"The physical aspect of travel is, for me, the least interesting; what really draws me is the prospect of stepping out of the daylight of everything I know, into the shadows of what i don't know, and may never know. Confronted by the foreign, we grow newly attentive to the details of the world, even as we make out, sometimes, the larger outline that lies behind them."

Sun After Dark, by Pico Iyer

Riding to Unreality

It is breezy; not only could one feel but hear it: the wind chime’s making soft, tinkling sounds, almost surreptitiously, as if it were afraid of intruding upon the silence of the place. From the verandah, the view is one of peaceful serenity. A river runs adjacent to the villa, its flow gentle and calm, beckoning one to leap into it (which I did the second day). Over at the other side of the river, an expanse of trees and grassland completes the picture of tranquility. When a motorbike and a van inconspicuously emerge from one end, one is somewhat surprised by the fact that a dirt track (or perhaps a paved road?) runs through the vast expanse of greenery. Distance provides concealment, but also gives a measure of comfort.

A concrete pillar fence, at waist-level height, separates the garden from the outside area. But it’s an inconsequential barrier. The exterior seems like a natural extension of the villa, merged seamlessly with the veranda and the cozy living hall, all three linked by an invisible passageway of open space, allowing unhindered wind movement. One hardly feels the confines of the garden, which is sparsely but simply adorned. At a corner there is a wooden rocking horse, quaintly charming; a large portrait, painted in melancholy blue hues, hangs on a wooden frame behind it; and next to it sits a sturdy wooden bench. Part of the lawn has been replaced by wooden planks, complementing the furniture and architecture of the villa. The ambience is snugly languorous, a much appreciated fact that doesn’t take long to register in the first-time visitor of the luxurious villa.

I stand on the verandah, letting the breeze caress my face as I admiringly take in the idyllic surroundings. Evening came, and Kenneth and I take a stroll along the pathway that runs alongside the river. There is no brilliant sunset, just a blue evening sky that is fast turning dark. As the river broadens and leads to the marina, two neat rows of stationary yachts and small boats come into view. Against the blue sky and with their reflections gleaming shakily in the water surface, it is a calm and beautiful sight to behold. Each time I find myself in such an environment, where nature abounds, I am filled with an inward peace and elation that is tinged with a certain sense of wistful yearning. Perhaps it is the realization that such moments are transient which evokes these paradoxical feelings, though the joy of being in that moment is never quite diminished. There’s a certain sense of unreality, of being disconnected from the world that you are more accustomed to than the one you now find yourself situated in. Being in a foreign place, with little else to do, I realize, can be a rehabilitative experience.




Early in the morning we had ridden across the causeway to Kota Tinggi, where we had roti prata for breakfast. I had done the same thing a week ago. This one, coming so soon after the last, incurred the displeasure of my Mum, who never liked the idea of my cycling on Malaysian roads. She ought to be comforted to know that Malaysian drivers are generally more friendly and respectful of cyclists as road users, and the roads in the Eastern side (which is where most cyclists ride) have fewer cars. But no, I don’t explain matters, because that will only invite more counter arguments that can’t be rationally retorted. It’s just the nature of all mums which makes one sometimes acquiesce to their demands, or sometimes keep quiet and let (their) ineffectual protests give way to grudging resignation.

I didn’t have any prior expectations of the ride, which I can’t decide whether it was a good or bad thing; for after breakfast, the terrain was hilly all the way to our destination. The gentle but long sloping roads had the three of us pedalling uphill slowly, and even more slowly after we glided down only to climb yet another sloping road. Because I did not know what to expect, I hadn’t any mental preparation but merely kept going, without any sense of dread or anticipation. We were very fortunate, though, that the weather was wonderfully cool for the most time, especially in the early morning; there were abundant clouds shielding us from direct sunlight, otherwise the ride would most certainly have been torturous, what with a killer combination of hilly terrain and blazing heat.

