Its already way past midnight and into the Christmas 2013 morning. Midnight mass has just ended @ SFX and everyone is going round in church extending well wishes and of course .... photo taking to capture the occasion. Gathering at the front of the church for one quick family shot before each heads their own way, to be with their party group whilst the parents head home to charge up for the next day. Unlike previous years, both cars didn't join us for the homeward bound.

Guess its the annual ritual for X'Mas eve, ever since Santa ceased dropping by to deliver presents (no fire place ; no tree !!!). 

"No tree" Christmas

For many years, the presence of a X'mas Tree for Christmas was a must. It was where presents will be left for opening on Christmas morning. Even when Santa ceased dropping by with presents under the tree, it was still up with all the decorations to have the Christmas "in the air" feeling.

This year ... the tree didn't manage to be setup. Renovation works to the patio and level 3 area kept postponing from Oct to Nov and to Dec 13. The unexpected heavy rain and many other circumstances fouled up the dates for renovation on many occasions. The tree was not up as there were no intention of having it cover by renovation dust (though it may look like snow).
 

The closest to having something Christmas-like deco was to lined the entrance window frame with flickering lights and pine leaves complete with little reindeers hanging on for its "deer" lives. Short of falling snow, this is the closest to Christmas Deco for 2013 !!! Ho Ho Ho !!

Osaka

The sun was finally out but the temperature remained at about 16-19 C, Nice !!! (Natural air-conditioning !!!). With an early sunrise (about 5am), there was a little more life compared to the witches-hour when we arrived. A quick walk around the hotel, hunting for "food" was not too encouraging. The real makan places start at 10am leaving only the little coffee places with some kueh-kueh stuff for the early morning workers rush to start their day. Found out too that KOSHIEN was also also home to one of their Baseball Team, the KOSHIEN TIGERS.

The nearby shopping centre (beside the hotel) provided a glimpse of what items we are likely to see for the next couple of days and its related price range). With a matching "Orange" handbag and a new coat with hood, ET (the wife) was ready to meet the "cool" japanese holiday challenge.

Recommended by almost all tourist brochures, the iconic OSAKA CASTLE is a must for a trip to OSAKA. Osaka Castle -a symbol of Osaka, which has been handed down through the dramas in history to the present day. It is widely known as an emblem of the power and fortune of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Construction began in 1583 at the former site of Honganji Temple. The magnificent castle, which was reputed as being unparalleled in the country, was the stronghold of his times and had succeeded in quelling the wars which lasted for more than a century, thereby unifying the entire nation. 

The large castle ground, lined with water features and plants gave the castle, it scenic contribution to the Japanese culture/tradition, amidst the tall modern office building that is surrounding it. Now a venue for tourists, photo-shoot for wedding couples or just family outings.

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Seen from the 40th floor of the Umeda Sky Building, the night scene of OSAKA that offers a 360 C view of the city after sunset. Open air concept with little obstructions provided a panoramic view of lights all round. Cool wind sets the environment for quiet time to embrace the majestic scene from way above.

Whilst its dark at street level, the network of underground shopping alley and eateries remain a high tempo venue for the centre, be it for tourists making their rounds or officers workers ending their day. Taking a fix to locate oneself can be challenge in the many tunnels of walkways.

OSAKA has its own charm and character. It takes a while for it to sink in but it depicted the Japanese lifestyle of work & play within walking (or train network) system.

Next stop .... KYOTO !!!

Greeted by Typhoon Wipha

SQ 616 landing at Kansai International Airport on 15 Oct 13 (2115 hrs), saw the start of a 8-day discovery adventure of OSAKA, KYOTO & KOBE. Arriving just after 2115 hrs, made our way from the airport to catch the 65-min express train to OSAKA STATION via the Kansai-Airport Line. From there, dragged the bags to the UMEDA STATION to board the HANSHIN MAIN LINE train to a rather remote KOSHIEN STATION some 15 min away. As it was an expressed train, it skipped some smaller stations along the way thus the thought of it skipping the designated station added to the anxiety.

The rain from Typhoon Wipha did not help the situation. Cold wind and dark alleys from the remote KOSHIEN STATION, with no one around to ask for directions made the start of the trip a rather chilly one. A lone guy waiting for someone (with a little understanding of English) pointed to the general direction of where NOVOTEL KOSHIEN was.

By the time we reached the hotel to check-in, it was already past midnight. With the "All Day Dinning" closed and no possibility of room service, the hot cup of coffee and a leftover biscuit from the flight concluded the end of our first day in OSAKA, JAPAN.

