Thursday, March 29, 2007
Landslide
Another article about China by Hifidel. Reading it brought back memories of my own trip there, or was I on the same trip as Hifidel?
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Shooby Plays Tour-guide
Shooby was going home to see her folks in the States! She only got to do this once in two years. She had been living in Singapore for more than ten years.
She was very excited this trip home, because she was bringing Bao-er, and Bao-yi with her. The sisters had decided to visit Shooby's home town. Shooby's family and friends were very warm towards Bao-er and Bao-yi. The sisters were overwhelmed by their generous hospitality.
Shooby decided to show Bao-er and Bao-yi some other places in the States besides her home town. She was going to show them Jersey City. Bao-er and Bao-yi were excited! They had heard a lot about this place. They had done some homework on the net, and had singled out some places they would not want to miss visiting.
Bao-yi loved museums. She had picked out a couple which she would like to visit. Bao-er could not wait to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. Shooby said it would be possible to pay this famous lady a visit, if they went on a ferry. The trio was also very excited about going to India Square! Singapore (where Bao-er and Bao-yi were from) food is a blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian food. The sisters could hardly believe they could catch a taste of home right there in Jersey City - half way around the world! The three girls could hardly contain their excitement as Shooby drove towards Jersey City, envisioning the many places of interest they would get to visit.
The trio checked into their hotel, and looked forward to a few days of fun, exploring the city!
She was very excited this trip home, because she was bringing Bao-er, and Bao-yi with her. The sisters had decided to visit Shooby's home town. Shooby's family and friends were very warm towards Bao-er and Bao-yi. The sisters were overwhelmed by their generous hospitality.
Shooby decided to show Bao-er and Bao-yi some other places in the States besides her home town. She was going to show them Jersey City. Bao-er and Bao-yi were excited! They had heard a lot about this place. They had done some homework on the net, and had singled out some places they would not want to miss visiting.
Bao-yi loved museums. She had picked out a couple which she would like to visit. Bao-er could not wait to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. Shooby said it would be possible to pay this famous lady a visit, if they went on a ferry. The trio was also very excited about going to India Square! Singapore (where Bao-er and Bao-yi were from) food is a blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian food. The sisters could hardly believe they could catch a taste of home right there in Jersey City - half way around the world! The three girls could hardly contain their excitement as Shooby drove towards Jersey City, envisioning the many places of interest they would get to visit.
The trio checked into their hotel, and looked forward to a few days of fun, exploring the city!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Walking Down Memory Lane in NUS
Bao-er got down from the bus. She could not believe all the changes she was seeing. This used to be the only university in Singapore when she went to school here. Everyone who got into the National University of Singapore was very, very, proud to be part of the student body.
She smiled as she climbed some familiar steps, leading to the Arts and Social Sciences building. She used to do this all the time! There were steps everywhere. There were elevators in some buildings, but being young and always rushing for time, the students preferred the steps.
Bao-er could see herself, young and green again, climbing those steps, folder in her arms, and backpack over her shoulders. She was rushing to LT12 for an English Language lecture, probably the one that put her to sleep (or transport her to dreamland) most days. She day-dreamed a lot back then. However, if it was an English Language lecture, her eyes were probably glued to the back of the guy she had a crush on. Bao-er laughed at her foolish young self!
Then she passed by the Japanese Studies Department's "Tea-room". It might not be the "Tea-room" any more! She saw herself and her friends in the room. They were having a lesson on traditional Japanese tea ceremony. They were squirming because they were not used to sitting with their legs tucked under their bottoms, for long periods of time. They were also giggling because they found all the seriousness, and elegance behavior, expected of them quite overwhelming, and a little funny! They were also trying not to laugh out loud because the "sensei" was always calling one of their friends "monkey", complaining about their inelegant behavior, and constantly sticking her hand into her kimono to adjust her bra-strap! Bao-er nearly laughed out loud, just thinking about that. How she missed those days! She could almost taste the Japanese sweets that went together with the tea. She remembered devouring lots of those, together with her friends, in the back room, away from the sensei's prying eyes!
