tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71787940380627213622024-03-18T20:30:08.379-07:00Casting About SingaporeJim and Elaine are expatriates, living in Singapore for two years. Jim's blog of the sights, travels, and experiences while living in the Lion City.Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-40942132962716162882011-11-24T13:32:00.000-08:002011-11-24T13:32:19.765-08:00The Last CastWell, it has happened-- our two years in Singapore has come to a conclusion, and we are now making our way back to our home base of Boise, Idaho. The actual span of time was 25 months, however a good percentage of time we were away from Singapore, either on adventure travel to other parts of South East Asia, or sadly, for emergency visits to the States to attend to family crises.<br />
<br />
It is a mixed emotion-- we met so many interesting people and made new friends that we are going to miss, and there are so many places that we just weren't able to go see, that it would be easy to extend our time in Singapore with hopes of checking off a few more adventures, and a having a few more times together.<br />
<br />
But there are the friends and family back in the States, who really have made our time overseas happen, with their support, and connection to everything we have back home. And, it is probably time that the items cached in storage at various locations are collected, and our supporters get the space in closets and garages back. If I haven't said it, or said it enough, thank you so much!<br />
<br />
There are also the mountains of Idaho, which I have missed a lot. Singapore has only hills, the tallest (Bukit Timah) at 167 meters.<br />
<br />
We have been asked by several people, "Will you miss Singapore?" The answer is an easy yes. There are so many things about Singapore that make it such a wonderful place. Because I heard this question so often, I began to wonder if the question was motivated by people extremely proud and happy to be in Singapore, or because of a secret desire to get away from it and be somewhere else. Perhaps it is a little of both. I think that fortifies my belief that everyone should see and experience other places in the world, to better understand other cultures and societies, and to better appreciate what we each have at home, where ever that may be.<br />
<br />
Is there anything about Singapore that I will be glad to be away from? Well, only one-- the humidity. I was told that I would become accustomed to it after a year or so. I never did. It is fall here in California (where I am as I write this), with beautiful fall colors of red and yellow, a bit cool (certainly by Singapore temperatures) and I am enjoying it immensely. I am a dry climate person, which perhaps requires more than a year to appreciate and adjust to the humidity. My fear is that the warmth of the tropics (about 81F to 83F every day) will make it difficult for me to deal with any cold weather of Idaho. Another adjustment.<br />
<br />
Our last week in Singapore was a grand finale-- we attended the world touring production of Richard III starring Kevin Spacey , had high tea in the Tiffin Room of the grand old Raffles Hotel (so P.O.S.H.!), and stayed on the 35th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, with a commanding view of Singapore's marquee center, Marina Bay. Each day we were able to share the MBS infinity pool experience and the Sky Deck with different Singapore friends-- a great closure to our two year expat experience.<br />
<br />
My intentions are to post a few more pictures and tales of our adventures that somehow never made it to the blog-- Tasmania, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc. There is considerable work ahead as we move back into our house, and other priorities, but Casting About Singapore still has some gaps to be filled.<br />
<br />
The last cast-- but as all serious fishermen will tell you, there is always "just one more cast...."Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-78012360844850485572011-10-16T21:40:00.000-07:002011-10-16T21:40:21.170-07:00Russell Palmer 1936 - 2011<div style="text-align: justify;">It is with sadness that I report that Elaine's father Russell Palmer, passed away peacefully on Sept 14, 2011. Russell's health had been declining for the past nine months, after a serious head injury occurred last December.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0V0gOJ9HqTgu6zhun6b96flDTB-licL3qg8w0aZ68RoIKlJRj57guw-hfKnR0mdBXBGQCeMSkvhQe8YJcSebhr2cKoK99xobIRDuokidip6kR7DnabL3vBfPwb0Sa0oA_eW88qzw7Qg/s1600/P1010604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0V0gOJ9HqTgu6zhun6b96flDTB-licL3qg8w0aZ68RoIKlJRj57guw-hfKnR0mdBXBGQCeMSkvhQe8YJcSebhr2cKoK99xobIRDuokidip6kR7DnabL3vBfPwb0Sa0oA_eW88qzw7Qg/s400/P1010604.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russell at a recent special event last year-- an opportunity ride in a special edition Ferrari.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Russell was in London in December for a business event, and for Christmas. While there, he sustained head injuries in a fall on stairs at the hotel he was staying. After a long stay in hospital in London, with complications in his recovery, he was transported back to a hospital in the U.S. near his home in Florida, for treatment and rehabilitation from the injury. Elaine, Susan, and Nathan travelled to visit him in February. Shortly after, it was determined that he had a small brain tumor, and entered hospice-- we will never know if the tumor caused, or was a result of the original trauma. Elaine and I traveled to Florida in August to be with him, visiting him everyday until his passing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Russell was a man of the world, with a part of his life in several corners. A celebration of his life was held in three locations-- Boca Raton, FL (his residence), Pasadena, CA (his birth place and family home), and Milwaukee, WI (company headquarters). A forth celebration gathering for friends and acquaintences will be held in Europe. (Russell lived in London for over 25 years, and spent considerable time in southern France).</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Russell had a life long passion for motor racing, beginning in his youth in Southern California working for the Don Blair Speedshop, an early iconic group involved in land speed record racers. As a young man he entered the family publication business. He was able to bring his passions and business interests together in the trade magazine <em>Diesel and Gas Turbine Progress</em>, the flagship of a set of trade publications. His business success allowed him to enjoy a very comfortable life, traveling the world, and a collection of Ferraris.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Russell was larger than life-- when he entered a room of people, he would often turn heads. He was an impeccible dresser, and quick witted. He could come up with the perfect quote, or a joke that fit the occasion. He had many stories from his many experiences, and I suspect at least most of them were true, if maybe only embellished slightly. His gift was to be able to easily connect with whomever he met, and make them feel at ease.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sadly, due to our busy lives, and the miles between our homes, I don't believe I really got to know Russell well. Although I was always interested in learning more about his business and publications, any inquiries about them were usually answered in a modest and polite, but short answer, followed by a change of subject. Russell, I found out, came to learn during his career that few people knew of or understood trade magazines, and more to the point, could not comprehend the technical content of his publications. So instead of attempting complicated explanations, he found it more polite to avoid the discussion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the weeks following his passing, I have come to learn a lot about him, that I didn't know before. The new knowledge helps explain a lot of the contradictions and mysteries of the man, and also makes me realize we had a lot in common. I regret that we did not get to talk more, and discover these shared commonalities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our time in Singapore has been a mixed experience. It has been a great opportunity to see South East Asia and experience another culture outside of the United States. It has been a life changing experience for us. However, it has also been a very difficult time to be so far away from friends and family, who are progressing with their lives, and some moving into declining health. Despite the diminishing size of the world today, 10,000 miles is a very long distance to be apart from family members.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kzLfij1Sk0RiG2MmIRu2fnw3HOBry37jRLAP2t8PD59_X05jz8RxNQ-4YDVAfrfzJCtaPrNo1BJ1ovsxWKKStsEFD3nU1pGxutbvYAZEgw1lEKzvy-qKFsVxYzCypY_KhEHMhkBvBv8/s1600/WRP+ca+1970+Elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kzLfij1Sk0RiG2MmIRu2fnw3HOBry37jRLAP2t8PD59_X05jz8RxNQ-4YDVAfrfzJCtaPrNo1BJ1ovsxWKKStsEFD3nU1pGxutbvYAZEgw1lEKzvy-qKFsVxYzCypY_KhEHMhkBvBv8/s400/WRP+ca+1970+Elephant.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Russell ca 1970s</strong>. In his early role with sugar and automotive trade magazine publishing, Russell frequently traveled to many interesting locations around the world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-89017761715307546812011-07-20T23:01:00.000-07:002011-07-20T23:01:43.110-07:00So you want to buy an automobile...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FC4lbOIy0ZgisnrL5NH3uKxyJZRsjyUBFOtXr_lm-3tjfS80_I4G3uXVieY3nmgqI4hHHaYtE5furr5YiP8VzMVH1zg9ZUJc3FD-ZSMKJC7NuYZr0WsrlLM3xsd-O3_YYZgF42sbHRE/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FC4lbOIy0ZgisnrL5NH3uKxyJZRsjyUBFOtXr_lm-3tjfS80_I4G3uXVieY3nmgqI4hHHaYtE5furr5YiP8VzMVH1zg9ZUJc3FD-ZSMKJC7NuYZr0WsrlLM3xsd-O3_YYZgF42sbHRE/s400/scan0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
For those of you in the U.S. and other locales complaining about the prices of fuel, the cost of an automobile, etc. take a look at this. The Singapore LTA (Land Transport Authority) just released the recent premiums for a COE (Certificate Of Entitlement). Yikes!<br />
<br />
Singapore, being a small and densely populated city-state, cannot really accommodate a large fleet of autos traveling on its roads and filling its car parks, so it has adopted policies to encourage use of public transportation, and discourage private auto ownership. A quota system controls the number of autos in the city. It also makes a nice revenue stream for the government. The discouragement part of the strategy is apparently not working.<br />
<br />
In order to purchase a vehicle, you must acquire a COE. This entitles you the privilege to buy and own a vehicle. A quota is established each year for the number of COEs to be issued, and it is necessary to pay the bid for one. A COE is good for 10 years, after which you must must export (sell) or scrap the vehicle, or purchase a new COE for the auto. With a limited supply, and an ever increasing demand (ask any taxi driver-- the roads are "getting worse", even with the controlled increase in autos) the COE prices continue to rise. The most recent prices were published in the news today (shown above). Note that this is the price for the COE-- in addition you would still need to purchase the automobile, and license it.<br />
<br />
There is a growing demand for Category B COEs (1600cc and above engines). Category A includes small cars and all taxis (1600cc or less). There are a significant number of luxury cars here-- BMWs are very popular, as are Mercedes Benz. It is not uncommon to see Lamborghini's, Maseratis, and an occasional Ferrari. If you are going to pay a fortune to own a car (and you have the fortune to do so), you may as well own a nice one.<br />
<br />
If you are whining about paying US$4.00 per gallon fuel in the U.S., be enlightened that fuel prices nearly everywhere else in the world are much higher. Singapore gasoline is currently about SG$2.00 per litre, which equates to about US$6.06 per gallon. Fuel is cheaper in Malaysia, just over the bridge. However, to leave Singapore you must demonstrate that your auto fuel tank is 3/4 full or more, or suffer punishment of a fine.<br />
<br />
It doesn't stop there. Many of the roads have ERP (Electronic Road Pricing). Basically these are toll road areas. Everyone who drives in these areas must have an electronic reader in their vehicle and an account for billing (similar to the electronic toll systems now in use in the U.S.). The ERPs tend to be in the busier areas of the city, discouragement to drive in these congested areas, if possible. The prices vary depending upon the type of vehicle, and the time of day. Shopping centers and office buildings typically have car parks with fees as well (EPS or Electronic Parking System-- do you like the <a href="http://castingaboutsg.blogspot.com/2011/07/tlas-three-letter-acronyms.html">TLAs</a>?).<br />
<br />
Contrast that with the subway or bus travel (about SG$0.86 for short ride on the train, SG$0.75 by bus, up from there by distance). It's an outstanding system here! And no parking, insurance, or maintenance worries.Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-20310778431901779872011-07-20T07:40:00.000-07:002011-07-20T07:40:13.770-07:00Vacheron Constantin Exhibit NSM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL63Yhfr0juI-DxEJ-cSfjSj5qqiacBHG6k8HHPfX3e3Y0lVlpG1fQfSGdA7jNAqDrpkPFWzpCdc8Z2DjHOP2hOaQH9h29PPR8v_9CLaTA2nMif0e66nwT_WzsIK1wzcOjoL62rtN39e8/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL63Yhfr0juI-DxEJ-cSfjSj5qqiacBHG6k8HHPfX3e3Y0lVlpG1fQfSGdA7jNAqDrpkPFWzpCdc8Z2DjHOP2hOaQH9h29PPR8v_9CLaTA2nMif0e66nwT_WzsIK1wzcOjoL62rtN39e8/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One of the benefits of living in a large metropolitan city are their museums, and the interesting special exhibits that show up. Singapore has several museums, and we've taken advantage of touring several of the exhibits that have come to town during our stay here. Currently the National Museum of Singapore (we are members) has an exhibit called "Treasures of Vacheron Constantin: A legacy of watchmaking since 1755". With some fascination with watches, I decided to check it out. The exhibit seems a little different than most-- it is apparently sponsored by the watch company itself, in celebration of its 250th anniversary. The exhibit presents 180 watches produced by the company during its long history, several pieces of early <em>horological</em> equipment, and an interesting story line of the company.<br />
<br />
I have always wondered why Geneva Switzerland is known as the center for watch making in the world. Mechanical clocks showed up around the 13th century in Italy, and watches in the 15th century. In the 16th century many protestant craftsman and artisans migrated to the region around Geneva, including jewelers. The Calvinist movement was central to this area at the time, and flashy, expensive jewelry was frowned upon by this conservative group. However, watches were viewed as a tool or instrument and not an ostentatious accessory, and were more acceptable. Consequently many artisan jewelers moved into the watchmaking trade. Watches and the ability to measure time was something in demand world wide. The craft in Geneva was strictly controlled, with a required apprenticeship of four years necessary before becoming a master. Masters were allowed only one or two apprentices, and were bound by their membership to the guild to teach them everything they knew about their craft. At one point in time one in five residents in Geneva were involved in watchmaking. The craft evolved from the fine craftsmanship necessary to produce a quality one-off timepiece, to more sophisticated techniques and machinery that enabled greater consistency, and also greater complexity to the components. It seems amazing that finely machined watches with miniature components were being produced at a time when medicine and other sciences and technology still had a long way to develop.<br />
<br />
Many of the Swiss watch companies from the 1800's and earlier are still in business, including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacheron_Constantin">Vacheron Constantin</a> which is now part of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richemont">Richemont</a> luxury products group that includes Piaget, Cartier, Mont Blanc and several other luxury good brands.<br />
<br />
Watches are a beautiful blending of art and mechanics. With the advent of smart phones, perhaps they are an artifact of the past. Yet the art and fashion of a watch now outstrips its usefulness and purpose as a time measuring instrument. Perhaps this will continue through the ages to come.<br />
<br />