Turkish Delights

Held at the Turkish Military Museum at Istanbul, Turkey from 7-9 Oct 13, saw more than 120 participants to address multi-national and trans-boundary cooperation / coordination among stakeholders in the areas of Maritime Security. The host, MARSEC COE (Turkey) put together a 3-day programme/workshop ranging from presentations from International Organisations, Military experts, government agencies, academics and commercial entities to military museum tours and a sunset cruise. Accommodated at the Hirbiye Officers' Club in central Istanbul was by itself an experience at the Turkish capital.

Whilst the formal part of the 3-day programme was like most workshops/forums, the cruise along the straits separating the European side of Turkey with the Asian side of Turkey was an unique one. The well sheltered straits saw the bustling turkish lifestyle with beautiful (& expensive) houses along the waterway, lined with eateries and hotels. The 2+ hr cruise sailed into the sunset, presenting to the participants its day and night scenes.

Rich in its history from days of the Mongolians to the Persian Empire and the Crusades, many historical sites blend itself into the daily turkish lifestyle. An old fort, castles, places of worship, etc has its own story and legend to tell.

At the Military Museum, there was also a performance by traditional turkish military band which played several musical pieces that were popular among the military personnel. Many retired servicemen were seen singing along whilst standing proudly to be part of their long standing culture/tradition.

Many new friends were made / renewed. Among these was Mr Christian Dupont from the European Commission whom I had the previlage to first meet at him Brussels in 2008. Had a good chat with him on the progress made since our first meeting to our current state where some form of collaborations are being worked out.

The overall experience was certainly unique and has added a new meaning to "Turkish Delights" !!!

The BATAM Runaways

The impromptu getaway finally took place on the weekend of 24-25 Aug 13. The breakaway group (aka "The BATAM Runaways") from the TSB Gang R/V at the "Toast Box", HarbourFront for the final brief and ticket distribution. Armed with only ONE bag each (mostly ... partially empty) had their quick dose of coffee before boarding the 50 min, PRIMA Ferry at 0940 hrs for HarbourBay, Batam.

Fairly orderly, the group left the scene all ready for the "cross straits" adventure. Emergency Hudson sweets were distributed onboard, in case of foul weather and GPS settings turned off to avoid further detection.

The "eager one" made a few quick dashes, only to be captured on camera (No names mentioned !! See Pic !!!). Arrival at HarbourBay was fairly smooth, with the boat-load of weekend adventurers clearing immigration. Our driver (Pak Yovi) with a MPV was already there to receive us. As per SOP, first to the cake shop to order all the kueh-kueh so that it could be freshly baked for the next day pick-up, prior to our departure before heading tot he hotel.

After checking-in at the Harmoni Hotel (Nagoya), it was off to Bengkong Laut for the day 1 adventure - GO KARTING. Only 4 took the challenge but only ONE emerged as the HELL DRIVER (No names mentioned again. See Pic !!). The rest visited the duty-free shop to support the Indonesian economy.

Food, massage and more food and more massage was generally the order of the day. Lunch was at an Indonesian Restaurant (Warung Tekok) and dinner at the Sa Rang Bang Restaurant (Harmoni Hotel), indulging in Korean delights ranging from Ginseng Chicken, Korean Pancake, rice wine, spicy chicken and BBQ Beef. An evening bahasa mass at the the St Petrus Church at 6:00pm, prior to dinner, also saw the group "guessing" and interpreting to the best of their ability for the weekend service.

Sunday morning market walk was by itself another adventure. Left the hotel empty handed but ended up with bags of dried foodstuff (buah keluak, koropok, dried fish & sotong, etc) and Dragon fruit. Endless bargains for a few cents (Rp) discount added to the fun of marketing and look-see/look-see morning.

Our chief elf had a field day snapping away pictures from all angles and had a little cat nap at a nearby stall. Batteries at full charge, the "drama mama" in her was at its best. (Note : The cat ignored her !!!)

Not displayed in this blog was the many $$$$ and Rp transactions that took place in the rooms. Constantly being reminded that it was a "secret", no pics were permitted but we all know who cannot be implicated. Final trip back to HarbourFront saw the group with multiple bags and totally worn out bodies from the weekend getaway. Guess we had fun all round.

MIDS Cruise Send Off ....

When first told that Aaron-James is in the 70th MIDS, it suddenly donned on me that many years had just slipped away so quickly. This class is some 66 batches away from my single digit 4th MIDS. It didn't seem too long ago when we set sail for the MIDS Training Cruise onboard the County Class LST, RSS ENDURANCE to a couple of Indonesian ports and to Darwin, Australia. Now, at more than twice the cruising speed, MIDS sea training can go further within the same time frame (also to Indonesian and Australian ports (Sydney) but much further away.

Sending him off at CNB was more like a trip down memory lane, especially when familiar faces popped up along the passageways, along the gangway and by the wharf. Yeap, its GO NAVY and he is now a part of the bigger NAVY Family. Welcome abroad !!!

