Anyway, no surprise there, these are tactile pavements for the blind and visually impaired. It is common sense but there I was with my ohs and wows. Sigh.
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Tactile Pavements for the Blind and Visually Impaired
A long while back when I was in Singapore, I noticed these silvery grooves on the walkway leading to the MRT station and asked a friend what was it for. I've seen them in UK and Japan but never wondered about it until then. It's probably because the ones in UK are generally uncoloured, while the yellow ones in Japan just seemed like part of the paved walkway along the streets. But, silvery ones, I have not come across.
Anyway, no surprise there, these are tactile pavements for the blind and visually impaired. It is common sense but there I was with my ohs and wows. Sigh.
Tactile Pavements at the entrance/exit of the MRT station near Newton Circus
Tactile pavements leading to the exit
Anyway, no surprise there, these are tactile pavements for the blind and visually impaired. It is common sense but there I was with my ohs and wows. Sigh.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Mellben Seafood Restaurant, Ang Mo Kio
Prior to my visit to Singapore, V had planned to take me out for a crab mee hoon dinner. I was excited because I've never had mee hoon and crab together. She picked me up from Santa Grand Hotel at Bugis and we were both chattering away the moment I got into the car. I felt so happy to see her and we're doing our cabin mates things together again! The last time I visited in May 2009, I was there to attend her wedding. So, there was much to catch up although we do speak on the phone every now and then. Just seeing her feels like I am reliving my SSEAYP days again!
Interestingly, Mellben Seafood Restaurant is located at the ground floor of a hdb flat in Ang Mo Kio. I didn't know you can do that! The place is clean and modern. Despite its open air concept, we were blessed with the occasional breeze and the restaurant is well-facilitated with ceiling fans. The interior design is full of crabs as one particular wall is covered with crab shells and autographs of celebrities.
According to V, this place is usually packed, even on weekdays. We were fortunate to come early (at about 5.45pm) as there are many vacant tables. We had the Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup and a dish of belacan kangkong. The prices of the dishes are not stated on the menu, so I am not sure how much V paid for our meal but I doubt it fit into the affordable category (check this blog out). However, the crab we were served was humongous! The pincers were so fleshy and yummy! V said they serve Sri Lankan crabs. The food was good and the ambiance too.
Menu cover of Mellben Seafood Restaurant full of delicious crab dishes
A concrete roof extends from the building for more restaurant space
Plants surrounding the big restaurant
I was really hungry and had forgotten to take picture before we started eating. So, here's a picture of the half-eaten claypot crab dish
Very yummy mee hoon soup!
Menu cover of Mellben Seafood Restaurant full of delicious crab dishes
Asia Open Source Software Training Program 2010
The Centre for International Cooperation for Computerization (CICC) in Singapore recently conducted the Sixth Asia Open Source Software (AOSS) Training Program at SIM University (UniSIM) from 8th to 10th March 2010. The CICC has been conducting training programs for the promotion of OSS in Asia since 2003.
The CICC is headquartered in Japan where one of their many activities involves Asian human resource development in OSS.
Registration for AOSS Workshop
Workshop objectives
Ice breaking session
Discussion and sharing
Closing session
Group photo
Figurines of famous tv characters above the coach door
More decorations in the coach
I am amused by this Kg Java sign.
Funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, workshop participants from the following countries flew in to Singapore to share with each other their knowledge in OSS as well as in promoting OSS: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
The workshop had been very fulfilling for myself as I got to share and learn about computers and OSS. I particularly liked the presentation on cloud computing by a presenter from Hitachi, Japan. I came back feeling very much motivated by everyone's tips and encouragement and impressed by the efforts of the other 15 Asian countries in OSS development and human resource development. In Brunei, our focus is towards the latter where we have been conducting training programs (like this one) for several years now since 2007, if not earlier. Excited, I reported the experience to my programme leader and with his and the team's support, I hope something good will be coming up soon!
Before we ended our workshop, we pooled our ideas together to come up with outlines for the future workshops and I am much keen in two of the proposals, both of which are sitting at extreme ends in terms of technicality.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Santa Grand Hotel and Bugis
On 7th March 2010, a colleague and I found ourselves wandering along Victoria Street looking for Jalan Kubor where Santa Grand Hotel Bugis is located.
We both like the location of the hotel despite its unfamiliarity to many taxi drivers. The area is famous for its Malay Heritage with many muslim shops and eateries found in several of its streets. One such street is the Muscat Street where the Sultan Mosque is located. To name a few, Kampong Glam, Esplanade, Sim Lim Square and the National Museum of Singapore are nearby attractions.
