some of my photo December 31, 2009
I have taken a lot of pictures to memorise my experiences in Singapore. However, i haven’t posted many to my Blog. Meanwhile, my parents usually remind me of updating my photos because they are really looking forward to see me and my trips. Thus, today i’ll post my best pictures.
( hey! my friends comment i look much cuter in photos than usual! Hic)
In uinform
In the Pantry room
At the balcony
visiting the Singapore Natinal Museum
On the Beach
Little India, a different face of Singapore December 25, 2009
I have lived in Singapore for nearly a month. I have been so familiar with the cool, beautiful and modern scene of this country that sometimes I felt they’re very boring. I wonder whether there was something different here….
Yesterday, I got the answer when I had an outing to Little India, one of the most distinctive and genuine districts of Singapore. New emotions came to me naturally and sincerely as I stepped in to the world of that special culture. I love the way Little India is different from the rest of Singapore.
Alike its name, Little India is exactly a shrunk image of a characteristic and abundant India where everything dwells in a so-called “cultural distinction”. Visiting this place, we would find its “India-ness” when seeing colourful garlands and silk saris, smelling piquant and heady spices, tasting some special drinks, hearing the blast of Bollywood music and touching bronze bells on the temple… All of my five senses operated to feel that miniature India.
The first spot we came was Tekka Market, a popular and the biggest wet market in Singapore. The first market was built in 1915. The new one just reopened in 2009 after it was closed for a significant renovation in 2008. Its name was originally Kandang Kerbau, Malay for “buffalo pens”, referring to the slaughterhouses operating in the area until the 1920s. In Hokkien, the market was known as Tek Kia Kha, literally meaning “foot of the small bamboos”, as bamboo plants once grew on the banks of the Rochor Canal. Today, Tekka Centre remains a landmark in Little India, where there are different ethnic communities. When I came in, the first things I figured out were a strong mixed smell of many scents, a variety of colours of food and categories, noisy and boisterous sounds of trading…
This atmosphere evoked my memories about where I lived. In Vietnam, wet markets are much more popular than supermarket. We usually went to the market for our meals. My home was next to a small one and actually, it was not clean and rather bad-looking. However, I loved the view of those countryside markets because I could see how poor labourers earn for living. At Tekka market, I was hearing the sounds of meat chopping, smelling fish-like scents and seeing fresh colours of veggies and fruits. Buyers and salespeople were trading in bustle. I was in my retrospection and the memorable images of my hometown appeared in my mind.
We went around the market area then came by the food centre in Tekka market. Obviously, I found the multicultural here. Cuisine seemed to be an endless interest of people and it contributed, I thought, in making the cultural value of each nation. We could see in this food centre Indian, Chinese, Malay food in a big selection of dishes. Both drinks and food were sold at lots of small stalls. The centre was as a crowed, noisy as a cuisine festival. We dropped by a drink small which was selling a lot of attractive types of drink and ask the salesman about Bandung, a special and famous drink in Singapore.
It had a charming rosy colour. At first, I thought it made from strawberry but surprisingly, the major element to make up a delicious cup of Bandung was rose water and milk. It made the drink delightfully fragrant and a special sweet taste.
Next, we enjoyed another special one called “Tek Tarik”, an Indian type of tea which was full of ginger.
Witness how the salesman make a cup of this was really interesting. A steaming hot Tek Tarik cup could wake up the sleepiest. The scent redolent of ginger, the white froth on top, the flying hot vapour and the milky brown liquid all made a characteristic glass of tea Tarik.
While everyone were drinking and observing food stalls on the first floor, I went upstairs. The second floor was used for clothing shops. Actually, I was really surprised and glad to see colourfulness sari. Sets of sari looked really captivating and graceful with clever embroidery and exquisite patterns. The colour of Indian tradition vividly existed in front of my eyes. I felt reflective as if I was in India where saris presented everywhere.
When we went out of the market, we met a Parrot Astrologer store. This has became a regular spectacle in Little India. Up to now, the India has been still believing in this intelligent foreteller, parrot .
Leaving the Tekka market, we visited Little India Arcade.
