Winter in Sweden

Clarissa-Anne had the unique opportunity to stay over with Kristine over the Christmas holidays. Experienced some snowfall, made snow angels, threw snowballs, skated in some icy lake/river..... the winter works. Much thanks to Kristine & Simon for the warm hospitality on a cold winter month.

Mini Christmas Makan 2014

The annual Christmas get together was somewhat different this year. Clarissa-Anne was at Sweden, spending the winter holidays with Kristen & Simon. With technology, she was with us via Skype where she could still have some idea of what we were having for our Christmas meal.

Of course, some of the goodies were her favourite stuff and all we could do was to show her what she was missing (cruel !!!)

The final attendance taking shot was done with her still on the computer screen, so technically, she was still be us.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Nativity Scene

It's that time of the year where all the hidden Christmas stuff finds its way into the open. It usually starts off with the Christmas Tree followed by the lightings (if it's still working) and the many little animals that are neatly wrapped away, for the past 10-12 months. The latest addition this year is the Precious Thots, complete with 3 little lambs, an angel, a shepherd, the 3 wise men and the holy family. Unfortunately, there's no white Christmas here except wet ones. Ho ! Ho !! Ho !!!

Mini outdoor tree

Leftover decorations from yester-years, it came in useful to brighten up the mini outdoor Christmas Tree for the festive mood. The birds probably wonders why this tree bears funny looking fruits !!!

@ Nottingham

It was a great weekend gateway to Nottingham, a 2-hr train ride from London (14-16 Nov 14). Thought it was a misty & gloomy period (typical British weather), had some catching up time with Clarissa-Anne. Had Tim Sum for lunch, Chinese wok noodles for supper and a Korean dinner within the City Centre. Even managed a quick Sushi self-cooked rice at her hall. Basically a slow & easy pace meet-up before the week long meeting at the IMO (London).

Bicycle built for two !!!

Another version of bicycle built for two on Sarah-Marie's birthday. (All set for another drama series !!)

A Peep from HADLEIGH HOTEL

After a few hours of stressful hunt to find accommodation on our arrival at London, we stumbled upon the HADLEIGH HOTEL, located near the MARBLE ARCH area. There are not many places that can accommodate 3 pax at a go thus with limited choices, it was chosen as our home, away from home for the next couple of days.

On arrival for checked-in, the heart almost stopped when told that there were no lifts in the hotel. The thought of dragging 4 large bags up the stairs was mind-bloggling. To our surprise, we were offered a basement layout, complete with a living room, a pantry and 2 bedrooms with common toilet facilities / showers. Weren't as frightening as we would have imagined. (The dragging of bags will be executed on our check-out day. Delayed pain !!!)

So far, it has been a pleasant PART I stay at the British Capital.

Let It Be

Musical at the GARRICK THEATRE,LONDON. Re-visited the days of "The Beatles" with popular hits like Penny Lane, Yesterday, Hey Jude and the evergreen, Let it be.

What's surprising was the unusual announcement at the start of the show stating "Still &Video photography, sing along and dances are greatly encouraged". (Just when I have decided to deposit by camera back in the hotel !!)

It was the "Beatlemania" ..... their songs live on. The crowd was singing-along, & clapping with the music (like in the good old days)

Looking around, Clarissa was one of the few "young ones" in the crowd. Guess she is one of the few that can relate to the "older folks" of hits of tester-years.

The evening concluded with a long walk from Leicester Square, all the way back to Marble Arch, on a cool, chilly British evening.

Burger & Lobster

A short walk from ST PAUL STATION (Central Line), is the famous Burger & Lobster Restaurant @ BREAD STREET. Specialised in "Lobster" meals, we were fortunate to get seats without reservations. As our meal was being prepared, the crowd started to stream in. By the time we were at mid-course, the restaurant was already at its capacity with queues formed at the entrance.

The portions was generally large. Though we ordered a COMBO meal (2 burgers and a lobster) and a lobster roll, we had to ta-pau a burger that was large enough for a 3-person share for the next morning's breakfast. Took a shot to mark our presence, unaware of a photo-bomb by a passing waiter, in the background.

As we took our leave from the restaurant, the few remaining lobsters in the tank bid their FINAL good-byes, before they join their other friends' faith on some roll, burger or grilled dish.