We arrived at the hotel at about 11pm with most of the shops already closed. That, however, didn't keep us from poking our noses around places. We entered different streets before making back to the hotel at about midnight.
First, I was glad I found out that Bugis Junction wasn't too far from our hotel. I've had pleasant memories of my last visit there, when we walked from Bugis to Bras Basah. And, I was excited when I recognised the National Library of Singapore! I know this was cheap thrill. The last time I came, I was led around by Singaporean friends, not knowing what was where. This time around, I had a better orientation of this with recollected memories.
I also found out why the street we stayed was called Jalan Kubor and that, really was no surprise. A subtle chill ran down my spine the instant I realised as we walked past the cemetery. Interestingly, the street has a history about two of Singapore's most dangerous criminal. It is a rather sad tale though.
Contrary to the spookiness of staying across the cemetery, the hotel is lovely. It's a boutique hotel with artsy wallpapers and furnishing. It's clean and well-facilitated. There's a nice flat screen tv where I watched CNN during my stay. They supplied toiletries including travel-packed toothbrushes and shavers, and the shower was fabulous!
There's a nice porch at the back with metal garden tables and chairs, an ideal spot for some private reading. The vintage surroundings somewhat felt a little like Malacca. We stayed for 4 nights while attending a workshop, with no complaints at all. The bed is clean and comfy, and we had no noise problem.
Lovely purple couch at the lobby
Comfy bed
The drawing table and tv. Love the wallpaper.
The wardrobe
Bugis Junction at night
We were awed by how beautiful the InterContinental Hotel looked when we were walking past it. My colleague, R, decided we ought to go check the hotel out. The beautiful white framed windows with dimmed lights escaping through them to tease the darkness outside. This place looked really gorgeous both inside and outside. There were tall glass walls with high ceilings and brick walls all in magnificent white. It kind of took me back to the British Colonial times of the 1970s. I can't help but feel like a princess walking in this place. I didn't have the courage to take any pictures while I was inside since I was not a resident. As Michael Kors would have put it, this place is totally sheek!
My photography puts no justice to the beauty of this place, the InterContinental Hotel.
We both like the location of the hotel despite its unfamiliarity to many taxi drivers. The area is famous for its Malay Heritage with many muslim shops and eateries found in several of its streets. One such street is the Muscat Street where the Sultan Mosque is located. To name a few, Kampong Glam, Esplanade, Sim Lim Square and the National Museum of Singapore are nearby attractions.
We arrived at the hotel at about 11pm with most of the shops already closed. That, however, didn't keep us from poking our noses around places. We entered different streets before making back to the hotel at about midnight.
First, I was glad I found out that Bugis Junction wasn't too far from our hotel. I've had pleasant memories of my last visit there, when we walked from Bugis to Bras Basah. And, I was excited when I recognised the National Library of Singapore! I know this was cheap thrill. The last time I came, I was led around by Singaporean friends, not knowing what was where. This time around, I had a better orientation of this with recollected memories.
I also found out why the street we stayed was called Jalan Kubor and that, really was no surprise. A subtle chill ran down my spine the instant I realised as we walked past the cemetery. Interestingly, the street has a history about two of Singapore's most dangerous criminal. It is a rather sad tale though.
Contrary to the spookiness of staying across the cemetery, the hotel is lovely. It's a boutique hotel with artsy wallpapers and furnishing. It's clean and well-facilitated. There's a nice flat screen tv where I watched CNN during my stay. They supplied toiletries including travel-packed toothbrushes and shavers, and the shower was fabulous!
There's a nice porch at the back with metal garden tables and chairs, an ideal spot for some private reading. The vintage surroundings somewhat felt a little like Malacca. We stayed for 4 nights while attending a workshop, with no complaints at all. The bed is clean and comfy, and we had no noise problem.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Changi Transit Hotel & Jackpot
Thank heavens to transit hotels! I was completely drained after arriving Singapore from Shanghai. Prior to the flight, I was actually excited to touch down in Changi, thinking of the shopping I can do. But the complete opposite happened. All three of us were exhausted and we found ourselves earnestly (no kidding!) looking for the Ambassador Transit Hotel at Terminal Two.
I was coming down with a cold as I was having a sore throat. We had to wait for about an hour before the room is ready. So, all three of us lazed at the nearest couch right in front of the reception counter. We were all too tired to care about how unsightly we might have looked. The staff were nice and left us to do whatever that was comfortable for us.
