Its "København" !!!

Arrived Copenhagen (København) after some 12 hours of flight. Immigration clearance was a breeze and before we knew it, we were out at the carpark of Terminal 3, Copenhangen airport. Thought we missed some processes along the way. (Its harder to get out of Changi Naval Base !!!) Thanks to the GPS module from the iPad, managed to navigate from the airport to the hotel via train and on foot, dragging our luggages through the many "Roman Roads" along the way. (Probably the bags will be having square wheels by the end of this trip). Temperature is quite nice, about 8-10 deg C though can be quite chilling when the wind blows. We are staying at the Copenhagen Strand Hotel, which is just by the river. Very pleasant scene with boats and ferry streaming by. The room is right at the top floor with a small (really small) balcony, just large enough for 2 pax to stand. Great aircon system ... just open the door leading to the balcony and its instant air con (free). After depositing our bags at the hotel, went round looking for food. Came across these row of cafes along a large canal (like Clarke Quay area which is about a 10 min walk from the hotel). Some were celebrating "Halloween Day". Had large pumpkin carved out as lanterns. Guess there were many lunch and dinner packages for those out to celebrate but unfortunately, the many signs/posters are not in ENGLISH thus could only imagine. None-the-less, its a festive mood (not sure if its a daily thing).

Wanted to venture to look for the mermaid but was told that she took a vacation. She is now at Shanghai, with the rock, some sand and water from Denmark for the Shanghai expo, enjoying the warmer weather. Managed to get a passer-by to take a pic for us (Thank goodness he returns the camera !!!). As its official Winter time today, there will be an additional daylight saving hour this evening (ie. Will be 7 hrs behind Singapore time instead of 6). Sunset was quite early and dinner was skipped. (Jet lag won !!! zzzzz !!!).

Rest in piece, Paul

Paul the Octopus, the tentacled tipster who made $$$$ during the last world cup with his unerringly accurate predictions, passed away in his tank in the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre in Germany early Tuesday morning. Whilst those who had their fortune made mourned in silent, for there goes their goose that laid the golden egg, those that "bet on the wrong horse" celebrated in their own ways. Have it to your kind of taste ... BBQ, Sambal Chilli, Steamed, Sotong Ball or just plain raw. Guess, football will never be the same again !!!

Its completed

Yes, after all the legal processes, we have completed the transaction and now the legal owner and in debt (again !!!). Its still on rental (and NO ARRON-JAMES, you may not take over the rental collection role !!). If tenancy is not exercised by end Nov 10, then some form of minor renovation will take place in Jan/Feb 11 before the great shift "in" to take place. In the meantime, back to the drawing board and living from luggages as many in the family are on the move from London, Tokyo, Ho Chih Min, Penon Penh to possibly Phuket. Guess we'll have to settle-in, some time !!!

Bakmi GM

The must have, BAKMI Special whenever the opportunity arise at Indonesia. After attending Jannie's wedding at Sands, Mangga Dua, had a day to ourselves before heading home on Monday. Headed to Mall Kelapa Gading (MKG) for the "cannot miss" Bakmi Special. Yummy !!

GiGi's Birthday

Dressed in her bubble-bee outfit ... the gathering for crabs and other goodies was part & parcel of Irene's Birthday celebration. Any reason was a good reason to eat and 2/10/2010 was no exception. Once the meal was gobbled down and the table was cleared, out came the Mango-Cake complete with 3 large candles and 16 smaller ones .... (cake shop short of the 4th large candle !!!)...... almost had to trigger the SCDF to be on standby. All-in-all, it was a great time to meet up and be merry. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIGI !!!

The Defining Moment for BMTC Graduates

Under the rays of the rising sun, to the backdrop of the Singapore Skyline, recruits marched 24 km from East Coast Park from the wee hours of morning to complete their final leg of their Basic Military Training Course. The symbolic march is to foster the value of endurance & determination to reach the heart of the city reminding them of what they are defending. .

For those who had served in National Service or was a regular before, the tune of "Training to be Soldiers" brought back memories. Its one of those "oldies" that has been revived, to a more "hippy" beat.... This is their defining moment for each of the recruit passing out on this Saturday morning.

To the tune & beat that sounded like a tribal war-cry !!!, the BMTC Graduates, threw their jockey caps .... (Luckily, they were not in helmets !!!) at the end of their number !!! Years later, this would probably be the way they greet and identify each other.