"Lon Piak"

As UK paramedics remained on "stand-by" at King Cross Station, more "Harry Potter" hopefuls made their attempts at "running into walls" (commonly known in chinese dialect as "lon piak !!!".

Successful ones get to see what's on the other side of the wall, whilst the not-so-successful ones, get scraped off the wall by the emergency services, with a last smiling photo to keep, taken seconds before the tragic incident @ Platform 9 3/4 !!!

Taking off soon

The D-Day finally arrived for Clarissa-Anne to make her UK journey. With 92 kg at check-in (with more to follow), in 4 large suitcases, it's off on SQ308 bound for the British Capital. A new journey, a new adventure, a new chapter to her life. Accompanied by Dad & Mom and with Por Por & Kong Kong + Albert, Shawnna & Timothy, Sarah & Jared + Serene (Clare's friend) in the send-off party .... It's bye-bye Singapore (for now) and hello Nottingham for her.

Flying the Flag.

Started school in 1965. Having said the pledge every morning in front of the Flag @ the school assembly was then a routine. As years past, that same Flag & Pledge took a different place in life. As a Boy Scout making the 1st Scout Promise, and subsequently receiving the President Scout Award (PSA), as a Serviceman on recruitment day, on receiving the Commission and taking the Command Oath as a Commanding Officer .... Now, flying the Flag at HOME and seeing the neighbours doing it as well certainly add to the moment. ....each had a different meaning but the same commitment towards HOME. We came a long way. Happy Birthday Singapore !!

Little MJQ

" It's a little late but no matter. Happy Father's Day daddy! The daddy that entertains the daughter, takes ridiculous amount of selfies, going on an insta meet with me despite not using insta and ferries me wherever! No matter where I am, I'll always be your MJQ! Ah haha #mydaddyisbetterthanyours #fathersday "

That's the little Man-Ja Queen (MJQ). Always fishing and trying her luck. The things that I had to do with her is beyond my own expectations but somehow, she manage gets away with it. That's her posting on Daddy's Day 2014.

Strolling along on a British Sunday morning

A Sunday morning stroll along the river @ Camden Town. Chilling winds were the order of the day. Just moving around at super slow time was by itself a rare opportunity. Also walked along Regent Park watching dogs having fun and taking their owners for a run. (PS : A FAT dog means owner lacks exercise !!)

Cold Windy London Evening

After some 12 odd hours onboard SQ 308, finally arrived at the British capital to be greeted by a light shower to the backdrop of a cold windy London evening. The Ibis Shepherd Bush hotel is only a stone throw from the Shepherd Bush Subway Station and conveniently located next to a Supermarket and the Westfield Mall.

CriMario Project

CriMario - Critical Maritime Routes in the Indian Ocean is a project funded by the European Union with the aim of connecting maritime law enforcement agencies with the commercial community. ReCAAP ISC first came in the know of this project through a study team headed by the EU in Singapore. A project team headed by Dr Michele Stallone later visited the centre to update on their findings after visiting several con tries that lined the critical shipping route. The workshop held at Abu Dhabi, UAE was to validate some of their finding before submitting their report to the EU. ReCAAP ISC, represented by DD and M(R-DD) participated in the two-day session to better understand their needs.

One of the fruitful outcome of the workshop was to re-new engagements with some of the participants. Of these were the IMO representative, Phil Holihead, the EU MARSIC Team and EEAS participant and the representatives from Malaysia (MFA and PMO office) and BAKORKAMLA. The workshop also had the opportunity to visit and view the operations at Port Khalifa where the CEO personally conducted the brief and took questions.

BALI Getaway

After months of back-to-back activities, the break to weekend break to Bali was a good change to the highly packed programme schedule since Christmas. Joining Elsie for her Pre-U class re-union from 13-17 Mar 14 provided the much wanted getaway. Part I of the trip was to just laze around at the Westin Nusa Dua Resort for 2 nights before heading to a well hidden Villa at the Southern most tip of the Bali Island.

The beach at Nusa Dua is at a medium size cove with a wonderful sea front. On a clear day, Gunung Agung, the highest point on the island could be viewed from the distance. With waves breaking at the shore-line, many surfers could be seen enjoying their moments under the sun.