Here are some the watches and artifacts from the exhibit.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVPC4-og5Fzpwy-VCx7w7T9bz9UU-e4AYYPetsInNTDz-v99JEKLwFlnmUbP6xsRms472g8Ft4ZYDVBfy-RZ9hWxrM82vxFabL8-RC988z4QAv9qLxJTLexOFqNkMrHPA4YO-ct6i60g/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVPC4-og5Fzpwy-VCx7w7T9bz9UU-e4AYYPetsInNTDz-v99JEKLwFlnmUbP6xsRms472g8Ft4ZYDVBfy-RZ9hWxrM82vxFabL8-RC988z4QAv9qLxJTLexOFqNkMrHPA4YO-ct6i60g/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Traveling Case--</strong> This is the traveling case of the company founder Jean-Marc Vacheron, ca late 1700s</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdcSO_G8a4wknvqLbI-9miRnuidWDpm8T2Gg2jMAkl_0hhDlYKlsSm_BoYa33WktzaketcXxRYKwTE7jLT-jzhCStZcDwAb1RoMn_U3WL0BlNuMS-HswhTgBci_sY2DTGuQuJBUwPPWw/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdcSO_G8a4wknvqLbI-9miRnuidWDpm8T2Gg2jMAkl_0hhDlYKlsSm_BoYa33WktzaketcXxRYKwTE7jLT-jzhCStZcDwAb1RoMn_U3WL0BlNuMS-HswhTgBci_sY2DTGuQuJBUwPPWw/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pantograph--</strong> This duplication machine was invented by one of Vacheron's employees in the early 1800's. It allowed unprecedented production and replication of parts, maintaining relatively tight tolerances. The machine was kept as a trade secret until 1844.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMsmYFLOp1hvoFftzUoMGFbhTtgbVpff3sIAdON0Ek65hFcDHIm_2RQJNv9XrsXKcWXKfrWTy8kh_EPZCmjSjH1ZS7cF1xA50skIXeoZhUOpywe8FAe0LAcOeZ075Ghu5v_piTwxuris/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMsmYFLOp1hvoFftzUoMGFbhTtgbVpff3sIAdON0Ek65hFcDHIm_2RQJNv9XrsXKcWXKfrWTy8kh_EPZCmjSjH1ZS7cF1xA50skIXeoZhUOpywe8FAe0LAcOeZ075Ghu5v_piTwxuris/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+078.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Guilloche Machine--</strong> <em>Guillochage</em> is a technique from the late 18th century which cuts intricate patterns in metal only 0.1 mm in depth. This machine moves the pattern material, while the artist holds a cutting tool against the metal, controlling the pressure on the tool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTtM8t7BYclyfXWC1OiM4d4JHXklzJ3J8zAUNuMueVKxR38iqkmK7r5DQOr0xTSKegAxpLv3MuAsbXPgzT993NBLV3mXdyc_1SpnZi7xF_mfikOx4cK-ga79pz0w4wOm-N75VwPhP5zA/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTtM8t7BYclyfXWC1OiM4d4JHXklzJ3J8zAUNuMueVKxR38iqkmK7r5DQOr0xTSKegAxpLv3MuAsbXPgzT993NBLV3mXdyc_1SpnZi7xF_mfikOx4cK-ga79pz0w4wOm-N75VwPhP5zA/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Engraving vise-- </strong>the chisel tool to the right is used to cut fine artistic patterns into the metal held in the vise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUjlJjOtq9f17E6kiHas0mpvy1C09rS81Q3jSxQEeSeccm8tAvkyyc7PqXKqQ3mxlNKbbBxbUWypcStAwZSLcFujUxQSm4190Vm8YFq5D1yDJgK3RiJrU-TyVN2RYxS1JIAEs1OBgExc/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUjlJjOtq9f17E6kiHas0mpvy1C09rS81Q3jSxQEeSeccm8tAvkyyc7PqXKqQ3mxlNKbbBxbUWypcStAwZSLcFujUxQSm4190Vm8YFq5D1yDJgK3RiJrU-TyVN2RYxS1JIAEs1OBgExc/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pocket Watch,</strong> ca 1800. Early watches provided simple time-- hours minute seconds, with more complexity (day, month) coming in later year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDiGXT7GrKq30sLVtPFM3g6AX77O3YdX51MvSkUI1P-OAyAY2p9yge-cLo1M1_-8Q0pa8kWlTAl4ddljC1j4_62dRC95qSmG3puaBhXvKZbkj6FtMtJrIGPdf8sKNbd7StORwPQwslfE/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDiGXT7GrKq30sLVtPFM3g6AX77O3YdX51MvSkUI1P-OAyAY2p9yge-cLo1M1_-8Q0pa8kWlTAl4ddljC1j4_62dRC95qSmG3puaBhXvKZbkj6FtMtJrIGPdf8sKNbd7StORwPQwslfE/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This watch design has a unique if novel dial, almost appearing as a sundial. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjWgoQ7hDjYhUMsJP74-o1mNxEjjbJQDPOK6q8ElFlewFpj7pOhR9O9ele-ONqYeiahlygQintX11dQnPtXWEXGzFREd805y8j3UekiEOsqu2RQmF3_p-1wCyIyBQfCyv1QfOZbZZIhw/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjWgoQ7hDjYhUMsJP74-o1mNxEjjbJQDPOK6q8ElFlewFpj7pOhR9O9ele-ONqYeiahlygQintX11dQnPtXWEXGzFREd805y8j3UekiEOsqu2RQmF3_p-1wCyIyBQfCyv1QfOZbZZIhw/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dual Time--</strong> This watch from the turn of the 20th century allows tracking time in two locations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bGzo106SQV8qCx_5CzcCk0P3E5X89sncIVGrwb3IUCYcMRznwGxh8J9BJApCd3B08Ixa4qp6C6Rf9TFgOfR6sGsgRJA-yBYPSqpK-7H5SJZEfjbc3mat9olJ_cTffX4bGtTsQa9JPrM/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bGzo106SQV8qCx_5CzcCk0P3E5X89sncIVGrwb3IUCYcMRznwGxh8J9BJApCd3B08Ixa4qp6C6Rf9TFgOfR6sGsgRJA-yBYPSqpK-7H5SJZEfjbc3mat9olJ_cTffX4bGtTsQa9JPrM/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Complexity--</strong> More complicated time keeping, including moon phases requires considerably more parts and difficulty for a mechanical time piece.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLONoaDBwls0oHj34d3QVd0E6CI8aKbMRA_lFHLctXz5x4T83WKbCzRsHYjeNN2STRBqOgedyhVKarq8E2VLhXEuirH-WOlQ-c4Pi6ffyNysR-jSm2Ng99XqhFtrWXOJv5ng5v-yrlHc/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLONoaDBwls0oHj34d3QVd0E6CI8aKbMRA_lFHLctXz5x4T83WKbCzRsHYjeNN2STRBqOgedyhVKarq8E2VLhXEuirH-WOlQ-c4Pi6ffyNysR-jSm2Ng99XqhFtrWXOJv5ng5v-yrlHc/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+055.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Platinum--</strong> This watch from 1931 has its case made from platinum and is only an amazing 0.95 mm thick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lk_cDanNTDZks5JZNBkcjz8m7P6TbUqlzoIAHE5QXTMJgkTgfiHWILWWnKvpmncKmSQACfyEd7EYnMPZBHRpIczzftNzvV9Yv7qZzIC6Q1PCRG28EUY5lUCATWBJdDe7LzFX_x-e65E/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lk_cDanNTDZks5JZNBkcjz8m7P6TbUqlzoIAHE5QXTMJgkTgfiHWILWWnKvpmncKmSQACfyEd7EYnMPZBHRpIczzftNzvV9Yv7qZzIC6Q1PCRG28EUY5lUCATWBJdDe7LzFX_x-e65E/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+062.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Aviator Watch--</strong> This watch design is from ~1915 and was built for early aviation pioneers. The watch has a large face, and is worn strapped to the thigh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8mRuxwYOOjzU7M00IjxkuFE2R6zrAnkLtXJ-xVZ1a7o3nvJLkCWW-mR9QSAxrNlPepqMDuK5RzqhZWMx_ASO3z-O_Bep8LkLiFo1-Ctn64LaHBaPnjx34tfQM3yxGZ6ATRTR6voptOw/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8mRuxwYOOjzU7M00IjxkuFE2R6zrAnkLtXJ-xVZ1a7o3nvJLkCWW-mR9QSAxrNlPepqMDuK5RzqhZWMx_ASO3z-O_Bep8LkLiFo1-Ctn64LaHBaPnjx34tfQM3yxGZ6ATRTR6voptOw/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+052.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Aluminum--</strong> The movement and housing of this watch from 1945 are made from aluminum, making it one of the lightest mechanical watches made.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP3zmQpNx7YD30Um3_kXoHP-EwGrB4aV-o5pp5Q5Gqk4Kn28mGsbt0A-6N_1jNIwCW4jy7pnWhNQrLjccCnzp6cXFMnTw5S7NVpv7mgT_29CZnkcmIROuOOv2_teHB5nahn6Tc3EWpfs/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAP3zmQpNx7YD30Um3_kXoHP-EwGrB4aV-o5pp5Q5Gqk4Kn28mGsbt0A-6N_1jNIwCW4jy7pnWhNQrLjccCnzp6cXFMnTw5S7NVpv7mgT_29CZnkcmIROuOOv2_teHB5nahn6Tc3EWpfs/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+066.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Engraved huntsman case</strong>-- Fine engraving of the watch case</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYx4dsHnXPU4LaOCl29G4IjTwgTMYEBnRPZzJd6hNk-pnZ7PGvXjy9Zqq5qWtyGulBfusxFzEaWkQWtknxWBkcbJxPn2l8pym8wwmz7A1dvPjH5s9KpE593UwxVZUQLG7sX6jF4AqUjw/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYx4dsHnXPU4LaOCl29G4IjTwgTMYEBnRPZzJd6hNk-pnZ7PGvXjy9Zqq5qWtyGulBfusxFzEaWkQWtknxWBkcbJxPn2l8pym8wwmz7A1dvPjH5s9KpE593UwxVZUQLG7sX6jF4AqUjw/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Enameled case--</strong> Enameled art requires very fine work done under microscopes to produce pictures on the case. The paints are a special ceramic powdered paste that are applied to the metal in engraved areas, then fired to vitrify the ceramic pastes. The case may require as many as 20 firings during the process.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaHrwrhlLi69RYzWm1RQLUeh38yFli4z-znFeSBnI0ueqh7jSbEoHfQZV4YN6KoRrbMCV_kYxUDM5yZyHzFrOSoL5HzxBPj4dvK_JY7pmfSVXL_bkPbHmobq5kXSQi7oBMNlzeqGm2Bg/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaHrwrhlLi69RYzWm1RQLUeh38yFli4z-znFeSBnI0ueqh7jSbEoHfQZV4YN6KoRrbMCV_kYxUDM5yZyHzFrOSoL5HzxBPj4dvK_JY7pmfSVXL_bkPbHmobq5kXSQi7oBMNlzeqGm2Bg/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dUNMtM4yhjw_sSC1GG5BW7SCRboe2CTsdAormrGmIfYmhSUvVCt1j5pl8yQGcQAoOIjnp8XaYzPNZ_0IYV_vJ9ddolcyrX47VvpgqlwEp9HuWS5FKcBjJGO5cOfjKMrbrIQNEq2t9Cg/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dUNMtM4yhjw_sSC1GG5BW7SCRboe2CTsdAormrGmIfYmhSUvVCt1j5pl8yQGcQAoOIjnp8XaYzPNZ_0IYV_vJ9ddolcyrX47VvpgqlwEp9HuWS5FKcBjJGO5cOfjKMrbrIQNEq2t9Cg/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+064.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Louvers--</strong> This watch has louvered cover. Another watch in the display had shutters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP0nul13qlGiAaZXgCgKFN4aQ-9wrIKqRkFk8agj5Z9I-S62eWgJ0XPo9iaVzXY0iNd5gt1elLSrZWz1oSQa3g6Hyv2KqW-yULuppV_Kbof2n1vJcYcnrJ3SyMTn4tf9YBUTInAgVbH0/s1600/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP0nul13qlGiAaZXgCgKFN4aQ-9wrIKqRkFk8agj5Z9I-S62eWgJ0XPo9iaVzXY0iNd5gt1elLSrZWz1oSQa3g6Hyv2KqW-yULuppV_Kbof2n1vJcYcnrJ3SyMTn4tf9YBUTInAgVbH0/s400/NSM+Vacheron+Constantin+Exhibit+087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jewels--</strong> Embellishments with jeweled cases. One watch on display (a replica) was for a design with over 100 square cut diamonds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-91646686399343056792011-07-18T03:35:00.000-07:002011-07-18T03:35:16.903-07:00Terracotta Warriors<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScxjfd4vdA89APCYlz151qspN0lkOxebaC49KTd5ZI0Hbfrq-iZXoPyQ01ugJh6wN2M0PMqdR8SKjbhR0ulgj0qVrFsHIzVrMTBAPv1gNczKOEAlN5a8lPjKhStJLUXxltdMRf5dhCms/s1600/800px-Terracotta_pmorgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScxjfd4vdA89APCYlz151qspN0lkOxebaC49KTd5ZI0Hbfrq-iZXoPyQ01ugJh6wN2M0PMqdR8SKjbhR0ulgj0qVrFsHIzVrMTBAPv1gNczKOEAlN5a8lPjKhStJLUXxltdMRf5dhCms/s400/800px-Terracotta_pmorgan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xi'an Terracotta Warriors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Several months ago the Nat Geo channel here ran a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsUE-ZtcUFg">program</a> on the <strong>Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Xi'an</strong>. I had not heard of them before, but was completely fascinated by the show. So I was very interested when I learned that the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) here in Singapore was presenting an <a href="http://www.acm.org.sg/exhibitions/eventdetail.asp?eventID=709">exhibit</a> of a few of the terracotta soldiers.<br />
For those who are not familiar, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army">Terracotta Warriors</a> are an army of clay "soldiers" that were discovered in Xi'an, Shanxii, China in 1974. They were buried in what appears to be a mauoleum for Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, dating to ~210 BCE. The army was intended to provide him with a protection "army" for ruling his empire in the after life. A practice perhaps similar to that used by the Egyptians.<br />
<br />
What is remarkable about the terracotta warriors is that they number in the thousands-- estimates are around 8000 (excavation of the site is incomplete, and has been ongoing since its discovery). The pieces are<u> life size</u>, and no two pieces are the same. Because of the sheer number of pieces, it is estimated that it required nearly 35 years and perhaps as many as 700,000 persons to create the army and mausoleum. In addition some archeologists believe there may be additional burial sites nearby that have yet to be discovered.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUsJzkGdWYTJhnE5fHTyugTM2YuLOhinHmj5rfe-ammHHuYZDXyEoucpjyz4nuNO2qfi9ay_ReLdza2Zxc9C6dDfcJtcSQE_MDFoVy6hiQDX8L68n1hzx-wSPjzm2OPk6fDQgRGUyNIk/s1600/800px-1_terracotta_army_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUsJzkGdWYTJhnE5fHTyugTM2YuLOhinHmj5rfe-ammHHuYZDXyEoucpjyz4nuNO2qfi9ay_ReLdza2Zxc9C6dDfcJtcSQE_MDFoVy6hiQDX8L68n1hzx-wSPjzm2OPk6fDQgRGUyNIk/s400/800px-1_terracotta_army_2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Lishan archeological site-- now a UNESCO World Heritage Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>The Singapore ACM Exhibit:</strong><br />
The exhibit at the Singapore ACM is rather small-- about 12 of the terracotta soldiers, some additional artifacts, and a replica of a bronze carriage that was found at the mausoleum. The original is apparently "too fragile to leave China", as the poster for the replica indicates. The exhibit also includes some terracotta burial figures from earlier period ruler's mausoleum-- this was apparently a common practice of the time. (My ignorance of Asian history and culture is evident). However, his were miniatures in comparison with the Xi'an soldiers, which are life size, each unique, and far more detailed. Qin Shi Huang, as the first Emporer of China, apparently was not to be outdone by anyone. As they say, "He who dies with the most toys, wins!" Now I finally get that saying!<br />
<br />
The exhibit was worth seeing, and I hope to visit again, when we have guests here next month. My camera battery died shortly into my first minutes at the exhibit, so some of these pictures are phone quality only.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfPhOegOBXGtDiuqqxNK1_tf-H4QeM8mSW0gomZ05zW-b8jfejDjNki86IH9ex4EiWbB8cFVfu4DLcgQRRiV31Izu9Ske5WzYhKe-UuW2naxSCBv3giOHfRO4l6DC3meFahLx-MhqtqU/s1600/Terracotta+Warriors+1+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfPhOegOBXGtDiuqqxNK1_tf-H4QeM8mSW0gomZ05zW-b8jfejDjNki86IH9ex4EiWbB8cFVfu4DLcgQRRiV31Izu9Ske5WzYhKe-UuW2naxSCBv3giOHfRO4l6DC3meFahLx-MhqtqU/s400/Terracotta+Warriors+1+009.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Terracotta soldiers</strong>-- these were once brightly painted, now laid bare with time. Some smaller clay figures, from a different tomb (not detailed) in the exhibit once had wooden arms that moved, and clothing, which has completely decomposed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQIWGjxigvCy2dVk8nivq0DxL76t0XQn6RfuE7YSiELQ-4AB_q4Z9tgc5Viqxp3dv2KNO5Hn67i180gyZQKzIfVyeN0D6F9aSEC7V4-nslGv_pk9zLE19pflQR9gNJXvTzQrxx8xRlh0/s1600/Terracotta+Warriors+1+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQIWGjxigvCy2dVk8nivq0DxL76t0XQn6RfuE7YSiELQ-4AB_q4Z9tgc5Viqxp3dv2KNO5Hn67i180gyZQKzIfVyeN0D6F9aSEC7V4-nslGv_pk9zLE19pflQR9gNJXvTzQrxx8xRlh0/s400/Terracotta+Warriors+1+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The terracotta soldiers on exhibit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX-IrDc68lctfrBR3RpoeONCG-AzVanbrUABFGonsMVyDrNgxSBuhftAIgUc7To_RrJJssmoZMC80vnRzkxrtPymrjGNoljfRL5ubxk-lngjYqP8gopsHFQzbJuprVl9UZA-1KCMh3s0/s1600/Terracotta+Warriors+1+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX-IrDc68lctfrBR3RpoeONCG-AzVanbrUABFGonsMVyDrNgxSBuhftAIgUc7To_RrJJssmoZMC80vnRzkxrtPymrjGNoljfRL5ubxk-lngjYqP8gopsHFQzbJuprVl9UZA-1KCMh3s0/s400/Terracotta+Warriors+1+014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Kneeling Archer--</strong> The front line of the archery division. These soldiers wore light armor, unlike their companion archers who stood behind them. It is believed the soldier figures in the mausoleum were equipped with actual weapons-- wooden bows and arrows, which have turned to dust centuries ago. The exhibit included some remnant components of weaponry-- a silver trigger from a crossbow, and bronze tips and axes blades from battle lances.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCjL2b9PeGXAxnaNCmtnbgafAZxSD_BFAb4X0b8k4iaCz996UT4DkadABcxJPv7PKmwQCiPXm57OixkTjaVEks8EFlttsD45Eq6UyBK3PIOBznTGF3pYOfJClXdbW6TdAbZsm9eoJIcA/s1600/Terracotta+Warriors+1+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCjL2b9PeGXAxnaNCmtnbgafAZxSD_BFAb4X0b8k4iaCz996UT4DkadABcxJPv7PKmwQCiPXm57OixkTjaVEks8EFlttsD45Eq6UyBK3PIOBznTGF3pYOfJClXdbW6TdAbZsm9eoJIcA/s400/Terracotta+Warriors+1+017.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Standing archer--</strong> The terracotta soldiers were aligned in the burial pit as they might be in true life. This is a standing archer, who wore very light clothing, no armor. These archers would stand behind the kneeling archers in battle formation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2lzFqCJYewaKWVTd4kHE4KpBJ7NtE6AdjXi1-j3gQ5FsU23Rtt90sE7qnt8DJ1askvGB2eWEmob0U3hEr-CWwfgmm94QHTOUJnJ_7D4cSGUoVXoAT-iojdjcyP177Cca9ZTUEUo_hXE/s1600/Terracotta+Warriors+1+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2lzFqCJYewaKWVTd4kHE4KpBJ7NtE6AdjXi1-j3gQ5FsU23Rtt90sE7qnt8DJ1askvGB2eWEmob0U3hEr-CWwfgmm94QHTOUJnJ_7D4cSGUoVXoAT-iojdjcyP177Cca9ZTUEUo_hXE/s400/Terracotta+Warriors+1+013.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Infantryman--</strong> infantrymen were distinguished by the soft cloth cap they wore. (This one looks like he was holding a beer or something!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-l3lSsIdbIsnNNQTyROZEpF7Z-EBDq9AIvOCmIIGHs8SpiCxY9kq1qalsDIbmomeTDCQ8VHKpepP-deqFsvJ6ClPeUkpqvS-BPhLFKsSZgzMmzAi_MOPsL1ZXRoKxIEGVWzU0ptpmrE/s1600/Terracotta+Warriors+1+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-l3lSsIdbIsnNNQTyROZEpF7Z-EBDq9AIvOCmIIGHs8SpiCxY9kq1qalsDIbmomeTDCQ8VHKpepP-deqFsvJ6ClPeUkpqvS-BPhLFKsSZgzMmzAi_MOPsL1ZXRoKxIEGVWzU0ptpmrE/s400/Terracotta+Warriors+1+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cavalry Horse--</strong> This is believed to be a horse for cavalrymen, but perhaps actually for some other function. Note that saddle has no stirrups, which would have made mounting and controlling the horse difficult.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8NJ2BuPR1RxNc1_YNUorH6VIE6eWyWUCLXifcIIbE3Qo_IDS3QCXBKBG_i_ZNWr4HYp67n0Ctvnfe53iOl0sgAH2OWYxdShoAVFdS_JUAv_24n3JVqzVh8pB7Rd3wOVjpcXCxlmXYXs/s1600/Terracotta+Warriors+1+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8NJ2BuPR1RxNc1_YNUorH6VIE6eWyWUCLXifcIIbE3Qo_IDS3QCXBKBG_i_ZNWr4HYp67n0Ctvnfe53iOl0sgAH2OWYxdShoAVFdS_JUAv_24n3JVqzVh8pB7Rd3wOVjpcXCxlmXYXs/s400/Terracotta+Warriors+1+001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bronze bell--</strong> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTmRmWYbuYlYQuytCoFMWZLwL4b0QK72Bya7RsBfH11E4bwUEdM7xLvJe6Tp83iVFU5Br5-7Eq-5zVbZLOzsGby4UKKj36LcpdqloGeYUiY-iYAZtByu8DfLVujhtJbGuJ1xvDpZ6zzg/s1600/Terracotta+Warriors+1+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTmRmWYbuYlYQuytCoFMWZLwL4b0QK72Bya7RsBfH11E4bwUEdM7xLvJe6Tp83iVFU5Br5-7Eq-5zVbZLOzsGby4UKKj36LcpdqloGeYUiY-iYAZtByu8DfLVujhtJbGuJ1xvDpZ6zzg/s400/Terracotta+Warriors+1+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ceremonial dagger--</strong> gold and jeweled handle, with bronze blade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-3986549920015178732011-07-16T02:26:00.000-07:002011-07-16T17:22:38.902-07:00A Walk In the Park[Update 17-Jul: Big Bug has been identified!]<br />
<br />