When we finally got the room and was in it, ahh.. what wonders! The bed was so comfy and the room clean and spacious. I slept for a good number of hours. It felt SO GOOD! And, they have a nice spacious bathroom. The big shower tap had such good water pressure, I wished we have more water on Earth for me to stay in the shower for another 5 minutes! We, three little Bruneian ladies, were so delighted and were well-comforted by the room facilities of the transit hotel. There's only one little minus point; the room has no windows and the drapes hung over the wall by the study table hides a non-existent window. We thought the room rates were reasonable. You stay for a minimum of 6 hours for a charge of about S$60 and for each extended hour, you pay S$15. Thank you, transit hotel! I have never felt so well-rested since a long time!
The time says 6.51am. This was minutes before I got knocked out in bed by exhaustion. Forget the delayed baggage or wearing the same clothes for days. The bed's so wonderful, the shower too!
I was coming down with a cold as I was having a sore throat. We had to wait for about an hour before the room is ready. So, all three of us lazed at the nearest couch right in front of the reception counter. We were all too tired to care about how unsightly we might have looked. The staff were nice and left us to do whatever that was comfortable for us.
When we finally got the room and was in it, ahh.. what wonders! The bed was so comfy and the room clean and spacious. I slept for a good number of hours. It felt SO GOOD! And, they have a nice spacious bathroom. The big shower tap had such good water pressure, I wished we have more water on Earth for me to stay in the shower for another 5 minutes! We, three little Bruneian ladies, were so delighted and were well-comforted by the room facilities of the transit hotel. There's only one little minus point; the room has no windows and the drapes hung over the wall by the study table hides a non-existent window. We thought the room rates were reasonable. You stay for a minimum of 6 hours for a charge of about S$60 and for each extended hour, you pay S$15. Thank you, transit hotel! I have never felt so well-rested since a long time!
We woke up with a few hours to spare. So, window shopping it was for me. My sis got some perfumes which influenced me to getting one, the Paul Smith's summer edition of Rose. And, she got herself a few trials at the big slot machine. Well, what do you know? She won a S$77 and a S$7 vouchers! We didn't know what to spend it on and finally threw a celebration meal for all three of us at airport's DeliFrance. It was all so swell. This marks the end of my journal entry for Tibet. It was an adventure and definitely life-changing for me. I'm glad the travel agent I signed the trip with managed to get me in despite the circumstance. I hope the whole world will attain the peace like the one I felt while in the countryside of Tibet.
Sis wanted a picture of the slot machine which I didn't take earlier. So, yeah, thank you for the S$84, Mr Slot Machine! Erm, slot machines don't look female to me.
Friday, 10 July 2009
Nothing can keep a bird from flying: Singapore - Chengdu
Wee! I could fly again! I was supposed to fly on the 27th June with my mum and sister to follow a tour to Tibet. Unfortunately, I spilled coffee a few days earlier without realising that my passport had been left in my bag, from my previous trip to KL, to be soiled by it. At the check-in counter, I was stopped from boarding the plane due to the "damaged" passport. Despite my pleas and justifications of a perfectly fine particulars' page, the ink that was smeared across most of my passports' pages could not escape me from my predicament. I was later taken to meet the head of immigration and nothing I said or suggested could change my fate. It was a difficult lesson for me to learn that a wet passport is considered damaged. The ink from the stamps ran across pages and some of the pages were stuck together due to the sugary spill.
I stood with disbelief and shock as though a joke of life was played at me when the check-in staff told me that I was not allowed to board the plane. You have got to be kidding me to tell me that I can't board the plane! Thinking back now, I thought I was really silly to have almost cried. It was hard to accept that I won't be going to Tibet with my family. It's TIBET, we're talking about!
Next, phone calls were frantically being made to Singapore, where our tour agency is located. There was nothing I could do but to renew my passport and hope that the tour agent could get me the next flight to catch up with the tour. With the weekend just starting, the waiting was unbearable! I hung out with friends to get rid of the disappointment. They tried to get me to laugh it off and I did! It's just Tibet, no biggie. It's really just Tibet, I can do it another time. RIGHT!
On Monday, I had my passport made within an hour, thanks to the immigration officer and staff members whom I have explained my situation to. The agent in Singapore was busy the whole day corresponding with me and trying to get me connecting flights to catch up with my family. Time was running out when no confirmation came at about 2pm. Royal Brunei Airlines closes at four in the afternoon. Then, the phone call of my life came! CB, the agent, told me to get a ticket to Singapore departing on 30th July at night.
I rushed to RBA plaza instead of the nearer airport branch after some prior enquiries I made while waiting. The Airport branch does not offer promotional fares, unlike at RBA plaza. After the purchase, I got home relieved only to have the next panic attack. All the while, my mobile phone had been accidentally left at home and the agent had been trying to call me. It appeared that I am to fly on the night itself. I rushed to the airport to get the changes made. It turned out that I have also purchased the wrong ticket for Tuesday. I had purchased the morning flight instead of the night. What is wrong with me?! The good thing was that I was able to get the earlier flight at the check-in counter. So, I rushed home, got my bags which I had left untouched since Saturday, my supposedly day of departure, and dashed to the airport. Poor Dad, he's been running up and down with me so that we didn't have to find parking spots. And, he made sure he stayed longer this time to ensure that I will have transport home if I didn't make it again. He was at church during my last attempt at this trip and I had to get J to get me instead, which turned out to be a heart-lightening event.
So, I flew to Singapore where I waited at Changi Airport for four hours for my next flight. I have my travel agent from CTC Holidays to thank for making my Tibet trip possible, as well as the Passport Unit (Department of Immigration and National Registration Headquarters) and RBA.
This time round, I saw really nice recycle bins
The gate I was supposed to get in was right next to Star Bucks. And, just before it opened, I had Green Tea Latte and it was so delicious that it actually took me by surprise. I savoured it greedily!
The Air China airline food was ok.
I lit up when I saw the salad but the cucumber tasted weird.
As we were about to land in Chengdu at dawn, the most beautiful celestial sight appeared. I always thought that sometimes there is a double of the sky and sea pair.
The sun rise was glorious!
Air China's parking lot
Picture taken when I was in a shuttle bus that was taking me from the plane to the terminal
Chengdu Airport is modern, spacious and bright
I stood with disbelief and shock as though a joke of life was played at me when the check-in staff told me that I was not allowed to board the plane. You have got to be kidding me to tell me that I can't board the plane! Thinking back now, I thought I was really silly to have almost cried. It was hard to accept that I won't be going to Tibet with my family. It's TIBET, we're talking about!
Next, phone calls were frantically being made to Singapore, where our tour agency is located. There was nothing I could do but to renew my passport and hope that the tour agent could get me the next flight to catch up with the tour. With the weekend just starting, the waiting was unbearable! I hung out with friends to get rid of the disappointment. They tried to get me to laugh it off and I did! It's just Tibet, no biggie. It's really just Tibet, I can do it another time. RIGHT!
On Monday, I had my passport made within an hour, thanks to the immigration officer and staff members whom I have explained my situation to. The agent in Singapore was busy the whole day corresponding with me and trying to get me connecting flights to catch up with my family. Time was running out when no confirmation came at about 2pm. Royal Brunei Airlines closes at four in the afternoon. Then, the phone call of my life came! CB, the agent, told me to get a ticket to Singapore departing on 30th July at night.
I rushed to RBA plaza instead of the nearer airport branch after some prior enquiries I made while waiting. The Airport branch does not offer promotional fares, unlike at RBA plaza. After the purchase, I got home relieved only to have the next panic attack. All the while, my mobile phone had been accidentally left at home and the agent had been trying to call me. It appeared that I am to fly on the night itself. I rushed to the airport to get the changes made. It turned out that I have also purchased the wrong ticket for Tuesday. I had purchased the morning flight instead of the night. What is wrong with me?! The good thing was that I was able to get the earlier flight at the check-in counter. So, I rushed home, got my bags which I had left untouched since Saturday, my supposedly day of departure, and dashed to the airport. Poor Dad, he's been running up and down with me so that we didn't have to find parking spots. And, he made sure he stayed longer this time to ensure that I will have transport home if I didn't make it again. He was at church during my last attempt at this trip and I had to get J to get me instead, which turned out to be a heart-lightening event.
So, I flew to Singapore where I waited at Changi Airport for four hours for my next flight. I have my travel agent from CTC Holidays to thank for making my Tibet trip possible, as well as the Passport Unit (Department of Immigration and National Registration Headquarters) and RBA.
This time round, I saw really nice recycle bins
The gate I was supposed to get in was right next to Star Bucks. And, just before it opened, I had Green Tea Latte and it was so delicious that it actually took me by surprise. I savoured it greedily!
The Air China airline food was ok.
I lit up when I saw the salad but the cucumber tasted weird.
As we were about to land in Chengdu at dawn, the most beautiful celestial sight appeared. I always thought that sometimes there is a double of the sky and sea pair.
The sun rise was glorious!