Early morning walk

An early morning walk around Tanjong Pagar and China Town area saw many interesting early morning activities and hidden corners in the area. One of these is the "kulis" having a simple meal along the walkways.

Guess there's lots to be discovered when some time is spend on foot without having to worry about the car park attendant leaving a ticket on the windscreen.

London Aftermath

Following the June 13 London trip, it seems like the PIMMS withdrawal symptoms finally hit home - Sylvia's home. With 3 bottles (direct from Heathrow Terminal 3, the 2nd gathering took place at the "chief elf" hideout, complete with peranakan delights

(rendang, mango salad, sambal kangkong and ayam buah keluak. Our 19-year old bartender had a field day, trying out her new skill of mixing "whatever" to give the typical British summer drink - "THE KICK". With good food and good company over glasses of PIMMS. Cheers.

New found friend

Came home to be greeted by this new found, 4-legged friend, staring with its mouth wide opened. Guess it was either too shocked to see me or just pretending to be a twig and hope that I'll ignore him (maybe a 'her'). Anyway, let it go after a few snapshots !!! Smile !!!

More PIMM's

Somewhere off Leicester Square, Irene and Grace found this little shop named PIMM'S Summer Garden. They served nothing but PIMMs in various fruity combinations. What's more surprising in that little hideout is that it has an indoor garden (complete with artificial grass, trees and plants). with walls painted with Blue Skies and a brightly projected sun.

One may just sit on a mat, or the garden bench and enjoy the fruity drink. It totally eradicate the time of the day cos the sun will keep shinning and the brightness controlled by its indoor lightings. Certainly a great place to deceive ourselves to enjoy, MORE PIMMS.

Cheers again !!!!

PIMMS

Was introduced to "PIMMS", whilst at a local Pub with the TSB gang - Sylvia, Irene & Grace. It caught on fast. Grace was having her second somewhere and it was also Sarah's parting shot at Heathrow airport before her departure on 18 Jun 13. It was simply refreshing. Google for it content and here it is : "Pour 50 ml of Pimm’s No 1 Cup into a tall glass almost filled with ice. Add a slice each of orange, lemon and peeled cucumber, along with a hulled strawberry. Top with a little lemonade, stir gently and garnish with a sprig of mint." .... Cheers

The UK adventure

Arrived London on Fri, 7 Jun 13 for a week+ of UK adventure for Clarissa-Anne and Sarah-Marie. The short trip saw Edinburgh, York and the City of London. From climbing castles to church dome, bashing through tall grass and parks, watching swans, horses and squirrels, meals at pubs, steak houses and well-known chef restaurants, watching plays and musical + a trip to the WB Making of Harry Potter Studio..... it has been simply a mix of activities to fill the week with what the British lifestyle could offer.

Adding on the many pleasant surprises, met friends from SFX whilst attending mass at a nearby church at Brompton, meeting 3 of our TSB gang for father's day makan and drinks at local pub and experiencing a newly introduced drink ... "pimms" and just having fun where ever we could find them.

The many Singaporeans along the streets of London were simply everywhere. (Easily identified from the tone of Singlish and the "LAHs and MEIs" in ease-dropping conversations).

For Clarissa-Anne, it was her first trip to London and a self trip home. After months of anticipation, she finally had her glimpse of the British homeland. Excitement was certainly the order of the day (everyday) when she pops by the many street markets, viewing through the many Union Jack products, taking trains and eyeing on all the discount/cheap books. Even sending of postcards was a new adventure. Having turned 18 (not too long ago), could happily walked into pubs without the uncertainly of being questioned. However; like all good things, it had to end on 15 Jun 13 and the final day of departure was perhaps the most difficult, especially having to take the 13-hr flight home, all by herself. If there is anything to go by, it was a new adventure for her. For Sarah-Marie, it was her 2nd trip to the UK but certainly the first where she had the freedom to move around on her own and not with school bus programs and teacher's restriction. Was also most pleased with herself when she managed to purchase a return ticket for a "sold-out" play. Also enjoyed a wonderful meal @ "dinner", by Heston Blumenthal. Had a simple lunch at Heathrow before her departure home on 18 Jun 13.

After 40 years

First met Bambie in Dec 73 when we were Boy Scout/Girl Scout attending the 1st Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree at Mt Makiling, Laguna, Philippines. Met again in 1987 (Chicago), 1989 Singapore), 1996 (Chicago) and 2012 (New York) and now 2013 (London), some 40 years later.

Sarah-Marie and Kayla first met in 1989 (Singapore) when they were one years old, when the Sotomil Family visited Singapore. Now, are both fine young ladies !!!

Had a wonder evening at "Dinner" by Heston Blumental, Knightbridge, London. Wonderful meal with great company.

Planning for more to follow .....

Un-coordinated meet-up @ London

Thanks to technology, the information that a couple of the TSB gang was going to be somewhere in the UK at about the same time via "Whatsapp chat". This immediately started a new chat group "London Calling" attempting to put together 3 separate groups that were moving around the UK ranging from Edinburgh, Oxford, London and eventually to Paris and Brussels.

Finally a common date/venue was found on the evening of 16 Jun 13. With Sylvia, hubby and family, Irene & Grace and Nick with Sarah-Marie (Clarissa-Anne unfortunately left for home on 15 Jun 13), the TSB sub-group met at a Singapore inspired restaurant, BUGIS STREET near GLOUCESTER ROAD STATION. Being Father's Day, the restaurant had a Daddy's Day Special with Crispy Duck as a starter. Lots of food and fun. Had enough food for "tau-pau" too.

After the meal, the below 18 returned to their hotel (accompanied by their Dad), the sub-group proceed for part II at a nearby pub. The unschedule/un-coordinated gathering in open air air-conditioned was certainly fun for a great father's day celebration.

Station hopping

Arrived London on Friday, 7 Jun 13 for a short holiday with Sarah-Marie and Clarissa-Anne before the start of my mad schedule of London, Brussels, Cairns and Canberra programme. an all excited Clarissa who is the only one in the family who has yet step on British soil was happily snapping away and enjoy her taste of the British summer.

Whilst booking our 2-day trip to Edinburgh (9-11 Jun 13), we chance being at the scene where Harry Potter boards the train at Platform 9 3/4 @ King Cross Station. A good photo opportunity before their trip to the WB Studio on Wed, 12 Jun to visit the studio where the Harry Potter was film/made.

Stayed at NORFOLK PLAZA HOTEL which was about a 100m from PADDINGTON STATION, A convenient location to move around and dine. More to follow .....

Thai yummy

Transiting the CENTRAL Mall, the smell of freshly baked fish filled the air. Tracing it to a little restaurant at the 3rd level (The Terrace), was pleasantly greater with a Hugh poster displaying the promoting dish - crispy sea bass with Thai Salad. The carrot juice was also inviting and refreshing. Well, that was the late lunch cum early dinner. Yummy !!

Baby home coming

Dylan, born at Perth, first home coming to meet the Grandparents. With 2 little teeth, little Dylan was smiling from cheek to cheek greeting all he comes in contact with. Congrats to the proud parents and grandparents.

Dining at a rustic past hideout

Hidden in a little corner near the Old Pier Road is an uniquely "past" restaurant that served excellent food. Crowd simply appeared from all corners in an antique environment.

The Coastal Settlement

Hidden in the vicinity of Changi Village is wonderful food outlet that served delicious / unique meals surrounded by items of yester-years. Bowls with spoons bearing the old rooster design added to the meal of the good old days.

The unique dishes served in traditional ways added to the dining delight. THe must try Owner's Dad seafood pasta dish .... know as "The Ocean Tales" gave diners all the reasons (or excuses) to be back for more.

Clarissa-Anne also had her hand behind the bar counter to prepare her own glass of draft beer for the evening. Overall .... a great dining experience in the hidden part of Changi Village.

Gila Party-Peranakan Style

Godma, Mrs Magdelene Lau turns 80. A Peranakan Style party at Tan Sim Boh Rd was organised .... the venue where all the annual gathering of families and god-families take place, be it Christmas, New Year, Birthdays, etc ..... The theme for the day's gathering - Baba in Batik and Bibi in Baju Kebaya.

Starting on a more serious note some speeches, followed by family photographs were taken with the Birthday "Girl", all dressed in the iconic batik/kebaya baju !!!. Some make do with batik top and jeans whilst others in the full peranakan outfit.

Organisers ... no other than the innovative elves did whatever it takes, with with whatever they had ... some borrowed, some improvised and maybe .... some "stolen" (not declared !!!). Even the dogs joined in the fun for the evening of gila merry making.

The 2-man guitar band provided the backdrop and mood for the evening with traditional peranakan folk songs and popular sing along. Owing to some "selective memory issues" not all songs were sung completely in English.

Like the typical peranakan gathering, once the music is in the air, the gelak-gelak (dance) took its pace. In whatever form, from changing light bulbs to cleaning tables. .....it was a night of fun and to each its own. (Who cares who is watching !!!? Only worry is that the performance may find its way to UTube).

The LAU sisters and the elves played a major role in orchestrating the evening's event to celebrate the 80th Birthday. All in all, we had fun and lots to laugh about.

.... and the party continues .... (hopefully no one calls for the police) !!! .... for a Beautiful Sunday.

and as "natural dancers" came forward after much coaxing and few glasses of "lychee syrup".  More good years, Godma and to the God Family !!!