Cycling behind K, it’s amazing how he kept yawning with such rapid consistency, as though he’s a machine made to release explosive yawns every few minutes – yes, every few minutes, the whole morning! “I slept only 4 hours last night,” he would repeat this for the rest of the day, whenever he’s reminded of his incessant yawns. Along the way we met other cyclists, including a group of 30 cyclists who were spread far apart one another. Nearly all of them were from Singapore, and the latter group apparently was a cycling group from Punggol-Yishun. Some of them would most certainly qualify as senior citizens, and Kenneth, himself a veritable ‘Uncle’, called them ‘Senior Uncle’. I was so amused. I told him this is a comforting fact; it means when we are their age we can still cycle like they are now, and that is surely a reassuring prospect.

We were almost despairing when after cycling more than 120km the destination still seemed nowhere in sight. Our butt was aching, wrists hurting, back aching – just about every part of the body is in pain. When we saw the much-anticipated signboard, we were at once filled with hope; but hope soon gave way to helpless resignation as it was another 6km – Kenneth noted the distance at the end – after making a right turn before we finally reached the villa.

Post-ride was very good, not least because we stayed in a wonderful villa at a quiet location. I ate delicious lobsters at Sungei Ringett, had toasted bread with Ya-Kun kaya for breakfast and home-cooked pasta with yummy smoked sausages for lunch. I also watched Elektra, laughing together with the rest at its oh-so-amazing special effects, more hilarious than they are spectacular. Finally, of course, I also took a dip in the cool river and the pool, but not before canoeing with Kenneth down the river, to the marina, where we went between two parallel rows of yachts and boats.

Good things do happen every now and then, and when they do, it’s best to enjoy every moment while they last. I didn’t return to Singapore feeling reluctant to leave the place, because while I was there, I completely enjoyed myself, doing nothing, lounging on the sofa, enjoying the breeze and everything else. If only every post-ride could be similar to this…

N(o)73

The guys at Nokia certainly know how technology ticks and who their target market is. Well-known local bloggers Mr Brown, Mr Miyagi and Popagandhi have all been given a Nokia N73 which they have used and blogged positively about. No doubt because these bloggers reach out to a potentially large group of local consumers who are gadget-loving folks. This, surely, is a quick and effective way to market the delectable phone, given the credibility of those bloggers and their mass outreach to tech-savvy people - especially people like themselves who blog regularly and frequently upload photos to their blogs.

I must confess I am very tempted to own one myself. Not that I would readily upload my photos to Flickr straight from the phone if I do use it, but the 3.2megapixel in-built phone is proving very irresistable for folks like me who like to snap pictures anytime, anywhere and everywhere. And besides, the pictures taken on the N73 look very decent, seem to be of very good quality even - a requirement which i certainly insist when buying a camera, or a camera-phone.

Unfortunately, i can only dream about owning one at the moment, for its price is a little too costly for me to afford. To take pictures - good pictures - I would have to continue relying on my canon camera. I don't regret my choice of camera; i just wish to have another device that affords greater convenience.

What book have you recently read

Of all the questions that came up during the interview, the one that took me by surprise – a little – was this: What book are you reading now?

It reminded me of an anecdote I heard in a resume writing workshop. The instructor told us that a female interviewee was once asked the same question, or something similar. The young lady hesitated for a while before giving this reply: "Her World."

Some in the room chuckled, no doubt amused by the seemingly embarrassing answer. For one thing, Her World is a magazine and not a book. Even if one were to overlook that fact, surely it doesn’t say much of someone who decides on the choice of a light-hearted female magazine in a corporate interview, does it?

I don’t know if that anecdote was fabricated or was it based on a real account. Whatever the case is, it is true that in some interviews people do ask about the books you read. I guess this could be as innocuous a question as, say, What are your hobbies? It’s just the kind of questions people would ask to find out more about someone’s likes and dislikes. By knowing what kind of books a person read, one is also able to, in an intuitive sense, get a feel of the quality of a person’s mind. Thus, reading a leaden economics-related book or an eighteenth century philosophical writing may point towards the direction of one’s intellectual inclinations.

