Saturday, December 29, 2012

Whole Earth, a place for vegetarian Peranakan and Thai food


One fine evening, I met up with one of my good friends, Mystic, for dinner. We did not have any place in mind for dinner. Somehow, without much conscious thought, our feet led us to the Whole Earth, Peranakan Thai Vegetarian Restaurant.

This is possibly the place to consider for vegetarian who would like to Peranakan or Thai flavour to their food.

As Mystic and myself had relatively small appetite that evening, we decided to share a plate of Signature Olive Brown Rice and the restaurant's best-selling Oatmeal Tofu. When I was doing a quick scan of the food that others had ordered, almost everyone who was at the restaurant had ordered a plate of Oatmeal Tofu! That led to me urging my friend to order a plate of the Oatmeal Tofu too. A plate of Oatmeal Tofu costs $15 per plate. It has a fragrant smell and I quite like the oatmeal on the tofu. However, I do find it a bit overpriced.



The Signature Olive Brown Rice was in comparison more value-for-money. At $7 per plate, each grain of brown rice tasted heavenly such that I could happily chew each grain of rice at one single time. This is one of those brown rice that I had tasted that had left in me such a positive impression. Mystic felt the Olive Brown Rice was slightly on the oily side. While I did notice it was on the oily side, somehow the taste of the brown rice made me overlooked the slight flaw of the dish.

My friend and I were probably in the mood for healthy drinks. Both of us ordered a glass of 90-minute Lemongrass (hot) for each of ourselves. I read from the menu that "lemongrass is great for detoxification of the body as it improves digestion, calms the nerves and keeps the eyes and skin healthy. Citral, the active ingredient in lemon grass tea, is a wonder cleanser." Each glass costs $5.50.

The food was pleasing and the company was good!

I am hesitant whether to visit Whole Earth on a regular basis however. For a plate of Signature Olive Brown Rice, a plate of Oatmeal Tofu and two glasses of 90-minute Lemongrass (hot), our total bill came up to $40.05. I would prefer a meal that is more economic in its price range. Maybe the next time if I were to visit this place, I would just order the Signature Olive Brown Rice.

Nevertheless, this is still one place to consider for a healthy alternative for vegetarians, vegans and anyone else. This place does not serve mock food. I thought that it was quite a brilliant idea. The general ambience of the restaurant is clean and neat. We saw a group dining away. This looks like a good place for group gatherings too.


Whole Earth Vegetarian
76 Peck Seah St 
(Tanjong Pagar MRT station, Exit A) 
Singapore 079331
Tel: 63233308


Operating Hours:
Lunch: 11:30am to 3pm (last order at 2:30pm)
Dinner: 5:30 to 10pm (last order at 9:15pm)



Thursday, December 27, 2012

A Life of Practice - Kuo Pao Kun: Special Guided Tour with the Curator


Sometimes I find it hard to believe that I had visited the exhibition, A Life of Practice - Kuo Pao Kun, more than thrice! Maybe there was so much that one can learn from Kuo Pao Kun and his creations that it was necessary to make multiple trips to the exhibition?

Here's a post that I have written on my experiences attending one of the special guided tour with the curator of this exhibition:  A Life of Practice - Kuo Pao Kun: Special Guided Tour with the Curator.

Reflecting, the play Mama Looking For Her Cat has gotten me to think about how my lack of command of Hainanese had made it challenging for me to communicate with my maternal grandfather and some of my paternal relatives. Interesting, after watching a recording of excerpts of this play, I seemed to be getting a message that when we put our minds and hearts into it, we could still connect with someone who does not speak our language. The meeting of the hearts and the minds can transcend language barriers. Maybe there is a place where our souls can connect with one another?

Do check out this exhibition.

A Life of Practice - Kuo Pao Kun
15 Sep 2012 - 24 Feb 2013
Exhibition Gallery 2, Basement
Admission: $5 (Inclusive of SISTIC fees)

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Read: The Wish: How to Make Your Dreams Come True



Title: The Wish: How to Make Your Dreams Come True
Author: Angela Donovan
Published: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd (2012)
Paperback ISBN: 978 1 444 74060 8

A few months ago, I had some Popular book-store vouchers to redeem. While I was deciding on which book to choose, this book by Angela Donovan somehow caught my eyes. The mystic has somehow intrigued me of late. The acknowledgements that were found at the start of this book was more intriguing. The first paragraph of the acknowledgements read "As thought holds the greatest power, so this book has come into being with its own life force to attract all seeks with a love of knowledge and whose quest is for their own betterment through their 'knowing'."