We have been fortunate with the condo we have been staying in during our stay here in Singapore. We are at the bottom of a hill called Mount Faber (OK, by Singapore standards, a mountain), which contains Mount Faber Park. Our balcony gazes out on an edge of the the park, which is tropical forest. By U.S. standards, Mount Faber National Park is more on par with a large city park in the U.S. than the large reserved natural areas we think of as national parks. With that in mind, the presence of restaurants, manicured garden plantings, and concrete walkways found in Mount Faber Park is not out of place. It's crowning attraction is the terminus for a cabled tramway that links Mount Faber with Sentosa Island, a major tourist center and resort. Mount Faber provides a wonderful vista out across Sentosa, and into the Singapore Strait to the southwest, and downtown Singapore to the southeast.<br />
<br />
The park links via a greenbelt and sky walks with several other parks along the Southern Ridge. It is a great area, and is well utilized. Busloads of tourists are brought up to the peak in the evening (that part isn't so great-- it's a narrow road, past our condo) for the view, and it is a popular place for people to exercise-- runners, cyclists. A little trivia-- it is also the location of one of three Merlion statues in Singapore. Do you <strike>know</strike> care where the other two are? (I thought not).<br />
Elaine and I have been making a routine of vigorous walks up and through the park in the evenings . The temperatures are most tolerable for this kind of thing from 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM, just prior to sunset. This is also when you see many others with the same idea in mind.<br />
On one evening last week during a walk (Elaine is traveling) it was apparently 'Nature Night' along the route. It seemed the animals were out, and uncharacteristically quite bold. I heard and saw several varieties of birds, and the macaques were visible, and particularly brazen on this evening. The weather was also very pleasant, with milder temperatures and a light breeze. The lighting was perfect. With these unusual conditions, I enjoyed the outing, and snapped a few photos with the cell phone. This was one of my longer outings, about 5 to 6 Km by my estimates. Here are the photos from my Walk In the Park.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtynziRvFGGcxZqO8f9Bd6Plipu1tHaNXZdng-0YaDqz5aM-ltN8nJdwrYPPVC4frL-DRxFjSJrqXN5vRfPSFHiaAKQMZeWEhEoQxUrq-iMwDQIWclSZ1Kc2Q8tOmx4T5tGwdKUk5JkS8/s1600/Mt+Faber+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtynziRvFGGcxZqO8f9Bd6Plipu1tHaNXZdng-0YaDqz5aM-ltN8nJdwrYPPVC4frL-DRxFjSJrqXN5vRfPSFHiaAKQMZeWEhEoQxUrq-iMwDQIWclSZ1Kc2Q8tOmx4T5tGwdKUk5JkS8/s400/Mt+Faber+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>The pool--</strong> Some people have asked, "what do you do all day while Elaine is working?" I tell them I sit and lounge by the pool all day. This is it. It is double length, which is attractive to those who like to swim laps for exercise. I'm not sure why I am including this picture in this blog entry, but it is another great attribute to our living location, in addition being so close to Mount Faber Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1nHMfvveQJcZb1wsX94xy9H_ZkzKTwvpCNLCyPLbeXBLW9HwfiyIIALd9jg82oDds72nKjeFx7TGF4G06UiwKHZB45Ur8AWT0Fwqdhsd2XBcsM7mKYdjSm3MOqhj2YbOp4y-H2XriKo/s1600/Mt+Faber+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1nHMfvveQJcZb1wsX94xy9H_ZkzKTwvpCNLCyPLbeXBLW9HwfiyIIALd9jg82oDds72nKjeFx7TGF4G06UiwKHZB45Ur8AWT0Fwqdhsd2XBcsM7mKYdjSm3MOqhj2YbOp4y-H2XriKo/s400/Mt+Faber+001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Towering Lone Tree--</strong> This tree stands a couple hundred meters from the condo complex, on the edge of the rain forest, and is one of my favorite views, actually. I pass by it almost daily. I have no idea what species the tree is, but it stands above its neighbors, and has a distinct shape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRaJz8tkgDtjsQ9eV-O6gYcmmQJSr_ug7o4ItNXp6SpydIy06sz-NeHI74rfYuzliHJjOOCf_BTsoNtjOfEo8KI_LuGTMSLmTUHBOrhsVexO6P-MGsE1lrbAow0oloD_wjxH9KZDfRmo/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRaJz8tkgDtjsQ9eV-O6gYcmmQJSr_ug7o4ItNXp6SpydIy06sz-NeHI74rfYuzliHJjOOCf_BTsoNtjOfEo8KI_LuGTMSLmTUHBOrhsVexO6P-MGsE1lrbAow0oloD_wjxH9KZDfRmo/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Big Bug--</strong> Some of Singapore's near by nature. This guy (deceased) was on the walk near the condo complex, on the way up Mount Faber Road. The wing colors are spectacular, and it is daunting in its size (maybe 30 to 35 mm in length). I wonder if I would be so intrigued if it were still alive and buzzing about? Big bug! At first I thought it was a cicada (they are large, and 2 species are found here), but I don't think that is correct. I'm working on keying the critter, and will update this post if I learn what it is (was).<br />
<br />
[UPDATE 17-Jul: With the help of a local entomologist via the web, Big Bug has been identified. It is a male Carpenter Bee <em>Xylocopa latipes</em> which is the largest species in Singapore (I believe that!). They can sting but very rarely-- only to protect their nest. I've seen large bees here, probably also carpenter bees, but never one this large. Mystery solved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YbeyqVtdFngH7yBX0ejw_K0m6zXPC3cggIO4XIFiwS8bn01efvORtiVGNEs5YXQzHBftiwatQTzkhzRrc8EhfeZiG7aw_KnWIdL1PWVO1dH9Lc7nCzVtfd3QKkebl6F1HTVTlN3e7VM/s1600/Mt+Faber+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YbeyqVtdFngH7yBX0ejw_K0m6zXPC3cggIO4XIFiwS8bn01efvORtiVGNEs5YXQzHBftiwatQTzkhzRrc8EhfeZiG7aw_KnWIdL1PWVO1dH9Lc7nCzVtfd3QKkebl6F1HTVTlN3e7VM/s320/Mt+Faber+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reference coin is a Singapore 20 cent piece (21mm diameter), a little smaller than a U.S. quarter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5gG-XRxeHbEHEHRCKYjJD1xeRPuLlJFq9Ip6AKNcmJims-r9zXuZLJuuCGywuYIy_ZzfKUl06XnsR5ODPzmiFeMZrlvIFMF0OZloWakvj6GtKmvHlDrq1o1yOiPLzvM8BVI3qnmtF58/s1600/Mt+Faber+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5gG-XRxeHbEHEHRCKYjJD1xeRPuLlJFq9Ip6AKNcmJims-r9zXuZLJuuCGywuYIy_ZzfKUl06XnsR5ODPzmiFeMZrlvIFMF0OZloWakvj6GtKmvHlDrq1o1yOiPLzvM8BVI3qnmtF58/s400/Mt+Faber+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Masked bandit--</strong> I've seen these birds frequently, but they're usually more shy-- this one was only 2 or 3 feet away for this picture and didn't care that I was there. The entourage of 5 or 6 other birds kept a greater distance. Another critter I haven't yet been able to identify. It looks something like a jay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLrebPpJp0_QcyIVyUVtp2kpw6W2xUXofdHYlUWVyJN1i6KJwIG8hJ9vphFS5MzxBVlY6iXr4w-ycqdWaz38U6Zz0t9dLlBNxk8j92qpbYvb16eLtgpYf-VuXkpcv9Jpxtkx0E5ofZt0/s1600/Mt+Faber+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLrebPpJp0_QcyIVyUVtp2kpw6W2xUXofdHYlUWVyJN1i6KJwIG8hJ9vphFS5MzxBVlY6iXr4w-ycqdWaz38U6Zz0t9dLlBNxk8j92qpbYvb16eLtgpYf-VuXkpcv9Jpxtkx0E5ofZt0/s400/Mt+Faber+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Long-tailed Macaque--</strong> This fellow is busy eating a banana (contraband provided by a passer-by-- feeding the macaques is highly discouraged, as they become brazen pests). Odd animals-- I had to wait a while before he would look at the camera. They seem to turn away and avoid looking at you if you are looking at them. Camera shy? Sorry to disturb your supper. The location is the Henderson Waves bridge, a foot bridge that connects Mount Faber Park with the next park in the Southern Ridges string, Telok Blangah Hill Park, crossing a busy street below (Henderson).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0geeA4M9V3pTmPXkRuVyrM4RFJW8iz_VT6twYp04Vva-5Bwck9Utrh5JTQyJbMIyS8gLLfg62CymDYCL2WNPbWT3bNlSPdYc3V9qnw_SAXdU4N5gfWChD0kIXw6rQu72shesi07MjWvA/s1600/Mt+Faber+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0geeA4M9V3pTmPXkRuVyrM4RFJW8iz_VT6twYp04Vva-5Bwck9Utrh5JTQyJbMIyS8gLLfg62CymDYCL2WNPbWT3bNlSPdYc3V9qnw_SAXdU4N5gfWChD0kIXw6rQu72shesi07MjWvA/s400/Mt+Faber+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sunset from Mount Faber--</strong> this is view looking west. No, your eyes aren't going bad-- the buildings do bend. These are some new high rise buildings being constructed, nearly complete, which are architecturally 'clever' with a bend in their design. I guess they are something to talk about, but I'm not impressed-- I don't think it adds a lot to the sky line. I am also sure the clever design made the construction significantly more expensive-- it seems gratuitous. Beyond the buildings is the entrance to Keppel Harbour, and beyond is Sentosa Island. This side of Keppel Harbour is for cruise ships and some local ferries that service the local region (Indonesia). In the far distance, beyond Sentosa, you can make out some faint lights of Jurong Island (Pulau Jurong) and perhaps Pulau Semakau. Jurong is the site of an enormous oil refinery. Pulau Semakau is actually two former islands, Semakau and Semakeng, which were fused together by fill. This is Singapore's landfill. However the fill is actually only ash from an extremely large incinerator plant. It is a fascinating technology in operation. Although it has its issues and critics (e.g. there are/were coral reefs around these two islands, and required relocating the inhabitants of a small village previously on the island), it seems like a preferable approach than simple burial (of whatever) with hopes of timely decomposition.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfB16BrDp-o8pCRkGwSEOa8QCFUGiK5VNxBWuUs-s2Ptljx1iP_PzA-wrb4u0gOajBcITZRSuMMdklD7Q0Rj0BKpS6xvv9LHOKJHOTnESbp8XPICsyHT3xMMjB63HRJMuoyRr4gdstZc/s1600/Mt+Faber+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfB16BrDp-o8pCRkGwSEOa8QCFUGiK5VNxBWuUs-s2Ptljx1iP_PzA-wrb4u0gOajBcITZRSuMMdklD7Q0Rj0BKpS6xvv9LHOKJHOTnESbp8XPICsyHT3xMMjB63HRJMuoyRr4gdstZc/s400/Mt+Faber+018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Singapore sunset--</strong> looking northeast from Mount Faber. Downtown Singapore is off picture to the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRest0oKFgz7Pn1BqUT57cJ2GHztmDhcttZOuFZJQl6zcdwAcEPjAeA_FA5hiN-ZtsyDOoojIEZZmb40Yg2zu3t-4PcIhcBZfvcVKlmFIimvimDO-R74XY2_jgIT5nXCPyInyD8RgVFas/s1600/Mt+Faber+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRest0oKFgz7Pn1BqUT57cJ2GHztmDhcttZOuFZJQl6zcdwAcEPjAeA_FA5hiN-ZtsyDOoojIEZZmb40Yg2zu3t-4PcIhcBZfvcVKlmFIimvimDO-R74XY2_jgIT5nXCPyInyD8RgVFas/s400/Mt+Faber+022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Henderson Waves Bridge--</strong> This architecturally intriguing foot bridge spans Henderson Road below, and connects Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Parks. It is a very popular site for wedding pictures, and clothing modeling, taken at sunset. On this evening alone there were three separate photo shoots of bride/grooms going on. It was a little tricky to avoid becoming a sweaty body in the background of some one's wedding photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wlTfl1BIXXebGhF4-MsYDGRv-COlP-RfZNDcvXhpMJ7t3AYcMiqf1TyLphLFb_4Pv_6sFlDrHd1lBtjY4_j8DtVpV4OIBC2ulIViW-3w55_yTmX7nFY6KIgP-UvWEcvSbCrRYBGiA5g/s1600/Mt+Faber+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wlTfl1BIXXebGhF4-MsYDGRv-COlP-RfZNDcvXhpMJ7t3AYcMiqf1TyLphLFb_4Pv_6sFlDrHd1lBtjY4_j8DtVpV4OIBC2ulIViW-3w55_yTmX7nFY6KIgP-UvWEcvSbCrRYBGiA5g/s400/Mt+Faber+023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Danish_Seamen's_Church_3,_Nov_06.JPG"><strong>Danish Seaman's Church</strong></a>-(see the better photo in the link)- This is my favorite historic building in Singapore, and is located in Mount Faber Park-- it was built in 1909 by Thomas Knox Leonowen, who was in the hardwood trade business <a href="http://otm.thaitrade.com/company_detail.php?id=140&cat=1">(Louis T. Leonowens Ltd</a>, still in business). Thomas was the grandson of Anna Leonowen (Louis T. her son), made famous in the fictional account of her time in Thailand, <em>Anna and the King of Siam.</em> It is now a Danish church, founded for serving Danish seamen and other ex patriots away from their native land.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0Mt Faber Park, Singapore1.2736763938066533 103.817356449874861.2664168938066533 103.80694844987487 1.2809358938066533 103.82776444987486tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-14519520408892615492011-07-08T08:00:00.000-07:002011-07-08T08:00:05.947-07:00T.L.A.s (Three Letter Acronyms)One thing that seems to be popular habit in Singapore is abbreviations and acronyms. (TLA has always been my favorite TLA). This is apparent in newspapers, advertisements, and even the road signs. It takes some getting used to, and for a while you think that there is some alternate name being used for the street other than what you know it to be.<br />
For instance, a major road near us is Telok Blangah Road. The street signs for this are "Tk Blg Rd". This is satisfactory if you know about "Telok Blangah", but for first timers to the neighborhood, it's a bit daunting. To make this more confusing, there is also Telok Blangah Way, Telok Blangah Heights, Telok Blangah Green, Telok Blangah Avenue, all in the same area and connected to one another, which makes for exciting travel and navigation. Apparently the persons in the city engineering department weren't terribly creative. But that's another story.<br />
There are four official languages in Singapore-- Malay, Chinese, Tamal, and English. However because of the acronyms in use, sometimes knowing English is not sufficient. In general, you just "gotta know".<br />
<br />
Here are some of the acronyms that I've seen in common use:<br />
<br />
<strong>KG Bahru Rd:</strong> Kampong Bahru Road-- just outside our condo. Kampong is Malay for "village" and Bahru is "new".<br />
<br />
<b>ERP:</b> Electronic Road Pricing-- There are roads and motor ways in the city that are toll roads. Autos traveling on these roads are required to have an electronic pass in their vehicle that registers when they travel on them. A toll fee is charged to the owners account. (Similar to EZ-Pass in SF Bay Area)<br />
<br />
<b>GST</b> Government Service Tax. Prices on goods often will show two prices-- the price with the tax included, and the tax amount. I find it a nice change that the price I see on an item includes the tax, as compared with the United States and elsewhere where it is necessary to mentally adjust the price by the incremental tax amount.<br />
<br />
<strong>GE</strong> General Election-- this occurs every five years, and was held this past June.<br />
<br />
<strong>JB</strong> Johor Bahru (Adjacent city in Malaysia)<br />
<br />
<strong>KL</strong> Kuala Lampur (Major city (capital) in Malaysia)<br />
<br />
<b>PR</b>s Permanent Resident. Used frequently in documents for applications for various licenses, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>NRIC</b> National Registration Identification Card. Every person in Singapore has an ID card, which is used for everything. You cannot get a bank account, a cell phone, rent an apartment, or get a job without it. There are different classifications, dependent upon status-- permanent resident, guest worker, dependent, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>UP</b>: Usual Price-- Seen on most newspaper advertisements or on store price tags, typically on sale items.<br />
<br />
<strong>Ltd:</strong> Limited-- a business organization scheme left over from the British<br />
<strong>Pte:</strong> Private-- another business terminology. Not owned or run by the government<br />
<br />
<strong>S'pore or SG:</strong> Shorthand for Singapore<br />
<br />
<strong>M'sia:</strong> Shorthand for Malaysia<br />
<br />
<strong>MOM:</strong> Ministry of Manpower<br />
<br />
<strong>IR:</strong> Integrated Resort-- a frequently used term with the two mega-casino resorts in Singapore.Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-6079206734773204162011-07-07T01:45:00.000-07:002011-07-07T20:32:21.624-07:00Return to Palau Ubin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Updated 8 July, 2011-- Photos from Sec-Sea]</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciRExMipAfzc7VlgROsIfhWaGDe0o-n0RVwPuWuDA8Izrh1gOTFrs7_qfM6XLWzGVVyoBqCm6JEOxFWhCUWxlnLs_vASBGi3dzDqzvpGfetaX8cteG6Af9imlQ0n2plsLyKgCDRwCB34/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciRExMipAfzc7VlgROsIfhWaGDe0o-n0RVwPuWuDA8Izrh1gOTFrs7_qfM6XLWzGVVyoBqCm6JEOxFWhCUWxlnLs_vASBGi3dzDqzvpGfetaX8cteG6Af9imlQ0n2plsLyKgCDRwCB34/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Palau Ubin--</strong> Getting the kayaks ready to head out. Rosita (watching from the surf) was our lead guide-- very pleasant, and a fun attitude. Our total paddle was about 4 km.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last weekend Elaine and I made our second trip to Palau Ubin. (Palau is Malay for "island"). Palau Ubin is one of five small outer islands that are a part of Singapore. It is mostly a reserve, but there is a small village of inhabitants. It is accessible by "bum boat" ferries, which cost S$2.50 for the 10 minute ride across the strait. The boats are a bit dodgy-- they are wooden, and look like they have been in service since the time of Sir Stamford Raffles. However the captains are quite skilled, and I'm unaware of any mishaps, at least since our time here. Palau Ubin is quite crowded on weekends, as it is a popular destination for a day trip to fish, mountain bike, or hike. It is very rustic-- and touted as "what Singapore was like 25 years ago". Tin roofed shacks rather than concrete high rises are the norm.<br />
<br />
Our purpose for a second trip to Palau Ubin was to take part in a sea kayak tour. Elaine has been wanting to do kayaking in Singapore for quite a while. For some unknown reason, you must be "certified" to be able to hire a kayak and paddle about the reservoirs and/or coastal areas. Certification means taking a course from the agencies that rent out the kayaks. Since Elaine and I have been in both river and sea kayaks, it was not clear what we might gain from the certification. However, the training course schedules just never worked out. The kayak tour was guided through the mangrove area of Palau Ubin, and required no previous experience. The kayaks were tandem, the sit on top type.<br />
<br />
