I sighted treasures at Goodwood Park Hotel!

This hotel has a history that dates back to 1900.
The tower wing was designed by R.A.J. Bidwell of Swan and MacLaren.

I sighted treasures at the Goodwood Park Hotel when I was there in June 2011!

What did I find? Find out here: I sighted treasures at Goodwork Park Hotel!

30 Jun 2011: My train journey out of and into Tanjong Pagar Railway Station

When I read about the news of the impending closure of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station sometime last year, it struck me that I have never taking any train from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Since then, the thought of taking a train from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station had been on my mind. The thought had finally came to realization when I took one of the last few trains out of Singapore on 30 Jun 2011.

Mr Jerome Lim has written an excellent post with great photographs of the journey on the delayed 0800 Ekspres Rakyat train that departed from Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Here is his post: A final journey: The last passage to the North. He was on the same train that I took on 30 Jun 2011, and I highly recommend that you could check out his post please.

It was a very melancholic day that morning of 30 Jun 2011. It was raining in the morning. As it was my very first time taking a KTM train, I was doing my best to get myself orientated, from getting up the train to finding my seat. Thank goodness that I have met very wonderful people on my ride who looked out for me that day.

The train ride was exciting. It was moving to see people waiting at the Bukit Timah Station just so as to wave to the train. Alright, admittedly, they were also there possibly to witness one of the last few exchanges of key-tokens at the station.

On the train, I caught glimpses of various parts of Singapore that were familiar to me. Prior to my train ride out of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, I had been walking nearby some parts of the railway tracks. Looking back, I was glad that I had done so, and have been mindful to practise safety measures to keep myself safe while trekking along the railway tracks (and being mindful not to bring inconvenience to the KTM staff and the passengers on the train).

Before I knew it, the train stopped at the Woodlands Checkpoint. It was at the checkpoint that I could greatly feel that the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station has a magnificent architecture. In comparison, the Woodlands Checkpoint had strikingly boring architecture and felt harshly unwelcoming. I wonder if I would ever wish to take a train from the Woodlands Checkpoint in the future?

Before I knew it, after clearing the customs, it was time to travel along the Causeway into Malaysia. My train ticket was to bring me to Segamat, which is north of the state of Johor. Over there, time was spent enjoying tea at Nan Yang Coffee Shop, savouring a durian which was said to be organic, and enjoying the seeming simpler way of life.

Soon, it was time to be back at the Segamat station to catch the last train into the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Being punctual was necessary so as not to miss the train. I started to feel a sense of sadness that after 30 Jun 2011, the KTM trains will no longer go beyond the Woodlands Checkpoint into the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Perhaps the consoling thought was that our collective memories of the railway line will continue to live on.

Most of the passengers on-board the last train into Tanjong Pagar Railway Station were keenly aware that they were part of a significant moment in history. I met a number of people on the train who had generously shared their memories of train journeys and their experiences on the KTM train. There was a strong sense of fellowship on-board the train. Strangers easily became new-found friends who shared a common journey. Perhaps this was because everyone on-board was collectively part of a party of people who would be the last passengers to arrive at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station on a KTM train. That will mark the end of the glorious days of train-travel from this beautiful railway station built in the Art Deco style and opened in 1932.

The start of the emotional highs turned out to be at the Bukit Timah Station. The Bukit Timah Station had functioned as a loop station and signalling control house for the rails between Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands. During the temporary stop of the train at the Bukit Timah Station, passengers were allowed to take a brief walk about the station.

This passenger was ringing the horn throughout the journey from the Causeway to Tanjong Pagar

After the temporary stop at the Bukit Timah Station, the train headed for the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Along the way, I could see people standing parallel to the railway tracks to wave at the train and its passengers. They would probably miss the train passing by? I felt rather lost for words when the train finally arrived at the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. I suppose my feelings could be somewhat summed up by the following photograph of the empty train cabin: loss and sadness.

