Il Mare (The sea)

A fisherman's quiet moment

Coast of Jeju island

I love the sea. I love the smell of the seawater. I too, love the seawinds that pepper salt on my hair. I enjoy the wide expanse of sky and water and the unending horizon. To be out in an open sea on a good day must be one of life's greatest pleasure. However, woe betide those who try to encounter her on a bad day. For the sea is like a woman, she too, is affected by Luna (the moon).

I have never fished though. I do wish to try it someday. But I lived through a fishing experience from Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea. It is easily one of my favourite for more reasons than one.

'He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish.'

It has been one-hundred and twenty-three days. One can only hope it was as good a fish as I wish it to be.

Beautiful Jeju (아름다운 제주도)

Jeju island is known for its clean air and water, mountains, stones, horses, female divers, black pork, amongst a host of other things. It is also known for its erratic weather, but it was perfectly cool and sunny during our stay.

Beautiful Korean (아름다운 한국사람)

I always believe that a country is known by its people. The best memories may not be the most famous mountain or lake, but being in the company of the people and even best yet - of friends. I consider myself most priviledged to have had these memories. Although I did not manage to meet all the people I wanted to or spend as much time as I wished to, I am still so happy and thankful for the little time together!

Jia and Won June

Gangnam, Seoul

Jeongae and Jia

Gangnam, Seoul

Yena

By the Han River, Seoul

Ms Cho (After a conversation of 45 minutes, we became friends)

Hwaseung Palace, Suwon

A shy little girl from Yeongdeok school who posed willingly for me

Hwaseung Palace, Suwon

The most beautiful couple I know (Changmin & Christy)

National Arboretum, Gyeonggi-Do

Crossing the river

one evening by the Singapore River

There are times where the future seems hazy, 

yet it is clear what lies on the other side of the river

I'm crossing over

Will you come too?

NG Editor's Note - May 2010

"Science helps us to understand many things: 

We can track a hurricane and measure a tsunami's wall of water. 

But some things are beyond the dissecting lens of science. 

An aching heart, for one."

- Chris Johns 

National Geographic Editor's Note 

(May 2010)

Life in unexpected places

Growing on a tree outside Kallang Tennis Centre

Kallang Tennis Centre has shut its doors once again for renovation for the Youth Olympics in August. I am also temporarily (hopefully!) suspending my tennis lessons. Unfortunately, I cannot afford more lessons at the moment.

I enjoy tennis very much and I am thankful to have a very good (though expensive) coach. It's one of those things that I feel I really learnt quite properly and it will keep me in good stead for a long time. My coach, at times, dispenses surprisingly good advice that I could relate to learning and to life.

'Learning to play the right way is important. If you keep practising the right technique, you will get sharper and sharper. If you keep practising with the wrong technique, what is sharp will become blunt'

'When you serve, feel one with the ball'

'When you do the ball toss, and it does not feel right to serve, just let it go. Don't attempt to catch the ball, just let it go and try again'

- Coach Stanley

When he said these things to me, it was pretty strong stuff for 7 in the morning. But it sank in, I could relate it to other aspects of life and the meaning becomes manifold.

A different life

I started to realise that it will be close to three months since I have been without a proper job. One that assures you of a healthy flow of monies on a certain day of each month and a relatively predictable rhythm of life. In fact, I do like that. There is an old comfort in those things. 

But I am experiencing a life of a very different kind. I am never quite sure of my working days until the end of the week. My working tools are more of needle and thread and I almost do not use a computer at all during work.

I meet more people, and on somedays, none at all. I have found friends in the sky, in the garden, and in books. 

Work is thus

I am beginning to realise the infinite possibilities and abilities within each person as I begin to realise how truly many stars there are. Even as I realise that, I cannot deny the many questions in my heart.

I am learning, learning to be patient.

As Rilke puts it, '...ripening like the tree which does not force its sap and stands confident in the storms of spring without the fear that after them may come no summer. It does come. But it comes only to the patient, who are there as though eternity lay before them, so unconcernedly still and wide.'

O, to be still and wide!

당신은 건강하십니까? (How is your health?)

We did this exercise in class today. The translation is by me so if there are any mistakes, let me know. Do try it too!

1. 매일 8시간 이상 잡니까? (Do you sleep 8 hours or more everyday?)	에 Yes 아니요 No
2. 매일 아침 식사를 합니까? (Do you have breakfast every morning?)	에 Yes 아니요 No
3. 일주일에 세 번 이상 운동을합니까? (20분 이상) (Do you exercise at least 3 times weekly? 20 mins or more)	에 Yes 아니요 No
4. 엘리베이터보다 게단을 자주 이융합니까? (Do you use the stairs more often than the elevators?)	에 Yes 아니요 No
5. 하루에 8시간 이상 의자에 앉아 있습니까? (Do you sit more than 8 hours a day?)	에 Yes 아니요 No
6. 단배를 피웁니까? (Do you smoke?)	에 Yes 아니요 No
7. 간식을 자주 먹습니까? (Do you often snack?)	에 Yes 아니요 No
8. 짠 음식을 좋아합니까? (Do you like salty food?)	에 Yes 아니요 No
9. 일주일에 세 번 이상 술을 마십니까? (맥주 2병 이상) (Do you drink more than 3 times a week? 2 bottles of beer or more)	에 Yes 아니요 No
10. 화를 자주 냅니까? (Do you get angry often?)	에 Yes 아니요 No
11. 스트레스가 많습니까? (Do you have a lot of stress?)	에 Yes 아니요 No

---

* 1 - 4번: 에, 1점
For Qn 1 - 4, if your answer is Yes, you get 1 point. 
* 5 - 11번:  아니요, 1점
For Qn 5 - 11, if your answer is No, you get 1 point. 