But of course, so much about this is guess work. Many of us, I am sure, read very normal stuff like modern-day novels, travel writing or fantasy books (I don’t), among others. (Her World is also very normal stuff, except that it belongs to the sister category of books - magazines.) It is in my opinion perfectly fine to tell an interviewer what kind of book you are reading (if you are reading one at all), even if it’s some frivolous, unheard-of novels. The important thing is not the book, but how well you can intelligently engage the interviewer with your response. Say something about why you are reading the book (which my interviewer asked) and show that you’re interested in the subject. After all, I am sure not every person conducting interviews is fabulously well-read to know each and every available title. That should give you the confidence to speak freely and engagingly. Just don’t get carried away.

A soupy late afternoon

I've passed by The Soup Spoon at Raffles City many times and, always, it is having brisk business. I would look at the customers enviously, thinking in my mind how delicious their soup, served in respectably big-sized bowls, must be. All of them seem to be enjoying their meals anyway, oblivious to the curious glances of many a passer-by, who must have at a later time also decided to patronize the restaurant. And every customer, I noticed, seem to be having a glass of iced-lemon tea besides their soup dish. The iced tea must be damn good, I thought.

Well, I finally tasted the Soup experience myself on Tuesday where I was, at that fine moment when I made my orders and sat down, their only customer. It was four plus, that awkward period between afternoon tea and knock-off time, so the restaurants were relatively empty of customers. I had deliberated for a while before finally deciding to make a little splurge just to savour the experience of dining at The Soup Spoon. And I must say it was a good experience. I ordered meatless minestrone and upgraded it to a combo that comes with a half wrap and a choice of iced tea or salad (and something else which I can’t remember). Of course I had to order the iced tea (it was ok), though by then I had already realized why most of their customers always have an iced-tea in addition to the soup. The minestrone soup consists of a generous amount of ingredients (celery, potato, red date, etc) and was tasty, while the half wrap (cajun fish) was crispy and just as delightful.

Such an off-peak period like this is just the perfect moment to enjoy soup and tea over a chat with friends. It’s not noisy as there are few people around, and the easy-going music that is being played provides the right mix of ambience under the soft lighting. Unfortunately, precisely because it is an off-peak period, there are few people in the city area who can afford the time to lounge at restaurants. Two men who seated themselves at a table away from me were business executives having a discussion, and it was not until nearly 45 minutes later, when their meeting presumably had ended, that they ordered food. Further away, a couple in JC uniform were having dinner.

As for me, I spent the late afternoon like a freewheeling bourgeoisie when in fact I’m a disguised proletariat who isn’t even contributing to the capitalist economy, damned! It was pleasurable though (isn’t a bourgeoisie’s life so?), for I indulged in my novel in between sipping mouthfuls of minestrone soup. Occasionally I would be distracted by the movement of people around the area. Nevertheless, it was a very peaceful and, I daresay, enviable afternoon reading a good novel in a crowd-free restaurant that serves light, delectable fare.

Yummyful!

To Kota Tinggi

We were talking about it on Thursday night at Holland V. Coffee Club - and well, it did materialise on Saturday, though there was a slight change in plans. Instead of cycling in Singapore (yawn), we met at 630am, cycled across the causeway and up to Kota Tinggi. Cycling across to Malaysia is probably something very common for many cyclists here, but for me, it was only my second time cycling across the causeway (though not in Malaysia). It feels very different (duh), as though one could feel every sense of movement whilst pedalling the bike on that narrow stretch of road that separates Singapore from its northern neighbour. I don't get that feeling when i take the bus to Johore, which is what i usually do when travelling to Malaysia. Most often, it's a tiring business going by bus: you have to alight at the Singapore custom checkpoint and then board the bus again, then alight again at the Malaysian side - and going through all this whilst squeezing with families, workers and hordes of other people eager to beat others at the immigration queue.

