Mum Comes to Town

Mother lands on Changi Airport at 1pm today.  She is looking well and is a lot more mobile than before her total knee replacement.  She gave us a large bag of potato chips.  The bag contains 260 grams instead of 180 grams for those sold in Singapore.

I bought Honey with Raw Pearl as she previously requested.  Also gave her some bird nests.  She says not to buy expensive stuff for her.  Anyway, she is quite bright and happy to come home.   She will be here until past Chinese New Year.  My sisters must be happy to have her in Singapore.

My baby sister is worried about my elder sister.  She is having bone aches. I know she is not well.  I think she is worried that she may be in more serious problem.  My baby sister is always worried about mortality since her breast cancer.  So I know what she is thinking about.

Home Grown Kang Kong Dish

Tonight's dinner, we have extra guests.  My sister-in-law's family is here.  The two cousins are happy to come over here to play.  They just had been to a birthday party.  We treat my brother-in-law and sister-in-law with barbeque pork fillets, baby back ribs, pork chops and stir fried home-grown kangkong.  Yes, we harvested my hydroponic experiment.  It tasted like the regular kangkong from market.  I am happy with the outcome.

We gossis until 11pm when they have to send their maid to the airport.  The maid is returning to Philippines for home leave.

Durian Fest

Durian season is on.  We have to go to Potong Pasir to get a Comissioner of Oaths.  Cost us $20 for signature and $5 for Certified True copy.  If we go to a lawyer, it will cost $500 an hour.  Lawyers charge exorbitant rates!  I may change my mind about this if my B1 decides to become a lawyer;)

Right beside the Potong Pasir MRT station is a kopi tiam and a fruit stall.  There are plenty of durians on sales.  I bought two XO at $10 each and 3 D24 at $5 each.  I had durian for lunch and dinner.  It is nice to have B1 and B3 sharing the durians with us at the dining table.  B2 is not a durian fan.  So he always miss out on durian festival.

My Classmate - my Cardiologist

I went to Mount Alvernia Hospital to consult my classmate and she is now officially my cardiologist.  I was hoping not to take any medications but she insisted.  With my wife who accomplished me to the doctor, I was naturally outnumbered.  I basically have to take the medication for preventive measures.  My LAD has a high calcium score at less than 50%(zero is best, 50% should plagues occluding the artery).  Clearly my arteries are still patent but they are not in good shape.  It is also better to prevent than to put in a stent.  Once I have stent, I will need more medication according to my classmate.  So it is better to prevent my heart from getting worse with medication.

She has a daughter who just finished first year in Melbourne University.  Her son is in J2 and wants to be a vet. Her daughter studied in RI.  My classmates' kids are all doing well in school.

For now, I will get my cholesterol down and eat more fruits and less meats.

Heart Scan

Yesterday morning, I had heart scan in Asia Medic in Shaw House.  It is an interesting set-up with Wellness, PET or Positron Emission Tomography and CT scanners.  The procedure is slow the heart rate down to about 65 beats per second.  Then take a series of x-ray slices.  Rebuild the slices into 2 dimensional pictures to see the blood vessels. 

The report is supposed to go to my cardiologist directly this morning.  But the centre called and asked me to collect it at 4pm because the despatch cannot send the report by 10 am today.  It is also good that I read the report first.  I am at 75 percentile for the calcium score i.e. at my age group only 25% will have higher calcium score than me.  Not a good sign.  The report also recommended aggressive treatment for cholesterol. 

The dye injected into my veins caused me to have nausea.  I also slept early last night at 9pm.  Early to bed, early to rise.  Makes a man healthy and wise.  I am up early.  The moon is almost full and very bright when the clouds did not obscure it.

I am going to have to reduce my red meat intake.  It will be a difficult change for me and my family.  Less barbeques!!!!! 

Wicked Good Barbeque

This cookbook was in New Book section and caught my eyes.  I borrowed it together with some audiobooks.  I love the recipe and the pictures.  They are mouth-watering good.  I went looking for the Turbinado sugar recommended for the dry rub but could not find it in our local supermarkets.  I checked out Cold Storage and Market Place as they tends to carry more exotic products.  NTUC Fairprice has only run of the mill products for the mass market.

Anyway, I can try out cooking the meats in different ways.  It is nice to barbeque meats although they may not be healthy in a long run.  It is good living.

A Family Day

It is rare to have a day without tuition and today is the day.  It is also rare to have all 3 boys together.  The two older boys usually have some activities like meeting up with friends or giving tuition.  Today, all 3 boys have both lunch and dinner together.

We had Japanese lunch in Anchorage at the sushi resturant.  We did not have discount card.  So have to contact my wife's brother-in-law to get free green tea ice-cream.  We had california maki, prawn maki with avocado and soft-shell crab maki.  Our main meal is their weekend set and Christmas set.  After lunch, we walk around the tiny mall.  There was a deal for facial.  So we sent B2 for a two hours facial.  The deal was a farce.  They keep advertising it is $29.  In the end, it cost $45 for B2's session.  Anyway, B2 has plenty of scars from bursting his own pimples and it is not good.  He has itchy fingers and cannot stop squeezing and bursting the pimples.

We moved on to Takashimaya to past time and check out cast iron pots.  We are interested in getting an oval pot to try out cooking stews.  Right now we are deciding between 29 cm or 31 cm.  The key issue with cast iron pots is the weight.  They are heavy!!

We spent so much time window shopping that it was dinner time and I was hungry.  I check out all the resturants in Lucky Plaza.  Finally, we settled on Indonesian food on third floor where there is a Strait Times article published in 2006 on the resturant.  We had the Bakar Gurame Fish, 2 chicken satay, beef soup and gado gado.  The food is excellent and total price is $70 for 5 with two avocado drink and a passion fruit soda. 

After dinner, we continue with more window shopping in Times, Toys R Us and Metro.  We feel like we were on holiday with all our boys.  I have backache from walking all day.  I used the Philips Infrared heater on my back and it helps relief the aches.

B1 cooks Dinner and Dessert!

B1 did guard duty recently with a chef.  He learn cooking tips from this guy and is enthusiastic about cooking.  He wanted to try cooking potatoes, searing the meats and making tiramisu.  So we go to Fairprice to get the supplies - Russet Potatoes, Yellow Gold Potatoes, Marcaporne cheese, cream, salmon fillet and dill for seasoning the fish. 

I left B1 alone to figure out what to do.  He made potato wedges and cooked the fish.  He also seared the tenderloin and pork loin chops.  I barbequed the meats and made the salad.  I also warmed up the walnut loaf.  The  dinner ends late but it was an excellent dinner.  B1 is good at cooking.  I now have a son who loves to cook like daddy!

Seafood Linguine

I love the seafood linguine in Modestos.  The squid, clams and mussels are fresh.  Very fresh that they do not contain fishy smell or taste.  Even my ex-colleague was surprise as she knows I do not like seafood.  The food was good and it is good to catch up on anything and everything.  I ate so much that I will gain weight.  I love the food in Modesto's.

Interesting Character

Richard Feynman is an interesting character and a good story teller.  He is full of humor.  His first wife died of tubercolosis of the lymphs.  He regales tales of staying in cheap hotel and attending the UN conference in Switzerland.  It is funny.  He does not have big egos and loves physics.  His troubleshooting skills are tip top as he was asked to investigate into the shuttle's explosion.  The basic problem is communication.  People in the management do not listen to the people working on the ground.  This is typical of large organisation.

What Do You Care What Other People Think?

I read the first book "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman" after the interview with CEO of OCBC was published.  Now, I have book the second book in audio form.  It is interesting read as Richard Feynman is humorous.  I was laughing as I cycle.  So the joggers I overtake as I as cycled past them must have thought I am going bonkers!! I enjoyed this book!  I hope the library has more audio book books on Feynman's series. 

I will enjoy my rides more....

King of Baking

The Korean drama is taking Singapore by storm.  There are so many Korean drama in Channel U.  It used to be Hong Kong drama.  Taiwanese drama is least popular.  I am following the "Bread, Love and Dreams".  It is titled "King of Baking" in Philippines.  The drama according to Google is Baker King is taking Philippines by storm.  I am not sure what exactly it meant but I am sure it must be very popular.

My son says how can making bread become such an amazing story.

Puppy Reunites with Mum

We were riding on the PCN.  Just below Punggol Road, there was a puppy barking pitefully.  It was on the opposite side of the river.  Meanwhile, mum and another puppy is upslope.  Mum just stayed where she is and take care of the puppy that is with her.  Meanwhile this little is trying so hard and getting a lot of attention from the cyclists and B1.  B1 tried to help but the puppy was scared and keeps hiding from him.  Finally, two female cyclists trying to catch the puppy.  The puppy had no choice but to jump into the river to escape.  So, it manage to cross the river and reunites with mum. 

B1 is quite interested in animals nowadays.  He loves to play with cats whenever he sees them.   He used to be afraid of them.

Rahim Mee Rebus

I have been following Rahim's Mee Rebus since Johnny Wong brought me to try more than 20 years ago.  Rahim mee rebus has pass from father to son.  So I think Rahim should be the father.  Today, it is a husband and wife team running the stall.

The stall moved suddenly and now is in Ang Mo Kio Central.  We had two mee rebus special, one beehoon soto and 10 sticks of chicken satay.  The meal cost $16 and fed B2, B3, mummy and me.  The trade mark of the stall is a sign that says "Taste Good, Tell Your Friends.  Taste No Good, Tell Us."  It is a good way to get feedback.  I always enjoys the food.  The satay used to be at a good price.  Now at 55cents per stick, it is getting dear. 