<strong>Full disclosure:</strong> My interest in kayaking in Singapore has been significantly less than Elaine's. Actually zero. The reservoirs are limited, and thoughts of four plus hours in the tropical sun/humidity were not appealing to me-- I would have skipped the whole event. However, Elaine persisted and the kayak tour was booked. It turned out to be a good day.<br />
<br />
We were fortunate-- there was a nice breeze blowing (unusual), and periodic cloud cover, which kept things relatively cool. At one point during the tour it rained. Since we were dressed to get wet, it was not unpleasant, and the rain lasted only a few minutes.<br />
<br />
Although we have kayaked previously, I think this was our first time together in a tandem. Marriage on trial. Kayaking is similar to canoeing, but because of the double bladed kayak paddles and smaller boat, there is a greater requirement for synchronization (and communication). Compared to others in the tour group I think we did very well, but not without some disagreements and confusion. Elaine did not drown me and we both returned safely to the jetty-- no one left behind stranded on a mangrove sand bar.<br />
<br />
I would rate the tour as OK-- but too many people on it. Perhaps one of the longer tours would be better. We saw (briefly) some <a href="http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/vertebrates/birds/albirostris.htm">Oriental pied-horned bills</a> (like a toucan), and <a href="http://kingfisher%20singapore/">mudskippers</a>-- a strange, nearly amphibious fish that skates along the surface of the mud and/or water. We've seen small ones before, but saw a couple that were 6 to 8 inches in length. And lots of hermit crabs. Apparently a <a href="http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/birds/Halcyon_chloris.htm">Collared Kingfisher</a> was spotted by the leader (these are highly colorful birds) but it was long gone before we reached the location-- the tour consisted of 30 persons, and in places in the mangrove, we needed to pass single file through a narrow channel. A much smaller group would have been preferable. There are wild pigs on the island, but none sighted on this excursion-- we saw some on our first visit to Palau Ubin. The tour was hosted by <a href="http://www.sec-sea.com/">Sec-Sea</a> (Sea Expeditions Centre of South East Asia), a professional and fun tour outfitter. <a href="http://www.sec-sea.com/expeditions/CSE.php">This </a>is the tour we did.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYKQEHzUmVLEqlTa0wxxAgwI-NSqH1stxG8Z_Hq28juLW6Ji4FKujKb0s54w7hEHrbfM_wMpES37W_ECO3YDepawmHq8SIa7drUD9-mBamgs2ZKu1kdVRd1IWk9D1zA26DowPG5jcgj4/s1600/Sec-Sea+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYKQEHzUmVLEqlTa0wxxAgwI-NSqH1stxG8Z_Hq28juLW6Ji4FKujKb0s54w7hEHrbfM_wMpES37W_ECO3YDepawmHq8SIa7drUD9-mBamgs2ZKu1kdVRd1IWk9D1zA26DowPG5jcgj4/s400/Sec-Sea+%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Training--</strong> A little orientation and training before we head out. Yes, I've always been the attentive student. What did you say?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnaFYcXcepb73tGpuhaep00zN7vRg1c4TBbblBpEZ3Jk6eGd5juHj4bvJ5mADTWVI7lO2GzJo2m4w1EELpvThOXWb_ryKnWZ325Hovdkhi2EI5cuIv0m9NZRkQY3NMAyg-IUNXNcOX7M/s1600/Sec-Sea+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnaFYcXcepb73tGpuhaep00zN7vRg1c4TBbblBpEZ3Jk6eGd5juHj4bvJ5mADTWVI7lO2GzJo2m4w1EELpvThOXWb_ryKnWZ325Hovdkhi2EI5cuIv0m9NZRkQY3NMAyg-IUNXNcOX7M/s400/Sec-Sea+%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Instruction</strong> --on how to parry and block that blow from your exasperated kayak partner's paddle.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcPm-0ZvUwd12XxsBD7qAhZIaJ9iHA2JPUvea1e8ej8HrhbhNh7bNagv8NJPktyjFR8jy7sg0p26J9M0AOR98vs-iBg8n_ST06hXUe5WY463zsK0nFArvcQ6fxhiD0A8RraJyiuKm_Zg/s1600/Sec-Sea+%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcPm-0ZvUwd12XxsBD7qAhZIaJ9iHA2JPUvea1e8ej8HrhbhNh7bNagv8NJPktyjFR8jy7sg0p26J9M0AOR98vs-iBg8n_ST06hXUe5WY463zsK0nFArvcQ6fxhiD0A8RraJyiuKm_Zg/s400/Sec-Sea+%252815%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trained, suited up, and ready to paddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yKv7_3yreMxRmGvpOLE0zBx_XSK6meqL1DzlDdWpsgwdHOhy_ziFTVOM1V-y1mQdp9QoBv6DtjUHJTAWY-XL78MkD4ZacZAxDc8Gp3sWBxZ4fp9xBDAwSJjzdosbuBmBP9zwZwtpmdM/s1600/Sec-Sea+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yKv7_3yreMxRmGvpOLE0zBx_XSK6meqL1DzlDdWpsgwdHOhy_ziFTVOM1V-y1mQdp9QoBv6DtjUHJTAWY-XL78MkD4ZacZAxDc8Gp3sWBxZ4fp9xBDAwSJjzdosbuBmBP9zwZwtpmdM/s400/Sec-Sea+%252810%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Heading out--</strong> This picture captures a tragic reality of the waters around SE Asia-- the plastic and trash. Singapore works hard to keep things clean, but with the dense population and the enormous ship traffic in the region it is an enormous task. We were required to wear closed toe shoes as a precaution against glass, etc. Fortunately this was only a particularly bad area-- most of Palau Ubin is much better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCILUSSnJWcad_9e12vgkjpnov9uD_ezLBmTBgz6kO5nqnu0ocTdMo2sMgGdELVjidqCeHw9xnB7Bn_9dibX-bloMCD-lhcyOJDteS1hy2GcDtu7lIWLTKomhfHMo4k8SRySUaoCK3HiI/s1600/Sec-Sea+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCILUSSnJWcad_9e12vgkjpnov9uD_ezLBmTBgz6kO5nqnu0ocTdMo2sMgGdELVjidqCeHw9xnB7Bn_9dibX-bloMCD-lhcyOJDteS1hy2GcDtu7lIWLTKomhfHMo4k8SRySUaoCK3HiI/s400/Sec-Sea+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm providing directions and encouragement, Elaine is doing the paddling (heh, heh, heh)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFfzEC4yWJYtMD9bJtmjuiVrqLbVbkAtt2qHubcqsvDkenPVzkjhazw6S0NUSw-O5f-ZHHTTZ2N8n5Zy8h0Xh4q0_CGFfUuxg-xk7CkhLd5XGlUQTUjfqujtIVgvSzd_Lj-XiUqr4cUs/s1600/Sec-Sea+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFfzEC4yWJYtMD9bJtmjuiVrqLbVbkAtt2qHubcqsvDkenPVzkjhazw6S0NUSw-O5f-ZHHTTZ2N8n5Zy8h0Xh4q0_CGFfUuxg-xk7CkhLd5XGlUQTUjfqujtIVgvSzd_Lj-XiUqr4cUs/s400/Sec-Sea+17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Don't try this at home--</strong> What's that they say? Never stand up in the boat...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9iJ1FQvG5ij8ZUXadT70uqP5VGEadD2P5jNQNvdNFY0y4ULbFqazfIaiRqF-oYFA2ElukbiqUo6sqXfob0H-YeLlbWaV2QWyLLrrLgPPuLqLPjtxmaLqoR5fzdG5xzUmey9lsdojXMM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9iJ1FQvG5ij8ZUXadT70uqP5VGEadD2P5jNQNvdNFY0y4ULbFqazfIaiRqF-oYFA2ElukbiqUo6sqXfob0H-YeLlbWaV2QWyLLrrLgPPuLqLPjtxmaLqoR5fzdG5xzUmey9lsdojXMM/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Single file--</strong> With a large number of kayaks and narrow passages, we go singe file into the mangrove lagoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd8xr5ia91kLoVdclUxGYLH0171JhUcucIlrai7FGRofKVuIvmL68MBtAqaNMFbAuJL8bvbEKeQ8XaRG8tNJsz3Zp_XX37bcvivrgcX-yn_-dZv4_FxbJZ9jVQMDSlHDe_DRnyRSBRSE/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd8xr5ia91kLoVdclUxGYLH0171JhUcucIlrai7FGRofKVuIvmL68MBtAqaNMFbAuJL8bvbEKeQ8XaRG8tNJsz3Zp_XX37bcvivrgcX-yn_-dZv4_FxbJZ9jVQMDSlHDe_DRnyRSBRSE/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mangrove--</strong> the mangrove trees are salt tolerant and provide an ecosystem habitat. Algae grows on the roots, attracting small marine life, which of course attracts larger marine life. The mangrove provides a habitat where the fish can hide. The mangroves also act as a filter to trap nutrients.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVXnh9JJ9g12IhtzFHvdUrlEVGHn5DOoPjV-63sLbyIgOB-hIrbCDRzcYdpt64PuR4PSZxpMGU7J5WNYDl1QFBWlVuUn_5ChaE2MVWkvVyK6ynR9yMgApIenybtZVuoPxCeqPMuAui6Q/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVXnh9JJ9g12IhtzFHvdUrlEVGHn5DOoPjV-63sLbyIgOB-hIrbCDRzcYdpt64PuR4PSZxpMGU7J5WNYDl1QFBWlVuUn_5ChaE2MVWkvVyK6ynR9yMgApIenybtZVuoPxCeqPMuAui6Q/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mudskipper--</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-yDjwJ-GQeda4fzqLHIzoy8bCnNS7I9gZzmqWdj6_4G0KZsyJVxOaxhC_bnzG694qw6Hf4ki3RmJVT5m0Ac5swFQu4p2encG08XnLtkH4YaJXqin6zrf31mbfQT4tWhkayiJGaQ2ybs/s1600/019.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-yDjwJ-GQeda4fzqLHIzoy8bCnNS7I9gZzmqWdj6_4G0KZsyJVxOaxhC_bnzG694qw6Hf4ki3RmJVT5m0Ac5swFQu4p2encG08XnLtkH4YaJXqin6zrf31mbfQT4tWhkayiJGaQ2ybs/s320/019.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GzKoFT2LEx0Y2DklwN9lrRAghfG3bUglHSYfuKD2-8b2bFLaPFzZdFJHy7IgJOsVYpa3JGJqhL2awW8oQNJHnYh09rLpGyEhm8SEJHOI_JpECDPJH3Tjkj6zSLEKdOwhFCj8yO4sPfU/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GzKoFT2LEx0Y2DklwN9lrRAghfG3bUglHSYfuKD2-8b2bFLaPFzZdFJHy7IgJOsVYpa3JGJqhL2awW8oQNJHnYh09rLpGyEhm8SEJHOI_JpECDPJH3Tjkj6zSLEKdOwhFCj8yO4sPfU/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting really narrow now . The water also was very shallow in the lagoon. We nearly got trapped in a lagoon, as the tide went out, which would have required pulling or carrying the kayaks out on the mud. I'm glad we avoided that-- the mud is super fine, and sticks to everything.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuwzM9nXMTnF_MELJdaLycQ2BilxTYqShGVtreo03LDEt91YFLOFSyIt5waI78KBW4AU-fNU7MOD4CjIj2t_-k9zF6OBoSYMiMMC8pbW6aA7N3NYoP0o6or87T-U6rYYDgSafTV871Lk/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGuwzM9nXMTnF_MELJdaLycQ2BilxTYqShGVtreo03LDEt91YFLOFSyIt5waI78KBW4AU-fNU7MOD4CjIj2t_-k9zF6OBoSYMiMMC8pbW6aA7N3NYoP0o6or87T-U6rYYDgSafTV871Lk/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Oriental Pied-Horned bills--</strong> Do you see the horn bills? No, we barely did too. The horn bills flew over and landed high in the trees. However they give away their location by a cackle that can be heard for quite a distance. (Probably just laughing at the amateur kayakers below).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeo4ddnGr0IE7a7scqn331CQS1J09pO847PDrlc9X2tYHh3q7WYrkg4AlRh83ad92MxCJIp2j7uEDUYYEShIRH2nnW5vkLrdt1IbZiSunt4Wzp4qDaMsFHF2J-8vr29r6AOeTFMb7zg4/s1600/Sec-Sea+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeo4ddnGr0IE7a7scqn331CQS1J09pO847PDrlc9X2tYHh3q7WYrkg4AlRh83ad92MxCJIp2j7uEDUYYEShIRH2nnW5vkLrdt1IbZiSunt4Wzp4qDaMsFHF2J-8vr29r6AOeTFMb7zg4/s400/Sec-Sea+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Better picture--</strong> Here's a picture of the Horned bills, courtesy Sec-Sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf01rIh-HT6p3VenVv2RTYqXRcXnHi1nzG8mqccLIrkhHXpeglVmRcnwc4cXxp0I7-T0ZaN_LqBLjDvAumJDjKrm5FAxYr6BltVodrIS08hMNTz9wil3E7FITed__ZUq5YyzCx2lUK6T0/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf01rIh-HT6p3VenVv2RTYqXRcXnHi1nzG8mqccLIrkhHXpeglVmRcnwc4cXxp0I7-T0ZaN_LqBLjDvAumJDjKrm5FAxYr6BltVodrIS08hMNTz9wil3E7FITed__ZUq5YyzCx2lUK6T0/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hermit crabs--</strong> We stopped at a sand bar near the entrance to the lagoon, where there were hundreds of snail shells, and a proportionate number of hermit crabs. The crabs eat the snails, and take over their shells. There is one (in a shell) at the top of the photo. Not a terribly exciting picture, but the first underwater photo with the new water proof camera (thanks Lois & Gary!).</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx1tNhOUH7_1azTwpNB7c0WPXxlrGlnFEgyvCh1Eka0WbVAc4JcVgdx7H6Fx9O0HCdbUbzFsR5aC4f-hyhtEundNXG7tGgQ4R02XtYZQQMvosdoXZxhIvl9ajA5fBhT0hyphenhyphenz2RVAFoSU8/s1600/Sec-Sea+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx1tNhOUH7_1azTwpNB7c0WPXxlrGlnFEgyvCh1Eka0WbVAc4JcVgdx7H6Fx9O0HCdbUbzFsR5aC4f-hyhtEundNXG7tGgQ4R02XtYZQQMvosdoXZxhIvl9ajA5fBhT0hyphenhyphenz2RVAFoSU8/s400/Sec-Sea+%252811%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shell Squatters--</strong> Lots of hermit crabs in the estuary <span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Sec-Sea photo)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYZr_Tt7XEkaLt3Z9mYh9CpUEknldBsy82dtaaackSyGi6DIdp-OHji_GPgD9GEkk4d0nb5VWP_tjdsiFIKzBQMw7vc_Ss29AWxtABx0FNn6ROtPa7HymIsby0zshMXgI6Br_71IKB34/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYZr_Tt7XEkaLt3Z9mYh9CpUEknldBsy82dtaaackSyGi6DIdp-OHji_GPgD9GEkk4d0nb5VWP_tjdsiFIKzBQMw7vc_Ss29AWxtABx0FNn6ROtPa7HymIsby0zshMXgI6Br_71IKB34/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mangrove lagoon--</strong> This is the lagoon that rapidly lost its water due to the falling tide. We paddled about in here for only a few minutes (maybe 5) before we realized we had better paddle out or face walking out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-48848623967472592602011-06-28T00:20:00.000-07:002011-06-28T00:20:30.386-07:00Cirque EloizeThe Marina Bay Sands Resort complex, opened last year has two theaters, and has been bringing in some interesting shows. We went to see Lion King, which was very good. I never saw the Disney movie, but the play had some outstanding costumes and a remarkable set.<br />
Last week we attended the<a href="http://www.cirque-eloize.com/en/home"> Cirque Eloize</a>, which was beyond amazing. This is a show in the manner of Cirque de Soleil, with nonstop action. It was a mixture of Broadway dance, street break dancing, X-Games, and gymnastics. The troupe is a group out of Canada, that tours world wide. (This was a formal show, similar to the group we came across performing in a shopping mall for a <a href="http://castingaboutsg.blogspot.com/2009/12/shopping-extravaganza-promotionsbundles.html">Christmas promotion</a>).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_QLDnM-BUCM7_QeCoq0ndc9_U3Jf3GBcypGbjosd_KbcxMZqW9WNMTxfg5rMSJ9FuyVuSya_aQcAkvyDQWBw2a_fcVhzkh9wsIcwRIimU-EMGD4f_UlZpTe33qHxfFOiwuhkJ9y1PS0/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_QLDnM-BUCM7_QeCoq0ndc9_U3Jf3GBcypGbjosd_KbcxMZqW9WNMTxfg5rMSJ9FuyVuSya_aQcAkvyDQWBw2a_fcVhzkh9wsIcwRIimU-EMGD4f_UlZpTe33qHxfFOiwuhkJ9y1PS0/s320/scan0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was trying to imagine a bulletin for recruiting performers for this group. I think it might go something like this:<br />
WANTED:<br />
Broadly talented entertainers with superb athletic and artistic abilities to perform in a ballet-circus type performing group. Applicants must meet the following requirements:<br />
- Strong abilities in modern dance<br />
- Skillful jugglers<br />
- Highly skilled in gymnastics, including tumbling, high wire, and ring. Must demonstrate strength and skills in partner gymnastics.<br />
- Demonstrated skills in trampoline gymnastics<br />
- Demonstrated skills with bicycle gymnastics<br />
- Must be extremely flexible, multi-jointed. Contortionist abilities a plus.<br />
- Great endurance-- must be able to perform the above skills and acts for the duration of a 2 or 3 hour show.<br />
- Strong teamwork-- must demonstrate an ability to work with others and trust their own skills in dangerous team performance acts, that potentially could result in your own injury and/or paralysis.<br />
- Olympic medal winner a plus<br />
<br />
If you have the opportunity to catch one of these shows, don't miss it!Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-91090113399185858682011-06-27T19:08:00.000-07:002011-06-27T19:08:20.179-07:00Please Sir, I Want Some MoreOne of the "delicacies" of SE Asia is Durian, a regional fruit. (See my <a href="http://castingaboutsg.blogspot.com/2010/02/durian-national-fruit-of-singapore.html#comments">post last year</a>). As one local Singaporean put it, "Most Westerners don't <u>care</u> for it". That is an understatement. It is definitely an acquired taste, although we have one Western expat friend that likes it very much. It has an extremely strong odor, so much so that it is not allowed to be carried on the MRT (subway train). It is sold in the local grocery store where I do most marketing, when in season. At first the smell was difficult to deal with, but I am now accustomed to it, and barely notice it. Eating it, on the other hand, is a different manner. I have tried it, but can't say I "care for it".<br />
So it was with some amazement that I came across this recent <a href="http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110627-0000114/F1-roadshow-off-to-a-record-breaking-start">news story</a> about the Guiness World Record for eating durian. Sixteen seeds (the fruit has large pods inside its husk, each about the size of a tangerine) in a minute. Since it took me several seconds to even begin to brave consuming my small sample of one pod, (with help of a vodka chaser), I am humbled and awed by this feat.Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-18896567163525102142011-06-27T07:23:00.000-07:002011-06-27T07:23:26.912-07:00Melaka (a.k.a. Malacca) Malaysia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>One of the places we have been wanting to go see is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacca_City">Melaka</a> (also spelled "Malacca") in Malaysia. It is a relatively easy journey, and last weekend (June 18-20) we made it happen.<br />
Melaka is a very old city, and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on the Malacca Strait, which separates Indonesia from the Malaysia peninsula. The location is strategic, as the Malacca Straits are the passage connecting the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea, and eastern Asia. It is precisely at the narrowest gap of the straits. As a consequence of its location, it has been the battle grounds of imperialist nations for centuries, desiring to control the lucrative trade route.<br />
The city was founded sometime around 1300 by the Malay sultans. In the early 1400s the emperor of China sent his "ambassador" Chung Ho, along with an an entourage of 27,000 emissaries, and a fleet of thousands of ships on a world voyage mission to establish trade relationships with China. He completed seven voyages, and stopped at Melaka on at least two of these voyages, hanging around until the monsoon winds were favorable to return to China.<br />
<br />
In 1511 the Portuguese conquered Melaka, and established a fort at the location. The Portuguese not only wanted to establish trade-- they wanted exclusive control of it. Ships stopping in Melaka were required to pay a tax, and those that didn't were sunk or their cargoes confiscated.<br />
<br />
