Half Day City Tour

Courtesy of our Korean host, some of the remaining delegates (whose flight schedule permits), were extended a half day, City Tour, which brought us to the ancient city in the heart of Seoul. Views of the mansion that Kings and Queens once dwelled and the scenic view within the protective walls of the imperial palace.

We also witnessed the changing of the imperial guards (the traditional way). Donned in costumes of yester-years, the in-coming and out-going gurads performed a ceremonial handing/taking over. Those who are game may also rent traditional costume to join in the fun. An office staff (Seow Fong) and a Thai delegate sportingly took the challenge to be dressed up to join in the fun. Suddenly, they became celebraties. Everyone wanted to shot with them.

Though it was a hot day, all had fun. The day ended with 30 minutes of intensive shopping for little items before calling it a day.

The Tjoeng Family

Grand parents with 8 grand children in a snap-shot in August 2008 . from the oldest .... Sarah-Marie, Aaron-James, Clarissa-Anne, Matthew, Benedict, Ashley, Zachery & Timothy.

Well, the parents were not left out. So, with 4 families (2 x TJOENGs and 2 x TEOs ...) another snap-shot for the family album.

3rd time in KimChi-Land

This one week in Seoul (25-30 Aug 08) was my 3rd time there. Each visit had its own unique experience. With a little more time in hand, managed to walk a good 10 km over some 5 hours, browsing the many shops and street corners. Reading Korean remains a challenge. With lots of "+" and "o", it was more of landmark recognition, pictures and some guess work. After wondering aimlessly, looking for lunch, we simply ordered what the next table was going to have and prayed like anything that it would be eatible. On the next day, our Korean friend brought us for a "self-cooked" Squid, Vegetables and KimChi fried rice meal. Had to do our own frying of the rice so I guess, we can't complain if its not too good. On the whole, it was a good "See-food" experience for we had absolutely no idea what we were ordering/eating.

Sarah is missing !!!

It was one of the usual "any reason, is a good reason" to get together for a meal. The time it was "poh-poh" birthday and it was celebrated at an Indonesian Restaurant ... The "Tambuah Mas" at Tanglin Shopping Centre. Only difference this time is Aaron-James is now the "oldest", for the elder sister, Sarh-Marie is away at Aussieland. Forming the all cousins table at one side, whilst the parents formed the other. As all the cousins sang the good old birthday song ... in English, Chinese & Malay, our thoughts remains with Sarah, as all happily dug in ... inclusive of her share of yummy Indonesian delight.

Its already 10 years in GRO

It didn't seem too long ago when Kensington Park Management Committee asked for representatives to be in the Serangoon Neighbourhood Committee (SNC). Together with Randy Sng, we were both "volunteered" to be the liaision between the two committees. Bryan Lincoln, then SNC Chairman, certainly spared no efforts in bringing us in. Unknown to us then (as least to me), it was to be a volunteer in Grassroots Organisations (GRO). Had adhoc projects ranging from Serangoon Swing 2000, Serangoon Estate Upgrade Programme (EUP), CSSP, Financial Planning Seminars, Anti-Dengue Task Force, Retreat in Bangkok, National Day Dinner and goodness knows what came our way ... but it all contributed to 10 years of "volunteered" service. Was somehow in CCC, along the way. Made some good friends along the way, (also inevitably, loss some in the process) and had different experience in working with limited budget, uncertain support and with many whose agenda are somewhat different..... totally different from the structured organisation that I used to know !!!.