Now that the stall is in AMK Central, it will be easy access as carparks are plentiful.  The previous stall opposite the mosque in Serangoon had very limited carparks and was an issue with patrons who get fine while eating.

A Tiring Night for My in-laws

Early morning call from my mother-in-law!  The Wife was rudely yanked out of dreamland.  Me too!  My in-law had a tiring night!  Their daughter-in-law is in hospital and requires high attention and maintenance.  My poor mother-in-law and father-in-law are busy taking care of the latest addition to their family.   I had a "soul misalignment" as Lobsang Rampa explained and had a headache for the morning.

However, for my two in-laws, they were up till 2am last night.  Then they get up at 5am to pray and go to work.  Luckily, my father-in-law is good now since his open-heart.  I visited them during lunch.  My mother-in-law showed me a creeper that has bear fruits.  My father-in-law asked me to go to his house to pick up the oranges which he had lots of since they are offerings for the gods.  He has vegetable seeds and asked if I like to grow them.  I will have to go and pick up some seeds for my hydroponics microfarm.

My in-laws love their son very much and spoils him since young as he is the only boy out of 6 children they have.  Now with a daughter-in-law that keep acting up and need attention at night is exhausting for them.  I feel sorry for them.  They are old and should have peaceful retirement.  Now my FIL has to actively manage the business while his son is busy taking care of his newly married wife. 

My wife used this incident to teach her two sons (B1 is in camp) the importance of marrying a good wife.

Night Ride at PCN

After dinner, B2 and B3 joined me for a night ride at the PCN.  A number of lights were out making the route looked different as B2 commented.  There are a number of cyclists and most have fancy lights.  One rider had a blinding flashing light on his helmet.  He is very inconsiderate as it is hard to see when he is coming in from opposite direction. 

B2 talks a lot about his billard exploits.  He has improved a lot and is very knowledgeable in the billard paraphernalia that he sells.  He is now doing business on a small scale.

Rainy Days

It is getting hard to cycle on the PCN with rain coming in almost every day.  There are hardcores who jogs or cycle in the rain.  Maybe I need to learn from them.  I wonder if they fall sick from exercising while getting drenched.

The rain also bring in more mosquitoes.  At the PCN, the uncompleted drainage is an excellent ground for breeding an army of mosquitoes. 

The positive effect is the cooler temperature.  We need the rain to bring respite from the heat. 

I am grateful for the cool weather and a loving family.  It is a real path to happiness.

Lazy Day

What is lazy day.  It is like a Sunday.  The supermarket was busy at 4 plus.  We did not go anywhere.  Not to Orchard for mall crawling nor to visit in-laws nor eating out.  Just spend the day lazing at home.  Our meals were leftovers from the party on Saturday and Sunday.

My car tyre was flat.  There is a screw in the tyre.  Changing the tyre in Prius is quite easy.  Took me fifteen minutes even though it is my first time.  It was hard work and I was sweating profusely.

I just peeled oranges for the Wife to juice it using a Hurom Slow Juicer.  The slow juicer retain all the antioxidants.  So it is healthier than the high speed spinning type.

Tomorrow is back to work...

Roast Potatoes

Today, we decided to have hamburgers for dinner like when we lived in Canada.  For carbohydrates, we usually make french fries as it is simple and easy.  Frozen french fries into the deep fryer or oven for healthier choice.  For change, I thought of roast potatoes which is quite tasty and different.  I loved the roast potatoes in US.  So we bought a bag of small potatoes and look up for the recipes in our library of cookbooks. Unfortunately, there is no recipes for roast potatoes.  So it is internet time.  Google "roast potatoes recipes" and a million entries found!!

I read a couple of recipes and they are quite similar making it a cinch to follow.  Boil the potatoes for 6 mins, take them out and add flour.  Fry them in the oil of your choice and oven them for 35 mins, turnover and over until brown at the edge.

They were good!  My boys loved the roast potatoes.

Nice Dinner

The wife cooks the dinner tonight.  She uses "soft bone" pork to boil soup and flavored with the water used to boil the prawns.  Add the Penang Prawn Noodle seasoning and a wonderful and delicious soup for our noodle.

My brother picks up his two girls and bring them here.  The baby girl does not like to come.  Anyway, I am very happy to host the two girls.  They are grown and it is good to keep regular contact.  My brother has gain 12 kgs since his open heart and he refuses to cut down his diet.  So it is challenging for his doctor to manage.

Good to have Family Over

My eldest and baby sister came with their kids.  It was good that my niece and her husband are working.   For some time they have been doing their own business but the 2nd hand cars market is bad now with the prices so high due the record price of COEs.  I am glad niece P came as she was travelling like crazy.  One nephew is in Taiwan for military training.

They enjoyed the food especially my nephew and nephew-in-law.  They loved my bbq beef tenderloin and ribeye.  My nephew loved the ribs and pork fillet.  I enjoyed them eating up the food.  The pork chop is tough.  So I will not do pork chop unless I am deep frying into tonkatsu.

I have to cook different food the next time they come. 

Tomorrow, it is prawn noodles soup.  So I will go to market early to get prawns and soft bone to boil soup.  I am looking forward to see my brother and his two elder daughters.

Buying Food for Tomorrow

I bought plenty of food for tomorrow.  Ribeye beef steak, frozen baby back ribs and frozen pork chops from Foodie Market.  It will be pure Western meal.  So I will prepare salad and french fries as well.  I told my two older boys to be home by 3pm as my sister do come early.   I am glad that Foodie Market supplies a good value of frozen meat. 

Tonight while preparing the calamansi drink, I had B3 stirring the pot of boiling water with rock sugar.  B1 had to prepare the chopped garlic for the cold cucumber dish.  It is good they participated and learn a little about cooking.

Obama Wins! Romney Loses.

At least we have some continuity.  Obama did a good job of campaigning and retaining his Presidency.  He has poised and is less emotional.  On the TV, he behaved like a gentleman constrasting Mitt Romney's body language of throwing his weight and skeptical look.  In all three debates, Mitt's mannerism remind me of my ex-boss.  He is so distasteful and totally ugly in his behaviour.  You can see the ego and self-importance Mitt has of himself.  Romney deserves to lose and eat the humble pie.

Fixing our Compost Bin

Today, we basically poured out all the rotting matter and lined them with cardboard.  We learned not to be greedy and have plenty of cardboard vs rotting green.  It is two parts brown and one part green.  So now we have reset the whole bin, I am optimistic that it will work.  Learn as you go kind of experiment.

Smelly Compost

I was trying to make compost but keep adding the green and fruit waste that it becomes smelly.  Now I have to fix it.  It is so easy nowadays.  So google and the answer pops out.  Unlike yore days, I have to make a trip to the library to search for answers.  This does not take away my love for books.  The internet is really heavenly for quick answers.    Now I know I have to add cardboard or newspaper and make it balance.  Too much waste  without dry twigs and sawdust would not work.  I now know not to be greedy and have to be patient.

Good to know there are many who made the same mistake.  This is why the video on how to fix is made.

Field Work

B3 looked hard yesterday and today and cannot find any of the tadpoles in the big pond.  So, I did more field work to collect frog tadpoles.  I managed to collect three today and put them on a separate tank.   I do not know if they will survive and grow.  I like to see them developing into frogs.  Toads had gone through several generations in our pond.  This rainy season, they did not come.  I realised they must have known that there is a serious predator, the Arowana.  Usually, the toads will be croaking noisily at our front yard during rainy season, now the silence is very loud! 

On top of the tadpoles, there were a couple of tiny water fleas.  I put them in the sea monkey's container and hope they will grow big.  I like to see what are they.

Collecting water samples makes me feel like a kid again.  I am a child scientist now.  Tadpoles are the easy first steps for a child:)

Tadpoles Hatched!

It is good news.  This morning, the eggs looked longish but not moving.  By late after there are plenty of tadpoles wriggling about.  Some of the tadpoles are active.  So many has hatched.  Since the tank is small and may not have enough food, I decided to put them into the big pond. 

There were some water fleas before the tadpoles hatched but they are all gone.  I will have to go and collect some more samples of the pond life to study them.

Frogs

It rained frequently now that the rainy season is in.  At the PCN, the incomplete drain has stagnant water.  The amazing thing is how quick nature take advantage of the situation.  There are frog eggs.  it is a surprise as frogs usually do not stay in the field.  I did notice that a foreign worker catches frogs before.  He even know where to look.  They were hiding under a large rectangular plank.

Now, I am not surprised to see the frog's eggs.  I looked around and found a old plastic bag that used for coffee and washed it in the reservoir as it was very dirty.  With the plastic bag, I managed to bring back some of the eggs.  However, all the eggs sank into the water when I put them in water tank.  I think it may be not be viable after getting shocks when I hit bumps and uneven ground as I hang the plastic bag on the handle bar.

In the afternoon, B3 and I went to the same place to take more eggs.  Hopefully, some will survive and turned into tadpoles and then frogs in our pond.

Trash Pack Prize

Finally, B3 got his prize for getting a "rare" or limited edition trash pack.  He was so excited and spent time on it even though he has the last paper for tomorrow.  Science is his strong subject, so we are not so concern.  However, he should revise and review his notes.  I am happy that he is happy.

The prize is worth $44 retail.  It is trash road sweeper.  His cousin is very excited about the limited edition and keep asking him how he managed to get one.  So B3 is the object of envy.

Exams Stress

My poor B3.  He is so stressed up by his eldest brother teaching him maths or rather coaching him on problems that he cannot solved from test papers of branded schools.  B1's way of teaching maths stressed B2.  Now that mummy has asked him to coach B3, B3 is stressed too.  B1's way of teaching maths is forcing his brothers to figure out the steps.  He is very insistent that they have to figure it out even when they can't.  Hence the stress.