Now I still remember my first impression when I saw and smelled flower Garlands. How beautiful they were! Never for the rest of our life can I forget it that wonderful fragrance of garlands. It seemed to lead me to another world which purified m
y soul. Flowers go into spiritual life of the India and they also love and respect flowers as one of the most essential supplies for living. Flower Garland, with the Indians, has a lot of meanings. According the Indian culture, it symbolizes the happiness, purity, graciousness and prosperity. Flowers appear everywhere in the Indian life, in weddings, temples, houses…
Walking in Little India Arcade, I seemed to be in a flowers festival where everything was covered by such perfumed scent and lively colours. Jasmines in bud looked as fresh, graceful and a little bit bashful a young girls. Red roses were as charming as princesses; yellow chrysanthemums were as very bright and glossy as noble ladies; betel leaves were as fresh, green and vigorous as minor boys…
Going into the arcade, all of us were really astonished and enthralled by the glittering and sophisticate India jeweleries. A distinctive and traditional beauty could be realised anyway. Bangles, bracelets, rings, necklaces, wallets, souvenirs…were sparkling and engaging.
Especially, we all were fascinated with Henna Tattoo, a traditional kind of Indian tattoo. With a special type of painting powder made from Henna plant, the handicraft woman drew on hands with very intricate patterns.
I also had my hand drawn a small Henna tattoo and I was very happy with it.
Then, we walked along the streets and enjoyed the different atmosphere here. Buildings and houses looked very impressive with their strange but good-looking architecture and decoration.
Finally, we visited the Veeramajaliamma Temple, one of the most well-known Hinduism temples in Singapore. This was truly a charming little temple.
I was first impressed by its proof which was designed with gods and goddesses sculptures.
Going through a big wooden gate which had lots of bronze bells, I steeped into that imposing place .I remembered my surprise when I just entered it… Its fine sculptures are hauntingly realistic, and its atmosphere inviting.
The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, fierce embodiment of Shakti and the god Shiva’s wife, Parvati. I could feel a holy, solemn, respectful air here. Although I couldn’t understand what they said or prayed but I could see their honor to their gods and their immortal believes in their religion. Hinduism and any other religions, I thought, were in which the human spirits dwelled and looked for more beautiful lives. Scent of incense, monotonous sound of chants, colors of sculptures, images of crowd… carved in my memory unconsciously but inconsolably.
We finished our trip an image in a heavily rainy afternoon. We weren’t able to visit the Mustafa centre because of that downpour. However, all of us went back in a happy mood. We each learnt something after this interesting outing. We had a precious opportunity to discover such a distinguishing and magnificent culture.
In conclusion, I’m really lost my word to describe my feelings at that time. This is such an unforgettable experience in my early life. It was not only a study trip but also a worthy chance I could go, learn and understand about the world outside. My eyes were opened and my soul was enriched. And now, I’m dreaming of traveling in India to witness the world I just experienced more animatedly.
Some of my photos December 18, 2009
Hey guys! Follow me to see my daily life in Hostel
Victoria Hall, siglap link
wow! wonderful!
Victoria Hall, our hostel is a 11-storey building on Siglap Link. It belongs to Victoria school. It overlooks the beach so the atmosphere here is very quiet and serene and the air is really fresh. Sometimes, wo go to the beach and enjoy its gracefulness. The sea is pale-blue with slight waves. Especially, in the sunset, the beach is picturesque.
if i want to relax or find a quiet corner, i usually go to 11 storey and see the beach. the view is wonderful enough to surprise you.
this is a scene of Singapore from Victoria Hall
The corridor………………..
My room
It can be said that my room is very bright, clean and tidy! ^^ i find other rooms very massy. I'm proud of my room! i try to keep it clean all the time
well, i’m very sleepy now. So see you next time. I’m sure i’ll take you around my school,
it’s very beautiful. WAIT FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reuben Ng December 15, 2009
We all have ambitions but not everyone can achieve his own dream. Therefore, we sometimes have to choose other ways. Now and then, those new choices are really appropriate for our lives.
The following story will be told about such a man who is very successful in his psychology field. He is Reuben Ng, the first Singaporean person to have been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship for science and technology. His route to his success is a noticeable story.
Reuben Ng used to harbor a dream during his early time: to become a medical doctor. When he was still at primary school, he was obsessed by the spectacles of the medical doctors rescuing patients from their diseases. He wanted to help people with his knowledge and compassion like such those doctors. To be a medical doctor was his biggest ambition.
To make it come true, he tried very hard when he was studying at secondary school and junior college. In order to get into the medical Course at University, everyone had to get all good mark. Unfortunately, by the end of JC1, his grades were not good enough so he couldn’t compete for the application in medicine at National University of Singapore. He was very disappointed because of his dream’s collapse.