She left the Japanese Department reluctantly. She walked to the Cafeteria next. She used to gobble down food, in between lectures, and tutorials there. Of course, the stalls were all different, except for one or two. The whole cafeteria was renovated. Parts of it still remained the same. She saw herself getting some hokkien mee (noodles). She fondly recalled the girl who tended that stall. She used to tease the male students who bought from her stall. She would ask, "Hokkien mee, you want me?" She would giggle when the boys looked embarrassed!
School was out for the summer. The campus was quiet. Bao-er saw a few students here and there. Some of them might be foreign students staying at the campus dormitories. Bao-er looked at them, and was filled with sudden envy. How young and happy they looked!
She smiled as she climbed some familiar steps, leading to the Arts and Social Sciences building. She used to do this all the time! There were steps everywhere. There were elevators in some buildings, but being young and always rushing for time, the students preferred the steps.
Bao-er could see herself, young and green again, climbing those steps, folder in her arms, and backpack over her shoulders. She was rushing to LT12 for an English Language lecture, probably the one that put her to sleep (or transport her to dreamland) most days. She day-dreamed a lot back then. However, if it was an English Language lecture, her eyes were probably glued to the back of the guy she had a crush on. Bao-er laughed at her foolish young self!
Then she passed by the Japanese Studies Department's "Tea-room". It might not be the "Tea-room" any more! She saw herself and her friends in the room. They were having a lesson on traditional Japanese tea ceremony. They were squirming because they were not used to sitting with their legs tucked under their bottoms, for long periods of time. They were also giggling because they found all the seriousness, and elegance behavior, expected of them quite overwhelming, and a little funny! They were also trying not to laugh out loud because the "sensei" was always calling one of their friends "monkey", complaining about their inelegant behavior, and constantly sticking her hand into her kimono to adjust her bra-strap! Bao-er nearly laughed out loud, just thinking about that. How she missed those days! She could almost taste the Japanese sweets that went together with the tea. She remembered devouring lots of those, together with her friends, in the back room, away from the sensei's prying eyes!
She left the Japanese Department reluctantly. She walked to the Cafeteria next. She used to gobble down food, in between lectures, and tutorials there. Of course, the stalls were all different, except for one or two. The whole cafeteria was renovated. Parts of it still remained the same. She saw herself getting some hokkien mee (noodles). She fondly recalled the girl who tended that stall. She used to tease the male students who bought from her stall. She would ask, "Hokkien mee, you want me?" She would giggle when the boys looked embarrassed!
School was out for the summer. The campus was quiet. Bao-er saw a few students here and there. Some of them might be foreign students staying at the campus dormitories. Bao-er looked at them, and was filled with sudden envy. How young and happy they looked!
Friday, March 23, 2007
London Receives Shooby
Shooby finally began her solo European adventure! She felt excited, and relaxed, at the same time. She had no schedule to keep, and could do anything (or nothing), at any time she desired!
The research she did with Bao-er and Bao-yi before the trip, helped a lot. She felt she already knew London, before she even stepped off the plane. Bao-yi had helped her print some information on London Accommodation they had found on the net together. Armed with the information, Shooby checked into a hotel, which she would later find, delivered everything the information had claimed, and much more!
Shooby rubbed her hands in glee, as she thought about the bookshops she had seen, riding in the cab on the way from the airport to the hotel. She was not crazy about the Royal family, but she was looking forward to catching a glimpse of the Buckingham Palace nevertheless. Shooby sat at the window, and took in the London sights and sounds, from the hotel. She did not like shopping much (apart from book shopping), but she would have to visit Harrods, and get one or two souvenirs she had promised Bao-er and Bao-yi. Shooby was happy to discover that she could get to many places she wanted to visit easily from her hotel. She decided she would take some leisurely walks, ride the red buses some, and try the coaches too!