B3 is so stressed up that he cried in bed.  I feel so sorry for him.  The pressure of school in Singapore is relentless and mummy want to give him the best help she can.  B1 is trying to make sure he understands.  I do what I can to relieve his stress but he is in no mood to be cuddled by me.  I feel so helpless.  Sigh.  Life is so difficult for a child in Singapore.

Fruits for Balance Diets

Luckily for us living in tropical country is the wide range of fruits available in the grocery stores.  We are eating more fruits as I stock them up regularly from the supermart.  California Black Seedless Grapes are very sweet and in season.  Red Globe is also at a good price.  My boys did not like the seeds and grape seeds is good for us.  So I juice the Red Globe up  and let them drink it.  I also cut up watermelon.  My boys are getting healthy diet nowadays as we eat in and have balance meals.

While we eat plenty of meats, we also have more fruits and less carbohydrate.  This is the "cave men" diet or at least I think it is.  Eat healthy and well is the key to healthy life.

Home-made Calamansi Juice

This morning I used the slow juicer to juice out the kilo of calamansi I bought yesterday from Holland Road market and hawker center.  I boiled water with some rock sugar.  Then add the calamansi juice.  The result is a solidly sour, bitter concoction that needed to be diluted.  It is not sweet as I did not add enough sugar.  In short, I have a lime juice concentrate.  It is quite easy and low cost.  The kilo of "lime" costs only $1.50.  I have enough to make at least 30 cups of lime juice drink typically sold in the coffee shop.  The lime juice cost $1.30 to $1.50 a cup in the coffeeshops and hawker center.  The profit margin of the home-made drink is high. 

Bicycles

After riding the new hybrid bike for a few days, I took the mountain bike out.  I feel the mountain bike which I have been riding for the past two years "old and worn".  It shakes and make noise.  It is like a old clunker.  It is a stark difference from the hybrid.

The handle bar of the hybrid can be adjusted for different heights.  So I put it high and now I can ride almost upright.  It is comfortable although less stable as my CG or center of gravity is now higher.  It also take a while to get used to a new bike.  I found it has a tendency to slip on a wet surface.  Now that I have ride for a few days, I could ride handsfree with comfortably.  In the beginning, I could not stablised the bike.

The Punggol Waterways is full of weekend joggers and cyclists.  The place is packed and everyone is enjoying the park.

A Good Hari Raya

It was a good start.  B1 does not need to report back to camp to do the preventive maintenance.  We were wondering what to do.  Then I decide to go to IKEA to get a compost bin.  I have been trying to do compost using flower pots.  It does work but we ran out of space quick as the pots are small.  I heard that IKEA has compost bins.  

At about noon, we set off to IKEA and the kitchen section.  The compost bin was a rectangular bin, rather tall but too small to contain my compost for more than two weeks worth of vegetable waste.  So I decided to try out home organisation section and yup! the galvanised round stubby waste bins work just fine.  $25.90 is a little costly for storage of stinky waste.  Anyway, it is green to recycle and green cost money and in a long run is good for our Mother Earth.

Lunch is at XO Seafood in Punggol Prawning and Billard Center.  B1 and B3 go for prawning after lunch and B2 go home with us to pick up his cue stick to come back to play pool with his senior and friend.  Mummy and I adjourned to Plaza Singapura as she need a thread for a piece of clothing she is sewing which should be available in Spotlight.  I go to the Wang Cafe to read today's paper.

After Spotlight, we pick up all three boys home.  B1's girlfriend will have dinner with us.  So I bbq pork chops, have a claypot eggplants with Johnsonville sausages, and 11 large grilled freshwater prawns.  Dessert is cold water melon cubes, chocolate moose cake and harum manis mango.  Mmm, the meal is healthy and balanced.

It is a very good family day.

Dramatic Improvement in Picture Quality

The new flat screen arrived and the picture quality is just amazing compared to the old plasma TV.  Even though it is considered "old", it is only two years.  Whereas the old tube TVs last usually for 10 years.  The technological advance was not so fast.  The TV is so so so thin....maybe 1.5cm in thickness.  The sound quality is amazing for a flat speaker.

LG TV is extremely good value for the quality and features it has.  I am quite satisfied with this purchase.

Humid Days

October coming to an end.  It is usually cool at this time of the year.  Past few days have been hot and humid.  It is so uncomfortable.  Thank God for fans and aircond.  This is not so nice about living in Singapore.

Maybe I should retire in Canada.  Beautiful country with four seasons, great outdoors, sports, gardening, fishing, the whole works!  Come to think of it, I do love living in Canada.  However, I will missed my extended family, the hawker food and buzz. 

The best of both worlds would be moving Singapore physically to Canada.  Maybe the Earth Shift will put Singapore to a higher latitude.  Man!  This will be ideal!!

Busy!!

I just realised I have not read the newspaper today!  I start the day early in the morning to replenish rice.  Then it is conference call.  After the call, it was going to Tuas South which is the deep west end of Singapore to meet a potential customer.  After that I went to Holland V for a super late lunch.  It is one activity after another.

We had a wonderful dinner.  The first time our maid cook up a reasonable curry chicken.  We used the Curry Laksa Paste from Malaysia.  It is delicious and cost 3 ringitt for the paste.  Prima Curry Chicken paste cost $5.  It is great value!

The dinner is wonderful not because of "good good cheap cheap" curry chicken.  It is wonderful because all my boys are in and we are all eating as a family and having great family conversation.  The qualify for 3 gratitudes for the day:))

Menu for Family Gathering

It's been a long time since we had an extended family gathering.  I used what's app to contact my sisters and nieces.  I do not have the numbers for my nephews.  My baby sister will always respond anyway.  My eldest sister and baby sister says they can come on Nov 10 for dinner.  2nd sister and her daughters declined and did not give alternative dates.  My brother's daughters can't make on the 10th as well.  So we will go ahead with a small party. 

My eldest sister request for BBQ porkchop and cheese sauage.  My first niece is thrilled when I suggested BBQ baby back ribs.  So I will do a complete Western-style dinner with french fries and salads to complement the BBQ meats and sausages.  I am happy to be cooking for my nieces, nephews, sisters and now my nieces' spouses.

I am looking forward to happy family time.  The proposed menu will be:

BBQ Pork Chops
BBQ Johnsonville Sausages
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Caesar Salad or Cucumber Salad
French Fries
Dessert - To be Determined

Blogging is Memories Captured

I read my friend's blog, Boh Tong.  It is interesting reading.  I love his stories.  He is writing short fiction now.  I must say his first attempt is full of suspense.  I am dying to know the ending! 

Whereas for me, blogging is my diary.  I write about my daily life and events that most readers will find boring unless they know me personally.  I write everyday unless I am in China where blogger.com is not accessible or busy till I forgot (rare but does happen) or internet access is expensive.  I used to write when I have something to write about.  Then the Da Vinci Code case where the author was sued for something I cannot recall.  What I do remember is the author, Dan Brown wakes up early every morning before sunrises and writes.  He writes everyday without fail.  I was inspired to follow his example to improve my writing.  Hence I write everyday without fail.  I do take leave occasionally.  Everyone needs a break sometimes.

Now writing everyday is a habit, I need to improve my writings.  I do not edit my entries much.  So grammatical errors frequently appears.  Neither do I write serious matter or attempt to make it interesting.  I write to pen my daily events and what I read.  I do not give indepth analysis or layout well-thought arguments.  I just write whatever that come to my mind.   So there are plenty of room for improvement.

Whenever I review my past entries, it bring back memories.  I am a reader.  I find reading words better than photos.  Words can say many things that photos does not capture e.g. smell or taste.   I wrote a lot of riding in PCN.  I have been riding PCN so often that I cannot remember when it was completed but when I read January 2011 entries, I know the PCN is not competed yet.  Memories are very fallible but when it is written down, it is a permanent record.  A slice of history of my life is captured.  Yes, blogging is a good thing for reminiscing the past.

Looking for Vacuum Cleaner Buying TV

We went to Courts to look for a vacuum cleaner as our current one has burning smell.  We go through many vacuum cleaners as we do not do the vacuuming ourselves.  At Courts, I went to the TV section as usual to see the latest TV and check out the changes in technology.  There is a road show and a good deal for display set. 

We went to evaluate vacuum cleaners and decided to buy a bagless vacuum cleaner in hope it will last longer.  Bagless has a clear container, so it is easy to see if the container is full.  It is very easy to always think the bag is not full.  Many of my vacuum cleaner burned out because the bags were not change when it is full and the motor overheats and burned out.  This time we bought Philips Bagless old model.  Let's see how long this one last.

Back to the TV, while it is not our intention to buy a TV, our TV in the living room sound decoder is not working.  It is still usable as we use the dvd to decode the sound.  However, it is not ideal.  So far, it is ok.  In line with my green ideology, I try not to consume too much.  The 55" LG LED tv was price at $2699 but the display model is at $1,999.  Unable to resist the deal, we decide to cut the deal and bought the display model.  The price of TV keeps dropping.  My 42" cost $1,599 about two years ago.  Now they are going below $1,000.

I do have a tinge of buyer's regret.  Do we really need a new tv when the current is functional although it did not have sound.  I convinced myself yeah! it is time for 3D tv...