However, luckily, he received good advices from his good teachers. They helped him to overcome his disappointment and step into his new field.
The most important question he had to answer and struggle to was: ” Why do you want to become a medical doctor?” And his answer was he really didn’t know.
After that, he was recommended to learn about Psychology. Surprisingly, he was interested in Psychology and understood that it would be able to help many people.
As a result, he started being absorbed in his new interest. He read lots of books to research the human’s emotions, behaviors, sufferings. Moreover, he studied in the reality. His wider contact to many people was an important factors making his success. He realized that his work could make some differences in others’ lives.
Also. he took part in the community services to do people a favor. Yet simultaneously, he worked hard to get more knowledge of his field.
He did his research about the teenagers. The teens in his study were who suffered from the emotional and financial hardships and had to undergo a very changing period. Then, he helped the elderly to have a better life at their superannuated age and went deeply in to studying about their psychologies.
With his determination, he has gained her real ambition: To help people. His route was not full of roses and what he has achieved all thanks to his resilience. His Fulbright prize is appropriate for what he contributed and endured.Reuben Ng is an admirable mirror for the young to follow.
Overall, his result has proved that : If you have a strive, you can do better than you think.
Our Excursion, a memorable day December 10, 2009
If you are fond of travelling and studying about our huge world, JOIN with us on our excursion around the Civic District in Singapore. I’ll tell U what i saw, heard, touched and felt. With me , it was a really interesting and unforgettable trip. Above others, it was a good chance for us to learn more about the real world surrounding our life.
Our journey departed at 1:30 pm. It was shining and sweltering during the afternoon but the unpleasant weather couldn’t prevent our excitement.
The first destination was Peranakan Museum, which exhibited the Peranakan cultural characteristics. Conpared to others, this new museum was very small but it was the unique museum for Peranakan. Thirty of us were divided in to groups to do the first research on Peranakan culture.Visiting around the museum, I was fascinated with its special beauty. Everything here was ornate and well-displayed. Each room was spent for a cultural space. It was coordinated with exquisite objects and sophisticated ornaments.
I was impressed the most by Peranakan jewelery. I was involved in delicate details and splendid appearance of the set of jewelery. Later, we were introduced and explained about Peranakan traditions by the guider. I seemed to be living in the Peranakan atmosphere. we got more knowledge from their customs, costume, wedding, superstition… I was being captivated by a culture i hadn’t ever known.
Leaving Peranakan Museum, we came by the St Andrew’s Cathedral, which was built in the 18th century following Anglican style. I had come across this church several times but i hadn’t even been there to admire it directly.
Its pristine white color was highlighting on the green color of grass and trees. The towering spire looked very majestic and holy. Peacefulness covered the scenery and make the Cathedral become serene. Then, getting into the church, i was completely enthralled because of its interiors. Polished brown benches, impressive big white pillars and imposing vault decorated with resplendent stained glass made the Cathedral much more beautiful. The guider told us about its brief history and storied about Jesus. Once more, we walked around the Church and didn’t forget to take a lot of photos.
Coming to the Old Supreme Court, we saw classical buildings which were designed with European architecture. It recalled the colonial time. Victoria Theater and Concert Hall nearby looked charming, elegant and quiet. Then, we dropped by the Fullerton. The luxurious hotel beside Singapore River looked graceful and noble.
Merlion Park was next to the Fullerton Hotel. I saw the Merlion with my bliss and amazement. the Merlion was really distinctive and monumental. The image of Singapore was in front of my eyes vividly. I could not express my feeling at that time. The symbol of this prosperous seaport was presenting. “How wonderful!” I saw it reflectively and tried to touch the statue’s body to remember this happy.
Ultimately, we visited Esplanade, the “Durian”. Actually, it looked like an enormous durian in the center of the city. Its unique design and spectacular architecture attracted me from the first sight. It was said to be the biggest center of exhibiting arts, performance and shopping in Singapore.
We finished our excursion at 6 pm. Every one was very tired but absolutely, none showed the disappointment. I came back happily. I got many things: funs, relaxation, admiration and studying.
Although today, i had to back to school, the impression of the trip has been still staying in my heart and its echo seemed to be resounding in my memory. It told me the value of a travel. I won’t forget this exciting experience and surely, I will tell it to my family and friends in Vietnam.
hello! I'm Phuong 
