.::. Remembering LKY .::.

It has been the talk of the town and seen an amazing outpouring of love for a man who built Singapore. It was really heart-warming to see a divided Singapore coming together during such times. Despite divided political inclinations, I believe most of us Singaporeans see and appreciate what this man has given us.  I do have mixed feelings though. From the love and pride for Singapore, I feel sad that a great man who has built Singapore have left. Part of me feel lost and somewhat worried about Singapore’s future, but another part of me is looking forward to changes that could make Singapore a better place. Perhaps more compassionate and less economically driven by productivity, less like a corporate and more like a family or a place where people feel it’s home. We are no doubt very lucky, but in many ways I wished that we could have done more for our people, especially those who were left behind as we chugged forward.

Revisiting LKY’s life, there’s so much to learn from this man. No man is perfect, but I believe that he has done his best given the circumstances and there’s so much to learn from him.

1.       Love and monogamy

I think this is absolutely underrated in today’s society that places much focus on success at the workplace and amount of wealth. A good and loving marriage is seldom in the spotlight as life’s successes. Moreover, most capable and high-profile people usually crave for power and attention with resultantly common extra-marital affairs and scandals. The love he shared with his wife is so precious. If you ask me, life wouldn’t be in vain as long as one have loved and was loved deeply. Anyone who’s capable of such love over a lifetime can’t be that bad a person.

2.       Determination and faith

This man dedicated his life to building Singapore. His determination and faith is imprinted all over Singapore and how we have evolved over the past 50 years. Simply looking at Singapore today speaks volumes about his determination and faith as we defy everyone’s expectations to become one of the richest country despite having zero natural resources.

3.       Consistency

He is known for being consistent in everything he did. His days were a routine revolving around work, family and exercise. Despite his heavy workload, he always had time for exercise and family, keeping a healthy work-life balance. When asked about his secret to longevity, he said to exercise and eat less but healthily. He was constantly improving himself and keeping himself updated with everything that was going on. Anyone can have goals and many have great ides, yet how many could persist and consistently work towards what they believed in?

4.       Frugality

His frugal ways are extinct in today’s generation. Just look at our elitist MPs who drives cars which are worth more than HDB flats and indulge in all the luxury that you can think of. Many of our leaders today are born with a golden spoon in their mouth and had a very smooth journey in life. How can they really understand how is life really like for the less-privileged in Singapore? Many of them have private sector careers and worry more about how they look rather than focusing on serving the people. LKY was a man who wore the same clothes for years till they had holes and never cared for luxury items. If you were like him, all you think of is probably how to improve things or to tweak plans for Singapore as you take in the developments in the world daily. There will be no time for luxury or fashion! This was a man who truly understood the people then and set out to meet the peoples’ basic needs, building a country where people can be safe, with means to bring up families in a comfortable home in a clean and green city. If Singaporeans were as frugal as him, there really wouldn’t be much complaints. If we did not expect to go on holidays, do not expect much shopping and luxury items, had home-cooked food and took the public transport – how many of us will still struggle to survive and own a HDB? Even kids staying in rental flats have iPhones these days!

5.       Opinionated

He was a man who stood for his beliefs and spent his life defending them. He had very strong opinions and arguments, he always made his points and was able to substantiate his opinions. He never deviated and had something to say to rebut what others’ had to say. He had such clear thoughts that are so closely weaved together. I remember reading his book as a teenager and his thoughts were enlightening although I might not always agree and wouldn’t be so sure that it’s a good idea to be so forthright about it. He is always so pragmatic. What he said about the cost of sustaining an old person despite available technology and the dwindling fertility of women after 35 left a mark on me. He always looked at the big picture. While it’s true that these are individual choices and freedom, but the issues and cost to society as a whole is real. I also agreed with his thoughts about human genes and his view on religion. I love that he insisted to be correct, not politically correct.