Even the Sultan of Johor who was on his way to drive the very last train out of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station seemed to be in the mood of sadness. I had a glimpse of the Sultan of Johor, and then before I knew it, I realised that there was a huge crowd at the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. It felt comforting to realised that there were so many people who would miss the railway station, and would now share a similar collective memory of the station with me.

As the very last train out of Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (driven by the Sultan of Johor) departed, the sounds of the train moving along the tracks seemed to be transformed into cries that bid farewell. Bye!

The last train out of Tanjong Pagar, driven by the Sultan of Johor.

Many thanks to Jerome, Clarissa and Notabilia for initiating the Last Train into Tanjong Pagar, and lots of thanks to all fellow passengers and wonderful staff of KTM for looking out for one another.


****
Related news:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/singapore/8594683/Singapore-a-final-trip-to-Tanjong-Pagar.html

10 May 2011: Sydney Wildlife World

10 May 2011 (Tue):

When I was getting the tickets for the Magistic Cruisesmart, the staff who was attending to me asked if I had visited the Sydney Wildlife World and the Sydney Aquarium. He said that these two attractions have one of the highest admission prices among the various participating attractions. His remarks led me to decide to visit the Sydney Wildlife World even though I was rather ambivalent whether to do so earlier that day.

Once again, the See Sydney Attractions Pass came in handy. Usually, the admission to the Sydney Wildlife World would be AUS$34.95. Pass holders could enter for free!

This section on butterflies caught my eyes.

I arrived at the Sydney Wildlife World at about 4 p.m. and with limited time left before its closing hours for the day, I could only browse through most of the exhibits.

I do not have a liking for reptiles. Nevertheless, this section  on how the sex of a crocodile is determined by the temperature that it was incubated at caught my attention.

Kangaroos.

At the Sydney Wildlife World, I found myself being attracted to the koala bears, the wollabies and the wombats. I also enjoyed learning about bees. However, I did not like to learn about animals in an enclosed and indoor environment. As such, I do not think I would visit Sydney Wildlife World any time soon. I would prefer to visit the Taronga Zoo to the Sydney Wildlife World if I were in Sydney.

Then again, perhaps people who like to view animals in an indoor environment would enjoy the Sydney Wildlife World better?


Sydney Wildlife World
Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour, Sydney
http://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/
http://sydneywildlifeworld.myfun.com.au/
Tel: (+61) 2 9333 9288

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

My many servings of breakfast

I love breakfast. At the very least, it is my favourite meal of the day.

While I do not think anyone would run short of ideas for breakfast when he/she is in Sydney, I shall attempt to share some of the food that I have had for breakfast when I was in Sydney this May. Perhaps you may then realise what a joy it is to enjoy our breakfast!

Fresh milk and cereals.

d'ough Espresso, at World Square.

Pineapple, ham, tomato and Cheese Crostini from an eatery along Pyrmont Street.

Tasty toasted banana bread.

Grilled seafood platter for two persons at AUS$36.50 from the Sydney Fish Market.

Bourke Street Bakery.

Breakfast at Bills.

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

10 May 2011: Magistic Cruisesmart

10 May 2011 (Tue): At 2.45 p.m., the Magistic Cruisesmart parked at the Jetty 6 of Circular Quay, ready to set sail. I was excited at the thoughts of travelling about the Sydney Harbour.

The Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera's battery was running low. I saw this as an indicator to enjoy the cruise by simply being present, rather than taking too much photographs. I did take a number of photographs on another camera.

The description for the Magistic Cruisesmart is worth a read. Here it goes:

See the splendor of the world's most beautiful harbour, aboard our multi-million dollar Australian owned and built catamarans. This one hour cruise glides by the harbour's main attractions with GPS commentary to keep you informed along the way. This is your best option and best value cruise on the harbour, without compromise. In the true tradition of Australian hospitality, you will receive a complimentary beer or soft drink whilst on board. (Source: http://seesydneypass.iventurecard.com/attraction/magistic-cruisesmart/)

My mother and I received a complimentary can of carbonated soft-drink each. On hind-sight, we could have ordered a non-carbonated drink because in the end, none of us drank our drink. I was too happy enjoying the cruise and the marvellous views on board.