---

0 - 4: 생활 습관이 좋지 않습니다. 조심하십시오.
Your lifestyle is not good. Please take note of it!!

5 - 7: 건강을 위해 좀 더 노력하십시오.

Please try a little harder for your health.

8-11: 좋은 생활 습관을 가지고 있습니다. 당신은  건강한 것 같군요.

You have good habits. You're healthy.

Have you looked up the sky lately?

The bookshop had its first ever 20% off all books from 6 - 9 last night. It was announced just before noon and supposedly to catch most people off-guard. And they were. Many friends could not make it. But Neighbour came! It was a real pleasant surprise. Nothing warms the heart like spotting a friend amidst a crowd of strangers :)

20% is a big deal for me too! Bought myself a book (possibly the fifth book in the past week). Occupational hazard, it is!

I enjoy going to my pastor's house for church meetings on weekday nights for there is the bonus of looking at the moon and the stars. For some reason, it is very clear from his house.

Have also been walking to Singapore River after work to sit by the river and look at the sky the past week. Love watching Luna change her mood while the stars keep to their positions loyally each day. The symphony of the sky makes sweet euphony for the soul.

Now that I am properly equipped with 'The Stars' book, there is all the more reason to look up. Do too!

'Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards

and lead us from this world to another.'

- Plato

Saigon, Vietnam (Dec 2004)

My Vietnamese friend, Long, came to Singapore last week. I knew him when I was in Vietnam for YEP in Dec 2004. He was on holiday with his mother and caught up with me. He is an architect now, but going to further his studies in Australia this July. 

His visit reminded me of my time in Vietnam. It was a short 2 weeks visit, but filled with first class genuine hospitality and friendship from the Vietnamese children and people.

We stayed in a deaf school in District 10, made a playground and a library and donated hearing aids. Communication was purely by hand gestures for we could not speak Vietnamese nor do we know Vietnamese sign language. But we could understand the children through various ways and means. And often times, one does not need to speak to express how one truly felt.

It's written all over her face

 I would think this is how an angel looks.

Being deaf does not make one dumb or, any less pretty

Being deaf does not stop one from being happy or having fun

'Hello!! This is our classroom!'

There were many children but I still remember them pretty well. I have reason to believe that little children, whatever their condition, are gifts from heaven. I have learnt much more from them than they from me. I really wonder how they are doing now. Long hasn't been to visit them recently either so he could not update me. Perhaps it's time to experience Vietnamese hospitality again soon. 

Finding back what was lost

Counting blessings, one by one

Have you left anything behind? I am sure you did. Wallets, sunglasses, mobile phones, tickets, someone you love, and even, yourself perhaps?

I had lost my wallet several times in the last few years. On bus 190, at Novena's Starbucks, on a taxi in Kuala Lumpur (that included my passport, hotel keys too), in Christy husband's ski coat in Korea and most recently (exactly 1 week ago) at a cafe on Ann Siang Hill.

Uncannily, each time I got it back (including the passport, hotel keys). Losing the wallet isn't the most devastating thing (though admittedly rather heart-stopping) but to get it back each time just starts off songs in my heart.

Losing myself, amongst other things, also happens, and to find back what was once lost has been no short of amazing grace.

Such deep thanks and gratitude echoing from the depths of my heart to above.

A cafe called Brill

I discovered a secret little place recently. It is tucked away at a corner of Cluny Court. It has a frilly name - Brill. I like the seclusion and quaint settings and the best part is that it is walking distance to and from Botanical Gardens.

Tiny tiny yellow flowers waving by the sidewalk

Colourful tiles

Sunshine coming through

Serviette!

Broiche in a bell jar!

Discover something new each day, today!

Visiting the Professor

Kind benevolence

Books on the prof's shelf

Storm's a-brewing over Engineering

There are some people who have left a deep impression or helped me over the course of my life. People who regardless of their age, religion or nationality has become quite dear to me. Prof is one such. I call him 老师, which is 'teacher' in Chinese, most respectfully. 

Just a few days ago, he sent me an message to ask how I was doing. Honestly, I felt ashamed because I should have been asking instead. I found that he was not feeling too well recently and made a trip to visit him today.