We can all argue and point out his high-handed ways that might have destroyed some people and families. But perhaps that is makes him a true leader, because he made those hard decisions and stood so firm, resulting in the birth of Singapore which has benefited so many of us. It also made him human, for it’s not possible to please everyone no matter how great you may be. 

Maybe one can argue that we are so economically driven and competitive that makes Singaporeans are a stressful and unhappy lot. I believe that one’s happiness is a choice and we are not forced to stay here. If somewhere else suits you better, you can always leave for greener pastures. But keep in mind that Singapore is an amazing place to live in and one of the most efficient countries in the world. After visiting more than 30 countries and spending a year in Europe, I still love Singapore and probably wouldn’t want to leave. We can also choose to be more frugal, have lower expectations, consume less and have a less stressful life. Instead, most of us choose to slog for a bigger apartment, a better car, luxury goods and holidays. These are not needs but wants, and how can we blame a man who has fulfilled all our basic needs so well that we are complaining about not having enough wants fulfilled?

The man is no more. While I’m very thankful and grateful for all that Singapore is, I think we need change. It might be a necessity to push everyone so hard then, but now that we are already a developed country, I wish to see a more compassionate Singapore and more policies to support it. It’s all great if we compare ourselves in the region, but when compared against developed countries, we are lagging behind in many areas and there’s so much to learn from other developed countries. My wish for Singapore is to become a developed country with happy people. It may probably take another lifetime for policies to be put in place and people to change their mindset about success and happiness.

.::. Christmas Eve .::.

We spent our first Christmas eve as husband and wife at Studio M Hotel at Clark Quay. It was a wedding gift from the girls and our second hotel stay in a week.

To our horror, there was a queue at check-in and we waited 30 minutes in line. Although check-in time was 2pm and we were only served at 330pm, our room was still not ready! They gave us A drink voucher to sit at and wait at the cafe. And I looked at the voucher and asked her why is the voucher only for ONE drink?! Should he drink or should I drink?

*sigh. What is wrong with hotels these days?! Our room at MBS was only ready at almost 7pm and the queue was horrendous. Really bad experience with hotels these days. If I'm a tourist, I'll be damn pissed. The rain has been relentless, trains not working properly and are really crowded, Orchard road is flooding, hotels are not checking-in on time and taxi queues are ridiculous. What is wrong with Singapore these days?!

The husband.

At least they served my favorite coffee.

It was raining and really windy.

When we finally got our room at about 5pm, we were quite disappointed.  He says it looks like a high-class chalet and the toilets were so small without any utilities such as cotton buds, toothbrush etc.  Moreover, so many local families were having their Christmas parties, armed with food and tons of guests.  It was pretty noisy really.  Look out of the window and you see lots of rooms filled to the brim with people and food.

We had a rest and went out for dinner at Robertson Quay.  It was pretty quiet, I guess most people were at home parties?

We dropped into a random restaurant - 'Bella Pasta' and had their set dinner.

It came with a glass of Moscato, and I obviously don't look my best sans makeup.

He had his beer.

My favorite zuppa de pesca, but obviously it was nowhere near the one I had in Venice.

The risotto with lamb.  The lamb was so good!  The best I had so far.

And the pork, which was mediocre.

Both of us were so tired.  He worked till afternoon on Christmas eve before we checked-in.

We spent the night watching 'Amazing Race' on his laptop, and went to bed early.

I was so disappointed that there was no bath-tub because I bought a bubble bath!  The MBS tub was so comfortable but I didn't have a bubble bath.  =(

Breakfast was complimentary but they were obviously very understaffed and running at the brim.  Guests had no tables and were disgruntled.  Food were snapped up too quickly and not replenished soon enough.

And we had to queue to check-out!!!

Although the company made everything alright, I think Singapore needs to be fixed.  Everything seem to be breaking at the seams and we can't seem to be handling the volume of people and activity around the island.

.::. 26th SEA Games - Swimming .::.

Have you been following the SEA games?

I used to follow things like Olympics and Worldcup since I was a young kid, because my dad always watched them and explained all the rules and stuff of all the different sports.  He still does the same to my little sisters, though they always seem so uninterested.