NUS Law Scholar

Alvin Tan, the infamous NUS Law Scholar "8 reasons why living in Malaysia beats living in Singapore" is quite typical of Malaysian male.  Living a good life with low cost is the main attraction factor.  They admit crimes is an issue but as long as you know how to take care of yourself, it is fine.  They love the fact that you can get away with infractions by paying off the system.   The points raised by Alvin Tan well articulated and examples are clear. 

So while what Malaysian males loved the freedom and laissezs faire system, it is what we values more.  Safe environment is key priority for most Singaporeans.  We can go out at anytime of the day or night and need not worry about being robbed or mugged.  We need not worry about our kids getting kidnapped or our wives or daughters getting raped and murdered.  Maybe we become like "farmed animals" where we are always protected from predators.  We also know if we did something wrong, there is a heavy price.

I prefer Singapore where there is the rule of laws. Where the laws is fair to all - rich or poor.  I would love the variety of places to live like in Canada.  Earning a living can be difficult for some but most Singaporeans have good jobs and good income.  It is a home we can sleep in peace.  One my Malaysian colleague had her home broken into - in broad daylight and when there are people at home! 

Living in a safe and fair Singapore beats living in Malaysia for me.

Smelly...

Grilling seafood is smelly especially squid.  My head smells, my clothings smell, my house smells!!  Anyway, it is fun to just barbeque for dinner.  We start dinner late as B3, our youngest boy finishes his tuition at 7pm.  We have to pick him up from AMK MRT station at about quarter past.  By the time we reached home it is usually 7:40pm.  To do bbq, we have to light up charcoal.  And grilling the food takes long time.  So we spend a lot of time at the dining table.  We really have family time together.

But the smell is not good with seafood.  So I may stick to my favourite....meat.

Riding PCN with B1

B1 ride the PCN with me before dinner today.  I asked him to try the new hybrid bike.  He think it is much lighter and faster.  We rode for an hour and had good conversations.  The hottest news is the NUS scholar who post the explicit photos of himself and his girlfriend.  This guy is in the same Secondary School as B1!!  I remember his pastoral care teacher mentioning that the Asean scholars are challenging as they are living outside their country and home.  Singapore spends a whole load of money on these scholars and they just go home.  According to the people to know this guy, he is very bright and capable but eccentric.  After paying for his living in Singapore since secondary school, he just leave without contributing to Singapore economically.  He did bring fame to NUS for his sexploits.

We also talk about B2's business of selling billard's stuff i.e. cues, cases for cue and chalk.  B2 earns not bad so far but it is taking up his time.  The business will slow down as school has started.  I am pretty proud of B2.

Creeping Down Slowly

It is cause for celebration.  My weight is creeping down slowly.  Gaining is easy and quick a week on a trip and it is a kilo or even two.  Now, I am eating less carbo, more fruits and exercise, the scale is more forgiving.  I am happy to be at 89kg at night instead of 90.5kg.  Working down seems much hard work, gaining is easy as especially when food is delicious and company enjoyable.

Today went by fast.  There are much to do at work.  I decided to use the charcoal stove again.  This time to cook satay.  I love the chicken satay from NTUC.  It is fun to have freshly bbq satay, sizzling hot and my boys enjoy the satay and basting the meat with their own choice of sauce.   Sometimes it gets very smoky, luckily we have a front yard to set up our dining table.  So it is alfresco dining.  It is nice change from our regular stirfried vegetables, tofu and a meat dish.  I should send a picture to my boss to let him know I have implemented his idea of tabletop bbq.

B1 is out with his girlfriend's family for dinner.  He is watching a movie now and is not back yet.

Gratitude time:

1.  I am grateful for God's and Buddha's blessings to have a wonderful family
2.  I am grateful for being born in a country in its golden age as Sumiko Tan put it on Sunday Times
3.  I am grateful for all the good friends

Sigh! A Wonderful Day!

I did not go to pick up B1 because of a scheduled call with my boss.  He is not feeling well and we have to postpone the call.  I am a little worried about him.  He has not been communicating much on the email after he returned to US.  I hope he recovers soon.  I am afraid some of the food we ate caused him problem as well.  I had a huge migraine on the 2nd last day of our 3 countries tour.  It was longer trip for him as he was already out of his home 4 days earlier and return home a day later than me.  I prayed to angels to look after him and make him feel better.

B1 is back home and he has plenty of stories to tell us.  How hot in the afternoon and freezing at night.  The discrimination he faced when buying food in the food court during his R&R.  He is so tired he took a nap in the morning after breakfast which he did not eat.  B3 is very thrilled to try the new tabletop bbq stove we have.  We cut out some ribeye steak and bbq them on the dining table.  It was a slow meal.  Extra slow, so we have plenty of time to be together. 

After dinner, B2 cycled to meet his friends to discuss robotic program for school.  He is a part-time instructor.  B1 is surfing the net, B3 is watching tv, mummy is yakking away on the phone.  I am blogging:)

I feel wonderful with our family complete and just enjoying the routine stuff.  Life is good!

New Bike

I have been wanting to get a "hybrid" bike for since B2's bike cannot be ridden with "no hands".  I am now capable of ridding with no hands and always wonders why my boys who is alot better at balancing could not do it properly on the yellow Raleigh bike.  I tried it myself and found it unstable.  I could ride it with no hands before.  B1 fell using the Raleigh bike a couple of times.  The alignment must be out after the crash.

So I thought it is good to replace the Raleigh with a new bike.  Time to refresh my "fleet".  I decided on hybrid which it not the electric hybrid, rather between a road bike and a mountain bike.  So when my regular bike is punctured by a screw, I go to my regular bike shop to replace the inner tube and look for the hybrid bike.  There were two models.  The more expensive model, $780 had a 8 speed gear that is housed in a cylinder.  It looked interesting.  Only problem is it is made in China.  The other hybrid is 18 speed made in Taiwan and cost only $500.  I decided to by the $500 model even though the ride on the 8 speed is not bad.  I am a little uncomfortable with only 8 speeds.  Climbing hills may be difficult.  Also save $280 in the process.

Small Cozy Wedding Dinner

Wedding dinner is in Sheraton Towers.  Food from Li Bai.  I thought the food is quite good.  Just too much food and we are so so full. I weight more than 1kg that usual.  My weight was starting to go down to normal 89 and tonight I weighs 90.4kg.  I think a lot of the weight gain comes from liquid as I drank a lot as well.

There a total of 4 tables and one table is vegetarian.   Only relatives and close friends are invited.  The wedding dinner is quite nice as there are not many strangers.  We know most of the invitees except for some of their couple's friends.  I hope the couple will live happily ever after.

Getting Married

My brother-in-law is getting married tomorrow.  We have to get up early.  It is a DIY.  My wife have done up the flowers and pom-pom balls to decorate the wedding car.  The ceremony will be simple and it is my mother-in-law who is keen to see her son married.  My role is just to help out wherever and whenever needed.  There will be dinner for a small group of relatives.  So everything is tone down as the daughter-in-law seems to have an issue if the process of getting married is troublesome.

My wife is pretty excited and doing lots of preparation for her brother.  She is a good sister.

Friday Night

It is busy time on Friday night.  Ang Mo Kio Hub is full of people about.  Eating, shopping and in general enjoying the evening out like us.  We were doing window shopping.  All the resturants, cafes, coffeeshops and hawker centers are full.  I think many people eat at home on weekdays evening and more eat out on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

It is fun to go out once in a while.

Looking Forward to B1 Returning Home

Plenty of news on B1's exercise and live firing since PM Lee Hsien Loong is there to witness the whole exercise.  He made news with all his comments.  All positive about the sacrifices of NSmen.  It is called Exercise Wallaby in Rockhampton.  Now that it is in the news I can blog about it openly.

Exercise Wallaby is the longest trip B1 has gone out for.  I hope he has no more trips before he ORD in March next year.  ORD used to be called ROD, or run out date.  I remember always counting the days to ROD i.e. number of days before running out!  I guess the Army change ROD because in NS we are all looking to run out.  Yipppeeee!!  no more sadistics torture and restricted life!  It is happy time when ROD happens.  Army change from ROD to ORD which now means Operationally Ready Date.  Now it means you are fully trained and ready for war.  So it does not bring the same feelings as ROD.  So instead of being a "Reservist" which means you only go to war when fulltime NS men are not enough, you are now NSmen which mean if there is a war, you are activate right away.

Anyway, I think B1 will have to decide which school he want to go - NUS Law or UCLA Economics.  I hope he made a good choice for his career.

His two younger brothers told the Korean exchange student that the food will be better when their older brother is back.  They are looking forward for their brother to be home for dinner.  Yes, we all are happy that he will be back home next Tuesday.  It will be nice for him to rest at home and be with the family.

Low Back Ache

My back is sore and aching for the past week.  I think it is the hotel beds that cause this problem.  My kidney is weak as the Chinese Sinseh will say.  I had a cold spray and it works but only temporary relief.  I am now doing the "superman" exercise.  This is lying flat on my stomach and arching my back to strengthen my core muscles.  This is my recommendation to friends who suffers from low back pain.  It is the easiest and best way in my opinion to help relieve backache.

South Korean Exchange Student

B2 is "buddy" for a South Korean Exchange Student in Poly.  This student is spending a year in Singapore to learn more English.  He is 25 years.  He has a younger brother who is in the military service right now.  His hometown is Daejeon.  He is it is important to learn English and many Koreans are going overseas to learn English.  Good command of English helps in getting better jobs.
Although he had lessons in school and extra private lessons, there is not enough practice.  Hence a year oversea will help.  He has on 3 subjects on the first semester.  Effective Communication, Better Writing and Oversea Business.  So he will get plenty of English lessons for the time he is here.