Going by bike entails a lot less hassle. After going up a steep slope, we turned to the extreme left where the signboard indicates the lane for motorbikes. We were the only cyclists around, and we dutifully joined the motorists in front of us. The queue was slow moving on my side as it was served by only one counter. Whilst queuing, i noticed that the cars heading towards Malaysia were mostly Singapore-licensed plates. Are these Singaporeans going for a weekend getaway, to play golf, or visit their relatives? No doubt they were early because they wished to avoid the nasty traffic jam.

Finally, when we were done clearing the Malaysian customs, our passports kept, we rode to the main road where fast-passing cars made me feel uneasy. There was no problem finding our way as it is a very straightforward route from Johore Bahru to Kota Tinggi. There were big, prominent signboards that show the way and besides, both K and Jon had cycled to Kota Tinggi before. In less than 2 hours we reached Kota Tinggi. We had a pleasant breakfast that consisted of mee rebus and roti prata. Needless to say, we paid what would have cost us twice the amount in Singapore.

It was a good ride overall. Jon and K both make for great cycling company; we always have interesting conversations and laugh-out-loud jokes, not least because Jon always spouts crassly hilarious lines. The only gripe we have was the bumpy road and air pollution in Johore. At the end of the ride, we were covered by a visible layer of grime and dirt!

No protest

The IMF and World Bank are having their meetings here in Singapore this week, and the Singapore government has rightly seized the opportunity to promote and put the island-nation on the world map. The Four Million-Smile campaign and the flowers and greenery that have suddenly sprung up all over Orchard Road and the Suntec City area are all meant to welcome IMF and World Bank delegates and create a favourable impression of Singapore. Yet despite all these efforts, it seems that Singapore has found itself in an embarrassing situation, attracting international attention for all the wrong reasons.

I am referring to the restrictions by the Singapore government on civic protests during this period. Whereas the IMF and World Bank welcome international NGOs and various protest groups to stage their protests during the meetings, Singapore, as the host country, has decreed that there will be no outdoor protests during the meetings. Security concerns - such as the threat of terrorist activities - and local laws were cited as reasons for the restrictions. Notwithstanding the validity of these reasons, Singapore's decision has inevitably placed the spotlight (once again) on the government's authoritarian streak and its non-conformity towards democratic norms. (Outdoor protests, which can be peaceful in nature, is a form of freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.) So while the government's intention is to elevate the profile of Singapore vis-a-vis the high visibility of the event internationally, the irony is that it has been given a head-start through the wrong focus. With the ban on outdoor protests, i wonder if it is ironic that would-be protestors should now find themselves protesting against Singapore instead of against the two financial institutions and/or their agenda. Not just for Singapore, the ban on outdoor protests has equally become a source of embarrassment for the IMF and World Bank, who have registered their unhappiness with the Singapore government. As of now, i believe the latter is adamant not to make any kind of accomodation.

Did the IMF and World Bank and Singapore not see all this coming when it was decided that Singapore would hold the 2006 meetings? And are the reasons furnished by Singapore valid? I do not doubt the government's genuine regard for the security of the meetings. Although it is quite unlikely that some bombs would go off or some clandestine terrorist activities would take place during such a high-level security function, the security measures put in place are surely typical of the government's meticulous planning and predisposition to adopting extreme measures. Put simply, the government and police would rather be safe than sorry, even if it means taking inconvenient and unpopular measures. It doesn't help also that this government has an almost clinical dislike and intolerance of the least bit of chaos and untidiness; everything needs to be under control in order that an event or a process can proceed smoothly without a hitch.

