Anointment

Attended the Mass for the "Anoiting of the Sick" at the Cathedral by His Grace Archbishop William Goh on 25 Feb 17. "Anointing of the Sick" is a sacrament of the Catholic Church that is administered to a Catholic "who, having reached the age of reason.

Archbishop Goh, together with a couple of other priests entered the church at 1100 hrs to a full house.

Though we were seated at the back of the church, His Grace came to the back and stopped at where we were seated. Pleasantly surprised, the ushers started at our row and Elsie was the very first to be anointed by the Archbishop for the day's event. Nick and Sarah were next in line, so technically the first family for blessings for the day by His Grace.

In attendance was Graciella. What a pleasant surprise too to meet her there. Must be good experience for her too.

A benediction was done towards the end of the sacrament. It is a short invocation for divine help, blessing and guidance. It included the exposition of the eucharistic host in the monstrance and the blessing of the people with it.

A parting shot with Graciella, as we made our way to CHIJMES for lunch at Ikkousha-Hakata Ramen. Not too bad; a little salty though.

Serangoon Gardeners Re-Union

R/V Time was 1830H at the Serangoon Garden Country Club. Didn't really know what to expect. It was a gathering of "Ex Serangoon Gardeners" dating back to the 50s, 60s till date. Some came all the way from Canada, US, Norway, Australia and UK whilst many die-hards are still in the estate.

There were many from CHIJ-Cooling Close Convent and several from St Gabriel's and nearby schools. Its the 3rd of such gatherings, done once every 2 years. Old pictures of the estate were flashed in the screen and many could relate to it. Though didn't know many there, we all had a common place in memory - "Serangoon Garden" (Ang Sa Lee !!!).

Singapore Chicken Rice Dinner

Had dinner with Ms Michiyo Morohashi, the evening before departure. Formerly from JICA-Singapore, she is now with JICA-Tokyo. Found a Singapore Chicken Rice restaurant, walking distance from the hotel. Smell .... well.... quite close !! Presentation .... OK !!!

Guess, we just had to try it. Unfortunately, nothing close to Pow Sing or Boon Tong Kee flavour but when you are that far away from the real thing, it will have to do.

Change weather of Tokyo

Arrived Tokyo on a breezing 7 Feb 17 morning. Nice and cool but the sun was out. Stayed @ the Southern Tower Hotel at Shinjuku with Takashimaya some stone-throw away. A perfect location to catch the Airport Limo Bus, Subway and walking distance from many yummy food place.

By the later afternoon, the weather changed quite drastically. The cool breeze was getting colder and the bright sunshine was being filtered by the clouds. Still manageable but the jacket was much needed. 

Once the sun gets switched off, the chill sets in. Still breezy but not so "cool" anymore. Not only the jacket has to be out, the gloves were also much needed for cold hands is not helpful for the evening stroll.

A quick soupy meal in a nearby soba outlet was most welcomed. This was followed by a cup of hot coffee; not for drinking but for holding. Whilst the night was deemed to be still young, body was not so cooperative to remain vertical. Gotta prepare for the next day's presentation, so it was back to the warmth of the hotel room.

Jacket was still needed the next morning, though the sun was out and shinning. Certainly appreciated the tie to keep the heat within. Made my way to the overly crowded subway. Certainly no complaints as it does help to warm the environment.

Oh yes, must have the same spot selfie before breaking off to the official routine. All ready to go. Laptop in bag with thumb-drive in pocket as backup.

At the meeting location. The wind is much stronger here so all the more eager to get inside to start the day. This same location was where the ReCAAP Agreement was negotiated many years ago. Lots of fond memories of where the negotiation had led to.