Next came the Dutch, who took over Melaka from the Portuguese in 1641. The Dutch handed over control of Melaka to the English in 1795 in fear of it falling into the hands of the French (Napoleon)-- a supposed temporary arrangement. The port declined as a trade center, as its harbor became silted, and the emergence of Singapore and St. George as the more favored trading ports in the region. (Singapore was founded as a free trade port). At one point the British were planning to destroy the city and deter its reemergence as a competing trade center (to Singapore and St George), if returned to the Dutch. The Japanese occupied Melaka and Malaya in 1942 until their surrender in 1945. Malaya became an independent nation in 1956<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERQv2aVc9DBLZ6Tfkj9iiJ9E_b850LCsEbf_Md2VjAG1VYeFc6PiUIz_AITR6-XejyEHmUuqnI6h7VCItK5i_wj_crduxsYDF3OG_jf4U3fwkFvYbRP-wpud46L1MYDCoTCgYZUsXLQ4/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERQv2aVc9DBLZ6Tfkj9iiJ9E_b850LCsEbf_Md2VjAG1VYeFc6PiUIz_AITR6-XejyEHmUuqnI6h7VCItK5i_wj_crduxsYDF3OG_jf4U3fwkFvYbRP-wpud46L1MYDCoTCgYZUsXLQ4/s400/007.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old fort walls of Aforteleza, the fort originally built by the Portuguese in 1512. The fort was altered, expanded, destroyed by following rulers-- the signs indicate the various wall additions and changes by the Dutch.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfWEHnirRfRYJlOEtFw0NW7yNdhUOVLDTv90Ms5LoRnz_8Sfpo-ZHkM12KSa72e10CZwyVEQJsAInB3cfVKi3x_zWAKvgHR9jVakomxl4P_1nTfc28EZkUytoBOUIXNtrziCUFCbcWIo/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfWEHnirRfRYJlOEtFw0NW7yNdhUOVLDTv90Ms5LoRnz_8Sfpo-ZHkM12KSa72e10CZwyVEQJsAInB3cfVKi3x_zWAKvgHR9jVakomxl4P_1nTfc28EZkUytoBOUIXNtrziCUFCbcWIo/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify">Elaine (right) and our friend Alesa, our travel companion for this trip, holding down the fort. Elaine met Alesa at the bus stop in Singapore one day, and struck up a conversation. She is a professor of Communications at a local business school here in Singapore. As it turns out she attended school with my sister at UC Santa Cruz. Is the world a small place, or what?</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHJ_VAajr5d087qmhOF56MT-lqyECyxZfR_5qHZpKozcGiq_ivcMqN_qrLRwuEa5C9aSRP7bu3Ygd6CCyyt9LRgR2gzBnBGBMfswsc_4zP4OcTcDmZVY8WgkJN1sEFoeQqKwJKZtQHnM/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHJ_VAajr5d087qmhOF56MT-lqyECyxZfR_5qHZpKozcGiq_ivcMqN_qrLRwuEa5C9aSRP7bu3Ygd6CCyyt9LRgR2gzBnBGBMfswsc_4zP4OcTcDmZVY8WgkJN1sEFoeQqKwJKZtQHnM/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Stadthuys--</strong> located on Dutch Square facing the Melaka River, and built in 1650. This served as the official residence of the governor, and as an administrative centre. Currently it is the Museum of History and Ethnography, one of several museums in the city. (Melaka has more museums than any other city in Malaysia). The red color is true to the period, and allegedly was originally painted with the juice of betel nuts, which are native to the region.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeEUPRv-VNXzcfScypVkxf04SOynoCwmHraCAeiC1wbux5ee5dAkDYbMUitiei8OF3UD72dADjJxZU1NtXlBjTw4-b1GSkbSeeCvtq_7NfSIHBeYzHlMdoCnrgqaNLuSCnnVrT_X3_5k/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeEUPRv-VNXzcfScypVkxf04SOynoCwmHraCAeiC1wbux5ee5dAkDYbMUitiei8OF3UD72dADjJxZU1NtXlBjTw4-b1GSkbSeeCvtq_7NfSIHBeYzHlMdoCnrgqaNLuSCnnVrT_X3_5k/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Christ Church--</strong> a protestant church built by the Dutch. Construction started in 1741 but wasn't completed until 1753.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For hundreds of years, people from many cultures including Arab, Indian, Chinese, and others came to Malaka and settled. Particularly under the English, many Chinese settled in the area. Peranakan (a cultural mixture, primarily Chinese and Malay) created a unique culture for the area.<br />
As a consequence of the variety of cultural influences over the centuries, Melaka has an interesting blend of architectures in its old city.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2ZLCpKvuCWANkophzrASbE-4J56ZtJYxjSfb1EFLz_OBmGmY5tm1ob0vuh-LKQs4Fm2e-DjaybeR4gA78ZYl84VbwU6NnU92-2NRuyCrGHGyJOjIGdC9YI230lE-7YwXKRKAPIIUXgo/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2ZLCpKvuCWANkophzrASbE-4J56ZtJYxjSfb1EFLz_OBmGmY5tm1ob0vuh-LKQs4Fm2e-DjaybeR4gA78ZYl84VbwU6NnU92-2NRuyCrGHGyJOjIGdC9YI230lE-7YwXKRKAPIIUXgo/s400/075.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>St. Paul's Church (ruins)--</strong> This church resides on the hill above the old city. Built in 1521 by the Portuguese and named "Church of our Lady of the Hill". The Dutch renamed it St. Paul Church, and used it as part of their fortress. There are some impressively carved memorial stones inside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJtc5EjNXAhtldRRymxg_EG90QGHzUAC7tDL7YGj968JG9DmloMUf-552SPCGjDmxI9WJXhv-T9Nvn_ezxUEFnk3_oAY1Jrodxq_IK3-gDJQH2tnJldGloL28S3RSQxR9p61xBIrQHX8/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJtc5EjNXAhtldRRymxg_EG90QGHzUAC7tDL7YGj968JG9DmloMUf-552SPCGjDmxI9WJXhv-T9Nvn_ezxUEFnk3_oAY1Jrodxq_IK3-gDJQH2tnJldGloL28S3RSQxR9p61xBIrQHX8/s400/078.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside St Paul on the Hill (ruins)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ_m8FvuJKKO3PabTQJ-1__MFqFO1jfiBwEgnoxQQki5KaEyQuRDU4CzaLFoH1BTQFsjlGMvRhfS2hevAQ2xzVq5y1Yg0SkZNI6O59RChG3wqyGqiNHRJUOZKOKV2SxrNFmUvgwSv86k/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ_m8FvuJKKO3PabTQJ-1__MFqFO1jfiBwEgnoxQQki5KaEyQuRDU4CzaLFoH1BTQFsjlGMvRhfS2hevAQ2xzVq5y1Yg0SkZNI6O59RChG3wqyGqiNHRJUOZKOKV2SxrNFmUvgwSv86k/s400/088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We stayed at a backpacker guest house (200 years old) along the Melaka River-- not Michelin 5-star, but clean, and very friendly. And inexpensive-- RM19 per night (about US$7). The guest house was a typical structure for the area along the river-- a warehouse on the first floor, with access to the river in the back, and business conducted along the street from the front. The merchant owners lived in quarters upstairs. This is a typical shop house style structure evident here and in Singapore.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl4Mw2DAHygv1UC2gkK6oY0AhW4pqrtj2IFQsU8va6_EHr-9r4NGQ6enUR1FJZhhkdzOzhd8y-QYT9V0uHQ4ok5oFj16tdHjRDw08E5Hc0fnPQAUSUr2bM7hEly6hpOZjjyEpjwO4XGs/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl4Mw2DAHygv1UC2gkK6oY0AhW4pqrtj2IFQsU8va6_EHr-9r4NGQ6enUR1FJZhhkdzOzhd8y-QYT9V0uHQ4ok5oFj16tdHjRDw08E5Hc0fnPQAUSUr2bM7hEly6hpOZjjyEpjwO4XGs/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Melaka River</strong>, from our guest house. The river has walkways along most of the old city area, on both sides. Tour boats ply the river all day and most of the evening.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyZtglTHFsgcr6kDWSt58AgMus34ntN33wwBcqgpUiz7AbWDi56cw_LhfH6W6A47QNPpIgyfAnAR-mIIcALfDGmDT3Cbiagd7BouNxF7Kc81b7vm8ZPQfG7qcCbgNQRYyMaNxUXrXs-4/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyZtglTHFsgcr6kDWSt58AgMus34ntN33wwBcqgpUiz7AbWDi56cw_LhfH6W6A47QNPpIgyfAnAR-mIIcALfDGmDT3Cbiagd7BouNxF7Kc81b7vm8ZPQfG7qcCbgNQRYyMaNxUXrXs-4/s400/059.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Pedal Power--</strong> One of the opportunities for visitors to Melaka is a ride in one of the Tuk Tuks. They are ornately decorated with large bugs (in this case a bee) or flowers. Apparently a most modern addition for them are high powered car stereo systems, electronic horns, or other paraphernalia which allows you to go deaf while being pedalled about the old town. Apparently Malaysia (or maybe just Melaka) is caught in some type of music time warp-- nearly all of the music heard in the restaurants, shops, and Tuk Tuks were Western songs from the 70's and 80's.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8MsvBAM0iUGBrVPLpFWbwBRN3d1cEWp0Ip19wgz3DGmT8MUtlH4X4zTgj7J6amXPdyUj3nLidGqwP-MDYgw_twmbuWM9jUj5pvZQbcUkJFF6dN1ROTXtHZdXojw2eFZvroMb39YWghM/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8MsvBAM0iUGBrVPLpFWbwBRN3d1cEWp0Ip19wgz3DGmT8MUtlH4X4zTgj7J6amXPdyUj3nLidGqwP-MDYgw_twmbuWM9jUj5pvZQbcUkJFF6dN1ROTXtHZdXojw2eFZvroMb39YWghM/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the old town square there is a replica sailing ship, which is part of the maritime museum. School girls on a field trip. The front.....<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX_mRfaicfgAs5NkIYswoOffeBkWbQ5HEFS72BhbgChXqO1H_VddMuQtv0pRxa6-dobwn-gsIPFRJ1J0UbyfxyPUIlKiDXXWJkGIv98jdQdKg7Xi4mkB-QMG6ChWgmzQg_kz8q1LL9E8/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX_mRfaicfgAs5NkIYswoOffeBkWbQ5HEFS72BhbgChXqO1H_VddMuQtv0pRxa6-dobwn-gsIPFRJ1J0UbyfxyPUIlKiDXXWJkGIv98jdQdKg7Xi4mkB-QMG6ChWgmzQg_kz8q1LL9E8/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Melaka-- a distance of approximately 250 Km, that should take 2 1/2 hours, but actually took about 4 1/2 hours. The delay is incurred by the heavy weekend traffic, and the need to go through immigration and customs control. At the Singapore border everyone exits the coach, goes through immigration to have their passport stamped. We then re board the coach and drive about 500 meters to the Malaysia control center to pass through their immigration and customs. (You need to remove all luggage and belongings from the coach). The process is repeated in reverse on the return journey. The coach travel was very pleasant, and reasonable-- S$45 (US$36) round trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melaka was quite warm and humid-- about 32C, which made walking about a little challenging, with frequent breaks for air conditioning and re hydration. Air con is less prevalent in Malaysia than Singapore, with many of the museums and shops having only fans.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qLCz8ynUGfCub3RdksfMV13X4f0ic-o5BoVxwJT6aIoVzYfXsI9frOPvY3auWMVpuw26DOtXtT9lG-prABnv03aupaRmQadVGphZEuGmbNr4LNepiqvwVK_21R4_ocnx6WaZu93qlR8/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qLCz8ynUGfCub3RdksfMV13X4f0ic-o5BoVxwJT6aIoVzYfXsI9frOPvY3auWMVpuw26DOtXtT9lG-prABnv03aupaRmQadVGphZEuGmbNr4LNepiqvwVK_21R4_ocnx6WaZu93qlR8/s400/052.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Dragon Boat--</strong> while we were in Melaka a dragon boat race was being held on the river, at the Malaysian Heritage Centre. The person in the front has a drum to establish cadence for the paddlers. The person in back (standing) attends to a rudder to steer the boat. Apparently everyone else drew the shorter straws.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwYkLz-3NYjW-GI426i74jv6VKKX2hjSlakwAvVK43FKY_oDPbDcQwMY_vCOVLgpciu06bSkEcmc1SN-MKKi6b2Vz6Q7GcQ61BAv0cVfGh1xk3VjHIUmh6_kQt67EhiH6F3Mq28qQxVE/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwYkLz-3NYjW-GI426i74jv6VKKX2hjSlakwAvVK43FKY_oDPbDcQwMY_vCOVLgpciu06bSkEcmc1SN-MKKi6b2Vz6Q7GcQ61BAv0cVfGh1xk3VjHIUmh6_kQt67EhiH6F3Mq28qQxVE/s400/065.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Water Monitor--</strong> These guys are a pretty common sight along the river. This one is moderate sized. Another that we saw may have been 4 or 5 feet in length! They are rather shy, so not much of a threat.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxxN-OqSQSiYTsm8x0n9OqvfyQ8VkGZfz206DQ7S1P-ygZMZzTaJmNTeuPgmeUZ-dBDCIDwBfnu3OSuK-xC9BEcwlujAAtXXyWUXVoVbb2nlCJN95JAOIeiMmF4GCAi18_pICtgTQhHs/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxxN-OqSQSiYTsm8x0n9OqvfyQ8VkGZfz206DQ7S1P-ygZMZzTaJmNTeuPgmeUZ-dBDCIDwBfnu3OSuK-xC9BEcwlujAAtXXyWUXVoVbb2nlCJN95JAOIeiMmF4GCAi18_pICtgTQhHs/s400/085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These characters are rather common sights as well. Many cats in Singapore and Malaysia have a curious genetic defect that results in tails that have an abrupt right angle bend to them. These two were pleasant enough, but in my opinion a lot of the cats in the Singapore 'hood look like they have an attitude-- perhaps the over sized ears and small head. It is illegal to have cats as house pets in the public HDB housing in Singapore-- there are volunteer "feeders"-- cat lovers that bring cats food. Singapore is just now initiating a program that captures the wild cats, neuters them, and then returns them to their capture location. I am not sure of the policies in Malaysia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvG4VE472oIQhmrF09AM-pVY6gALmlKqjRoSVs16z7lXlZGQErbYRWw7A2ZdlI7zD6zR52KFFXeCMEOq72905Ju3CNbNjKpZWMOgfg9ukYJz9FuV9XBNJPrQfs3z_4dWKmcgOdJuZkaA/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvG4VE472oIQhmrF09AM-pVY6gALmlKqjRoSVs16z7lXlZGQErbYRWw7A2ZdlI7zD6zR52KFFXeCMEOq72905Ju3CNbNjKpZWMOgfg9ukYJz9FuV9XBNJPrQfs3z_4dWKmcgOdJuZkaA/s400/092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Architecture--</strong> Because of the variety of invaders and inhabitants, Melaka has a fascinating mix of building architecture. This is the Malaysia Independence Memorial Hall </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="justify"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4Y7NWK5oBaioDuJLGaBA7ibmc1CEcBjpeNjKLTP4dez5fDDFZ-1qAxK1z899ELlQmQhfVjN0-E3qulJEpY5iXjfMV3dG0Iwes_xiIWVVz82wpRGQ2LVGlWotTCU0k2Wv-2NlwklN_u0/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4Y7NWK5oBaioDuJLGaBA7ibmc1CEcBjpeNjKLTP4dez5fDDFZ-1qAxK1z899ELlQmQhfVjN0-E3qulJEpY5iXjfMV3dG0Iwes_xiIWVVz82wpRGQ2LVGlWotTCU0k2Wv-2NlwklN_u0/s400/094.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Sultan's Istana--</strong> Each of the states of Malaysia were once ruled by sultans (chiefs). The architectures of buildings in these various regions of Malaysia vary considerably. This is a replica of the Istana (palace) of the sultan of Malacca, now a museum. Inside are beautifully carved panels and doors, with hardwood everywhere.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="justify"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBcgx7vdkgk53Vquj4HfFZLasoVlMKYezSuvVaxA35o0hpmR9LOPDNaOqAcVT3R4WulF2WgQ5CjUF9e0zW2ptYVTIvvMChX532QIeG3UJ_ffRxmlxebNaotoMaHNf2gCkZMBPxyp-WaI/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBcgx7vdkgk53Vquj4HfFZLasoVlMKYezSuvVaxA35o0hpmR9LOPDNaOqAcVT3R4WulF2WgQ5CjUF9e0zW2ptYVTIvvMChX532QIeG3UJ_ffRxmlxebNaotoMaHNf2gCkZMBPxyp-WaI/s400/096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbcCpkzdhoqNdGCLy6wUZRntFhyphenhyphenJPtAhWA4Nn8e8uTAPY1g7rACDpBBCLVSwm5NurkCqI2dB_2paeBbfbV2idwAd4SqkEZn_mESadqPAW3kDFC90KNTcf_HPsL_hAF-hMwuhtSiLY5jU/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbcCpkzdhoqNdGCLy6wUZRntFhyphenhyphenJPtAhWA4Nn8e8uTAPY1g7rACDpBBCLVSwm5NurkCqI2dB_2paeBbfbV2idwAd4SqkEZn_mESadqPAW3kDFC90KNTcf_HPsL_hAF-hMwuhtSiLY5jU/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify">Melaka has a strong Chinese heritage-- the immigrants created a unique Paranakan culture. Pastel colors of pink and turquoise are common.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFyjurXEhQ4wVI6auWOCEg91USXe9rriqHFotueWsrw04L190u7MPahiCDjksXeNKYaBwdDJWja7Cd-1hqi1Nr2qT_Gkh9h1gg5SLlAd848heWEvis6EF_t8wy1xyG2S84dN2tpLhOGY/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFyjurXEhQ4wVI6auWOCEg91USXe9rriqHFotueWsrw04L190u7MPahiCDjksXeNKYaBwdDJWja7Cd-1hqi1Nr2qT_Gkh9h1gg5SLlAd848heWEvis6EF_t8wy1xyG2S84dN2tpLhOGY/s400/032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWtpaKTw0CntIHi3XfqwQLh3wn3cNkKgTu0VxPMUb84gr9Mx6a6MgPqJJOX8Gqy6DSv1MCTFsjJqGETy1cKgSVPW9Cgrkpihqxsg9iIhkwYeSm5ism6CF4BLaxMfZfYUivAFaTMd_dio/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWtpaKTw0CntIHi3XfqwQLh3wn3cNkKgTu0VxPMUb84gr9Mx6a6MgPqJJOX8Gqy6DSv1MCTFsjJqGETy1cKgSVPW9Cgrkpihqxsg9iIhkwYeSm5ism6CF4BLaxMfZfYUivAFaTMd_dio/s400/041.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedtQGL5GUUClHBoyEYScxUMVlAkF1MqXF4zs2Bobo9bXb9FlvY2FyjaVVI3E4kq5cv2IUiCNv5aI_HwxbfBQ2boVSh0TLTbK9sTtP0e2jZjgPX2Vj7kzvBWUDPKcLWf_4AQZFLWSgsxI/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedtQGL5GUUClHBoyEYScxUMVlAkF1MqXF4zs2Bobo9bXb9FlvY2FyjaVVI3E4kq5cv2IUiCNv5aI_HwxbfBQ2boVSh0TLTbK9sTtP0e2jZjgPX2Vj7kzvBWUDPKcLWf_4AQZFLWSgsxI/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify">Temple Road has a representation of many faiths within a block, with Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist temples. This is the Buddhist temple, which is spectacularly ornate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_pPFyAzIk_h_SftNipIAldu6BypUCdlyh99_8NupjDX9LIHjv6_OQGU9dc-vZcogJigbeQTy59WqzoDYHdIP8KXE94n386vGhCpOWUwhqeqilqGC3EK4ZViZDJUd7EKG-P7AXvicny0/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_pPFyAzIk_h_SftNipIAldu6BypUCdlyh99_8NupjDX9LIHjv6_OQGU9dc-vZcogJigbeQTy59WqzoDYHdIP8KXE94n386vGhCpOWUwhqeqilqGC3EK4ZViZDJUd7EKG-P7AXvicny0/s400/030.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98xRGC1tLYqtB2s4d6JfnGSfKTLbpMGBRUVRTs1JHHBruz-BS7u57A8qZDRbMnKClLOAimFEvrQz0cY4mEKYdWv1C8-3EBabd_G86TMhoYEANH5fvbygMoyZ1BYX8nCy_54UY_bONREo/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98xRGC1tLYqtB2s4d6JfnGSfKTLbpMGBRUVRTs1JHHBruz-BS7u57A8qZDRbMnKClLOAimFEvrQz0cY4mEKYdWv1C8-3EBabd_G86TMhoYEANH5fvbygMoyZ1BYX8nCy_54UY_bONREo/s400/033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-hy3I_Ol7WPo0-go6hMVdbBSqJn9q5Jz2MWjWlB-LkwsYhdPSgw4US9paRGIIDFSVjKeCFwqLk-ZQw41wilxVnZvdpH6_2eNOXuSEMXLVSVpxwbmQiR5OqEjkJLtNmloHFJNt0SUor4/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-hy3I_Ol7WPo0-go6hMVdbBSqJn9q5Jz2MWjWlB-LkwsYhdPSgw4US9paRGIIDFSVjKeCFwqLk-ZQw41wilxVnZvdpH6_2eNOXuSEMXLVSVpxwbmQiR5OqEjkJLtNmloHFJNt0SUor4/s400/053.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Scourge of the Seas--</strong> We walked to the coast where the Melaka River enters the Melaka Strait (the Barrage). As we have seen in most the coastal areas of Southeast Asia, Melaka was no exception. There is a LOT of trash floating about in our oceans. Plastic. It has been a wonderful creation for man, but with a terrible dark side. It is a pollutant that doesn't go away, and it is harming the habitat. Please do your part to minimize its use, and dispose of it properly (for recycling). This is a crisis that few people are aware of.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HsUlBsauUxMediGWdKlJXyLmrk8jnykBl6uqYtfhV68QcF8LrxOKfq-4kXiqVgnjLQjk-9N7Z40woCCNuBEzSiJ-KpootYZUgdDOQQzAeDgOHEk1usUuRbHMiHr7P_8ruK5gDViiwvw/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HsUlBsauUxMediGWdKlJXyLmrk8jnykBl6uqYtfhV68QcF8LrxOKfq-4kXiqVgnjLQjk-9N7Z40woCCNuBEzSiJ-KpootYZUgdDOQQzAeDgOHEk1usUuRbHMiHr7P_8ruK5gDViiwvw/s400/118.