Our See Sydney Attractions Pass came in handy once again. The usual price of an adult ticket to board the Magistic Cruisesmart is AUS$25. See Sydney Attractions Pass holders get to enjoy the cruise for free! By the way, the departure time was different from the published ones so please check the schedule in advance.

It was an excellent way to enjoy Sydney's harbour on Magistic Cruisesmart. I highly recommend this tour to everyone who has a love for scenic sights while taking a cruise.

While I was onboard Magistic Cruisesmart, I was inspired and did a very quick sketch.

Magistic Cruisesmart
Cruise departs from Jetty 6, Circular Quay
Cost: AUS$25 per adult
Tel: (+61) 2 8296 7222
http://www.magisticcruises.com.au/

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

Read: Man's Search for Meaning

Author: Viktor E. Frankl
Title: Man's Search for Meaning
Publisher: Beacon Press (first published in 1959, read the edition published in 2006)

This is the book to read. While I was reading several other books, the title of this book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl came up very often as one of the recommended books to read. The challenging part was that until quite recently, I could not get my hands on a copy of this book at the library. This book was first published in 1959, although there have been several reprints thereafter.

Good books are worth reading. This is a great read. There have been times when I cannot make sense of why some people suffer. I still do not know why. The consoling part is that in this book, the author explored how even during times of unavoidable sufferings, we as human beings could still find reasons to live, with dignity.

In the earlier chapters, the author presented his experiences as a survivor of several concentration camps during the World War II, and how he had to deal with what he was presented with after the great war (e.g. the realization that his wife had passed away). Subsequently, he discusses the therapeutic method known as logotherapy which sat very well with Frankl's beliefs that man's deepest desire is to search for meaning and purpose. For Frankl, his meaning in life is to help others find theirs.

This is one book that I would like to find and to add to my collection as a good reminder for me especially during the potentially dark moments and times. The book demonstrated very wise writing and is very human in its outlook to life too. It is not a surprise that it is one of the highly recommended books to read.

Here's a few quotations from the book to share:

It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life - daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.

...it is just such an exceptionally difficult external situation which gives man the opportunity to grow spiritually beyond himself.

the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.

Please read wikipedia's summary of this book: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man's_Search_for_Meaning

For a nostalgic dining experience in Singapore

The Singapore Food Trail is a 1960s themed food establishment located at the Singapore Flyer. This is one place for affordable good food, interesting interior decor that recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of the 1960s and many interesting food which seems to be on the verge of becoming extinct.

Colourful ice-ball!

The heritage corner.

If you are enticed by this very brief write-up and the photographs, please read the full post, Singapore Food Trail: Reliving the good old 1960s once more.


****
Acknowledgments: Lots of thanks to the Singapore Food Trail and Marina Bay Singapore for giving me the opportunity to enjoy delicious local hawker-fare as well as a wonderful Teochew opera staged by the Thau Yong Amateur Musical Association. Many thanks to Chloe and Jonathan from Select Group Limited for their hospitality. An extra special thanks to Ms Belinda Tan for facilitating the invitation.


****

Singapore Food Trail
Singapore Flyer
30 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039803

10 May 2011: Time alone at Circular Quay

10 May 2011 (Tue):

After the lunch, I had wanted to visit the Hyde Park Barracks but I would very much like my mother to enjoy the Magistic Cruise with me too since I think she would prefer a cruise to visiting a museum. As such, I decided to while my time away nearby Circular Quay. My mother liked some rest so she sat on a bench at one of the jetties at Circular Quay. That gave me some time alone and the first instinct was to sketch. It was a relatively quick sketch since the Magistic Cruise would start within an hour's time.