My favourite events were always Swimming and Gymnastics, sometimes running too.

I feel a sense of pride seeing my fellow countrymen winning.  Actually, the hard work of all these athletes  impresses me so much.  I think I haven't tried so hard for just one thing insofar.  Perhaps I have never tried as hard as them ever.

I think all athletes should be respected for their determination and effort put into one single sport.

My favorite swim for this games:



Did you have that adrenaline rush like I did?

.::. Beautiful Moments .::.

Appreciate the little scenes you pass by everyday. =) I  Singapore, it can be so pretty.

.::. NDP 2011 .::.

It was Singapore's 46th Birthday on 9th August 2011.

Like every year, we have this huge parade with marching, air displays, parachutes, shows and fireworks. I wonder if any countries celebrate National Day like we do?

It may be somewhat 'communist' rooted and propaganda to celebrate the country's birthday in such style. Afterall, quite a considerable amount of resources are dedicated to this show yearly and full-rehearsals start from end-June.

People can say what they like, but I believe that many Singaporeans are proud of Singapore like I am. I do feel exceptionally nationalistic during National Day, but looking back at how far we have came the past 46 years make me feel really blessed.

How many countries achieved such prosperity in a short 46 years after independence? How many countries this small without any natural resources has become so well-known internationally? Above all, how many countries are as safe as Singapore? People can look down on us and say whatever they want, but only true-blue Singaporeans realize how precious Singapore is, despite all the complaints we have.

This year, the brother got us preview tickets as he was on 'Chinook' with the flag. I love National Day Parades, and I have been to countless ones in Kallang Stadium. It's always really hot, very crowded, yet I enjoy every parade so much. It's the atmosphere, the kallang wave, the sea of red and the adrenaline rush I get. I especially like the sing-along part, although it's really scaled down now.

This was the first time the boyfriend is watching a parade live, ever! He has drove a tank at NDP during his NS period, but it isn't the same as being there!

It's my first time watching the parade on Marina Platform. The backdrop is beautiful, with MBS and the water in the background.

Everyone's waving the flag with the tall buildings in the Central Business District buildings as backdrop.

love it when everyone's happy.

How can we miss the annual parachute display? They make it look so effortless, and they've beautiful custom-made parachutes with special red smoke emitted from their leg this year.

The neat contingents.

And the fireworks display was spectacular this year. Pure beauty.

Which other county celebrates National Day like we do? It's pretty ridiculous how much money and resources we spend on this. I love it though.

My first memory of National Day was when my dad drove us to some flat grass patch in Marina Bay to watch fireworks. I remembered that we could see fireworks from our window every year, but there was this particular year which he decided to drive us there. I remembered how he described it would look like. I vaguely remembered bad traffic and many cars. I think we made it in time. You could just sit on the grass and look up at the beautiful fireworks which seemed to come closer and closer to you. The sound was deafening, and I felt so excited.

It was loud, it was bright, it was beautiful.

It looked spectacular through my young eyes.

That memory is etched in my mind. My love of fireworks began since then. Fireworks were pretty rare then, we only get to see it during National Day. We slowly get to see it more often, but people always flocked to such occasions. Perhaps this explains why I made the boyfriend watch fireworks with me so often though it meant squeezing in the crowds and going really early to get a good view.

Fireworks has since lost some of its appeal, or perhaps I'm really more adverse to crowds now.

But still, I love fireworks. And I love Singapore.

It's strange. I love traveling, I loved the year I spent in Europe away from home and I love many other countries. I envy some things about other countries which we do not have, and I complain about the way some things are in Singapore.

At the end of the day, I can't think of any other place that I want to live. Singapore is simply home. I love it the way it is, and I'm proud to be a Singaporean. We are so distinctive as Singaporeans - you can always detect one everywhere you go from that familiar Singaporean accent and Singlish or that crumpler bag and haviannas slippers. I love Singapore's food and the variety we get here, I can't go without it for that long.

Despite the stressful lifestyle, the crowded trains, the expensive houses and rat race, I still can't give Singapore up to be a second-class citizen in another country who sees me as an outsider/intruder. I would rather stay put, and who says your country is better than mine?

There is no place better than home.

.::. Lion King .::.

It was finally Lion King weekend after such a long wait! We bought the tickets like 2 months in advance to get decent seats.

I was filled with anticipation after hearing all the great reviews. Not one person I met had any bad comments about this musical.

We made it to Marina Bay Sands on time although we had to walk from Marina Bay MRT due to National Day Parade road closures.



MBS is so atas. There were so many extremely expensive-looking restaurants there! Joey was commenting about this Wolfgang Puck's steak restaurant called 'CUT' - I came home to check, and a steak can cost SGD$300++!!

I wonder how many Singaporeans can afford eating at such restaurants?

This is the theatre. It's very unlike the 'typical' musical theatres which we are used too.

Us before the show. I was excited!

Was I impressed? Sadly, no.

I'm giving Lion King a 3.5/5 stars. It wasn't bad, but both of us didn't like it much. The visual effects were pretty good, with the animals running up the stage from behind the theatre and colorful costumes. I liked that.

Storyline wise, I felt that it lacked a touching element. I felt that there was a missing link to justify him leaving and then deciding to come back. "Finding yourself' did not do the trick for me. I would have preferred if they made it clearer how he felt cheated and happy that he did not cause his father's death!

I reckon the music and singing was the most disappointing for me. I didn't like the husky male-like voice of Nala. The music didn't particularly move me either.

It must be personal, since so many people loved this musical.

But for me, music is really important and has to really touch my soul in a musical. It's not called musicals for nothing!

Comparing Lion King with my 2 other favourite musicals:











I guess it's obvious that I loved Phantom's songs. It was really THE classical musical. Wicked was more modern and very touching - I cried. It's my favourite all rounder while Lion King scores the best in visuals.

We walked along the Helix Bridge back to city hall after the show. It was really nice, breezy and cooling evening.

This is the new Arts and Science Museum - I would like to visit it someday though I'm probably going to be disappointed. Visiting too many museums in Europe sets one's expectations really high.

The beautiful Helix bridge modeled after humans' DNA structure.

The Helix Bridge with MBS in the background.

It was my first time on the Helix Bridge with the boyfriend!

And we are celebrating Singapore's birthday.

I got a haircut too!

These are the moments when I look at Singapore and feel how lucky I am to be staying in such a beautiful and peaceful country.

.::. Chinook's Railway Outing .::.

We decided to visit Singapore's only railway tracks last weekend, like many other Singaporeans. It was my first and last visit, since it is closed to public in preparation for dismantling since the 18th of July.

Sometimes, I wonder if Singaporeans are really too bored and do not have much to do during weekends. When there are slightly 'special' events like this happening, everyone flocks to it.

I don't really get the hype, for the trains have a reputation of poor maintenance and most people shun it. Many would prefer affordable and comfortable coaches instead. Yet when they finally decide to stop running the trains, everyone is trying to get a ticket to ride on the trains. The irony of it all.

Honestly, I was very surprised by the crowd. I never expected to see so many people!

We went there since it was reported in the papers over the past few weekends, and it was the 'last chance' afterall. It seemed like a good outing since there's greenery and you can take pictures of the tracks and bridge - sounds like a good outing. Chinook is allowed to join in the fun too!



Here is the boy, exploring the tracks. He's almost FOUR years old - which is technically 28 human years-old, and older than both me and Joey. Has it really been FOUR years? I still remember him as the puppy who stepped on me with his paws full of his own shit the first day he was home. He's alot braver and enjoys outings these days.

My boys.

Chinook can stand too!

Our little family.

On the tracks.



He must have got tired after awhile since there were so many people and he is still pretty nervous around crowds.