This is quite an intriguing and interesting book to read. What I have found most interesting were the sections titled "Time to Balance" and "The Soul Test". This book also discusses on how one could boost one's life energy so that manifesting wishes can be easier. More importantly, The Wish puts strength, hope and peace of mind in place.

If this book has caught your interest, you may find the synopsis here:
The Wish by Angela Donovan
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11427152-the-wishhttp://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11427152-the-wish

Friday, December 07, 2012

Places: A visit to the Maritime Experiential Museum

It took me a while to put together in writing a blog of my visit to the Maritime Experiential Museum a few weeks ago. Join me in A visit to the Maritime Experiential Museum.


Maritime Experiential Museum
Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway. Singapore 098269
Tel: (+65) 65778888    
Email: enquiries@rwsentosa.com

Monday, December 03, 2012

At NUS Museum. 106 Joo Chiat Place: The Ng Eng Teng House


Recently, I have made a visit to the NUS Museum to learn more about the Ng Eng Teng House. Here is an account of my visit: At NUS Museum. 106 Joo Chiat Place: The Ng Eng Teng House.

106 Joo Chiat Place: The Ng Eng Teng House 
9 October 2012 to 3 February 2013 
NUS Museum 
Free Admission

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Farewell to the house at 106 Joo Chiat Place


On 29 Nov 2012, I visited the house at 106 Joo Chiat Place that the late Ng Eng Teng had used as his art studio. Read the blog on my visit here: Farewell to the house at 106 Joo Chiat Place

Monday, November 26, 2012

One last time: Ng Eng Teng's studio at 106 Joo Chi...

The studio of the late Ng Eng Teng, will be opened to members of the public on 29 Nov 2012 (Thu), from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. A bit more information can be found here: One last time: Ng Eng Teng's studio at 106 Joo Chiat Place.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Read: Pictorial Biography and Pocket Guide: The Prophet of Islam MUHAMMAD



Title: Pictorial Biography and Pocket Guide: The Prophet of Islam MUHAMMAD
Author: Dr Husam Deeb
Publisher: ALNOOR Holdings

Recently, I had the privilege to read Pictorial Biography and Pocket Guide: The Prophet of Islam MUHAMMAD which was a gift that I had been received during a visit to the Sultan Mosque during this year's month of Ramadan.

Even though I am not a Muslim, I nevertheless found it insightful and inspiring to read about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his teachings that were the basis for Islam. I will recommend this book as a easy-to-read and very accessible introduction to one of the world's most influential persons.

Please also visit:
http://www.amazon.com/Prophet-Muhammad-Biography-pictorial-civilization/dp/0980727707
http://www.furqaanbookstore.com/pictorial-biography-and-pocket-guide-the-prophet-of-islam-muhammad.html
http://www.barakabazaar.com/products/MUHAMMAD-%3ABIOGRAPHY-%26-PICTORIAL-GUIDE.html

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Write a card to Santa Claus

Source: http://posti.fi/jpp/jpp_en/


Write a card to Santa and be delighted to receive his reply by post!

This is the address to write to:


Santa Claus’ Main Post Office
Santa’s Workshop Village
96930 Arctic Circle
Lapland, Finland

***
Experience the spirit of Christmas this year by writing to Santa Claus!

Does he exist? I do not have a full clue. However, I have learnt through a Facebook post by Cherished Moments by SingPost that we can send letters and cards to Santa Claus at the above-mentioned address. The delightful news is that he does reply himself!

Patience will be well rewarded with a reply from Santa. Please do be very mindful that since this is a very busy time of the year for Santa, one may not receive the letter from Santa on time.

Do you know that Santa Claus receives the most letters in the world? Perhaps this goes to show how beloved Santa Claus is. I learnt that all cards, letters and parcels sent from Santa Claus' Main Post Office are  franked with a genuine Arctic Circle special postmark.

To bring festive cheers to loved ones, one can even place an order for a letter from Santa to be sent to your loved ones, to be delivered by Christmas.