Life around Circular Quay can be described as mesmerising. People were spotted resting leisurely on the ground to bask under the beams of the autumn sun. Nearby, one could enjoy the structural beauty of the Sydney Opera House as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I was feeling very thankful that throughout most of my vacation in Sydney, I had been blessed with good weather.

Seagulls were lovable companions for the people walking past Circular Quay. At times, the seagulls were too attention-seeking. Look at what had happened when this family who was in possession of food became the focal point for a gang of seagulls!

Then again, perhaps this family could be glad that the seagulls seemed to be worshipping every member of the family!

If you were to visit Circular Quay, you know that it will be safe to carry a sketch book. However, if you do not wish to be the centre of attention for the seagulls, please do not carry food with you.


Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

10 May 2011: Korean lunch

After the visit to the Justice and Police Museum, my mother and I went to have lunch at a nearby food court. I learnt from a resident of Sydney that in general, the perceptions among people in Sydney is that the food served at food court (in Sydney) are merely good enough but not excellent. I do not know how true this perception was because my sample size was very small.

There was quite a crowd at the food court that we had went to. Perhaps the crowd meant that food court still have a functional role to play. We had a fairly affordable and enjoyable lunch at a total of AUS$18. I was grateful to have an adequate lunch in a clean environment. Since it was a lunch to fill the stomach than to entice the taste buds, I was very happy with the food that we have had.

What did we have for our lunch?

We had the teriyaki chicken bibimbap and the chilli chicken bibimbap from Koba Korean BBQ. I was contented with my lunch.

Somehow the bibimbap from Sydney's food court reminded me of the bibimbap in Singapore's food court. I am very thankful that the bibimbap in Singapore are cheaper, have more tasty appetizers to go along with the main course, and have more vegetables!

I was also fondly reminded of a wonderful Korean dinner with one of my friends, RL, in a Korean restaurant in Sydney a few years ago. Indeed, restaurant food in Sydney are better than the food court, based on my limited experiences. Please correct me if you have differing experiences.


Koba Korean BBQ
AMP Retail Plaza
Food Court
50 Bridge Street,
Sydney

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera.

10 May 2011: The Justice and Police Museum

After thirty full minutes of spinning trills on the Oz Jetboating ride, my mother and I headed for the Justice and Police Museum. I was not particularly interested in this museum, but it was the nearest available museum at Circular Quay, so I gladly visited it.

A choice of convenience, the Justice and Police Museum fondly reminded me of the former Supreme Court in Singapore. I later learnt that the Justice and Police Museum is the site of the original settlement of convicts during the earlier days when the first European settlement started in Australia, Sydney.

At this museum, visitors learn about some of the most spectacular crimes that had happened in Sydney. There were exhibits consisting weapons used by law-enforcers. Strangely, there were relics from notorious crimes put on display at the museum. With all these fear inducing weapons and relics, I thought it would take a fair level of guts to visit this museum.

Again, the See Sydney Attractions Pass came in useful.

Usually, it would cost AUS$8 per adult for entry into the Justice and Police Museum. With the See Sydney Attractions Pass, entry is free!

Heading to the cells.

I came across exhibits of the Hangman's Noose and hoods that were used in the early 20th century. The quotation that was printed on the walls were thought provoking.

"...one is absolutely sickened not by, the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments the good have inflicted." - Oscar Wilde (From the Soul of Man under Socialism.) 

The section on the Aboriginal customary law caught my eye but given that I had wanted to get myself lunch before catching a cruise that afternoon, I hardly had enough time to enjoy much of the museum. I had been there, but I felt I did not know enough about the history of crimes and laws in Sydney as I had spent only close to an hour at this museum. If you are visiting this museum, please set aside at least two hours to better appreciate some of the exhibits.


Justice and Police Museum
Corner Philip and Albert Street
Circular Quay, Sydney
Tel: (+61) 2 8239 2288
http://www.hht.net.au/museums/justice_and_police_museum
Admission: AUS$8 per adult.


Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011
All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera.