Thursday, June 16, 2011

300922-150611

Grandma is finally at peace. After having gone through 4 strokes, she held on up to the age 90. Her first 2 strokes affected her speech and strenght of her hands but that did not prevent her from an active/self reliance life style. Hopping from bus to bus, she would visit her sisters, go for her favourite food and visit/re-visit places of interest and dutifully return home before the sunsets. Her 3rd stroke affected her mobility and that frustrated her tremendously. Curbed her adventurous nature in moving around and had to move very slowly with the aid of her walker/assistance from others. The last and 4th stroke upon discharge from Alexandra Hospital, affected her the most. Unable to take solid food and had to be fed through a tube. Was bedridden and unable to speak. This lasted for the last 2 years+.Whilst under the care of Medicare Nursing Home @ Recreation Road, she was called to rest on 15 Jun 11 at 2115 hrs.
A chinese teacher by vocation, who taught at Kong Yong High School (along Kovan Road) and Monfort Primary School. Retires from the teaching profession at 50 and moved from 95 Huddington Avenue to Blk 111, Serangoon North Avenue 1. Goes about in life with a golden rule of thumb .... Not to trouble anyone unnecessarily. She believes that if anything that can be done within her ability, she'll just do it. After 9 decades, she is finally at peace.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Fish & Chips

A trip to London without "Fish & Chips" is somehow incomplete. Whilst waiting for the room to be ready at the Holiday Inn Forum-Kensington, popped oner to "illyl for a quick meal. (No prize for guessing what was ordered). Yum yum !!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Farewell to a travel partner

After years of walking around with me in streets of foreign land, my make-believe "Swiss Army" haversack, bought at US$12.00 from the Streets of Bangkok finally gave way. Glad that it has to do it in style, along the Streets of London. The many compartments where emergency plasters and torchlight were kept, couple with National Day poncho and small compass for contingency situation finally had to go. It sure wasn't easy to let go. Was so comfortable with it.... like a security blanket when travelling. Following 2 days of meetings, took a slow walk along Oxford Street and found myself, a tough looking replacement at SELFRIDGES Departmental Store. Found one that was calling out to me from "BRIGGS & RILEY". Even the sales person was amused at how I turned the bag inside out to find all the little secret compartments before deciding it as my personal "FATHER DAY's gift". Hmmmm !!! After bringing it back to the hotel room, realised that saying goodbye to the other bag was not that difficult afterall !!! (My little joy, in life !!!) Move on !!!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Singapore flooded

When news that Orchard Road was flooded hit the headlines, I received an SMS from a friend from Jakarta stating that there was no need for Singapore to learn from Indonesia on how its like to experience "Floods in the City". It was further elaborated a day later with someone posting a picture of "A Dragon Boat being spotted off Lucky Plaza !!!" Thought that was funny .... until I saw this ....when news of flooding took place at Bukit Timah (location of our highest ground in Singapore !!!) This had to be the ultimate. Singapore Navy Submarine finding its way along Bukit Timah Road. Amazing what photoshop is capable of protraying ... the capability of the RSN Submarine being able to operate in "unexpected places" and the extend of flooding that is taking place on our little island. Dive ! Dive !! Dive !!!



Saturday, June 4, 2011

Jeju Island

Finally got to the little "honeymoon" island of the Koreans at the Southern tip of the Korean mainland, JEJU ISLAND. Made famous by the Korean drama series iny Daejanggeum ("Jewel in the Palace"). It was the location for several scene in the movie when Seo Jang-geum (played by Lee Young-Ae) was framed and exiled the island of Jeju for hard labour. This scene (village house in the background was where several shots were taken. One of the few must have shots when one visit the Folk Village. Even had the opportunity to be in the same cell where she was jailed. Somehow, this shot was leaked to the office and it was captioned ..... "Pirate Chief in custody". another case of being BETRAYED !!! (Sure know who my friends are !!!) Back in the hotel, enjoyed the morning korean breakfast of porridge with korean side-dishes (with kimchi, of course !!!)