An early morning walk along the beach saw many hands at work, clearing away the seaweeds that lined the shore. Joggers and cyclists took advantage of the cool morning breeze before the heat of the sun gets to them.

After meeting the rest of the classmates, the entire group headed to a remote villa located along an isolate track somewhere at the southern most tip of the island. With 4 bedrooms and a private pool, it was home away from home for the next 3 days. It was a hide-out away from the modern day corporate lives in the city.

With some local knowledge from those who have been to the island resort, the group had lunch at another hidden villa @ The BVLGARI Hotel & Resort. The restaurant was at a high point overseeing the majestic Indian Ocean. Many couples were seen, having their wedding photo-shoot to the backdrop of the resort.

Before we knew it, it was already Monday, 17 Mar 14 and it was time to get back to the "pressure cooker" back home. Eagerly, the group already started setting plans for the next class re-union.

Defending Our Everyday

TOTAL DEFENCE Week saw the Navy, together with the Air Force, Army & SCDF staging their presence at the National Museum to drive home the key message of Total Defence. At the Navy setup, met up with CO Justice and CO Sovereignty + some of their officers, one of which was from the same estate where we used to reside. Also met up with STEVEN TAN (in Sunglasses) and joined in for a photo-shot.

The Navy has changed over time but its mission remained and is still relevant towards its role in Total Defence.

The 3rd Sword in the house.

Following the Passing Out Parade (POP) @ SAFTI MI, the Sword & Certificate Presentation Ceremony was held at the Central Mess, Changi Naval Base on 4 Feb 2014.

Donned in 5T, the newly commissioned officers received their Swords, Certificate and Appointments in a simple yet significant ceremony officiated by the Chief of Navy. It was also "re-union time" to meet up with old friends in the "Navy Family".

A newly commissioned Officer

18 Jan 2014 certainly marked a new chapter for Aaron-James Teo. Commissioned by the President of the Republic of Singapore at the SAFTI Military Institute, the 70th Midshipman Course together with their counterparts from the Army and Air Force don their 2LT epaulettes for the very first time; a start to their leadership role in the SAF.

Following the march past in review order and receiving their commissioning order from the President, the cadets/MIDS took their pace up the grand stand where the VVIPs, parents and well wishes were and returning to the parade square for the grand finale where they don their new rank as 2LT.

The traditional changing of MIDS epaulettes to that of the 2LT by parents set forth this journey as an Officer of the SAF, joining the thousands who had took similar path over the years. He now joins his parents and two uncles as a commissioned officer in the SAF.

The many photo-shots with sisters, families and friends was the order of the day, following the simple yet significant ceremony. Congratulatory messages and well wishes marks the happy/memorable day for the newly commissioned officers.

Grandparents were also in the list of photo-shoot in the crowded parade square of the SAFTI MI. Its a little easier to find a naval guy in the crowd as their are the only ones in all whites.

Many more quick shots had to be taken as the announcement for the next segment of the programme was due ... the dinner for families and guests.

It was one quick and final shot that seem never ending. As the sun set and with the crowd dispersing in various directions, the parade square quickly made way for the cleaning parties who have the task of ensuring that the place is ready for the next day programme.

Joined by RADM Harris Chan and COL Gerald Heng, a final shot with parents and grandparents before adjourning to the dining hall. Welcome aboard to join the many before you in the Defense of Singapore. "What we cannot defend, is not ours !!!"

2nd trip to Muscat

Following an initial trip in Jul 2013, the 2nd trip to Muscat, Oman was a little more productive in that we managed to make prior arrangement to meet up with long lost friends. First, there was a mini ex-navy meet up with Nicholas Koh and Daniel Lim who are based at Muscat and with Cindy Ong (formerly from NPD) with her husband who had recently proceeded there.

Cindy and her husband, Bernard took some of us out for a drive in the city under the bright clear skies but to a temperature of about 22 deg C. Simply like open air, air-condition. Being a weekend, the streets were not congested and moving around was a breeze.

Also caught up with Loukas from the IMO over breakfast in the open air. Perfect weather for outdoor activities. Not often can one dress up under the bright sun to enjoy the cool fresh air.

Though only a 3-night stay, it was a welcomed experience under the Omani winter condition @ the Hyatt Hotel, Muscat.