To learn more about the interesting Santa Claus' Main Post Office made of handsome natural stone and aged pine, please visit http://posti.fi/jpp/jpp_en/
and http://posti.fi/english/thepostsservices/salesnetwork/santaclausmainpostoffice/

Monday, November 19, 2012

Bali 2012

Ulu Watu.

This October, I visited Bali for a trip to be closer to Nature. I remember the interesting Barong dances, the gamelan ensemble music that I hear, the lovely natural landscapes and the interesting crafts of Bali.

Here is a list of the blogs that I have written on my visit to Bali this October:

In retrospect, the Barong and Kris Dances left a strong impression in me. I was intrigued by the presentation of the mystical and benevolent Barong. In addition, it was very enjoyable to listen to a gamelan orchestra playing live while watching the dances.

The Barong.


I also enjoy the magnificent beauty of the natural landscapes at Ulu Watu. Being there somehow has a calming effect on me.

The Bajra Sandhi Monument was one of the monuments that have somehow made me feel a sense of peace and tranquillity. It was a place with an air of dignity.

Food wise, while I was excited to find A&W root-beer and more in Bali, the fresh coconut drink from Bali has left a more positive impression. I also very much enjoyed the wonderful lunch at the Gong Dewata Restaurant at Kintamani mountain resort. 

Lunch with a wonderful view at Gong Dewata Restaurant, Bali.

Overall, although I was initially hesitant about visiting Bali over various places, I am glad to have made a trip to Bali to experience its interesting culture and to be welcomed by the hospitality of the wonderful people of Bali.

Many thanks to my friend who had been my travelling companion for this very trip to Bali. It's nice to have a friend to exchange ideas with.

Friday, November 16, 2012

10 Oct 2012: The Bajra Sandhi Monument and Denpasar

Bajra Sandhi Monument. Bali.

10 Oct 2012 (Wed):

After checking-out of the hotel, we met our tour guide yet again. The original itinerary indicated it was a free-and-easy day. However, due to some unforeseen delays in our schedule, our guide and driver had so generously agreed to make up for us a visit to the Bajra Sandhi Monument at the Niti Mandal civic centre. This was located in Denpasar, the capital city of the island of Bali. Denpasar is the largest city on the island. It is also the centre of commerce and governmental administration.

The Bajra Sandhi Monument
The shape of the Bajra Sandhi Monument looks like a Bajra, which is a Hindu priest's bell. It was built in the year 1987 and is opened by president Megawati Sukarno Putri on 14 Jun 2003. This is a monument that immortalizes the soul and spirit of the Balinese people's struggle at looking after, developing and also preserving the culture of Bali. In the face of capitalism and the evolving modern world, this can be loaded with challenges.

Bajra Sandhi Monument. Bali. The beautiful landscaped garden.

The monument was impressive and massive in its scale. It was relaxing to be simply there. At the monument, we saw exhibits that introduced visitors to the history of Bali. We had the chance to climb to the top of the tower. Women who are having their menstruation will not be allowed to climb up the tower.

The view from the tower.


During my visit to the Bajra Sandhi Monument, I was attracted to the interesting geometric patterns that were found on the structures. The fishes in the ponds at this place offered reminders for visitors to slow ourselves down to appreciate how the fishes swam along with the flow of the water.

Bajra Sandhi Monument. Bali.

Geometric patterns everywhere. Bajra Sandhi Monument. Bali.

I will recommend that visitors make time to visit this monument when they are in Bali. It is magnificent, beautiful and serene.

Places I cannot remember visiting: Monument of Puputan, Statue of four face
The tour package included a visit to the Monument of Puputan. However, due to the interest of time, I cannot recall having visited it. From my brief reading, I learnt that it is a bronze memorial located in the centre of the Puputan square. It is dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the one sided struggle with the Dutch.

I cannot recall visting the statue of the four face. This four-headed-god facing the four cardinal directions is said to guard the crossroads of Bali like many Catur Muka statues. This statue at Denpasar has finely balanced proportions and is the work of I Gusti Nyoman Lempad of Ubud. It was commissioned in 1973. I learnt that Catu Muka is a depiction of Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation.

At the Airport
After our visit to places of interest in Denpasar, we were given a lift by our tour guide and driver to Ngurah Rai, Bali's International airport. We thanked them for their hospitality and thoughtfulness.