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Homesick--</strong> This was a small reminder of Boise, and our neighbor state to the south, Utah.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutmq9gmJnAh6crKT_s4ZFkmqxfxh2o8lipQJysnCWv0j1CLz8-HGqHTdPTJMS_zWln3mbhAg9Cp-1pPUOI3o_Y6EWhtR9Y-mqmMklwfnAE6yrfek1et_kKTz784mfJvNQ3vHTcAVT_Io/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutmq9gmJnAh6crKT_s4ZFkmqxfxh2o8lipQJysnCWv0j1CLz8-HGqHTdPTJMS_zWln3mbhAg9Cp-1pPUOI3o_Y6EWhtR9Y-mqmMklwfnAE6yrfek1et_kKTz784mfJvNQ3vHTcAVT_Io/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Art Gallery--</strong> We weren't quite sure about this style of art. :-) And surprising for a conservative Muslim country!</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-51358832735264914842011-06-12T01:13:00.000-07:002011-06-12T01:13:52.778-07:00Power Chairs<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the more interesting companies that has sales outlets all about Singapore is <a href="http://www.otobodycare.com/sg/english/products_relaxation.cfm">Oto</a>. They are a local company specializing in "health and body care" products. Aside from some products I consider a little dubious (embedded magnet health bracelets and sandals, etc.) there is a line of... power relaxation chairs. This is no ordinary chair. Should you be so fortunate as to have one in your house, you will need to protect your turf from the other household members who will covet your evening retreat. In addition to the comfy back, side, and seat, it has leg rests that envelop your calves, all of which will massage away those stresses from the day. This thing will be the center piece of your family room or den, and be front and center for notice by visitors.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But alas, comfort does not come cheaply. A power relaxation chair such as the Cyber Pro 2900 (the high end model) retails for S$2680.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This puts Archie Bunker's All In The Family chair to shame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/116892507413830162488/CastingAboutSingapore?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOb3cXV7OiRFg#5617243250203155010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhj_eYUkpY4jhvmhCBP7UJi2O5iHd6sPTKEnEcuXmTWDKL1Yk0w5KLEri1RLaGyup_ukDoMh_aXu9uNDL5Qgvkj0zAkk6aJXrt5FVipp5iE1Lm1yU3UEcfDqG3PEvUf28fsKBt6C27Tsg/s640/040.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-30122851450129148712011-06-12T00:33:00.000-07:002011-06-12T00:33:37.824-07:00Hello Dali<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the recent additions to Singapore has been the Art and Science Museum at the Marina Bay Sands complex. It is a strange looking building, which resembles a lotus flower, with some of its petals fallen off. It sits on Marina Bay, the central showcase area of downtown Singapore, along with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Bay_Sands">Marina Bay Sands,</a> a large resort and casino complex, with what looks like a ship perched 55 floors up.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT9o4KpklVLUdleBFAkkc349weBUfbCD3Mh_RDo-A44m1g496ociI-UFxeb5u_5JL49UBBTjrn3C6s4x12T-6ixmZ7QqHothjI43G5sJMc2M31nrYy5A6h7L6nxlYDiiLsF3t1hJjnAY/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggT9o4KpklVLUdleBFAkkc349weBUfbCD3Mh_RDo-A44m1g496ociI-UFxeb5u_5JL49UBBTjrn3C6s4x12T-6ixmZ7QqHothjI43G5sJMc2M31nrYy5A6h7L6nxlYDiiLsF3t1hJjnAY/s400/089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art Science Museum on the Marina Bay, Singapore</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">We have now been to three exhibits at the museum (see <a href="http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=7178794038062721362">Art Science Museum</a>), which has become a part of our standard tour for in-town visitors (as well as the Sky Deck at MBS). While Elaine's mom, Barbara was visiting this past May, we attended an exhibit of Salvador Dali art showing at the museum. The exhibit featured mostly sculptures, some of which we had seen previously at an exhibit in London several years ago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dali's art has always impressed me-- it is very bizarre indeed, and I admit I fail to appreciate or recognize the symbolism embedded in it. But I find it interesting to look at. I particularly like his "clocks" themed work, and Dali Vision, a creative mosaic approach of pictures that are pixelated with miniature pictures within pictures. Most famous is his "Abraham Lincoln" portrait, a print of which hung in our house for several years. Unfortunately this exhibit did not include any Dali Vision pieces.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdzgzRuIF0LNq6cFQVMYDorr4T6NZqFVLPboAFf0b6LK2PvjqAUMffvC_aDduPlsNAlkFuosDpzqaIQzPYXGOgioT0uvCCTwC5cTF7im2VSKQnd5Ecme4TILyqO_v3IRg-M8t991t-fY/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdzgzRuIF0LNq6cFQVMYDorr4T6NZqFVLPboAFf0b6LK2PvjqAUMffvC_aDduPlsNAlkFuosDpzqaIQzPYXGOgioT0uvCCTwC5cTF7im2VSKQnd5Ecme4TILyqO_v3IRg-M8t991t-fY/s400/038.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAzQpizkXdVuZx444fDysDVRJfxYp12xD5YIdbgu06wJRD1zZdJZ4TedCWs9nsOYrtANy-iIjxdTxbTUKLGqSVJapyG7Sf2KMxr0fLQLMxjsZ_vEN1qzHTcFQwxdjsUAiFrLiCQTtK9U/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAzQpizkXdVuZx444fDysDVRJfxYp12xD5YIdbgu06wJRD1zZdJZ4TedCWs9nsOYrtANy-iIjxdTxbTUKLGqSVJapyG7Sf2KMxr0fLQLMxjsZ_vEN1qzHTcFQwxdjsUAiFrLiCQTtK9U/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dali had a thing with drawers, which is a recurring theme in several of his works.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtaBfnpP2TFyvoV4db2EC8czUmH31_dGpTVPuB39vsFoQPQQCUoFY8-24aAX4gjn3W6gtbirg7ukLDI8X6pa3JflQ8kyKBVbkyjJe9lyTzq5F4lam2kdWBZ_Ijpyd7jP6a6bj3gclj5A/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtaBfnpP2TFyvoV4db2EC8czUmH31_dGpTVPuB39vsFoQPQQCUoFY8-24aAX4gjn3W6gtbirg7ukLDI8X6pa3JflQ8kyKBVbkyjJe9lyTzq5F4lam2kdWBZ_Ijpyd7jP6a6bj3gclj5A/s400/014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnYYdyZ7kxds-d_Y0glTitv5WPxC1d31WviKCQoEQ8vCh2PC-qtzRvMUnjFNPBvWNHdUuTW8VlCPHNQtf3Phxbxt95zYxkE2SHy-9acHM1BSXS9upKeNAcD1S6SKrHlqkhj7i-fNvgyg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnYYdyZ7kxds-d_Y0glTitv5WPxC1d31WviKCQoEQ8vCh2PC-qtzRvMUnjFNPBvWNHdUuTW8VlCPHNQtf3Phxbxt95zYxkE2SHy-9acHM1BSXS9upKeNAcD1S6SKrHlqkhj7i-fNvgyg/s400/006.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sculpture was outdoors at the museum entrance<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFseo4IfNbIc8_Mudkjhl_RY5IgF57DrPwFsMwZIKQI_2dNwDGkTjlbTaTZkwD7B7x3R1FXYRimj7QkQBlJXzvs1I4j2Rfy5-OkoKTPjyVzzf3NAwb-yKofNs6I8qoHQzxunyfqaEsaj8/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFseo4IfNbIc8_Mudkjhl_RY5IgF57DrPwFsMwZIKQI_2dNwDGkTjlbTaTZkwD7B7x3R1FXYRimj7QkQBlJXzvs1I4j2Rfy5-OkoKTPjyVzzf3NAwb-yKofNs6I8qoHQzxunyfqaEsaj8/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZTXIyZeKyljDb_hX-_3rsCpfrQjRkxO0_6KTrTpKhpZp2BYyWJpsRJ2nqBXm1bbrwXyU92bW0f7ZW31nccL2nc1gCTSyLGB7AnKtEi9jLKNb9HSbcDPbjm5ZX7kzLDZXE4nMzo-EYG4/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZTXIyZeKyljDb_hX-_3rsCpfrQjRkxO0_6KTrTpKhpZp2BYyWJpsRJ2nqBXm1bbrwXyU92bW0f7ZW31nccL2nc1gCTSyLGB7AnKtEi9jLKNb9HSbcDPbjm5ZX7kzLDZXE4nMzo-EYG4/s400/023.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYhXTpaWc-OZtYMmxWoig92B9FNa5ncnNniDfF4-Ptg40zLg2pWpEk9we9ah98l3dR776eHWcHZ4t7U8VpDGeg9Zr1XUo4SWm_1cqtKGckoPTsIb0wh7rhTjx-Hm_xlDK4I65Lpf9kDE/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYhXTpaWc-OZtYMmxWoig92B9FNa5ncnNniDfF4-Ptg40zLg2pWpEk9we9ah98l3dR776eHWcHZ4t7U8VpDGeg9Zr1XUo4SWm_1cqtKGckoPTsIb0wh7rhTjx-Hm_xlDK4I65Lpf9kDE/s400/029.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxdj-lU-5uc5utNbsnYfLl_8rlM-uiToSuQeIy_xI1tYDcDxWMfKW5__8p_1frGD56TRw8vz93zXAd0_vPNEPk92YUAvWpWtEzUx4Kxycjh3j8y2UoqEbhYIiMAFXf58ZeBJsbG-EwVI/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxdj-lU-5uc5utNbsnYfLl_8rlM-uiToSuQeIy_xI1tYDcDxWMfKW5__8p_1frGD56TRw8vz93zXAd0_vPNEPk92YUAvWpWtEzUx4Kxycjh3j8y2UoqEbhYIiMAFXf58ZeBJsbG-EwVI/s400/043.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clocks are another recurring theme, and several pieces in the exhibit had clocks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmT6qT3mWshFjAdBS13b3QvXE_9ut-1fxodhQCUSabvGKXvK3Fb4RY6-KSgGOB7Jg6A7MJmxiqYNBJ6YTkqdVoiBjbcNZGPd0xQPrkrsFh3BEngR46dMN6h38aDyevwq9-MeDg6bn0sI/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmT6qT3mWshFjAdBS13b3QvXE_9ut-1fxodhQCUSabvGKXvK3Fb4RY6-KSgGOB7Jg6A7MJmxiqYNBJ6YTkqdVoiBjbcNZGPd0xQPrkrsFh3BEngR46dMN6h38aDyevwq9-MeDg6bn0sI/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>More works of art (but not by Dali)</strong>-- Barbara and Elaine on top of the MBS Sky Deck, overlooking Marina Bay, Singapore </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-43475236363143677082011-06-08T17:26:00.000-07:002011-06-08T17:33:32.551-07:00Hair FeathersThe troubling trend (for fly tyers) that I posted in February <a href="http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogI=717879403806272362"><span id="goog_2082967976"></span>[A Run on Feathers]<span id="goog_2082967977"></span></a> has apparently gone from an annoyance to an epidemic problem. The general media has picked up the story and many reports have described the feather fever, including reports coming from the friends back at Idaho Angler in Boise. The world continues to be small, as a friend (non fisherman) commented on FaceBook about the trend, after reading an article about it in The Straits Times, the local Singapore newspaper. The article was an AP release, and included an interview with the guys at Idaho Angler.<br />
Despite the miles, with today's technologies, you are never really very far from home.<br />
<br />
<b>Media Stories:</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li>http://midcurrent.com/2011/06/08/the-daily-hackle/</li>
<li>ttp://midcurrent.com/2011/06/07/feather-pioneer-henry-hoffman-on-the-hair-extension-craze/</li>
<li>http://kuow.org/northwestnews.php?storyID=137034427</li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, SunSans-Regular, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 27px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Anglers' 'Hackles' Raised Over New Hair Trend</span>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-40157006769623627442011-05-06T23:47:00.000-07:002011-05-06T23:47:21.788-07:00MacRitchie Reservoir Park<div style="text-align: justify;">This past weekend Elaine and I made a trip to MacRitchie Reservoir Park, one of the Singapore parks that has been on our list for some time. Singapore has several fresh water reservoirs in its interior, which provide water for the city. The water basin areas also serve as nature reserves and parks for some limited recreation, not unlike many water reservoirs in The States. The reservoirs are also a keystone of Singapore history. Singapore was the largest military base in the world in the British Empire prior to World War II, and a strategic center for Southeast Asia. However, the Japanese, with a smaller invading force than the British defence, was able to force capitulation after only a month of battle because they were able to capture the areas surrounding the reservoirs, and disrupt the water supply to Singapore.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><strong>Tree Top Walk</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Our main interest in MacRitchie was to do a "hike" in a more rural area, but also see and walk on the <a href="http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=attractions&id=64&Itemid=73">Tree Top Walk</a>, an elevated bridge across a small gorge in the park. (Truth told, you are never too far from the city anywhere in Singapore.) The bridge is about 250m in length, although the "walk" follows a boardwalk through the jungle area (some areas are boggy), which is about 1.2 Km in total. To reach the Tree Top Walk requires about 4.5 Km, and another 4 or 5 Km to get back, so all told, our hike was north of 10 Km. The journey took us in a complete loop around the edges of MacRitchie Reservoir. It took us about 4 hours.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbiCInbf1Dl6I9J9eNXMU2VXuDCrPrmnvIQvElnVaNjSR0oTbxSSSWjzr0d2BV7EEl-1-rcbXBsbLVYIdMc9qm4qqCkp1EIamr4LLkCgZjLD7DTIkQyzYq7kxoobdmevb-hrKPeZKp90/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbiCInbf1Dl6I9J9eNXMU2VXuDCrPrmnvIQvElnVaNjSR0oTbxSSSWjzr0d2BV7EEl-1-rcbXBsbLVYIdMc9qm4qqCkp1EIamr4LLkCgZjLD7DTIkQyzYq7kxoobdmevb-hrKPeZKp90/s400/021.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim & Elaine on the MacRitchie Park Tree Top Walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0YhyphenhyphenucA6D-6pvGKNMfUiKQLSOuUeNsdr91v5MKPxSIvTYAiot67fiQk57ktACEc_zXMMrlS9w4OyeBIG5EuMEOfZOxYylaOZMwpjJO2droZ8_a5WLe8jrxQEueInxI3yqRRwCsdEy2M/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0YhyphenhyphenucA6D-6pvGKNMfUiKQLSOuUeNsdr91v5MKPxSIvTYAiot67fiQk57ktACEc_zXMMrlS9w4OyeBIG5EuMEOfZOxYylaOZMwpjJO2droZ8_a5WLe8jrxQEueInxI3yqRRwCsdEy2M/s400/025.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tree Top Walk bridge--</strong> The TTW is a narrow suspension bridge (yes, a little sway). Patrons are required to go a single direction, no returns as it is rather narrow. A ranger monitors the bridge at one end, and access is locked during non-open hours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The weather was cloudy, and a very slight rain brought a few drops on occasion during the afternoon. This may sound bad, but actually the walk would have been unbearably hot if it had been a bright sunny day. Despite the high humidity in Singapore city proper, it was noticeably more humid in the jungle forest of MacRitchie. By the end of the walk, I was as soaked as I might have been if we had been caught in a real Singapore downpour, with not overwhelming exertion. Distances here can be deceiving-- a short distance can seem much longer because of the heat and humidity.</div><br />
<strong>Mystery Shoe Failures</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Apparently the trails around MacRitchie are quite rugged, or mysteriously hard on shoes. We probably passed as many as a dozen different shoe soles along the path-- pieces of shoes from blow-outs along the way. Fortunately, unlike the shoes along the Washington state coast, there were no feet in these shoes-- just the rubber/plastic sole parts. What causes these failures? Nike should investigate.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xYsj2kSnLTV_Xh4n10do1a0sMNDK9vxxeCfvoCjk7DPE-kZo6DUY3rT1mihdF3_OVHWA2mwSfWK2-HA9yolMpIURRHhP8scrIKthdW5ibninZ0Vup12VI0EZS556cw_s1yE2yR-cHh0/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xYsj2kSnLTV_Xh4n10do1a0sMNDK9vxxeCfvoCjk7DPE-kZo6DUY3rT1mihdF3_OVHWA2mwSfWK2-HA9yolMpIURRHhP8scrIKthdW5ibninZ0Vup12VI0EZS556cw_s1yE2yR-cHh0/s400/051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Rubber on the Trail--</strong> a piece of someone's shoe. I saw MANY of these. There is something odd going on at MacRitchie Reservoir. Something causing massive shoe failure. Perhaps it is the heat and high humidity, or runners that just overheated their feet with a strong run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcK_oJ-RD0Zy2fqfR20LXtb-nE38UYzfK8IOXgapHnNOh-L3S106SK6fahBZOrQN0T9nr9DgUpdOt9-dpqFd9QDNzbv2L_wB8COlp2r1LSHytTRK6-5ztP7dlHzxLKLCWODtyZP0xJHM/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcK_oJ-RD0Zy2fqfR20LXtb-nE38UYzfK8IOXgapHnNOh-L3S106SK6fahBZOrQN0T9nr9DgUpdOt9-dpqFd9QDNzbv2L_wB8COlp2r1LSHytTRK6-5ztP7dlHzxLKLCWODtyZP0xJHM/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>MacRitchie Reservoir Park--</strong> the jungle trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<strong>No Fly Fishermen Allowed</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">As I discussed in an earlier post, <a href="http://castingaboutsg.blogspot.com/2010/12/casting-about-fly-fishing-in-singapore.html">fresh water fly fishing</a> in Singapore is nearly illegal. I got to see this first hand at MacRitchie Reservoir. That's not to say it is totally illegal here. Here's the information:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAo5bISxdf8WjsrNK5TYvtZYCQeQp-gzn2iJ5_KoPTwV1VpFT6tcj0e6xlurwZShawNQtXpmWxssz1e4MgYVxCvpC3WOOlo8cyEteHOQOonIaea4rwpsTXgCKWcJDnHRlT7YgNRNSqI7I/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAo5bISxdf8WjsrNK5TYvtZYCQeQp-gzn2iJ5_KoPTwV1VpFT6tcj0e6xlurwZShawNQtXpmWxssz1e4MgYVxCvpC3WOOlo8cyEteHOQOonIaea4rwpsTXgCKWcJDnHRlT7YgNRNSqI7I/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As it says, the allowable fishing area starts here:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT82vHSBa2-Y8p7pQ3SlrwmyavH9tkuQwTzrvmth406rDZRTeixQv4NS8UEnkAVXcb6IETrXSdu7yOpK93kexKF6fbUAMECSxznYrZmPz-u1G7t5ouVW3dyGkDfFrn-IZZ78TXKEoPq3Y/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT82vHSBa2-Y8p7pQ3SlrwmyavH9tkuQwTzrvmth406rDZRTeixQv4NS8UEnkAVXcb6IETrXSdu7yOpK93kexKF6fbUAMECSxznYrZmPz-u1G7t5ouVW3dyGkDfFrn-IZZ78TXKEoPq3Y/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>... and it ends here:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkLvbh4PNdTqm0-A_OM6wKiSjO1ljcjU-Kn7oOZpUnPSG7Ipj5BaCJ80WvccpULBkz6_XIOi5K0ZcJid7Y6BGsyZp6DouMGf5ai0fzSh4lm_aXWRaqJkI8qk_iFGnB-P9ShEAn-nNd6k/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkLvbh4PNdTqm0-A_OM6wKiSjO1ljcjU-Kn7oOZpUnPSG7Ipj5BaCJ80WvccpULBkz6_XIOi5K0ZcJid7Y6BGsyZp6DouMGf5ai0fzSh4lm_aXWRaqJkI8qk_iFGnB-P9ShEAn-nNd6k/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>To give you better perspective, here is another picture:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-xMdLFK6gjCJD9u-QPQP3iqZ63HQxYt1URoalkgBtDlSQF-oIWpVimMSvf4LCt1fjiDEfmxkaI-B5bJx1ZtYNPxjWUpX5EL8Y7bJl5K4jno2LpPAHDIcWIpV5MJnKLD5U5fAoRB9gxM/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-xMdLFK6gjCJD9u-QPQP3iqZ63HQxYt1URoalkgBtDlSQF-oIWpVimMSvf4LCt1fjiDEfmxkaI-B5bJx1ZtYNPxjWUpX5EL8Y7bJl5K4jno2LpPAHDIcWIpV5MJnKLD5U5fAoRB9gxM/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The vertical sign post some ways down the shore is the first sign. All other areas around the reservoir appear to be restricted. To fly fish in this area requires a good roll cast, or use of a switch rod, as the walking path behind the approved area is pretty close for a back cast. I'm also pretty sure the fish in the reservoir probably avoid this section. Any of those that failed to do so, disappeared.</div><br />
