Happy 47th Birthday, Singapore

You're looking pretty good.

Arteastiq & my DIY art

Here are some photos from a visit to Arteastiq, a tea lounge and art jam hosting venue at Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road. I was there last December with a group of colleagues.

It's a pretty place, with a good view of leafy trees.

But that day, I was there not for tea but to make my own piece of art.

Starting with a blank canvas...

I selected paint colors...

And created my own piece of art that now sits on my bedside table.
Well, it's no Van Gogh, but I'd like to think it's a cross between some of my favorite artists/periods: Mark Rothko and the Impressionists (Paul Signac)

Oh and the funny thing is, it's easier than it looks to do what other bloggers have done:
Specifically, Elise's finger painting or big script art.
I also referenced Oh Happy Day's abstract art or potato prints.

It was kind of fun for a day out.

A walk around Tanglin Halt

You're quite a tourist, said my friend, referring to the fact that I'd been to the Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, top of MBS, ArtScience Museum...

Yah, I said. I haven't been traveling, what.  I've severely reduced my carbon footprint this year.

I rather like enjoying what's in front of me.

For instance, I like taking photos of old estates. They remind me of the simple neighborhood I grew up in. No fancy district for me; I had such a good time growing up - speeding down HDB stairways without a care in the world, cycling around the blocks, playing catching, hantam bola (and hantam slipper, and hantam ice - ouch).  One time we kids staked out a neighborhood block in the hope of catching a recalcitrant high-rise litterbug who had thrown out lots of tissue paper onto the small patch of grass in front. Great fun.

Photos of Tanglin Halt, just a little walk from Commonwealth MRT.

Love the faded sign, the old-school grilles, and the donald duck kid's ride out front.

 

Cobbler.'s Waiting for shoes to be done.

Low-rise blocks with a residential/commercial mix.

A walk in the clouds (Gardens by the Bay!)

I had a great time this past weekend, checking out the newly-launched Gardens by the Bay with friends.

It was...incredible.

Being at the Gardens is like being:

(a) On a movie set. Specifically, Jurassic Park (or some random alien flick). 

In the Cloud Dome

(b) In a temperate country. Misty walk, anyone? I'd love to be here in the quiet of the early morning.

(c) At the Chelsea Garden Show, which admittedly I've never been to (that's the whole point, right...to bring the world here so I don't have to travel?). I imagine the show looks something like the Flower Field (in the Flower Dome, one of two giant conservatories). Bring out the cameras!

In the Flower Dome

(d) Deep within some jungle, gazing at rarely seen plant species. Below: Pitcher plant.

(e) At the library. Yes, the library. A cool spot to sit, read and think. Plenty of wide, wooden benches beckoning to me to sit and enjoy the day.

Lovely. Go visit!

In Which I Become A Fan

I am officially a fan of the Gardens by the Bay.

Or at least, a proud owner of an annual pass. It's going to be so cool (literally) visiting throughout the year.

More pictures to follow!

Gardens by the Bay: "before" photos

Looking forward to visiting the newly launched Gardens by the bay! 

Way to go, Singapore.

Old Neighbourhoods: Tiong Bahru

This year (and indefinitely), travel plans are on hold.

Which isn't a bad thing, as it's pretty relaxing staying put.

And there are quite a lot of things to do in Singapore if you put some effort into doing more than the usual eat/shop/chill combo.

Like sight-seeing around Tiong Bahru and taking photos of old buildings. Admittedly, food features quite strongly in this sort of adventure too.

Tiong Bahru Market, home to delicious local food (and cheap too).

Old buildings.

Round the corner from Seng Poh Lane, there is Por Kee Restaurant (good zhi char food - yummy!) 

I love sights like this. Low-rise buildings, roads, bright yellow lines on dark grey roads, set against a clear tropical sky.

The story behind: cat in the doorway

So anyway I thought of a new random series - 'the story behind' my instagram photos. Or at least, some thoughts behind a photo.

Where: Haji Lane

When: A warm day in June, after lunch and on a day of tending to medical matters and whatnot. 

With: The BFF

What: 

I like the old shophouses, peeling paint and graffiti, contrasted with air-conditioned interiors and purveyors of pretty trinkets and atas items.

I like the quirky things you find along the lane, really dingy on the outside, and right along a narrow road (watch out for the occasional vehicle!). The cat in the doorway (name: Jack) looking out languidly onto the street was an unexpected sight. It's funny how things and places sometimes remind you of people - and the cat reminded me of my brother, who likes cats.

I like how I found a little respite & oasis in the middle of my day. If I could bottle up the feeling of that day, it would be a little warm and fuzzy.

Old Houses

The fascination with old houses continues.

Taking photos of them, that is.  To actually live in them - well, that would need a whole lot of renovation.

No. 37 at Seabreeze

On a back lane at Rochester