Singaporeans can be so ridiculously rude. Apart from exclaiming 'hot dog' and how cute he is, some kids actually commented about how disgusting Chinook's ass and penis and balls are. Seriously?! They were a family, and the mother just laughed it off while Joey said loudly 'Why is the boy so crude?!' He's so young, yet he talks like this without any respect! Don't dogs deserve some respect, at least the owners' of the dog!

All I can say is, I hope my children are not like that!

Although it was supposed to be a cooling day, I was drenched in sweat.

It was a great weekend since I get to spend time with the boys and have a chance to take some nice pictures. Although I love photography, it's not often that I get to do it much in Singapore.

.::. Attacking Singapore? .::.

This was finally published!

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_685238.html

We encountered this around Times Square in New York City about a month ago and it was disturbing! He stood around with this huge board, and shouting 'Singapore' very loudly. The first time, I thought I was mistaken. But the second time we walked past, I saw the sign and was really disturbed.

It wasn't about our Prime Minister, but his wife, Ho Ching. Something about condoning some sort of discrimination? It just sounded really offensive. He looked abit crazy, otherwise I would have took a picture of the sign. I tried googling about it, but didn't find anything.

I wonder if our government is going to catch him and bring him to court?

It seems that he lost his job in Singapore, which resulted in such behavior according to Singapore's reports. But seriously? Who knows?

It's disturbing. I wonder, when people think of Singapore, what is their first thought?

.::.Have we forgotten our core values?.::.

This election has been an interesting affair. I have always been indifferent. Afterall, I have never voted in my life, and Singapore has been doing very well with all the statistics to prove. I have always appreciated the stability and growth we have. Comparing Singapore with many other countries, we indeed have a lot to be proud of.

Increasingly, as one grows older, and wiser, one starts scrutinizing the details and questions the status quo. While our ruling party has done a remarkable job over the past decades, could more be done?

None of us could question the economic growth of our country, but what about the softer aspects of our country? Looking at all the issues being brought up this election, especially how the opposition has been treated over the years makes me really sad. What happened to all the values on which Singapore was built on?

We were told to love our country, and we recite the national in school every single day:
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
progress for our nation.

We are supposedly a democratic and meritocratic society, and the most deserving candidates should get the job of ruling our country based on our votes. Yet when we made our choice and vote for who we think deserve our votes, our ruling government do not give the opposition the same resources to serve the people who voted for them. The renowned makeshift cubicle from which Chiam See Tong worked really makes my heart feel sour. Is this what we call meritocracy?

When it comes to things like upgrading and national programs which help to improve Singaporeans’ lives, PAP wards get priority and the opposition wards get neglected. Our ruling party admits this inequality in treatment unabashedly and is using it to attract more votes. Every single one of us pay taxes, and the government should serve the people – including the ones who did not vote for them. Where is the equality?

Due to these unequal treatments by our government and ruling party, one has to rethink their decision to vote for opposition due to the possible repercussions, including less upgrading and falling housing prices. One is even asked to repent, like one has made a huge mistake by voting for the opposition. Why should it be a mistake if we truly believe that we have voted based on meritocracy? Is this what we call democracy?

Our dear ruling party has asked the opposition to show their track record and questioned if they are in the elections for their self-interest or peoples’ interest. I have been one of the many who took to this argument. Isn’t it rational to choose the ruling party who has brought Singapore thus far instead of the opposition who has not proven much?

Perhaps it’s time to rethink and question the status-quo. Are our opposition given a chance to prove anything? How could they when the barriers of entries are impermeable? Even when they do get a chance through our votes, they do not get the same resources to serve. If the opposition is in the election for their self-interest, then perhaps the ruling party has much more to lose and would do all they can to protect their self-interest and power.

I feel really sad, for I think that we have forgotten the very core values which our country was built on. Can we truly say that we are a democratic society built on meritocracy and equality?

We need to remember that when LKY started out, he started out with nothing. He had no track record to speak of, yet the people believed in him. Everyone starts out with nothing, and create something out of the peoples’ faith in them. LKY created Singapore based on the core values which we shared, yet it seems like PAP is undermining the very core values which Singapore was built on.