The restrictions don't stop everyone... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGgDv9FQ-jNrKQU6zvw3YxXa6cG0oJCg7rM9lJYkqcsCaYbW04pqgCcAVWqo2ambVMeP1ET_Tp_G48HgEwlVc-nNpKMapeStGn2UV1sqYMrx6vWmZGW6v2CR_eF02aaTbiP2sbLKtfwo/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGgDv9FQ-jNrKQU6zvw3YxXa6cG0oJCg7rM9lJYkqcsCaYbW04pqgCcAVWqo2ambVMeP1ET_Tp_G48HgEwlVc-nNpKMapeStGn2UV1sqYMrx6vWmZGW6v2CR_eF02aaTbiP2sbLKtfwo/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The park is patrolled by rangers, so fishermen beware!<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I was pleased to see some promotion of Catch And Release practices:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4OKRF9UCpXvY97XOFrKLTyTY8aA-hrfsnZ-43AFUeHPm1inRbdY09UWs3Rz8BdB51Pfds1G9ELCLrWAZVDNip7PMG7GcHvsOPSbxkGPDCEKyHui5DkETD9GN_xpXZD3qrbbgOcftgiY/s1600/006a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4OKRF9UCpXvY97XOFrKLTyTY8aA-hrfsnZ-43AFUeHPm1inRbdY09UWs3Rz8BdB51Pfds1G9ELCLrWAZVDNip7PMG7GcHvsOPSbxkGPDCEKyHui5DkETD9GN_xpXZD3qrbbgOcftgiY/s400/006a.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n9-r0BKTf3M_oGNF-B7mACLu2x507uJ9z0FtSQ-hYuEubGqiAE-h-A7ITaffpbyXLc-ew3_b3wcsBHKXIKcnN5vw-eiYMK5YhgiOlUTKvrBhQ8OSGGgENspzzn4VChv70EzMTt0Z4EQ/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n9-r0BKTf3M_oGNF-B7mACLu2x507uJ9z0FtSQ-hYuEubGqiAE-h-A7ITaffpbyXLc-ew3_b3wcsBHKXIKcnN5vw-eiYMK5YhgiOlUTKvrBhQ8OSGGgENspzzn4VChv70EzMTt0Z4EQ/s400/052.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Long-tailed Macaque Monkey--</strong> Humans aren't the only ones at MacRitchie park. There are also golfers enjoying use of the golf course along one side of MacRitchie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">But, restricting fishing to a 50 meter stretch of reservoir is probably the greatest conservation measure for fish, short of prohibiting fishing entirely. Other aquatic activities are permissible on the reservoir. There is a significant rowing course (with a boat house for the rowing shells) with buoys, and kayaking is done as well.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0GtatPuj6dzAmvp3uX9m4UvRX-de2kzNIOsPQ9pqRz9y0mtryM_r8DQ20Fun34_88wlat3y27EZ5JSxXdaTYBDVVK1Xvyy19hqrTRjtPcYdlYm6Wbfi4JeVUzikFXxTOGIgbzqnkVsM/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0GtatPuj6dzAmvp3uX9m4UvRX-de2kzNIOsPQ9pqRz9y0mtryM_r8DQ20Fun34_88wlat3y27EZ5JSxXdaTYBDVVK1Xvyy19hqrTRjtPcYdlYm6Wbfi4JeVUzikFXxTOGIgbzqnkVsM/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rowing course at MacRitchie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-22426030941807314092011-04-11T19:42:00.000-07:002011-04-12T21:30:17.012-07:00You can read my feet!I winced from the pain, as the attendant momentarily stopped and dug his thumb into a particular spot on my foot. He looked up at me.<br />
<br />
"You have neck pain."<br />
<br />
It was a statement, not a question. Actually, at this very moment I had severe foot pain, caused by his thumb. With clenched teeth, I nodded, while trying to regain some facade of toughness. Yes, I've had issues with my neck. About four years ago a CT scan confirmed that the C6-C7 disks in my neck were bulging, causing me much discomfort and shoulder pain at the time. How did he know? To my relief he released the pressure, and moved along in his routine to another area of the foot.<br />
<br />
"You have much stress"<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure how this could be true. Since leaving my management job four years ago, people have told me I look "more relaxed". But, he nailed the neck thing, so maybe he was right about this too.<br />
<br />
This past Christmas Elaine presented me with gift certificates for a local massage studio in Vivo City, our neighborhood shopping mall. I've never had a massage before (other than as part of physical therapy for the neck thing)-- I've always thought of them as a bit narcissistic. I probably sound a bit sexist, but many women seem to accept them as necessary part of life. I've never had a manicure either.<br />
<br />
After a vigorous exercise workout a couple of weeks ago, I thought a massage would be relaxing, and good relief for some sore, (underused) muscles. Besides, we needed to use the certificates before they expired. So I suggested to Elaine that we both go spend a certificate for a massage-- 10 minutes for S$10 each.<br />
<br />
That didn't turn out quite like I imagined. The masseuse found interesting ways to impart pressure on my back, not much of it relaxing. I thought he was attempting to drive his elbow through my back and out my chest. I was pretty sure I heard pieces of flesh coming loose internally. Ten minutes was probably enough.<br />
<br />
The foot massage I thought would be different. Not so much. The thirty minute procedure started with a nice hot foot bath, followed by several minutes of foot abuse.<br />
<br />
A sharp pain returned to my foot, this time in a different spot. The masseuse again looked up at me.<br />
<br />
"You have problem with your gut."<br />
<br />
Well yes, perhaps correct again. We had some food court dinner the day before, which hadn't been all that great, and a bit spicy. I was finding this all a little disquieting. What other personal information was this man discovering about me, betrayed to him by my feet? I had been hacked, through my feet!<br />
<br />
"You have many years of tension built up. I cannot remove that in 30 minutes. It take two or three one hour sessions, at least. It get better and not hurt so much after a while"<br />
<br />
From his look, I can tell that he is politely informing me that my body is a difficult case for him. Should I continue in his care, my massage therapy will likely become a case study for masseuse academics. I need to consider this, and determine if I can face regular visits to get me beyond the "a while". Why is it that these things that are supposed to be "good" for you-- exercise, massage all involve pain? Isn't that the signal mechanism from the body to the brain for Bad?<br />
<br />
Massage is popular in Singapore-- there are massage salons everywhere, and perhaps Singaporeans really do believe they are a necessary part of life. <a href="http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm">Foot Reflexology</a> is an ancient Asian and Middle Eastern practice that ties the health of many parts of the body through the nerves in the feet. It has been practiced for many centuries.<br />
<br />
"You hate dogs, and didn't get along with your mother."<br />
<br />
OK, I made that part up, the masseuse didn't say that. But perhaps a visit to the foot masseuse can be as productive as a visit to the GP or even the shrink. It is something that can augment Western medicine. After all, he disclosed all those things about me in only a few minutes of pummeling my feet. And the fee was considerably less money than the CT scan cost.<br />
<br />
Admittedly, after completing the procedure on only one foot, it was noticeably more relaxed, and the joints more loose, than the other. In thirty minutes, I had two flexible feet, and diagnosis of other ailments. I am now out of certificates, but if my feet are willing, who knows what another session might discover about me? <br />
<br />
Along the feet theme is another ancient Asian practice, the <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/7833539/Fish-pedicure-with-100-hungry-creatures.html">fish pedicure</a>, also available here. Patrons sit with their feet immersed in an aquarium tank, and allow small fish (carp) to nibble away the dead skin. Hmmm... maybe NEXT week.Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-83520919164859462252011-04-02T00:45:00.000-07:002011-04-02T00:45:02.409-07:00Singlish, lah<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. English is the administrative language, and the other three respect the cross-cultural demographics of Singapore, representing the three largest ethnic groups in the population. When one first arrives, as an English language speaker, you may not be able to comprehend the conversations around you. However, with a keen ear you will come to realize that English is quite prevalent, but in variation-- Singlish, the Singapore dialect.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Certain expressions are used to which we are not accustomed-- "can" may replace "yes" when responding to a question. And most common, the expression "Lah" may be added to the end of sentences for added emphasis. For example, "Your are late, lah!". Here is some help if you want to understand "<a href="http://www.talkingcock.com/">talking cock</a>" (boisterous speech) in Singlish. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okkXx48utDw&playnext=1&list=PL1DB1345F19BDB3FA">Learning and understanding Singlish</a> is possible after some time, and some expats can become very adept.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Singaporeans are generally very calm and peaceful. So it was rather unusual to witness a loud argument between two men in front of a shop, during a recent visit to Chinatown. Apparently the shop owner had expelled a customer from his shop for "disturbing the other customers". I'm not sure what this meant. The Singlish started flying back and forth, and concluded with the finale of "F*%# you, lah" and the response, "No, F*%# you,lah!" No real translation required.</span></div>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-34668288598137289932011-03-11T20:07:00.000-08:002011-03-11T20:07:59.797-08:00Art Science Museum @ Marina Bay SandsThe Marina Bay district of Singapore (heart of the downtown) has had construction ongoing since we arrived last year. Several projects have completed, with several more still in progress. The overall area development is the flagship project of Singapore, and when completed will rival or exceed the spectacular views of The Bund in Shanghai.<br />
The Marina Bay Sands integrated resort/casino opened last year, and in February, the Art & Science Museum attached to this complex opened. This past weekend we went to check it out. It, like many museums, is not a cheap date-- S$30.00 for adults for entry. (I compare this with the US$26.00 and US$14.00 parking it cost to enter the newly rebuilt California Academy of Sciences Museum in San Francisco that we recently visited-- also a spendy day out).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqupKaxr-2bGTQd0lJM-DnF1mWlvulCfAphfhHHL_-G8zIABfyy63xpxcoNlipyp8yXD7qhMJyT3urDrGb9ADkiSdREtGwgHhBalD3obQ3tJFdtNYYj6Pniv8SWowTfLZnVke8Ms8VVY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqupKaxr-2bGTQd0lJM-DnF1mWlvulCfAphfhHHL_-G8zIABfyy63xpxcoNlipyp8yXD7qhMJyT3urDrGb9ADkiSdREtGwgHhBalD3obQ3tJFdtNYYj6Pniv8SWowTfLZnVke8Ms8VVY/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Art Science Museum--</strong> Marina Bay Sands, Singapore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The building housing the museum is unique-- it is shaped like a lotus flower, and sits on the edge of the bay. The building has four floors-- the top floor gallery is dedicated to art and design-- with a large display on the design concepts that went into the museum building.<br />
During our visit we toured three exhibits (not including the fourth floor art/design exhibit).<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds</span></strong><br />
This exhibit was fabulous, featuring many artifacts, primarily pottery, recovered from a ninth century ship that sank near the Indonesian island of Gelitung. The ship was Arab, and its discovery in 1998 was the first proof that Arab sea traders ventured as far as East Asia as early as the Tang Dynasty. The pottery came mostly from central China (Xi'an), where a city of 1 million people mass produced goods, including pottery, for trade. Thousands of pieces of pottery, and some gold and silver items were found in the wreck.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Traveling The Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World</strong></span><br />
This exhibit had few, if any artifacts, but presented a history of the Silk Road-- the trade route(s) between central China and Baghdad in the Middle East. Four cities were highlighted along the route (Xi'an, Turfan, Samarkand, and Baghdad) and their role in servicing the traders and caravans of the route. Although trade occurred for many items, silk was a major trade item, and often was used as currency for other goods and services along the route. A part of the exhibition detailed the history of silk and how it is made-- fascinating. (Silk worms are as domesticated as cows are-- they are blind, eat only mulberry leaves, and would now perish if left to fend for themselves in the wild. Silk cocoons are literally unravelled to harvest the silk threads. The coccoon must be boiled in water prior to unraveling, which is fatal to the pupae).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRglh7ZuI5WYKKan7ir2vdsNtntVVVkv7vf6I2NrQW9U3UJ4w2ncTKiXXCVYDmzHJnlUeOSIyNPdSVvLwHDdQlzfIgPMr4_ZrYV__0Gsl6YVITq8Sm6dF_J7oGM6oxPSwnX4w77F7Lsg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRglh7ZuI5WYKKan7ir2vdsNtntVVVkv7vf6I2NrQW9U3UJ4w2ncTKiXXCVYDmzHJnlUeOSIyNPdSVvLwHDdQlzfIgPMr4_ZrYV__0Gsl6YVITq8Sm6dF_J7oGM6oxPSwnX4w77F7Lsg/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Silk Cocoons--</strong> Each of these cocoons contains a silk pupae. The cocoons are dropped in boiling water to break down the sticky binding agent. The end of the threads are located, then "unwound" from the cocoon onto a reel, then processed for thread.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Genghis Khan</span></strong><br />
This exhibit highlighted the life and history of the famous 13th century Mongolian invader, and the empire he and his descendents created by conquering neighboring territories. The Mongol empire stretched from Baghdad in the Middle East to the shores of the Pacific (although the Mongols were unsuccessful in conquering Japan), and from the edges of the Russian empire down to India. The exhibit included many weapons and other artfifacts of the Mongol era, and described how Genghis was both ruthless and wise in his governance and organization.<br />
<br />
Despite the expense I would recommend a visit to the museum, should you find yourself in Singapore for a visit.Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-3387370505729170532011-02-28T22:29:00.000-08:002011-03-09T17:31:23.453-08:00A run on feathers...Oh, this can't be good. With a pseudo fly fishing theme, I thought it necessary not to pass up commenting on a recent <a href="http://www.anglingtrade.com/2011/02/22/hackle-hair-today-gone-tomorrow/">news article</a> I came across regarding chicken feathers, or "hackle" used in tying fishing flies. It seems fashion has invaded the local fly and tackle shops. Women's beauty salon owners are buying up entire supplies of hackle feathers, normally sold as the construction material for fishing flies, and causing dramatic rise in prices and stock-outs.<br />
The feathers are being used in a new hair fashion-- hair extensions with the colorful feathers. It began in Boulder Colorado, and is spreading worldwide. With Miley Cyrus and other celebrities taking up the style, there will be a crush of teen emulation, and a bigger run on the fly shops for hackle.<br />
What does this mean to the fly tyers and anglers? Undoubtedly higher prices-- both for the raw materials for those anglers tying their own flies, and the flies supplied in the shop for those that don't. Premium hackle feathers used for fly tying are expensive to begin with (as much as $60 or more for one high grade chicken cape), as they are from chickens bred specifically to produce feathers ideally shaped for tying the flies. Prices are reportedly doubling overnight as a result of the run on the fly shop's supplies.<br />
And I can only assume this can't be particularly good for the chickens out there either.<br />
<br />
Update: 10 March A <a href="http://vimeo.com/19485702">video</a> showing the new feather fashion.Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-21033106918871238672011-01-23T20:38:00.000-08:002011-01-23T20:38:22.458-08:00Singapore Chinese Orchestra<div style="text-align: justify;">Much like our concerts in the botanical gardens of Boise during the summer, Singapore has similar events in its own botanical garden. Tonight we met our friends Stephan and Lubka for a picnic dinner and a wonderful one hour concert (free) in the Singapore botanical gardens. The concert featured the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, and was part of the celebration ramp up for Chinese new years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The band shell and outdoor amphitheatre couldn't be better. The band shell is at the bottom of a gradually sloping hillside, on a pier structure with a koi pond surrounding it. There are trees and shade along the edges of the hillside, and it provide a very pleasant environment for music and a picnic.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The orchestra was splendid, playing traditional Chinese new year music. Although the instruments were mostly Asian (some research will be required to properly identify the instruments), the music bore a strong similarity to western culture classical music. My ignorance of the history of the Asian music and the instruments is great-- I am wondering if western stringed instruments have roots in the east, or if these developed independently?<br />
<br />