At the airport. Bali.

At the airport, we decided to get some food and drinks before checking in our check-in luggage. That proved to be a good choice because it took quite a while to queue to check-in our luggage and  it also took a while to pay the required Indonesian Departure Airport Tax.

Lunch at Bali's International Airport.

Many of the shops at the Bali's International airport featured the local products. I was more excited to find a few good buys when I was at a bookstore in the airport. Certain titles were available at a much lower price at this bookstore than in the bookstores in Singapore.

Otherwise, there was not much things that were enticing to buy at the airport. Maybe it is just that I am not quite in the mood to shop that day.

I was more excited to find the mail-box to post a few postcards while I was at the airport.

Before we knew it, it was time to board our plane to find our way back to Singapore. It was a memorable trip.

The plane to take us home.

http://driversbali.com/denpasar-city.html
http://dwipatrips.com/wiki/dwipatrips.php?id=bali:landmarks:bajra_sandhi_monument
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_intervention_in_Bali_(1906)
http://baliexpat.biz/artsentertainment/four-faces-needed-to-face-balis-brave-new-world/
http://www.baliwaves.com/2009/06/i-gusti-nyoman-lempad/
http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Denpasar-Market.htm

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Places: Participating in Awaken The Dragon Project

A few days ago, I visited one of the two surviving dragon kilns in Singapore to take part in a clay-sculpturing workshop which is part of the Awaken The Dragon Project. Here is link to an account of my visit: Participating in Awaken The Dragon Project

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

10 Oct 2012: The morning adventure

10 Oct 2012 (Wed):

Kuta Art Market in the morning. Bali.

This was the last day of our tour to Bali. The morning was generally free and the decision was to explore Kuta.

It was too early to visit the Discovery Shopping Mall since it opens at 10 a.m. As such, we explored other parts of the Kuta area. I took notice of the street hawkers who were out for business in the early morning. Kuta looked totally different in the morning than in the night. My attention was also drawn to females praying in the morning. In Bali, the Hindu ladies seem to have the important spiritual role of offering prayers to the Gods.

Praying.

We had some snacks at the A&W restaurant located in the Discovery Shopping Mall in the late morning. Afterwhich, we explored the mall before heading back to the hotel.



May the photographs lend you a glimpse of our observations for that day.

One of the hawkers. Bali.

Friday, November 09, 2012

Read: The Universal Heart - A Practical Guide to Love

Image source: Amazon.com


Title: The Universal Heart - A Practical Guide to Love
Author: Stephanie Dowrick
Publisher: Allen & Unwin (2012)

Once again, I read another book by one of my favourite authors, Stephanie Dowrick. As I was reading, I felt as if I was learning from the wise guidance of a compassionate soul. This book, The Universal Heart, was first published in the year 2000. I was reading the 2012 edition of this publication which I had gladly gotten myself during my visit to Sydney earlier this year. I wish Singapore's book stores could appreciate Stephanie Dowrick's works more.

It took me more than a month to read all 444 pages of the book. In this book, Stephanie Dowrick explores how it is possible to live out our highest ideals and intentions in a life that is of love. Using her compassionate style of writing that has a psychological depth, she shows how we can live more appreciatively across all our relationships, including that with our own selves. I like the way she writes with such wisdom and compassion.

Some sections of the book got me thinking more deeply on issues that I had previously not given a deep thought on. I quite like the way that Stephanie Dowrick offers bite-size tips at the end of each chapter.

If it helps to give you a glimpse of the wonderful topics that were discussed in this book, let me try to list down the key chapters in this book:
1) Love generously
2) Know what is going own
3) Live encouragingly
4) Trust others
5) Listen Carefully
6) Value truth as your ally
7) Light up your shadow
8) Transform aggression
9) Relate as an adult
10) Every day, a new beginning.

This is a book to read to learn from a wise and compassionate soul. I find this book deeply thoughtfully and sets me thinking about the larger issues related to humanity. Even though it took me quite a while to read this book as I was reading it while I was commuting and waiting in the queues, I am very glad to read this book that encouragingly affirms that it is possible to live a life that is of love and worth living.

***
Also see: http://ebooks.avidreader.com.au/product/9781742695402