Being in the Jurong GRC, it’s an internal struggle to vote. Our incumbent PAP MP – Tharman, has been active and capable. Despite his promise of no GST raise, I’m almost sure that GST will be raised by next year, when the economy improves – probably to help the poor and redistribute wealth. I’m sure they would have many reasons to justify the move. On the other hand, I find it difficult to vote for a government who does not have a heart, judging by how the opposition is treated and the measures they would take to stay in power.

As LKY predicts, there will come a time when the people will take a leap of faith for change and vote the ruling party out. It will probably not happen now, but it will, in time to come.

.::. Impressed! .::.

I was lamenting how lousy the opposition were - most of them can't even speak properly, much less discuss about important issues. I'm not convinced that they could make things better, despite PAP's imperfection.

There's so much buzz about the young candidates being fielded, but I'm not that much interested in the GE since I haven't seen any strong opposition candidates around. Just hearing them speak with bad diction was a torture!

I finally saw Nicole Seah, the youngest opposition candidate - even younger than me! I like her. I think she speaks well, and she's sincere.



Comparing Nicole and Tin Pei Ling...





How to fight?

TPL is like a little spoilt clueless girl stepping up into something she wasn't even sure about. If she really thinks that health care for the elderly is 'cheap' and education costs are also 'cheap' - she really hasn't realized that there are many people struggling to meet these costs in Singapore. Does she seriously think that enough is done for these people? Now I totally understand why people are so against her. It's not about age nor gender or family backgroud, but how the things she says come across to people. I don't like the way she speaks at all.

I would totally vote for Nicole if I were staying in Marine Parade! Having said that, it's difficult for the PAP not to win in Marine Parade. The people there have been beneficiaries of so many upgrading programs and the people are probably happy with what PAP has done. Moreover, Nicole does not have strong team members.

I guess PAP will still win. I'm in Jurong GRC, and I like Tharman. It'll be a long time before there are enough convincing candidates stepping forward for the opposition.

.::. Humanity? .::.

My friend shared her good friend's story with me, and I'm really saddened by it. Anyone with a heart would be, especially dog lovers.

Her friend just moved into a new place, while the dog dug through a hole near the fence and got out. The family was obviously upset and went looking for it and made a report. A day later, AVA called them and informed that they found her dog.

Relieved, she went down to get the dog. There was obviously some fees and fines involved and she had to microchip the dog. Anyone with a dog could probably imagine the relief and willingness to pay, just to get the dog back home. Although the dog was really afraid and did not want anyone to touch it, they refused to allow her to see/hold her dog for the mico-chip procedure.

Moments later, they informed her that her dog is dead.

All she saw was the dog's lifeless body. "They told me that my dog had to be forcefully restrained by the neck and when they finished, he had collapsed and died."

It's appalling, the way the whole incident was handled. How could they do this to a life and shrug it off as an 'accident'? Those people restraining the dog weren't even trained, and probably used brute force. Why didn't they allow the owner to hold the dog?!

If it was a human instead, would things have been the same? To these people, it's a dog, an animal, a hindrance who caused trouble. To the owner, it's their family member.

If the same thing happened to a human, be it in a hospital or prison or anywhere, what will the consequences be? Sadly, I'm quite sure that this will be 'covered up' and written off as a 'mistake' or accident. Even though she's going to get an independent post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death, how much can be done if it's proven that the dog died from strangulation?

For one, you can never bring back a life, a family, a loved-one.

Read about it here:
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_654582.html

.::. Crazy Men .::.

Today, I saw a crazy man on the road, trying to block cars from moving. He left this long metal thing that looks like a gun on the floor and was shouting and gesturing with his hands. He even banged on the bonnet of cars who had to stop in-front of him.

It's the second time I saw such an incident this month. The last time was outside 126 when we were having supper after my class. He threw his backpack on the road and started blocking cars, banging on them and shouting.