The oversea attachment is quite good.  He lived in the apartment in polytechnic.  So he is living with all the students and some lecturers.  I guess we will see more of him in future.

Weight

It has been a long time since I blogged about my weight.  It is a boring subject.  My weight has been climbing steadily over the years.  30 years ago, it was 68kg.  Nowadays it is hovering between 88 and 90kg.  Looking at myself in the mirror, I can see the cellulite at my butt.  My waist is huge.  I need the cutdown but willpower is still weak.  Food is an enjoyable pastime and an obsession.

I am eating more healthy with less carbo and more meats, vegetables and fruits.  My bad habit is still tea with condensed and evaporated milk.  It is a calories laden drink.  If I cut this, my weight will not creep up anymore.  Unfortunately, it is very difficult and I have not achieve any success so far.

Experiment with Hydroponics

I was cleaning out my water pump for my fish pond.  It get clogged up really quickly due to the feces from the fishes.  I had goldfishes and an arowana.  The arowana grows fast eating up the small goldfishes and poos a lot!  I read that one winner of green innovation uses water hyacinth to clean up water from the pond and absorbing dangerous chemicals like selenium.  On a past article in Life section of Straits Times, I also remember there is a vegetable seed supplier in North Canal Road.  I decided to kill two birds with one stone - grow vegetable using the fish waste for fertiliser and cleanse the water pond with plants.  I bought the easiest to grow vegetable.  According to the seed seller, it is kangkong and red spinach.  I bought some of kangkong seeds.  The man scoop out seeds from a glass container into a small ziploc plastic bag.  Cost two dollars!  It is a lot compared to pre-pack seeds in the supermarket or nursery.  

I hope I get some success in kangkong growing.  I have to set up the water pump to pump up the water from the pond to the soil container for the kangkong.  Wish me luck!

End of Weekend

Morning was breakfast with mummy and B3 in Ang Mo Kio hawker center.  Just home (Singapore) taste of fried beehoon and lontong.  We bought two fresh fishes for dinner.  It is just a lazy Sunday for us.  B2 went off to host a Korean exchange student.  He brought the student along to deliver the custom-cue he made for his customers. 

We went to Chinatown to look for charcoal bbq stove for cooking at the dining table.  Unfortunately, Sia Huat is close.  We just act like tourist and wander about.  In People Park food center, man la kuo or spicy hotpot is quite popular.  Long queues and many tables are enjoying the China's dish.  All the customers are from mainland China. I must go back to try this dish when it is not so busy.

Late afternoon, I cycled in the PCN to Lorong Halus and turn back.  My waist is sore.  I wonder if my kidneys are weak or sleeping on hotel beds for two weeks in a roll is taking its toll.

Now, the day is ending and tomorrow will be the start of a new week.

Before I sign out for the week, I like to record my 3 gratitudes for the day:

1.  I am grateful my boys are healthy and well.
2.  I am grateful for Buddha blessings at work and in life.
3.  I am grateful for a good week and an enjoyable Sunday.

Holland Village

Holland V's MRT station has been operational for some time.  This morning is the first time I go to Holland V after a few years.  The last time I was there was when B1 had to appeal to ACJC.  That should be almost 4 years ago. 

Most of the new stalls have not change like Ah Kun Toast and BreadTalk.  The Ipoh Hor Fun is still there as well as the Japanese bread shop that pioneered layered choco wassant.  I grew up near Holland V and is very familiar with this place.  It is quite nostalgic for me as well.

B1 called, his outfield in Australia just finished.  He has 10 more days to go.  B2 is hosting a Korean exchange student until late.  I just pick him up from Nanyang Poly.  It is a long but fulfilling day today.

Music to My Ears

Instead of TV and all the news on US Presidential Elections, I take a break and play Yu Tian's album on my Bose system.  It has been long time since I used it. The remote control no longer works as the battery are totally drained and leaking. 

It is Long Su Xia that I like to listen to.  Then the other songs Yu Tian sang are not bad too.  It is just old Chinese songs and amazingly I begin to like them more and more.  I do not know why.  I used to listened to instrumental and English oldies.  I have been listening to the portable and Bose is totally different experience.  The sound is so much more vibrant and music more encompassing as it surround my room.  The atmosphere is different.

Today is Children's Day, so B3 has no school.  He has a birthday party in Garden Vista.  They went to Tott's to bake cookies.  After cookies, we had to pull him out for his tuition in Learning Labs.  Learning Labs is enormously expensive and we cannot afford to skip. 

It is the first time we bought the cordycep chicken and bought soup with it.  The chicken tastes the same.  The soup is fabuous as my wife is a fantastic cook when it comes to soup.  She is Cantonese and has strong beliefs that soup is the cure-all for many ailments.

Time for my 3 gratitudes.

1.  B2 is doing well in his part-time business
2.  B3 has improved in his Chinese
3.  We had a happy dinner.  B2 and B3 were laughing happily.

Getting to a Happy State

In one of the TED talks on Happiness, writing down my 3 gratitudes for the day everyday actually works!  I keep the exercise for 30 days and the benefits are still on today even though I have stopped my daily gratitude session.

I want to do my 3 gratitudes for today.

1.  My headache is gone.  It feels so good to be in normal state.

2.  I exercised by cycling for 45mins after two weeks of travelling.

3.  I am happy to be home in familar hawker centers and wet market.

It is simple pleasures that make me happy.  I am so easy to please...

Penang Hae Mee

It is so convenient and easy to replicate the cooking nowadays with prepack favouring.  We prepare Penang Hae Mee or Prawn Noodles for dinner.  We bought 400g of soft bone, fishcake, beansprouts and kangkong.  Boiled the soft bone and once cooked, simmer for a couple of hours.  Add Penang Hae Mee flavouring.  Then boiled noodle or beehoon.  Sliced the fish cake and hey presto!  You can enjoy a bowl of steaming hot prawn noodle.

Tonight is the meeting for the estate.  We have to maintain the common area.  A thankless chore for the committee members.

Weight Gain

Two weeks of travelling and my weight is up by more than 1 kg!  I was not well yesterday and did not eat much but this has not bring my weight down as I thought it would.  I will need to cut down on my calories intake and do more exercise.

It is just difficult especially when I walk down memory lanes and try out all the food I ate in the past especially in places like Min Tien, the hawker center food.  The rich tea did not help either.  Indian mamak stall's teh tarik with beehoon goreng was yummy.  Ole Ole Bali was fabulous.  We had seafood platter, bbq chicken, curry mutton and grilled fish.  It was fabulous.  Only problem was migraine in the middle of night and suffering in the morning until late afternoon.

I had migraine several times in KL.  It was usually after Nonya food or peanuts.  There is something in the food that causes severe headache that I cannot eat or drink.  I was glad to start recovering in the afternoon.

We work hard and eat harder.  So good, so good food.  It may be detrimental to my health for being a glutton.  Now that I am back, I can do some exercise.  Hopefully, I can reduce my weight and waist line. 

Yes, it is pay back time, for me!

Wan Tan Mee Man Gone

I had wanton mee for breakfast whenever I am in Sunway.  This has been like a relationship and now his stall is gone, I felt sad.  He may have moved to another location.  I always remember the wanton is black sauce and always requested that he keep the noodles warm for me.  My Japanese colleague will always request for curry noodle and I will order curry mee for him.  The curry mee stall is there but run by a foreign worker. 

For many years, I had wanton mee for breakfast every time I am here.  However, this morning his absence is sorely felt.  I was looking forward to see him this morning as I have not been back for some time now.  Anyway, it is another chapter closed.  We have to move on.  Even though it is just simple Wan Tan Mee, there is still an emotional bond.  I may be sentimental as this vendor was not friendly and over time become more cordial to me.

Night Walk

Instead of being cooped up in the hotel room with TV to keep me company, I have a chance to walk about the mall and coffeeshops.  I am a city boy who need the city buzz of the hawkers and people eating.  I visited Indian coffeeshops, surveyed all the food they have on display and look at what the patrons are eating.  It is an interesting pastime.  This place is alive even at 11pm.  It is like Roppongi.  The difference is Roppongi is full of clubs and here it is all the coffee shops.  The bars and cafe in Sunway is quite empty.  I guess it is just Tuesday night.  One of the bar I walked past has no customer at all.

There is a Borneo Rainforest directly opposite the main entrance of Sunway Resort.  It is hard to look inside.  I don't think it is well patronised.  Many years ago, I had teh tarik there.  There is still a makeshift store selling pirated DVD.  Each cost RM8.

I like the mobile steamboat.  There are a number of different items all skewered in a long bamboo stick.  You chose the items you like and put them inside the pot of boiling water.  Once it is cooked, you can eat it.  It is very retro and I still marvel that it is available here as this kind of mobile steamboat has disappeared from Singapore for probably 4 decades.

My migraine and nausea have gone.  The evening went well indeed.

Food Allergy?

I may have food allergy that I am not sure of.  I get severe headache after drinking alcohol no matter how small the quantity.  Last night, I had migraine which lasted until past lunchtime.  I skipped lunch.   However, I did not have any alcohol for dinner.  So it may be the food.  I suspect the peanuts or cookies in the hotel room that cause me this problem. 

It was so bad that I felt like vomiting and yet, I did not have any food for breakfast.  I took some fruit juice and Tyernol.  At about 10am, I took another two Dhamol.  I was feeling bad during lunch time and did not eat any food.  Just drink lot of premium lotus tea.  I added syrup to my second cup and immediately felt better.  It may be the sugar kicking in and helping to relieve my migraine.

Now I am recovering and feeling much better.  I am glad the trip is coming to an end and will be home soon.

Good Work!