However, it was getting late. Shooby would have to wait till the next day to start her exploration - after enjoying a hearty, Continental breakfast, provided by the hotel! Hmm...scones!
The research she did with Bao-er and Bao-yi before the trip, helped a lot. She felt she already knew London, before she even stepped off the plane. Bao-yi had helped her print some information on London Accommodation they had found on the net together. Armed with the information, Shooby checked into a hotel, which she would later find, delivered everything the information had claimed, and much more!
Shooby rubbed her hands in glee, as she thought about the bookshops she had seen, riding in the cab on the way from the airport to the hotel. She was not crazy about the Royal family, but she was looking forward to catching a glimpse of the Buckingham Palace nevertheless. Shooby sat at the window, and took in the London sights and sounds, from the hotel. She did not like shopping much (apart from book shopping), but she would have to visit Harrods, and get one or two souvenirs she had promised Bao-er and Bao-yi. Shooby was happy to discover that she could get to many places she wanted to visit easily from her hotel. She decided she would take some leisurely walks, ride the red buses some, and try the coaches too!
However, it was getting late. Shooby would have to wait till the next day to start her exploration - after enjoying a hearty, Continental breakfast, provided by the hotel! Hmm...scones!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
My Friend, A "Shanghai Tong"
Check out this aritcle written by hifidel, obviously another "Shanghai Tong", like Shooby!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Shanghai Delight
Shooby had been to Shanghai numerous times. This time, she had invited Bao-er, and Bao-yi to come with her. So Shooby, the American, was acting as tour-guide to her Asian-Chinese friends!
When Shooby visited Shanghai alone, she would usually stay with her good friend, Lilith. Bao-er and Bao-yi were Lilith's friends too. However, the three girls thought three would certainly make too much of a crowd, so they looked up some hotels in Shanghai on the net, and found an ideal hotel, before flying over . They chose one close to Lilith's place, of course!
Shooby had been to the same area so many times, her friends in Shanghai called her "Shanghai-tong"(someone who knows Shanghai thoroughly)! From the airport, Shooby, Bao-er, and Bao-yi, took a cab to their hotel. The cab driver had to take a second look through his rear-view mirror, to make sure it was Shooby who spoke, when she gave clear directions to the hotel, in Shanghai-accented-Chinese! The cab driver chuckled, "Wah! You speak like a Shanghainese!"
With Shooby's precise directions, the trio arrived at their hotel within minutes. After they had freshened up, Shooby showed Bao-er, and Bao-yi where they could get some lunch. Within walking distance from the hotel, were lots of shops, and eating places. Shooby really knew the area like a local. Bao-er, and Bao-yi were impressed as they followed Shooby, weaving in and out of traffic, through different streets that looked alike to them.
With Shooby as their guide, Bao-er and Bao-yi savoured some great Shanghai food, did some great shopping at a whole-sale market, and saw some great sights - both modern, and traditional!
When Shooby visited Shanghai alone, she would usually stay with her good friend, Lilith. Bao-er and Bao-yi were Lilith's friends too. However, the three girls thought three would certainly make too much of a crowd, so they looked up some hotels in Shanghai on the net, and found an ideal hotel, before flying over . They chose one close to Lilith's place, of course!
Shooby had been to the same area so many times, her friends in Shanghai called her "Shanghai-tong"(someone who knows Shanghai thoroughly)! From the airport, Shooby, Bao-er, and Bao-yi, took a cab to their hotel. The cab driver had to take a second look through his rear-view mirror, to make sure it was Shooby who spoke, when she gave clear directions to the hotel, in Shanghai-accented-Chinese! The cab driver chuckled, "Wah! You speak like a Shanghainese!"
With Shooby's precise directions, the trio arrived at their hotel within minutes. After they had freshened up, Shooby showed Bao-er, and Bao-yi where they could get some lunch. Within walking distance from the hotel, were lots of shops, and eating places. Shooby really knew the area like a local. Bao-er, and Bao-yi were impressed as they followed Shooby, weaving in and out of traffic, through different streets that looked alike to them.