I don't know what happened at 126, since that man was no longer there after we finished supper. But at City Hall today, the police came. I went to get my DSLR accessories at Peninsular and saw a commotion when I came out. That man was lying on the floor, curled into a ball, shouting god-knows-what. 2 policemen stood beside him and looked at him, looking seemingly helpless. People were gathering around them, taking videos and pictures

I wonder what did they do with people like that. I reckon all the police could do is remove them from the roads and perhaps inform their family to bring them back.

Is it a coincidence that I've been seeing incidents like these recently, or is it that more people are going crazy? And why has stopping cars on the road become so popular?!

Is Singapore becoming too stressful a place to stay in, resulting in more people going crazy?

Food for thought.

.::. Life @ Sg .::.

It's probably me. I can't seem to really feel happy with spending most of my days working. I sit in my cubicle, stare at my computer and numbers for 8 hours a day. I should be thankful that I only work 8 hours a day. After that, I'm mostly too tired to do much. I even enjoy spending my weekend sleeping.

I'm not unhappy, it's bearable, just that, there's nothing to be happy about even though I pretty like my job. I'm just detached and emotionless, telling myself that it's something which I just have to get used to. It's like, even though I feel accomplished after completing something, I can't find satisfaction and meaning to life. What's the value of contributing to a corporation's exellence? One is easily replaceable and insignificant.


Being practical, there's no other way living in a city like Singapore. There are bills to pay and everything needs money.

I'm apprehensive. The road ahead appears to be half a lifetime of staring at the computer to generate enough income to do things like get married and have kids. I feel so trapped thinking about that. Responsibilities which will officially tie me down and force me to do things just for the sake of income.

At the end of the day, everyone has a certain lifespan and everything comes to naught.

This sound so depressing, and I'm sick of hearing people tell me, that is the way it is.

Everyone has a choice, just that we always tell ourselves - that is the way things are. But is that really true? We prefer trying to convince ourselves that we do not have a choice and continue the way we are.

Apparently, I am one of the many, being brought up to survive in this society, convinced that by working hard, we are contributing to the society's growth and our future prosperity for all.

Seriously?

How many of us are truly happy and contented? Are we really better off?

.::. Democracy .::.

The recent riots in Thailand has been rather emotional personally. Having known quite a few Thais here who follow the news very closely and hearing the many stories about this lovely country which I've been to a few times makes me follow the ongoings closely too.

There are too many stories out there, many of them bias in their own way. For me, I believe that Thaksin is the villian. Perhaps he has given money to the poor and helped them in one way or another, but it wasn't his own money. It was money from the Thai people, money which was not his, money which he pocketed. Perhaps he had good intentions, but it sustained his luxury lifestyle and kept him in power. But sooner or later, he's going to suck Thailand dry. And when he is prosecuted, he made use of these people who were deeply grateful to him, to try to get back into power.

It's a joke when he said he does not support violence and that these people were not fighting for him. If it wasn't for him, what are they fighting for? Democracy? But he was not even elected democratically, and people didn't care then. Perhaps he does not support violence per se, but if it can get him what he wants, it might be a means to his ends. It's saddening that the poor and old becomes pawns, and sacrificed in his political game.

Maybe I'm wrong. But who knows what is right? I am not a religious person, yet I pray for this to end and for peace to be restored, for things to get better.

I know that there are people who laugh at Singapore's democracy and there are people who do not believe that Singapore is a democratic country. But seriously, does it really matter? Freedom comes at a price. If the price is prosperity and peace, I would prefer less freedom. So what if we can't eat gum? Think of the money we save from cleaning those things up, how it grows when invested over the years. I think most Singaporeans are happy with the way things are and are too occupied with things like planning the next holiday to bother about which politician is really in power. We complain when things are inefficient all the time, but are mostly contented to let the politicians do their jobs. No way will we spend our time rioting or going on strikes!