The second reason the government stated is that it cannot apply the law selectively, allowing foreign groups to conduct outdoor protests but denying the same rights to its citizens. This, i believe is the deeper reason why the government would not budge, and this was said clearly with the local audience in mind. Had the government made any sort of leeway for foreign groups wishing to stage outdoor protests during the meetings this week, the potential fall-outs of its decision are undoubtedly domestic, not international. It would literally have presented local activists, bloggers, opposition parties (not least Dr Chee's SDP) and like-minded civic groups with a golden opportunity to decry the government's blatant double-standards. In such a situation, while the nation would have gained from favourable press coverage world-wide, the loser would be the PAP government which have a lot of explaining to do to Singaporeans. Thus it is that Senior Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong mentioned that local laws have to be applied fairly to foreigners and Singaporeans alike.

What about Singaporeans' attitudes? Are they even concerned with the IMF and World Bank meetings, the government's ban on outdoor protests and the potential benefits to Singapore of hosting the international event? Frankly speaking, i doubt most even give two hoots about the whole thing. The Uncle selling chicken rice or minced pork noodles in Jurong and Bedok aren't going to be directly affected in any way by the influx of V.I.Ps. They still go about their business as per any normal days, and the people who patronise their business are still going to be students from nearby schools, housewives and local working folks. Not some English-speaking delegates in armani suits or ladies with LV bags. As for other Singaporeans, life would be slightly different - a lot less exciting and troublesome. The question in their minds would be, Which roads are affected or closed for the meetings? And maybe they would also give more deliberation to their choice of dining venue as they think about which places in the city area would be less crowded. Outdoor protests? I would hazard a guess that a good majority are fully supportive of the government's decision, for like the latter, they have become accustomed to orderliness and would prefer not to have to fuss over some groups protesting abstract issues which they aren't interested in at all. (Not that civic protests would necessarily be disorderly, but it is highly probable that they are regarded as a distraction that can be done away with.)

It remains to be seen if the negative attention given to Singapore's decision to ban outdoor protests would persist or even build up into something more sticky and problematic for the government. I can only forsee the Straits Times giving coverage to all the positive comments by the foreign delegates in due time - nuggets of comments/feedback on local food, the abundant greenery, impressive efficiency etc. That would surely make me cringe.

Related sites:
Singapore tightens cordon on protest
Peaceful Streets by Yawning Bread
Smile Singapore

Sunday 'seafood' dinner

Sunday - had dinner with elitist pals at Mellben seafood kopitiam.

1. There was chicken, kang kong, doufu, chilli crab etc - everything except the signature dish offered by the restuarant. Bah.
   


2. No butter crabs or prawns, no butter anything - coz Mr Khalib dislikes butterish products.


3. Was on the train and got Khalib's sms reminding me to be on time - he was going to pick me and Julie up from Potong Pasir. A few minutes later, got his call to tell me to proceed to AngMoKio straight, coz his car has broken down. It's his evil plot, i insist.
   
   
4. Think it was Julie who remarked, 'hey the moon is out', whereupon Khalib and I instinctively turned our heads towards the evening sky. Khalib, in a rare moment of sagacity, observed: "It's amazing how such trivial/insignificant (can't recall the exact word, but it's close to that) remarks never fail to get people's attention".
   


5. Jo was last to reach. Her arrival was greeted with a momentary gasp. She earned a particularly amazed look from Khalib who raised his eyebrows and chuckled slightly.
   
   
6. Khalib got his shirt stained by chilli crab gravy. After that he took EXTRA caution at cracking the crab shells, as well as looked out for potential spills from the rest of us.
   
   
7. Jo said she understands and doesn't like it when friends asked her about employment status (when she wasn't still working); then, she promptly proceeded to enquire, "So have you got a job?"
   
   
8. Brought my jc class photo album (those huge adhesive kind) along. Got comments like: 'So girly' (coz admittedly, the pink flowery paper borders in the first page was, well, too pink for a guy) and 'Your photos not in sequence'.
   
   
9. My rechargeable batteries failed me again at our dessert stop, hence there were fewer photos taken this time. That's it, i've had enough of those darn batteries.
   