With Shooby as their guide, Bao-er and Bao-yi savoured some great Shanghai food, did some great shopping at a whole-sale market, and saw some great sights - both modern, and traditional!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
A European Vacation for Shooby
Shooby had been working really hard for the past few months. Many changes had also occurred in her life, draining her emotionally, and physically. She hardly had any time to relax. Sleep had also eluded her for many nights. She was in dire need of a good rest!
She walked into the room with some brochures in her hand. Bao-er and Bao-yi, who were sitting at the table, looked at her inquiringly. They knew how much stress Shooby had gone through the past few months, and were worried for their friend.
"Would it bother you if I indulge in a solo European adventure?" Shooby asked.
"What? Alone, wondering in Europe?" Bao-yi's big-sister-instinct was immediately awakened.
"It's O.K.! I'll do it the safe way! You know, I really need some alone time to sort through some things!"
"We understand," Bao-er said, "you deserve some quiet time to yourself."
"Come help me decide where to go!" Shooby lay the brochures she had in her hand on the table.
Bao-er and Bao-yi picked up a brochure each eagerly.
"What about Barcelona? Wah! I'm excited for you already!" Bao-er exclaimed.
"What about Prague?" Bao-yi asked. "Seems like a safe city to me!" she continued. She was still nervous about Shooby travelling alone.
"London is an option too!" Shooby muttered slowly, her head bent over another brochure. Shooby loved books. Bao-er always joked about her being the scholar among the three girls. Shooby would be delighted if she didn't have to do anything, except read and teach literature.
"London is good," Bao-er said slowly. "I can just imagine you spending hours in the bookstores in London!" she laughed.
The three girls were so excited about Shooby's trip, they went from the brochures to the computer to find out more about travelling in Europe. Even though Bao-er and Bao-yi were not able to accompany Shooby on this trip, they felt happy about sharing her preparation for the trip.
She walked into the room with some brochures in her hand. Bao-er and Bao-yi, who were sitting at the table, looked at her inquiringly. They knew how much stress Shooby had gone through the past few months, and were worried for their friend.
"Would it bother you if I indulge in a solo European adventure?" Shooby asked.
"What? Alone, wondering in Europe?" Bao-yi's big-sister-instinct was immediately awakened.
"It's O.K.! I'll do it the safe way! You know, I really need some alone time to sort through some things!"
"We understand," Bao-er said, "you deserve some quiet time to yourself."
"Come help me decide where to go!" Shooby lay the brochures she had in her hand on the table.
Bao-er and Bao-yi picked up a brochure each eagerly.
"What about Barcelona? Wah! I'm excited for you already!" Bao-er exclaimed.
"What about Prague?" Bao-yi asked. "Seems like a safe city to me!" she continued. She was still nervous about Shooby travelling alone.
"London is an option too!" Shooby muttered slowly, her head bent over another brochure. Shooby loved books. Bao-er always joked about her being the scholar among the three girls. Shooby would be delighted if she didn't have to do anything, except read and teach literature.
"London is good," Bao-er said slowly. "I can just imagine you spending hours in the bookstores in London!" she laughed.
The three girls were so excited about Shooby's trip, they went from the brochures to the computer to find out more about travelling in Europe. Even though Bao-er and Bao-yi were not able to accompany Shooby on this trip, they felt happy about sharing her preparation for the trip.
Toa Payoh Hub
"Wow! So this is the hub people have been talking about?" Bao-er marvelled. Shooby, Bao-er, and Bao-yi were in the Toa Payoh MRT station. It was no plain old MRT station though. One could spend a whole day there!
There were stores, and more stores, in and outside the station. There were lots of stores selling clothing. However, if you were shopping for medicinal herbs, or shampoo, you would be able to find them at the hub too! Cheap stuff, not so cheap stuff - you name it, some store would sell it! Macdonalds, KFC, Japanese buffet, hawker-center food, beckoned Shooby, Bao-er, and Bao-yi, when their hunger pangs cried out.