We did good work today and have covered a lot of ground.  We have plenty of followups to do.  So it is a good day.  The potential in Asia is good and we are lucky to be in this part of the world at this time.  Still it is going to be a long haul ahead.  The economy in China is weakening as our partner told us.

We had dinner at Ole Ole Bali in Empire.  The food is good and we had a long conversation.  Time went by fast.  By the time we reach back to our hotel, it is 10pm.  Bedtime now....

Hotel Saujana

It has been years since I was last here.  I first stay this hotel when I got the job to transfer from Canada to Singapore.  It was a hotel I stayed for a few trips until my sales manager suggested Sunway Lagoon and since then I have not been back until today.  This hotel is a golf resort.  There is nothing else here.  It is peace and tranquility.   I like Sunway hotel or Royale Bintang or Boulevard as there is a mall right beside the hotel and I can take walks whenever I can.  It is good exercise and therapeutic.  I do not buy lots of stuff but do enjoys exploring the resturants and supermarkets.  Best of all, bookshops especially Borders.

My colleague prefers the quiet place where he can stay in the room work.  He will be in all day working on the spreadsheets and numbers.  I need to do people watching and to do this I need a place where people come and go. 

I also like malls that offers kopi tiam or local style coffeeshop like Pappa Rich, Uncle Lim or Kuang Station.  Actually, Jom Bali in The Curve is one of my favorite coffeeshop.  Maybe more will show up in Singapore once the company start to expand outside Malaysia like the Comedian, Mark Lee who franchise OldTown Coffee.

Yes, I am old fashioned to be in love with Kopitiam.

Flute and Guzhen Live!

B2 is working in Metro, City Square Mall, selling toys.  We send him there after his tuition.  At level One, there is a live performance of two ladies who play Chinese Orchestra music using flute and guzhen.  They played quite well.  Their performance attract a number of shoppers who enjoys the music.  I, too joined in to listen to a number of pieces.  It must have taken them years to practise and performing only during the mooncake festival bring in the mood.

Home-cooked Food

My first home-cooked meal in 7 days!  My current maid is not a good cook.  But it is good to eat home-cooked food.  We had two vegetable dishes and a tofu dish accompanied by black rice for carbo.  My first healthy meal too.

I am glad to get a break before I leave on Sunday to KL.  I like KL.  The malls are bigger and the food is similar yet different.  Everything is much cheaper too. 

My wife went to pick up her iPhone 5.  She is still using her iPhone 3 and it is wearing out.  I am more interested in the Samsung SIII.  I am looking forward to the SIII note.  I hope it is available when it is time for me to renew my contract. 

B3 is quite happy with the candy that I brought back.  They were gifts from Ana lounge because they cannot get the internet to work. 

Roppongi

I had a wonderful dinner at Lawry's.  The beef was good but the lobster's tail is just ok.  Maybe it is just because I am not a seafood lover.  The beef was medium well and is very tender.  I am glad I did not eat so much that I do not feel a forced fed duck.

After dinner, I walk to exercise and digest my stomach.  I was on the way to Roppongi and it drizzles.  The sky was heavy with clouds.  So I change my mind and walk around Ana Intercon instead.  Then the rain stopped and I walked to Roppongi.  The place is buzzing.  Lots of black men in suit trying to get attention of foreign men.  One came up to me offering topless show.  I ignore him and he gave up. 

At the cross junction, women dressed sexily looking bored waiting for clients.  So of the girls are good looking.  Most are just so so.  All very sexy.  There is even a black "woman" who I think look like she was not born a baby girl. 

Interestingly, or at least interesting for me, is a fairly big bookshop with a small English section.  I spent some time there.  I walk around to look for candy shop as B3 requested for a specific brand of candy which can only be found in candy shops.  I checked out all the convenient stores and one supermarket but no luck.

Plenty of clubs or "drinking place" as my ex-Japanese colleague would say.  Even opposite my hotel on the hill is full of drinking place staffed by pretty women.  Many Japanese men looked drunk.  I wonder why they need use alcohol and women as stress relief.  From what I see, it seems they spent lots of money on the women but no sex.  So I think the job for the women is not bad.  However, I have only snapshot look and did not have indepth understanding.  So I am just jumping to conclusion as it is probably a dog's life for the women who have to keep strange men happy and occupied.

Breather

Now I can take a breather.  Work is over for now and it is just following up on the discussions we had.  Best of all, we are on our own for dinner tonight.  We can order what we like and control what and how much we eat.  This is so nice. 

The last few dinners, while I enjoys the food, it is ordered by someone else and I do not have a chance to decide and have to keep eating to show my enjoyment.  I have gained weight. 

Tonight, it is Lawry's Prime Rib.  So I am looking forward to eating the quantity I will enjoy instead of stuffed like a duck fattening up for its liver.

Tokyo!

Up early in the morning at 5am to go to Incheon airport for Narita.  We should have gone by Gimpo to Haneda and save at least two hours of travel.  It is Roppongi area.  US Embassy's security is tight.  Surround by plenty of policemen on patrol and pedestrians have to give wide berth and walk around far from the building.

I had a short walk to Roppongi commercial area.  It has resturants like TGIF, Outback and Tony Romas.  It is a busy place. 

I had a walk after dinner to check out the train station for tomorrow and decided to take the backlane.  It look parallel and after a while I was deep inside somewhere and lost!!  I decided to get directions and the guy cannot read English.  So his colleague asked me if I can understand Chinese and gave me directions in Chinese.  I am glad to find my hotel and now safe and sound.  It is bedtime now...

Karaoke!

My host enjoys karaoke.  So I have to sing one song.  I chose Beautiful Sunday.  Halfway, he asked me to stop.  I guess he finally agrees that I am terrible in singing.  Anyway, it is quite fun just to make a fool of myself.  I do it just to be sporting and make him happy.

He is a warm host and like a big brother always insisting on his way.  I ate so much in the last few days that I am going to gain weight.  Gain a lot of weight.  I have to do more exercise when I reached home.

Another Day in Seoul

We had two meetings with 2 customers.  On a quick break before we have dinner.  I had a short walk for exercise and now writing down how my day go.

As usual, I look at all the local food offering.  Plenty of fried chicken with spicy sauce.  Then there are fairly exotic fare by my standard.  There is a huge live octupus available for sashimi.  The Paris Baguette shop did not look much difference from other bakery shops.  So I do not understand why it is so popular in Wisma Atria.

It will be an early start tomorrow.  We have to go to Incheon to fly to Narita.  We should have fly through Gimpo and going to Haneda.  We would have save at least two hours of travel.  We tried to change but the American Airlines is so inflexible on any changes. 

Seoul Good Dinner

It is always about food.  I had traditional Korean dinner with my host and my boss.  It is a real hole in the wall place.  We walk through the hole in the wall and it is a tiny shop lot like a single stall coffeeshop in Singapore.  The place can sit about 15 diners.  The old lady owner is the chef  and cook home-style traditional Korean meals.  We had hot plate pork accompanied by various sauces and kimchi.  Even the kimchi taste different from all the resturants we had been so far.  She is just a sweet lady and was not feeling good when she saw that we did not finished her soup.  So she made another bowl of the same soup for us.

I feel like a guest to someone's home.  It is obviously a favorite with local men.  Most smoked and eat their meals and go.  This is so like eating in a neighbourhood coffeeshop.  The meal was really enjoyable.  We ate so much.  The auntie is very warm even though she did not understand us.  She read our body language well.  I am sure she will be very happy to see me again if I drop by to eat.  I will be very happy as if I am visiting an old friend or relative.

Haelim Park

The photos were around Haelim Park.  Haelim Park is a botanic garden cum caves.  It has lava and limestone cave which is unusual as it is rare to have both combined.  It is usually one or the other.  The cave was easy walk.  Not climbing needed.  The cave is dripping water all the time and everywhere.  The limestone feature is interesting as well.  I looked at the caves and it is very interesting to see it live instead of on documentaries.  It is all lit up.  I am thinking the explorers of caves will need all the right gear and equipment.  On top of that, they have to bring lights and cameras to video and record the caves.  I was quite blown away to be inside a cave that is dripping water and then seeing the stalactites and stalagmites forming right in front of my eyes.  This is the best thing that happens for this trip.  I feel like a real scientist.

Jeju is a Volcanic Island

Old Movies and Happiness

My host has lots of old movies and I am watching them all over again.  I love them!  Maybe I am getting old.  Reliving old movies.  To Sir with Love, Love Story.  Amazing stories.  Classics, just like Sounds of Music.  Only thing is Love Story is a tragedy.  Not a good ending.  So sad and touching.  Maybe it is good to bleed once in a while. 

I realised I was quite happy for a while after the exercise of graditude for 3 things everyday.  I must start the whole exercise again.  It is not that I am unhappy but being happier is better.

I am grateful to be healthy.  I enjoy exercising.  I am grateful to have friends and family.  I am grateful for my well behaved boys.

Jeju Island!

What is lovely island this is!  A beautiful lush and green island.  It is full of farms, horse farms, cattle farms, mandarin oranges farms and vegetables farms.  There are plenty of golf resorts as well.  Many of the same flight as us from Seoul brought their golf clubs.

I am here watching To Sir with Love in the Raon Pivate Town.  It is so tranquil and relaxing .  A serene place away from the Madding Crowd.  I love this place.  Nothing much to do except to soak into the atmosphere and enjoy the scenery.  Of course if you like golf...

Good Evening

Dinner was our usual tofu with minced meat, stir-fried kailan and pork braised in soya sauce.  Dessert after dinner was cookies and coffee instead of our usual fruits.  The boys enjoy eating butter cookies from Mark and Spencer.  They dipped the cookies into my coffee.  Only B2 has a small cup to try.

