How is your city's most versatile transportation like? I dun really mind taking buses, cos here in Singapore our transportation is rather well connected (or i should say well-organised). After about ten stops, you can easily see an MRT (subway) station, where you can choose to alight or transfer to another public transport. But actually i kind of miss double-decker bus rides in my younger days. We still have them though, just fewer on the road than before.

Now, so many dp bloggers with SHARP eyes....and you know? when I post this, I wish to see how many of you are sharp to tell whether this is a sunrise or a sunset? Some of you might already know, this is Singapore, a small island very near to the Equator and the whole year through we have summer, summer, summer:) That's not very useful hint, huh? heh heh...:)

The colour seems strange, i got this shot on the moving bus, this result was somehow amazing to me. Coincidentally, the street lamp outside the windows seemed to be something he was holding on to. Up til now, I'm still not sure what is it ''p

I am a movie buff. Yes, totally! I love movie experiences, and yesterday was the last second day of the EU Film Festival and I went for the United Kingdom's arts film called ' My Summer of Love '. This photo was taken right above my head at the box office (of the new cineplex at vivocity ) while waiting in the queue for my tickets :) I also found out that this cineplex is screening 24hours, wow! Quotes Tamsin: This is Edith Piaf. I just adore her. She was this marvellous Parisian woman who had such a wonderfully tragic life. She was married 3 times & each husband died in mysterious circumstances. The last one was a boxing champion and she killed him with a fork. She didn't even go to prison because in France crimes of passion are forgiven. Please click to see/hear this song sang by Edith Piaf . This music set the whole mood to that intended scene:) Alot was "said" (between the lines) in this particular scene which makes one wants to go back to watch this f

Now this is the newest and one of the largest mall we have here in Singapore. It is called Vivo City. And for those of you who knew about WTC or have heard about the World Trade Centre, yes it used to be, now it is the refurbished area and they renamed it as 'VIVO CITY'. Well, I dunno why exactly. That they have to changed the name from 'World Trade Centre' to Vivo City . Perhaps they dun want us to be reminded of the sad event on September 11. Perhaps it is the consumer behaviour that they are concerned about, so that means for commerical reasons. But whichever reason it is, it's a nice wide area with a Cruise Centre where you can see ships, cruises and ferries of various sizes in the outdoor areas of the mall. Please click to see, I really love the twilight scene it sets. Do you like it too?

So, did you ask how we managed to keep even our void decks, corridors so clean? Ok, here's the secret, now it's 'leaked':- Look, this photo shows a classic example to keep our living environment clean. This small holding area is where junk mails are 'collected'. These mail boxes are for the residents living in this entire block of housing flat. The design creates an easy access even if small or short children wants to help their mom or dad to check the letter box. It's not a problem now. Even if they live on the 12th Floor;) There is also an extensive use of garbage bins, or trash cans islandwide:) More importantly is to educate the public to throw their unwanted junk mails and flyers into the trash bins. it's bad PSI 102 it's choking:( bad!

Night This is one of the views from my window:) A night view. It is facing a primary school...so you can hear the bell rings for recess, the children's playing, squealing with delight on the field where they play a game called ''Catching'', which is right beside the school from Mondays through Fridays. Because of the haze (PSI still between 70-120), I opened my window less often these days. It's a little sad that the suspended PM10 pollutants will stay until early November becos of the El Nino and rain will not arrive before end October. Meanwhile we got to endure with it. I am getting dizziness as inhaling all these weird PM10 what you call, with size big enough to irritate eyes, throat, worse still I have got a sensitive nose I managed some wonderful skies shot by the beautiful sunset by peering out of this window though (before the hazy days). One of which I've shared it here . So Kris (Szentes, Hungary) you can see my 'world' now ;)

No excuse. It comes in all four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil . We are multi racial, so even a simple rule has been translated to FOUR languages. Now you see , you have no more excuses... Somehow looking at these rules, you can imagine how many rules we need to abide just in public premise, considering these are already so many for being on a public bus. I just find these ''rules'' too common sense. But somehow, some inconsiderate people will need such reminders. Look at the the extend of reminders: NO durians! This sign will probably not appear in the europeanean cities, since this fruit is all native to south-eastern Asia cities. It has a strong fragrant and it can be overpowering to some. But hey, it's one of my favourite fruits.

Going home late in Singapore is rather common. It is also rather safe. Even the public transport has a poster informing you about cheaper means to get home after midnight. This service is called ''NIGHT RIDER'' :) only S$3 However, I also understand it is not so for some countries. Ladies better stay home when night falls. Is it like this also in your city?

I was listening to bbc.co.uk while i was on my way home...it was reported about China's reform policy that their government would pay parents in rural areas who had no more than one son - or two daughters - 600 yuan ($100) a year each starting at the age of 60. In Singapore, on the other hand, the govenment is providing a ''Baby Bonus'' Package, to entice more couples to give birth. What it means is parents will get a cash gift of $3,000 for the 1st child, and a cash gift and co-savings of up to $9,000 for the 2nd child and up to $18,000 each for the 3rd and 4th child. Here's a video clip about Singapore edited by Zsolt , in which you can see more of the cute little girl in the above photo. I found her very adorable:) and sweet!:) Back to the initial note, what's gonna happen to those (Chinese in China) who long and love to have more children but is limited by their ''one child policy''? Does your country have such kind of pro-family or popul

The pollutants spreads the light of the street lamp, that's why it makes the light source looked like that. Today's haze isn't getting any better, 116!! My eyes itch, i've been sneezing, got to close all my windows to inhale less of such harmful pollutants by the fires set off by the Sumatrans who believed it is a way to get fertile land :(