There's something terribly nostalgic about going back to school. The sights and the smell. It's all too familiar. It seemed like all the years spent at this old little place has returned, overwhelming the senses all at once. Waiting for 151. Watching students mugging on the bus (this week's reading week). Walking the back path leading from arts foyer to business canteen. Seeing the same vietnamese, western food stalls, the same yellow-red tables and chairs we used to hang out at. Walking past Hon Sui Sen library. Finding myself buying a novel at COOP. Running after 151 to go home. Reading a novel on the bus.

老师 has relocated to the new, swanky Mochtar Riady Building. Alas, we are several years late in enjoying this new facility. Glad to see him still chatty but sensed a tinge of tiredness. He mildly chided me when I told him I was tired of working at Level 23. But his wish has always been to see his students successful and able to contribute back to society. I am working on the contribute back to society part :D

I do wish him a full recovery for there is not a professor quite like him.

The old lady and the cat (Colours)

Framed by geraniums hydrageas

Matching heterochromia

Here are again some of my favourites by Miyoko IHARA in colour. I liked her pictures so much, I emailed to tell her so. She replied that she was very very happy :)

I feel this enduring beauty in the old lady. It is easy to see beauty in youth, but I believe there is beauty in age too. 

Don't you just love the playful juxtaposition of this loyal little heterochromic cat with the blue and yellow flowers?

To read the picture story of the old woman and the cat in colours, follow here.

The old lady and the cat (Black & White)

By Miyoko IHARA

A gem of a collection of pictures by Miyoko IHARA. I have made a screenshot of one of my favourite black and white. It reminds me very much of Bresson's style. 

To read the picture story about the old lady and the cat through this soulful photographer's eyes, follow here.

Making our world beautiful - with a song

Whistle along with this!

An assortment of experiences (Part 1)

The past week has been an experience of sorts.

The week started with a walk at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. Opened last year on 1 October - Children's Day. Here's the tricky bit - Adults cannot enter unaccompanied by a child. How clever, haha! However, adults can enter with the company of a garden officer. I understood from the garden officer that this was necessary for the safety of the children. Despite being chaperoned, it was a delightful walk :)

I have taken several pictures and would love to show it all here, but just wish to keep this a short one. So here is one of Pisang Seribu tree. Pisang means banana, and Seribu means a thousand in both Bahasa Melayu and Bahasa Indonesia. So this is A-Thousand-Bananas Tree.

Pisang Seribu at Jacob Ballas

The Jacob Ballas Garden is truly a children's haven. This reminds me - in Danish, haven actually means garden. How apt. Children are free to romp about and just have fun. If I ever see the days of having some of my own, this is one of the places to be growing up in.

The Jacob Ballas Garden is at the corner of Botanical Gardens close to the NUS Law Faculty. That's one of the most idyllic campus, in my opinion. Charming settings amidst flora and feathered fauna.

Mom and I took a break at the NUS Law Faculty where they were having an outdoor book sale. All the sensible fibres of my body cannot resist book sales. I came across (and eventually-but-not-surprisingly bought) an advanced text on Muscle Energy Techniques (MET). I believe it is a chiropractic/physiotherapy text and it came with a DVD. It was mighty interesting because it showed how the doctors ascertain certain physiological conditions of the body and the muscle energy techniques used to treat it.

Leaving the law campus, I found myself looking up the sky into this view. Clouds have such amazing forms.

X in the sky

And a luthier came by

Rowan the Luthier came to the shop

Picture taken from here

Today, a couple came by the shop and it was clear that they liked the things in the shop for they bought plenty. Down-to-earth and friendly couple. And the man gave his namecard to King K before he left. On the space of the namecard where you will typically see, Senior Executive or Manager, or Vice President was instead, Luthier.

What on earth was a Luthier? None of us knew. Our curiosities were piqued enough to start launching Wiki to find out as soon as he stepped out.

Taken from Wiki - A luthier is someone who makes or repairs stringed instruments. The word luthier comes from the French word 'luth' which means 'lute'

We also visited his website to find out more about his work. You can visit it as well here. You will also find an interesting quote as below:

A greater part of the soul is outside the body

- Sendivogius

Henri Cartier Bresson

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough see an exhibition and to sit in a talk by Magnum. It was on Henri-Cartier Bresson and his pictures. He is by far one of my favourite photographers and I love his style and take on photography.

Below are some of my favourites taken in Spain, before the Spanish Civil War.

Seville, Spain 1933

 

Madrid, Spain 1933

Valencia, Spain 1933

'Photography is nothing, it is life that interests me'

- Henri Cartier Bresson (1908 - 2004)

Ginger flowers at Botanical Gardens

Fanny-Pink is in

Torch ginger pink is in too

Mr. Squirrel came to say 'Hello!'

This is one of my favourite places to take a morning walk. I seldom bring my camera on a walk and I always regret it because there is always something delightful that I wish I could share with you.

I might have been inspired by Chaemii's blog because today I brought Eldeweiss to take a few pictures and I met Mr. Squirrel too. He wishes to say 'Hello!' to all of you too!

By the way, the European fair at Isetan Scotts is on,which means the Movenpick Panna Cotta ice-cream is available! It's luxurious goodness! You need to try it to know ;)