We were talking about everything and nothing.  Until we realised iPhone 5 will be launched tomorrow.  So we decided to go to our regular Singtel outlet and check when we can get the phone.  The lady told us the launch is at MBS tomorrow.  We can get the phone only on Sunday.  I will not be in.  So it will be mummy who will claim the new toy.  Anyway, the iPhone 5 is for mummy as she is overdue.  The iPhone 4 Siri version was claimed by B2.  He upsets mummy tremendously when he sulked feeling that he should be the one to have the phone.  Mummy relented.  Now it is mummy's turn to claim the latest phone.

It is good to have a relationship with regular store because we can book and get the phone without any hassle.  We went to the supermarket to get some groceries before returning home.  I enjoys the two older boys following us to Singtel and supermarket doing routine errands.  We are a happy family.

I almost forgot.  We had a buffet lunch at a Japanese resturant in UE Square.  B1 went to this resturant with his army friends a few weeks ago and raving about it.  B3 is still in school.  So only B1 and B2 and we tried quite a few dishes.  We are so full after lunch as I drank at least for 4 cups of drinks.  The lunch is $50.50 per head!

Travel

Tomorrow is travel day for me.  I will be out for almost two weeks accompanying my boss for his Asian tour.  There will be several stops and we have set up many meetings with customers.  It will be busy time. 

My worry is I will eat too much.  With so many lunch and dinner meetings included, I expect to gain at least 2kgs.  The bad thing is I am the one who set up all the meetings to include meals.  Business relationships improved at a more relaxed setting like lunch or dinner.  The other key is go to office to talk golf and conduct business at the golf course.

I must observe my food intake during meetings as I tend to focus on business and forget that I am drinking and eating too much.

Tensions Easing

I am glad to hear on the news that the China-Japan tension over the Daoyu island is easing.  It was a worrying issue.  Now that the tension eases, it is good for everyone.  On the interview, the security was tight at the Japanese embassy and passerbys were interviewed.  Protest cause disruptions to people's lives.  Once you prove your point, it is time to get back to regular living.

I like the attitude.  The police or public security as it is known in China had send sms to tell people to avoid the area.  So calm prevails although under heavy police presence.  This is far better than cries for war.  I hope the issue get resolved peacefully.

War Cries

It is worrying to see on the news that the Chinese are protesting and calling for war with Japan.  The leadership transition is China means delicate times.  I reads on the papers the Chinese and the rest of Asia do not like Japanese superior attitude and condesending manner when it come to their war crimes.  Chinese military has gone from strength to strength.  Now there is an aircraft carrier in its arsenal.  I hope the countries find ways to de-escalate the tensions.  Otherwise, the military brass will find an excuse to go to war.  War give the military the reason to justify its existence and increase the money it will get.

Bonjour and Lavender

Both are bread shop near the hotel.  Just before checking out, I went to buy some of the interesting looking bread.  My family loved the cream puffs from Bonjour.  Luckily, I bought half a dozen.  They looked yummy and best of all cost RM2.80 each or slightly over a dollar Sin.  The same puff will cost S$2.50 in Singapore.  From Lavendar, it is the long Danish stick with cream that got my family's votes.  The other breads did not get special mention.  So my next trip to KL, I will just focus on the two winners and buy more of them instead.

Bonjour's sales staff is quite nice.  He knows that I am a visitor and asked if I am going to take a long time before eating the puffs.  So he get a ice-pack for me.  The garlic loaf is not so good.  Maybe it is no longer fresh and the french loaf gets very tough.  The olive loaf is quite nice.

From Lavender, we tasted the red bean in a long bun (average although looked appealing), cheese stick and cheese bun(both okay).  The round pastry bun with maple syrup is also ok.  Again looked delicious but does not taste as good as its look.

It is really fun to stay in different hotels with different malls.  We get to try out different kind of bread.  I was sad when Japanese loaf with custard bakery closed.  Each loaf is RM18 and I will always buy one loaf home and my boys loved them.  They can be kept in the fridge and toasted before eating.  It is quite heavenly actually. 

One Utama

My guest from Korea says that this mall is huge and we were just walking on the basement part.  I told him Coex mall is big too.  But he says only underground.  There is nothing above which is true except for Hyundai Store which is 7 floors or more.  1U must be one of the largest mall in South East Asia.  I told him we just like to shop as we do not have anything else to do.  Actually, there are plenty to do in Malaysia with kampungs, National Parks, beaches and islands.

One Utama is massive and full of shoppers.  I am a shopper too.  I just enjoys window shopping as I believe it is not green to buy stuff.  I need to see new gadgets, products and food items. It is an enjoyable pastime beside reading, blogging or eating.

Budget Terminal

The budget terminal in Changi reminds me of small airports.  It is quite retro.  Bring back memories of growing up. On the 25th of September at 2am, it will closed permanently and be rebuilt into Terminal 4.  The price of F&B is very reasonable compared to those in T1, T2 or T3.  The shops are designed like in what you see in exhibitions, long horizontal signage supported by thin vertical pillars.  The signages and letterings are similar with those in exhibitions.  There are plenty of ATMs or teller machines from different banks and all of them are in line of sight unlike the other terminals which are lost in the crowded and massive thoroughfare.  The atmosphere is cosy as there are not as many people.  It is like living in a small town.

I am sorry to see it has to make way for a spanking new and modern Terminal 4.

House Warming Surprise

At about 10:30am, my mother-in-law called my wife.  Her brother is having a house warming party at 11am.  Kind of short notice.  We have to change our plans for our errands.  When we reached the house, we realised we were the last to be informed.  Obviously, my wife is bottom on the totem pole.  As usual, I am frank and open to point this out.  My mother-in-law tried very hard to explain why.  At the end of the day, actions speak a million words. 

The food was vegetarian and we had fried noodles, braised mushrooms with romaine lettuce, vegetarian abalone and celebrate her birthday, another surprise!  So plenty of surprises for today. 

After the house warming, mummy brought the two older boys to do some shopping as Denizen has sales ending today.  B3 wanted to go home.  Only when we reached home do I realise why.  He wants to play with his friends.  He is so lucky to have so many friends to play with.  He is very happy in the pool and he has three new friends from France who recently moved to our estate. 

B1 managed to get some new pants as all his current ones were kind of worn out. 

Closing Down Sales

B1 was excited about 30% discount storewide by Carrefour.  So after dinner, we went to Carrefour in Plaza Singapura.  Most of the items are sold.  There are not much merchanise left. All perishables are gone except for some fishes and packaged fresh meat.  The boys bought toothbrush and toothpaste as they are running low.  I had Salonpas, the spray type for aching muscles.

Plaza Sin is quite busy.  We reach about 8pm and at 9:30pm it is still full of shoppers.  On the way home, we can see Serangoon Road is full of merry makers. 

Singapore come alive on Saturday night!

Forgot to Write!

I was so busy with work that I forgot to write yesterday!  I promised to write everyday as a discipline and to improve my writings.  I was a little surprised that I have forgotten to write my entry yesterday when I signed in to blog.

My mind is busy and working on the future.  Boh Tong always advise me not to write about work as it is boring.  I try to write about other subjects like my daily events or books I read.  I enjoys going back to read what had happened in the past.  It is a good way to relive my memories.  Also I like it words more than pictures.  Words can describe emotions and feelings which pictures cannot.  Neither can pictures tell you about taste or smell.

Writing is a good way to relax.  It is also rewarding as there is clear outcome.  My boys have stopped writing their blogs.  All their classmates have stopped too.  I guess young kids have busy lives and writing blogs get dropped off first.

Recently, there is a lot of buzz about young adults leaving Singapore disillusioned by the life here.  There are plenty of responses from older folks who have left and now thinking of returning.  They had a wonderful life elsewhere but now starting to miss the hawkers food.  Talking about food, I will like to live in Thailand.  The food is good, choice is wide and cost is low.  What a wonderful combination!

Busy Busy Busy!

It is crunch time.  Plenty of work to do and plenty of thinking to do.  Yes, it is the time for planning and forecasting.  I am glad to most of my customers are very nice and give me support when I need.  It is nice to good customers who understand. 

Billards

B2 has been bitten by the billard bug.  He first played billard maybe 6 months ago after visiting a friend's who lives in City Square condo.  Since then, he has been playing regularly and spending about $90 last month.  I was a little concern even though he is spending the money he earns by giving tuition.

Today, he cycled to Punggol to play.  B1 was having two days off from camp and wanted to cycle with me.  So off we go and we decided to stop by Punggol Prawn Fishing to have a look and at the same time check on B2. 

B2 was playing pool with his friend.  He is actually quite good as he managed to hit the balls into the pockets.  So I am impressed!

Why I return to Singapore

I left Singapore at the age of 28, older than the 20 year olds who are leaving the country today. I lived in Canada.  Starting life in a total new country was hard in the beginning.  Over time, we made friends and life become better.  We go fishing in summer, cut grass, maintain the house and explore the country.  We drove to Ottawa, Kingston, and other cities.  In winter, we visit friends and invite them over.  Except for sports, we are more or less living a Canadian life.  Income tax was high at 48% and consumption tax was 15% comprising 7% gst and 8% pst or provincial sales tax.  It was as Beeconomics founder describes in today's Sunday Times, living from paycheck to paycheck.  But we were happy.

Tragedy strikes.  My wife's younger sister died on the plane on the way to visit us in Canada.  So we returned to Singapore where our families are.  Singapore has many advantages.  Tax is low and environment is safe.  It is a good place to raise kids.  School is pressure cooker which is a negative.  We were mystified by the obsession with money, buying property and IPOs when we have lunch with our colleagues. 