   
10. Clumsy Khalib knocked into the table when getting up to go to the loo, and water spilled all over - and into my bag. Thought it was a few harmless drops, until Tam alerted me. To my horror, i felt a reservoir of water when i groped inside the bag.
    
    
11. Met a jc schoolmate - very outspoken and rather irritating during our schooldays then - who was seated next to us. Bitched about her outside the restaurant only to realise, to our amusement and a little worry, that the person who overheard us whilst walking into the restaurant was a friend of said jc mate.
    
    
12. Took a customary group photo - at a bus-stop in Serangoon Gardens.
    
    
13. Mentioned about ousting the absent Teoks from the group, but the snag is this - he's the moderator of the yahoogroup!
    
    

Solo ride to Lim Chu Kang

There was a scheduled ride this morning but i did not go. Something happened last weekend which saw two of us in disagreement with another guy. The incident could almost qualify as a quarrel except that I, being the pacifist sort of person, did my best to reason and explain my point of view, instead of merely arguing defensively. Tempers were high, no doubt; but i always believe that being angry wouldn't help solve anything. Even when one thinks that the fault clearly lies with others, one should make an effort to put oneself in others' shoes and understand why and how much each other's opinions differ. In the end i told my friend that there was a gap in expectations between us, though i doubt he very much bought that.

I didn't go for today's ride in part because i didn't know who else would turn up and it would be rather awkward if there were just the three of us. Still, i really wanted to ride - for Sunday morning rides have become routinised into my weekly schedule. I decided to head out alone and enjoy a relaxing morning ride myself. Well, it did turn out to be a pleasant one.

There was no pressure to get up very early, so I got out of bed around 8a.m. and dilly-dallied before finally leaving home at 845 a.m. Instead of cycling to the central-north and making a loop back to the West, which is usually the route for Sunday rides, i decided to go in the reverse direction and make a shorter loop. I brought my camera too.
I cycled down the vast and quiet Lim Chu Kang Road and turned into Neo Tiew Road. This time round, i decided to cycle into every minor lane to explore the area. My grandparents used to live somewhere in this area where they had houses on either sides of the narrow road. One part of it in fact served as some sort of warehouse for my aunt and uncle's garment business. Then the government relocated all the residences and now, all that's left are rehabilitated agri-farms and the like. Apart from these neat rows of farms, the area is mainly covered by greenery - grasses, shrubs, trees. Not much to see, yes, but one appreciates the scenery and quiet of the surroundings. My only fear was the stray dogs that roam the area. There was one which lay lanquorously in the middle of a road that was quite far in from the main road. I suppose that's a sign which says, 'Scram, this is MY territory'. I heeded the imaginary warning and steered clear of the road.


As i cycled on, i saw a group of scouts trudging along the side of the road. It was a very familiar sight, for i was once wearing the uniform, including that ubiquotous red scarf which i rather disliked putting on. Those guys look no older than 15 years old and all had a weary look on their faces. That's not surprising, for if i were in this god-forsaken place wearing a uniform and carrying a large bag walking under a hot sun, i wouldn't be looking excited either. But i'm sure there's learning value in their little expedition, and if they've got the right company for the journey, hiking can be very fun. Go, guys!

I came out to Neo Tiew Road, saw the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve sign, then made another left turn into the lane. I feel rather embarrassed that i've not been to Sungei Buloh, for i believe it is a tourist attraction and definitely one that is authentic and worthwhile to visit. But i, a citizen of this land, have never been there before. What a shame.
I reached the entrance but didn't go in, not because i didn't want to pay the $1 entrance charge for adults, but because i wasn't properly attired and had nowhere to keep my bike. So i just loitered around the entrance area. And boy, were there things to see. I told myself there and then, 'i'm definitely coming here some day - inside, not just the entrance.'

Below: View of Kranji Way. Our neighbour up north is in full view from the beach.