The three girls were amazed at how much they could stretch their dollar shopping at the hub. They bought clothes, bags, belts, and so much more! Bao-er decided to list the hub as one of her regular shopping destinations.
There were stores, and more stores, in and outside the station. There were lots of stores selling clothing. However, if you were shopping for medicinal herbs, or shampoo, you would be able to find them at the hub too! Cheap stuff, not so cheap stuff - you name it, some store would sell it! Macdonalds, KFC, Japanese buffet, hawker-center food, beckoned Shooby, Bao-er, and Bao-yi, when their hunger pangs cried out.
The three girls were amazed at how much they could stretch their dollar shopping at the hub. They bought clothes, bags, belts, and so much more! Bao-er decided to list the hub as one of her regular shopping destinations.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Water Park Paradise
"Only about $2.00 to get in?" Bao-er asked, with her eyes opened wide with disbelief.
Shooby was telling Bao-er about how much it cost to get into a water-park in Jurong East.
It was a bright and sunny day, Bao-er, Bao-yi, and Shooby got down from the train at the Chinese Garden Station. They were excited as they walked to the water-park at Jurong East. It was tucked in the middle of a few blocks of high-rise apartment buildings. There was a water playground for kids, and supervising adults, complete with slides. There was a "river" where you could float down on inner tubes. The three girls played at the water playground, relaxed in the jacuzzi, and also swam in the pool with "man-made" waves. Shooby was the only one brave enough to slide down the long, and winding water slides.
It was a day of water fun for the three girls!
Shooby was telling Bao-er about how much it cost to get into a water-park in Jurong East.
It was a bright and sunny day, Bao-er, Bao-yi, and Shooby got down from the train at the Chinese Garden Station. They were excited as they walked to the water-park at Jurong East. It was tucked in the middle of a few blocks of high-rise apartment buildings. There was a water playground for kids, and supervising adults, complete with slides. There was a "river" where you could float down on inner tubes. The three girls played at the water playground, relaxed in the jacuzzi, and also swam in the pool with "man-made" waves. Shooby was the only one brave enough to slide down the long, and winding water slides.
It was a day of water fun for the three girls!
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Hard Rock Cafe (Singapore)
Shooby, Bao-er, and Bao-yi, were strolling along Orchard Road. They had just finished shopping at a couple of book stores. They went to Kinokuniya, and Borders. They were within walking distance of each other. Shooby, of course, had bagged quite a few books. Bao-er bought a couple of Japanese magazines from Kinokuniya! Now that Shooby had satisfied her book "lust", they had to find a place to satisfy their hunger!
Within walking distance too, was Hard Rock Cafe. The three girls entered the restaurant, and were greeted by friendly waiters and waitresses. Like all the Hard Rock Cafes around the world, there was a souvenir corner in the restaurant. Shooby, Bao-er, and Bao-yi were not intending to buy anything, but still found it fun to browse around a little.
Then, they were showed to their table, and served drinks. The lunch menu was good. All the three girls chose items from the lunch menu. They got to have soup, and a dessert, with their main dish! No band was playing at the time, but the instruments on the stage, and the used instruments from famous rock stars adorning the restaurant, gave a "rock" atmosphere to the whole place!
It was a delicious lunch, at an interesting place!
Within walking distance too, was Hard Rock Cafe. The three girls entered the restaurant, and were greeted by friendly waiters and waitresses. Like all the Hard Rock Cafes around the world, there was a souvenir corner in the restaurant. Shooby, Bao-er, and Bao-yi were not intending to buy anything, but still found it fun to browse around a little.
Then, they were showed to their table, and served drinks. The lunch menu was good. All the three girls chose items from the lunch menu. They got to have soup, and a dessert, with their main dish! No band was playing at the time, but the instruments on the stage, and the used instruments from famous rock stars adorning the restaurant, gave a "rock" atmosphere to the whole place!
It was a delicious lunch, at an interesting place!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)