The general atmosphere is also tense as there are constant reminders from the government to work harder and strive harder, or as a country we will not survive.  This makes a highly stressed society.  Seeing a doctor is free in Canada but you have to pay for the drugs and the pharmacist for every drug he or she picks for you.  While seeing doctor is free, you are also tied to the system.  If you requires specialist, your family doctor must be convinced and refer you to the specialist.  The queue to the specialist will be at least 3 months.  In Singapore, you just go to the Heart Center or Cancer Center or Skin Center and pay as a private patient to shorten the queue.  In Canada, there is no choice.  If you want to shorten the waiting time, you have to cross the border to US.

Singapore runs well almost to the clockwork of Switzerland but not quite.  Traffic conditions is far better than Highway 401 traffic in Toronto.  There is  wider choice than before, even gambling but no Playboy yet.  The primary purpose focus is do well in school and do well at work.  You can volunteer to help the less fortunate but there is no way to get out of the rat race.  Life is Singapore is stable and comfortable.  We are at leading edge of technology.  We can afford to outsource our housekeeping chores.  In Canada, we have to do all the household ourselves.  We treat ourselves on alternate week with part-time help.

I loved the 4 seasons but do not miss the long winter.  Singapore still get the thumbs up for weather - no need to clear snow on the driveway before going to work.  Happiness levels have been increasing with more parks and park connectors.  We are a food heaven!  We are spoilt for choice here.  In Toronto, it is Hong Kong style food or Vietnamese for Asian fare.  I do love the Italian or Canadian resturants.  Eating out is so affordable in Singapore compared to Western countries.

Economies in Asia are doing well and growing.  Opportunities are plenty compared to Canada.  Finding work or starting business is relatively easier.  We are less tolerant of same sex relationships, it does not affect me or my family.  Crime rate is low and it is safe to go anywhere anytime.  The political climate is resticted according to some but we are not into politics, so it does not matter.

Singapore has its warts.  We loved living here.  It is safe, comfortable with good healthcare system.  I do hope Singapore will treat the elders (seniors in Canada) with more respect and help them age gracefully instead make them eked out a living cleaning hawkers centers, toilets or collecting cans and waste cartons boxes.

Yes, life here is a rat race and we are all rats.

Ocean Resturant

B1 and B3 had lunch at Ocean Resturant in Ngee Ann City 5th floor with us.  It is new resturant right beside Imperial treasure.  B2 was at Kovan Center for his pool tournament.  The resturant is very popular and we had to wait for some time to get a table.  It is Teochew food but Hong Kong style.  So there is a lot of Cantonese dim sum. 

The food is not bad but the price is higher than Imperial Treasure.  It does have roast goose.  Only Teochews eat goose.  Cantonese has only roast ducks.  After lunch, mummy brought B3 to get some new clothings.  His t-shirts and shorts have plenty of holes in them.  They are also too small for him now.  B1 and I go to Kinokuniya to browse books.  I loved spending time in Kino.  It is relaxing for me.  I hope Kino will continue to stay for a long time now that we have lost Borders and Page One.

20 years old leaving Singapore

The article posted by Yahoo! caught my interest.  The letter by zing is articulate and touching.  It was reposted by you don't have to agree and there are plenty of comments which is interesting reading.

This bring memories of why I left Singapore and live in Canada.  I did not leave Singapore because I was disillusioned by the pragmatism or just chasing after jobs, careers or money as many of the Singaporean youths are feeling today.  Nor did I leave because of the tight controls Singapore government impose on every aspect of citizen's life. 

I left because I want to experience living in different country.   Many youths on the says they love the warts and failings of other city they are living or going to live.  There is nowhere that will fit into all our ideal lifestyle.    We have to experience different lifestyle in the different countries or cities to know and understand and then to love. 

Singapore really have very little in terms range of lifestyles as it is a city-state.  There is no rural community or different cities in the country to move to.  You can only move from Ang Mo Kio to East Coast or Jurong.  There are regional differences but it is impossible to experience a significant lifestyle difference.  Singapore does not has enough space to have a couple more Bollywood farms.  Kampong Buangkok is so tiny and will likely be gone once the owner who is single and about 60 years old pass on.

So to all the youths of Singapore who are disillusioned and want to move on to another country.  I would say "go forth and experience something else".  You are in the prime of life and it is time to broaden your horizon.  The world is your oyster.  Make the world a better place.  You may return to Singapore like I do or if you love your new home, live there.  I may go back to live in Canada when I retire.  It is a good country and take good care of seniors.

Trash Packs

B3 was very interested in the latest toy fad, trash packs.  He got interested and insist on buying the trash packs when we were in Italy.  He will survey every kiosk sells magazines in train stations and along the streets for trash packs.  Once we are home, he is still excited about the toys.  He sincerely believe it will come to Singapore.  And a couple months ago, trash packs was indeed launched.  Now he is very excited that series 2 trash packs will be launch next week.  It is hard for an adult to understand why kids like small pieces of coloured plastics.

Steak and Ribs

We went to Foodie Market in Tiong Bahru and bought a lot of meat.  One beef tenderloin weighing more than 2kgs.  Six racks of BBQ baby back ribs.  Ribeye pork chops and regular pork chops.  I cook up one tenderloin steak and two racks of ribs.  Mmmm.  Yummy!  We did not cook any rice, so we had naans and french fries for our carbo.  I like my steak medium but my wife always complains and I have to slice out a portion and make it well-done.  The bbq back ribs are easy, just heat and serve.  No need to watch for the cooking time or heat level.

All three boys are in for dinner tonight.  B1 is home from army.  B2 just returned from a 3 days robotics camp in Pei Hwa. 

Now that the boys are growing up, they are having more and more activities that they stay out.  Slowly, they are going to "flew the coop".  I hope my boys will continue to stay us after they finished army and university.  This will only happen if they work in Singapore.  If they find work outside Singapore, then they will be living outside the home they grew up in.  What will be will be.

You are Hired!

I am not a big fan TV series.  I got hooked onto this series when I left my TV on channel U at 8 plus in the evening.  What pip my interest is it is business themed show.  There is a lot of business strategies and advice.  So it is very easy to relate to the caricatures of the business situations and office politics.  Hong Kong script writers are really amazing.  The political situations are depicted colourfully and injected with humour.  So it is both funny and educational. 

I was impatient.  So my wife who is a master in watching TV series free help me to locate the show for .... yes! FREE!  It cannot be watch in internet explorer, only on safari or google chrome.  You can go to alodrama.com to view this HK drama.  The advantage of watching in the net rather than the Channel U is there is English subtitles.

I watch You are Hired on alodrama.  The second last disk and a couple other disks was deleted from the servers.  No worries.  The final episode is fine.

Murtabak at Victory in North Bridge Road

Last night, the documentary on century old business, Victory Resturant was featured.  It is more than 100 years old and it is the third generation running the business.  I decided to try the signature dish murtabak.  Like the owner who was interviewed, it is just normal.

Mummy did not like the murtabak as it contains too much chopped onions.  She requested for egg prata.  Her first bite and there is a long strand of grey hair.  It is terrible.  Just like Zam Zam, the Indian resturant next door, the hygiene factor is not so good.  Zam Zam, I recall was suspended before many years now for faeces found in the nasi bryani.  I did not complain.  She later regrets eating up the egg prata.  Sigh!  I am more tolerant of less hygiene conditions.  After all, in the army during my time when we are out in the field, we ate with very dirty hand and did not get sick(I lied!  I did a couple of times but recovered).

After lunch, we explores the shops along the road.  B3 was happy to get kooti kooti from Tai Sing.  The kooti kooti is just a piece to foam unlike the small hard figurines made of hard plastics of different colors during my time. 

Yesterday's Event in PCN

We missed the event in the Punggol PCN yesterday.  We ride there today to check it out.  However, all the temporary shelters are being dismantled.  All the sound systems are gone.  Only a gigantic red banner behind the water curtains remain.  It reads "Official Opening of National Games 2012".  B1 and B3 ride with me and we went through Punggol Point.  There are lots of fishermen but no one seems to have caught anything yet.

Home-made Chendol

It is so easy to make chendol nowadays.  Everything is available at NTUC Fairprice.  The black jelly, the green "worms" (i.e. the real chendol), cold prepacked coconut milk and gula melaka.  I used young coconut as a container.  It cost only $1!  The taste is very passable considering it is such a shortcut.  It is not as nice as freshly squeeze coconut milk but far superior than canned coconut milk or those in a tetrapak.

I am satiated with my home-made dessert.  My boys are happy with the chuck tender beef although mummy is quite concerned with the rare part.

Turkish Lunch

This afternoon, we had our lunch in what B3 called "Ali Baba's Place" when he was very young.  We were very surprised and actually delighted that as a toddler he can recognised this place as Ali Baba's place.  I was explaining to the older boys that this place has historical significance as it is where all the Arab traders used to stay, Arab Street.  B3 who was 5 or 6 years old burbed out Ali Baba's Place.  I realise he saw the mosque with the domes. 

It was exactly like Disney's cartoon, Ali Baba.  Since then, I always called it Ali Baba's Place.  Today, he corrected me and tell me it is Kampong Glam.  He had excursions in school where they are brought to different areas in Singapore to learn history including Chinatown and Little India.

We went to a resturant that has good Turkish bread.  Our boys like the breads very much as they are freshly baked and tasted heavenly.  We had a dish of assorted bbq items.  We loved to bring our boys for cultural experience especially when it comes to food.