I only started to really appreciate Singapore's efficiency, peace and prosperity after I spent the year overseas. Nothing can beat Singapore's efficiency, you can get almost everything done in record time. Did you know that registering for a new business took 3 days in Singapore compared to the worldwide average of 35 days? I took for granted many of the conveniences I enjoyed back home.

Seriously, Singaporeans should learn to appreciate and cherish what we have instead of complaining so much.

It's scary how we try to educate the children and make them go for all kinds of classes just to stay ahead. But perhaps, without that, Singapore would not be where we are now.

If you ask me, democracy is overrated. Politics, strikes and riots are a waste of time and resources. Go do something more productive, something which results in good consequences.

.::. The Helix .::.

I'm impressed! It looks really beautiful.

It hasn't been that long, but the skyline has transformed so much!

I want to go back and take pictures too.

.::. Hunger .::.

I do feel that I'm deprived of food here. While there's dessert and the weekly dinners, it's just different. We usually have salad and a dish here. All I can say is, the variety, texture and taste of Asian food is so much more than what Europeans are used to. I miss ordering one whole table of hawker food! I miss tasting spicy, soupy, sour, salty and sweet all in one meal.



The cheesecake for Emma's birthday turned out rather well! It tastes like a REAL cheesecake, heavy and thick, just like the way I love it. I also tried making lasagne that day, it was a success too.

P.S. I dislike Japanese light cheesecake.

One of our weekly dinners. Salad and french salty cake. It was good, but well...

Continental breakfast for brunch last weekend. Oven-pancakes, scones, crepes, fruits and corn.

I realized that I dislike continental breakfast, too much flour! Moreover, I prefer salty food in the morning. It was then, that I realized that I'm alot more 'American' than 'European' although Singapore used to be a British Colony. Many of our habits and stuff seems to be more aligned with the American culture.

I love eggs for breakfast. My favourite breakfast has got to be eggs (scrambled, sunny-side-up, soft-boiled or omelette), with sausages or bacon, some baked beans with toast. I went to check, it's called 'American Breakfast'. I do like pancakes and scones, though I can't swallow too much flour for breakfast.

Then, there's the Vegetarian bee hoon, chwee kway and cheong fan, prata, egg tarts and beancurd. Perhaps, I still prefer Asian breakfast - think HK's yum cha.

I hardly eat meat here, because it's expensive. I had my first piece of steak here yesterday, because it was on sale in the supermarket. 2 pieces for 6sgd! I had it with oven-baked potatoes. *yums!!! I forgot how much I love meat, I'm a carnivore at heart really.

There are many vegetarians in Europe. The most common reason is perhaps that their family were vegetarians or that they condemn the killing of animals.

Oh well, for someone who lives to eat like me, I need my good food. Otherwise, life is not worth living.

Seriously.

I can't wait to go home and EAT. I totally feel deprived here, food-wise at least.

.::. Last days .::.

My last days in Singapore was rather hectic. Lots of meetups, food, spending time with the boyfriend and getting stuff done...



I got a new haircut and hair colour. I'm almost a blond now. Turned out alittle too golden for my liking, though I don't really mind. Afterall I'm in Sweden, the land of platinum blondes. Nobody will bother about my hair colour! I think this will be the last 6 months I have such light hair colour since I'll probably dye it a darker colour when I start working.

Had dinner at 126 sometime last week. Dim sum. *yums.

There's also my favourite beancurd at Geylang Lor 39. *loves!

Attended my brother's graduation from his airforce school course too.

It's freezing here and I'm so homesick.

*sigh. I must enjoy the next 6 months. 19 weeks before I can see the boyfriend again.

.::. Loves .::.

BBQ at the boyfriend's place last Friday night. I love BBQ!



The men at work.

Perhaps the best thing I love about BBQ is when people gather around and chat while they BBQ and wait for the food to be ready. It's the same logic as steamboat!

My favourite. I love the fluffy eggs cooked to perfection, crispy kaya-butter toast and kopi.

*loves.

I have 4 more days in Singapore. Gotta make the full use of it.