One of the tabloid newspaper we have here in Singapore that targets younger readers with more eye-catching "tabloid"-style journalism coupled with often sensationalised headlines. The NEWPAPER. And while I was at the Takashimaya Square, I saw this setup for the Grand Finals. The tracks (for the contestants to 'cat walk' on) looks funny in my view with the 'little men' on this topview now, as if some children's board game:) Wanna see how the winner looks like? Yes | No, Thanks

It's Autumn, the only thing we will know that autumn is here is by the main chinese festival called Mid Autumn's Festival. So it means even before the full moon nite, it's mooncakes sales, lanterns etc. Other than that, no obvious signs of autumn becos our weather will not change. It is still like Summer! Sunshine. Even if we hope that it rain a bit to clear the hazy conditions becos of the Sumatran forest fires, it will not. We have to wait for a couple more days then it will start to pour abit:) This was found outside the stretch of road called Orchard Road. Orchard Road got its name from the nutmeg, pepper and fruit orchards that used to lie on either side of the street in the 1800s. Now it is rather strange if you try to match its look with its name. See the overall effect on this pix here . This photo shows the ad panels of Paragon at night, it is like a "Moulin Rouge'' wanna-be. Don't you think so?

When I was a kid, like 8, I enjoyed reading a rather popular (at least at my time) children's magazine called ''Young Generation'' So being my very first children's magazine subscription, I learnt that I need to pay using Money Order. It can only be purchase from a Post Office. To mail out the form/letter, we MUST go to the post office. First to buy the stamp or to weigh the postal item. Very conventional as we have to wait for office hours, queues etc. Today, most of us can buy a stamp at any hour since these SAM machines are 24hours islandwide. It serves like an automated post office. With the touch screen features, I am glad that we can weigh the item, buy stamps as well as pay bills. It was good news as today our government announced that it plans to provide free wireless Internet access to the entire island by 2007 and at the same time, offer about 10,000 subsidized computers to low-income students in an effort to give all of its citizens more opportuniti

7......6......5.......4................... NO, he's not a suicide bomber...dun worry... Neither is he a Ghost Buster :) not in the broad daylight:p This is a grass 'cutter', this tool that he carries with him is actually an engine (it makes some mechanical noise). He would brush over the grass, and a translucent plastic, like a wire fastener acts like a 'blade' at its tip of the long lever. Then with a sweeping motion across the long grass, it'll cut the grass under these ''blades'' giving off a fresh green smell... Can you imagine how dangerous it is for him, for this 'engine' that he was carrying was labelled 'DANGER: KEEP AWAY!' ?

A Ramen treat from my friend Ching Sian, a belated Birthday ''celebration'' for me at Ajisen Ramen (my favourite japanese ramen)...This is Ching Sian, dun you think she looked mysterious like this? i kind of like the lighting effects of this restaurant, nice warm cosy experience:)

In a bus interchange, there will be rows of stone seats like these. I guess it's becos of the height of these seats that makes them really comfortable even for a short moment. Cos u know why? As by the time you've done with lots (or some) of window shopping at a mall nearby, you'll find these stone seats really comfy to rest your legs and feet:). Somehow in Singapore, there's bound to be a shopping mall somewhere when a bus interchange is found.

Childhood. Especially when celebrating the Mid Autumn's Festival, I always chose lanterns which MUST be lit using candles only and my favourite design is always the BUTTERFLIES. I still remember the 'thrilling moments' of 'walking my butterfly lantern' so afraid that it will 'la ti tu' (as my grandmother liked to say in Teochew, which means 'caught fire') :p These days, I can't find anymore cellophane butterflies traditional laterns :( It has been mostly replaced with battery operated plastic icons such as Power Puff Girls and the CG cartoon characters that blinks and comes with childish musical tunes.

This 'YUAN' means the chinese currency renminbi, the greetings used by Chinese when you first called into china would be ''Ning Hao'' But how would you say it? In Singapore, Singaporeans will just say 'hello', some say 'Har - LOU', some say 'hey-lo' ;) I will sometimes say 'hi!' :D but if I am calling japan, I'll say 'moshi-moshi' :) Do share with me what you say when you first pick up the phone to greet your caller...i'm simply curious;)

Green Cow for a change...i imagined maybe the milk it produces will be 'pandan' flavour :D hee hee... As Pandan is said to be a restorative, deodorant, indolent and phylatic, promoting a feeling of wellbeing and acting as a counter to tropical lasstitude. It may be chewed as a breath sweetener or used as a preservative on foods. It is also said to have flavonoids which are believed to have a variety of healthful properties, including antiviral, anti-allergen, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. I REALLY missed the clear skies we used to have. Today is a super-hazy day. The wind is bringing in haze from the fires in Southern Sumatra. Visibility in Singapore was reduced from 10 kilometres to two to three kilometres as the 24-hour Pollutants Standards Index rose slightly to 54 at 4pm. And guess what, it was detected that there are 228 hotspots in Sumatra!!! Oh no... Below is a video for Kris, it's about the Biennale in Singapore:)

Not a new biological disease...POLKA dot is used becos polka dot is kinetic; it's a circle, it's never-ending. When thot of kinetic energy, it's thoughts of dancing, not just fashion but theatrical. This is part of the Singapore Biennale, 60 trees along Orchard Road have received a make-over. They were dressed in red and white polka dotted strips of cloth which took 15 workers an average of four hours to wrap one tree.