Air China's parking lot
Picture taken when I was in a shuttle bus that was taking me from the plane to the terminal
Chengdu Airport is modern, spacious and bright
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Meow Meow & Quirky Earrings Collection
Before I left for the airport, CT had to pick her dog up from the vet. So, I was to wait at her place. We didn't managed to go to the new mall at Tampines where I may have been able to catch up with CJ at her new teashop. Having chocolate time at Ben & Jerry's took a lot longer than I expected, hehehehe.
This is CT's cat and he's really pampered, which is so adorable. He kept coming to me so that I'd stroke him on his neck. Cats love that. Hmm.. he reminded me of Gingerly. Oh well...
These are some of CT's collection of quirky and funky earrings. Interestingly, she doesn't wear matching pairs. So, she gave me two earrings, each from different pairs.
These are some of CT's collection of quirky and funky earrings. Interestingly, she doesn't wear matching pairs. So, she gave me two earrings, each from different pairs.
Vivo City, Singapore
Vivo City is the largest mall in Singapore. And, I have decided to ask TT and CT to bring me there because of this funny argument which V and C had during my previous visit when we were trying to help look for V's wedding shoes. V had wanted to go to Orchard but C suggested Vivo City. In the end, we went to Orchard and I had missed my visit there then.
One of the interesting things about parking storeys in Singapore is they are furnished with these parking sensors that help shoppers spot empty parking spaces from afar when the little lamps flash green. A green light indicates the parking spot is empty while the red light indicates otherwise.
We went to the National Geographic store and there was this amazing structure of a horse made out of wooden twigs.
If I remember reading the label correctly, this cabinet from China is made from a 1000-year old elm tree.
The store was a nice visit as it was not only selling National Geographic merchandise, they were showcases of antiques and paintings of beautiful places and scenes. I am so in love with their brown bags but my pocket was not big enough to have one owned.
I would have thought I'd stopped myself from buying after purchasing several books from the airport bookshop and one at Bras Basah. But, I was so wrong! I caught sight of a literature book on photography and bought it after much thought at Page One. The store has interesting aesthetics, such as the book shelves were designed slanting.
There is CT trying on a shoe which the mannequin was wearing while TT inspects the result.
After a heavy meal at Deli France at Sentosa, I found myself watery-mouthed when we saw Ben and Jerry's at Vivo City! Must have! And, must be chocolate!
These banners were hung by the edge of the mezzanine floors.
General view of Vivo City
And, there are massage chairs for tired shoppers to relax.
We went to the National Geographic store and there was this amazing structure of a horse made out of wooden twigs.
If I remember reading the label correctly, this cabinet from China is made from a 1000-year old elm tree.
The store was a nice visit as it was not only selling National Geographic merchandise, they were showcases of antiques and paintings of beautiful places and scenes. I am so in love with their brown bags but my pocket was not big enough to have one owned.
I would have thought I'd stopped myself from buying after purchasing several books from the airport bookshop and one at Bras Basah. But, I was so wrong! I caught sight of a literature book on photography and bought it after much thought at Page One. The store has interesting aesthetics, such as the book shelves were designed slanting.
There is CT trying on a shoe which the mannequin was wearing while TT inspects the result.
After a heavy meal at Deli France at Sentosa, I found myself watery-mouthed when we saw Ben and Jerry's at Vivo City! Must have! And, must be chocolate!
These banners were hung by the edge of the mezzanine floors.
General view of Vivo City
And, there are massage chairs for tired shoppers to relax.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Rasa Sentosa Hotel
It was an exciting day for me for 10th May 2009 was the day when my cabin mate, OPP, got married! In the afternoon, CX picked and drove the LPYs and a MaPY to Sentosa for the occasion. TT has booked a room for a night of girlie fun.
SPYs and other PY visitors gathering in the room before the dinner banquet.
SPYs wore their A2 and they were ready with the party poppers while OPP and hubby were just about to walk in.
Sea-view Rasa Sentosa Hotel rooms caught by my misty lens.
Mr J stayed a little later to goof around with us before he had to go back to do some work. It was a hilarious night! We also get to spend some time with OPP when she came over for a chitchat and later learned about the setup!
SPYs and other PY visitors gathering in the room before the dinner banquet.
SPYs wore their A2 and they were ready with the party poppers while OPP and hubby were just about to walk in.
Sea-view Rasa Sentosa Hotel rooms caught by my misty lens.
Mr J stayed a little later to goof around with us before he had to go back to do some work. It was a hilarious night! We also get to spend some time with OPP when she came over for a chitchat and later learned about the setup!