UPDATE: A quick check of Wikipedia informs me the primary instruments in the orchestra are <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erhu">erhu</a></em>, a 2-stringed instrument played with a bow, from a family of bowed instruments called <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huqin">huquin</a></em>. These instruments evolved out of central Asia, and have roots over a thousand years old. As my hypothesis proposed, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violin#History">violin</a> and other stringed instruments of western culture emerged out of Northern Italy in the 16th century, and are likely descendants of the huquin instruments, invented much earlier.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXk0OoT8JMCmMWf72UQPOq0-f5q_3ixl-T-Xt46j9hfhfNzw6A_5gHCBRPweqXycNIfNki98kX7Fo1nW9BlfoVRyX6DdV6sVlcrlocbqThzAxYzRdl_kbLWCCmdC1aaF6Yg3YenEZn74/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXk0OoT8JMCmMWf72UQPOq0-f5q_3ixl-T-Xt46j9hfhfNzw6A_5gHCBRPweqXycNIfNki98kX7Fo1nW9BlfoVRyX6DdV6sVlcrlocbqThzAxYzRdl_kbLWCCmdC1aaF6Yg3YenEZn74/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Singapore Botanical Gardens Bandshell--</strong> The Singapore Chinese Orchestra performed a free 1 hour concert featuring traditional Chinese New Years music.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKY9r7lJCinZOB-Y97AqnaSFMXdwPgctM2NCnZVFVQq7LahM5EjjiLzc6OEefOgUCrKKQuhXS_w4SYpAaECepC-hBh4oPVUOSomc8xjjPt8BF1WNmwbyD2Z4x3hqHXnsFzUlhQcIn4AA/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKY9r7lJCinZOB-Y97AqnaSFMXdwPgctM2NCnZVFVQq7LahM5EjjiLzc6OEefOgUCrKKQuhXS_w4SYpAaECepC-hBh4oPVUOSomc8xjjPt8BF1WNmwbyD2Z4x3hqHXnsFzUlhQcIn4AA/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jim, Elaine, Stephan, Lubka, and Estelle--</strong> A nice picnic dinner, complete with champagne. The weather was mild, with some of the monsoon breezes keeping things cool. A delightful evening of music, food, drink, and great conversation with friends. Estelle wasn't as entertained as the rest of us, but I am certain enjoyed an evening out with "the folks", and the broad attention from the crowd at the gardens. The cat had a quiet evening home alone without Estelle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-65850020710652424982011-01-23T05:21:00.000-08:002011-01-23T05:21:34.636-08:00Six Degrees of Separation from SingaporeIf Kevin Bacon is the center of the entertainment universe, and can be linked to any other actor by six steps of separation, then Singapore must share some similar weird connection like that, where everyone in the universe is somehow connected to this place.<br />
Yesterday we experienced yet another one of those "You've got to be kidding" circumstances that seem to keep happening. Elaine and I were in the Chinatown MRT station, when this tall person walked up to me to say hello. The face was familiar, but the context was all wrong. I looked, then looked again. The person was Mark P., whom I worked with in Boise for many years. I hadn't seen him in perhaps 20 years.<br />
As it turns out, Mark (who still lives and works in Boise) was in Singapore on business-- his first visit. He was in Chinatown to see some of the sights, as Singapore is preparing for Chinese New Years. We met for dinner that evening, and caught up on the last 20 years.<br />
One of these chance meetings alone would be unique, however, this is the third occasion where we have met someone with first or second order linkage back to our world in the U.S.<br />
Perhaps there actually are only two or three hundred people in the world, who are moving about constantly. This would make the chances of these odd encounters occurring much more likely and believable.<br />
And yet they do happen.Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-51372746643424425652011-01-20T23:14:00.000-08:002011-01-20T23:14:55.965-08:00Thaipusam Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Singapore is truly a melting pot of cultures and ethnicity, with resident communities of Arab, Tamil, Chinese, Malaysian , and many more. One of the more unique of the many festivals and holidays celebrated in Singapore is the Hindu Thaipusam Festival. This festival is held during the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai, which falls in the Roman calendar months of January or February. The festival is in honor to the god <em>Murugan</em>, who was created by the god <em>Shiva</em> to help lead the <em>Devas </em>to victory over the <em>Asuras</em> in battle. Murugan is the Tamil God of War. The festival is highlighted by a procession of followers showing their devotion to Murugan by carrying ornate <em>Kavadi</em> (burdens) which are attached to their bodies by hooks [<em>more</em>].<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BHHXom-oF13yf-S_YFgBVyQNHY93vnrxRkHemS0PNFuKU0Y-dinRRey_wZs9yEGRr4Qd_lDhMk8varaFADqcuhpTSqzEWqtPaaG9fGOTVJ7NmT5ZNgYSF765U5mYMbqvnSX0uFKI-PI/s1600/Thaipusam+542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BHHXom-oF13yf-S_YFgBVyQNHY93vnrxRkHemS0PNFuKU0Y-dinRRey_wZs9yEGRr4Qd_lDhMk8varaFADqcuhpTSqzEWqtPaaG9fGOTVJ7NmT5ZNgYSF765U5mYMbqvnSX0uFKI-PI/s400/Thaipusam+542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thaipusam procession</strong>-- a devotee and his entourage shows his devotion to the god <em>Murugan</em> by bearing a <em>kavadi</em> (burden) in the procession between temples during the Thaipusam Festival 2011 in Singapore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Thaipusam is celebrated only in a few locations in the world, including Malaysia and Singapore, and parts of India and Sri Lanka. In Singapore the procession leads through the city from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple on Serangoon Road to the Sri Thendayuthapani temple on Tank Road, about 4 km. The festival is celebrated by Tamil Hindus only, and only in areas where Tamils are the majority ethnic group.<br />
There has been some controversy here in Singapore, where local regulations impacting the festival are seen as religious discrimination. Under the rules, devotees are prohibited from playing recorded music or sounding gongs or drums, from painting their faces, bodies or wearing any form of disguise, and from shouting or unruly behaviour. Singing religious hymns relevant to the festival is permitted. Authorities counter that these rules apply to all religious groups and ceremonies in Singapore, and are in place to assure safety and orderly conduct for the public.<br />
Devotees begin the ceremony by fasting approximately 48 days prior to the procession ceremony. On the day of the ceremony the devotees may show their devotion to Murugan by shaving their heads, or carrying some form of kavadi in the procession. The kavadi can be merely pails of milk, ornate canopies carried on the shoulders, or ornate wagons pulled by the kavadi bearers. However, many of the kavadi bearers show their devotion to Murugan by more dramatic means-- the kavadi are attached and supported by steel rods or strings connected to hooks inflicted into the flesh of the bearers. In other symbolic gestures, the bearers have pieced tongues or cheeks with arrows or <em>vel</em> (arrow or spear of Murugan) that prevent them from speaking. Greater pain brings more merit to the bearer in the eyes of Murugan.<br />
It was a fascinating ceremony, with many in attendance. Elaine and I followed the route of the procession, from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple in Little India to the Sri Thendayuthapani temple and sanctum near Fort Canning. The procession and event reminded me of a sponsored running race, such as those held in the U.S.-- there were refreshment stops along the way for the procession participants and festival spectators. (We chose an alternative-- to stop at a restaurant along the route to have a Tiger beer and appetizer. With our own <em>kavadi--</em> the extra LBs in our waistlines, I guess we needed the break!).<br />
At the destination temple, those entering were required to remove their shoes (plastic bags provided). There were hundreds of identical plastic bags of shoes along the cordoned route to the temple. Elaine continued into the sanctum of the temple (where she got stuck inside in the crowd for over an hour). I did not care to be in the very claustrophobic crowd, so I waited outside, holding Elaine's shoes. I don't know how others located their shoes in the sea of bags, although perhaps you could trade up, if you could find your size.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xriGLNyy76Vj84nUBvA2Kj5i-r1sKEvTw6fYxQimy7E9eHsD6Rop9U32RKJi_84r-hp0CLu9V1EN3xifCTVi8PziuOjClwqeCUjn7U2XWU1CYUjZ7lhhkbKaSz_n7G9NgY1a7lgiLlo/s1600/Thaipusam+554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xriGLNyy76Vj84nUBvA2Kj5i-r1sKEvTw6fYxQimy7E9eHsD6Rop9U32RKJi_84r-hp0CLu9V1EN3xifCTVi8PziuOjClwqeCUjn7U2XWU1CYUjZ7lhhkbKaSz_n7G9NgY1a7lgiLlo/s400/Thaipusam+554.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple</strong> -- the Thaipusan procession starts at this temple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQ8jRUI5YiVKMlFkkDQzCiqAoHiT1nnNlQIWBDWCLji6XAz9jX8jPxm0Ck3Rc82ZBYT0IBpMeamJGInwZQzRWSy-U9DycQBfhCdTRrDVAbg1Qomy4c7lzLMBcxF-Jv5a7tv90IwwY_sI/s1600/Thaipusam+547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQ8jRUI5YiVKMlFkkDQzCiqAoHiT1nnNlQIWBDWCLji6XAz9jX8jPxm0Ck3Rc82ZBYT0IBpMeamJGInwZQzRWSy-U9DycQBfhCdTRrDVAbg1Qomy4c7lzLMBcxF-Jv5a7tv90IwwY_sI/s400/Thaipusam+547.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>No talking!--</strong> This young devotee has had his tongue and cheeks pierced by the arrow or <em>vel</em> skewers, which prevents any speech. It also makes it difficult even to drink water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixXtGddwGHgRqdV7eESHxfEtYq3TbFaU8PI14tnyGy0vLRvzYg32C-WSBryEeFlesm8KKWzVMrQ0RCaZ4_kxpO7EJlMnxBuLK7RqzvxLjmBBVd4ePsborg2EDuUc44IZyONCI9CUQ_KI/s1600/Thaipusam+552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiixXtGddwGHgRqdV7eESHxfEtYq3TbFaU8PI14tnyGy0vLRvzYg32C-WSBryEeFlesm8KKWzVMrQ0RCaZ4_kxpO7EJlMnxBuLK7RqzvxLjmBBVd4ePsborg2EDuUc44IZyONCI9CUQ_KI/s640/Thaipusam+552.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the eyes of Mugudan, no pain, no gain!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuWLshe3re99xccs__MvACinnQQ0FN0Ne_ir-xQbzhywnIT4-JyjH5ZTPBPSraJJzZi7ws44Iz6zTSwFuL-uvq5y08CXs9kkwaZTVxMRzh3LIoJzUni7IBl1WeDoF6Mh3sUAVummILJU/s1600/Thaipusam+568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuWLshe3re99xccs__MvACinnQQ0FN0Ne_ir-xQbzhywnIT4-JyjH5ZTPBPSraJJzZi7ws44Iz6zTSwFuL-uvq5y08CXs9kkwaZTVxMRzh3LIoJzUni7IBl1WeDoF6Mh3sUAVummILJU/s400/Thaipusam+568.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limes are attached to the back with small hooks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWJ32uea4lquA0GQap0y_hWFs1AJfhvd_vNgj07a3HIeeLPZlPQvQlCjzLBkvm1b1EAiM-jFSfjh7oZG7hYZ9RyIdJElEWm8IxzwmSAtd6OtqAWl_T2NdNXAg6Zg5CuxGOl88jDqyI_c/s1600/Thaipusam+577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWJ32uea4lquA0GQap0y_hWFs1AJfhvd_vNgj07a3HIeeLPZlPQvQlCjzLBkvm1b1EAiM-jFSfjh7oZG7hYZ9RyIdJElEWm8IxzwmSAtd6OtqAWl_T2NdNXAg6Zg5CuxGOl88jDqyI_c/s400/Thaipusam+577.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Arrows or vel--</strong> these steel(?) rods fashioned to look like arrows are attached to his body by hooks through the flesh. The kavadi bearers would frequently stop along the procession route, and dance to drummers in their entourage, or music along the route. These kavadi often weigh as much as 20 kilos or more.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlH5wlX3o0ZIpSvaKhIbaDcwscWhbNHWtOy7VoK_yXnK6sQFBYHv8bGEi46O5KxSwlOu97aqDMdEGg-fUjOw2788PgnHSIkD_UMRi3gtxdiUwRFQk9r65Ubd1VX1eiZIU7vvH80qwjLw/s1600/Thaipusam+589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlH5wlX3o0ZIpSvaKhIbaDcwscWhbNHWtOy7VoK_yXnK6sQFBYHv8bGEi46O5KxSwlOu97aqDMdEGg-fUjOw2788PgnHSIkD_UMRi3gtxdiUwRFQk9r65Ubd1VX1eiZIU7vvH80qwjLw/s400/Thaipusam+589.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sri Thendayuthapani temple</strong>-- This is the terminus of the procession route. There was an enormous queue of devotees and observers waiting to get in, with nothing moving for at least an hour. Elaine got trapped in here, unable to leave for over an hour, while Jim, reluctant to be in such a large crowd, waited outside. Perhaps not one of the faithful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-18605689850822159502010-12-07T01:30:00.000-08:002010-12-07T01:30:54.741-08:00Casting About: Fly Fishing in Singapore<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's tough to be a fly fisherman in Singapore. Not that it isn't done, here. It's just mostly illegal to do so. Or any type of fresh water fishing, except in designated areas. This </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/sports/othersports/04outdoors.html?_r=3&partner=rss&emc=rss"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March 2009 New York Times</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> piece pretty much captures the fresh water fly fishing scene here.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a number of tackle shops in town, but only one shop caters to fly anglers, the </span><a href="http://www.cohoflyshop.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coho Fishing Tackle</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It's clearly a business targeting a niche market, perhaps akin to the speak-easys in the U.S. during the days of prohibition. If the fly fishing is not so friendly in Singapore, it is not so far from some good fly fishing destinations, for those that can afford it-- the shop can equip the holiday fly angler. However each time I've visited, the place is busy, and they seem to be holding their own. It's often the same people that I see in the shop each time-- after all, it's a fly shop, where conversation, story telling, and angler socializing occur more than large volumes of commerce. Better than the corner bar. It is a great little shop-- the staff are wonderful, and very knowledgeable. I've spent a few Singapore dollars there myself, to fill in some "needed" fly tying materials that were absent or exhausted from my kit.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another fly angling group in town are the</span><a href="http://flyfishingsg.proboards.com/index.cgi"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Fly Fishing Singapore Forum</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It is mostly a social website, but is frequented by fly fishing enthusiasts that are a splinter group from a larger general fishing organization in Singapore. Some of the group mebmers have been working with the Singapore government to expand areas in the republic for fly fishing, and champion the economic benefits that might be possible by creating a "blue ribbon" peacock bass fishery in Singapore. The group has also staffed a few events to educate the public on fly fishing, and promotion of catch and release fishing, a practice that is almost unknown here-- most fish that are caught get invited home for dinner.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As noted, the fresh water reservoirs are off limits to fishing, except in very small designated areas. Rangers patrol the reservoirs, and I'm told there is a fine when caught fishing in the restricted areas. The joke is that a reason for using a back cast in Singapore is to force you to look over your shoulder from time to time to spot rangers. Despite the restriction, I have talked to a few individuals in Singapore who brave the consequences of social disobedience to go after the peacock bass and snakeheads that ply the waters. Apparently it is common transgression, and possibly the restriction is only weakly enforced.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have not yet gone after illicit Singapore peacock bass, but I have recently learned that a new, larger species of peacock bass has been brought in and stocked in <no-tell>Reservoir by the local fly fishing faithful. This may prove to be too much of a tempatation, and a Singapore experience that I should not miss while I am here.</span></div>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-24235252622536258542010-10-25T00:00:00.000-07:002010-10-25T00:00:03.995-07:00Bali: Gunung Batur<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The north-central region of Bali has several volcanoes which are the genesis of the island. Several of the volcano peaks can be seen from some areas of Ubud. Gunung Batur (Mount Batur 1717m high (one map says 1412m) is one of the larger peaks. The volcano last major eruption in 1963 causing several deaths. Lava fields of Gunung Batur can be seen in the picture below, which are now quarried for the lava stone, used in construction and stone carvings. The stone carvings are one of the export craft products of Bali.</span></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPlWLbSrPGqSgv6y8BMkZ1_w0VxfXoh83XUlOArHhejIS1awWuJ1s3p-lIz9sphlb5kfhnINc96Q7gkKCZkFWwW1LqxUoZPgACaQgw_ih1cL1svUKdkG1Wa_FF0lRenqUEMeoRp2zRJU/s1600/241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPlWLbSrPGqSgv6y8BMkZ1_w0VxfXoh83XUlOArHhejIS1awWuJ1s3p-lIz9sphlb5kfhnINc96Q7gkKCZkFWwW1LqxUoZPgACaQgw_ih1cL1svUKdkG1Wa_FF0lRenqUEMeoRp2zRJU/s400/241.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Gunung Batur--</strong> The volcano is 1717m high and had its last major eruption in 1963.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gunung Batur is the most popular trekking site in Bali. Trekkers will often stay at one of the local villages, and begin the ascent as early as 3 AM in the morning. It is best to be up and down from the mountain by late morning before it becomes too hot. (the trip takes about 5 hours). It is also advisable to be off of the mountain before the afternoon when storm clouds can form over the mountain. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did not descend into the crater (nor do the trek). We stopped at the small village of Pelolokan, on the crater rim for lunch. This is a major tourist center-- a small fee is required to enter the area (5000 Rp if I recall correctly), and the hawkers here were particularly aggressive. The lunch was good (an Indonesian buffet), and we were treated to a splendid </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">view of the mountain and lake below.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Danau Batur (Lake Batur), is a fresh water lake formed from the old crater of Gunung Batur, at the base of the current peaks. The lake has several villages on its shores, where fish farming of <em>Ikan Mujair,</em> a type of Talapia are raised.</span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wsWFsw54fOLm9r9cVghNh5mxp-pwvhijslmhz3vlS1kpF-c1jMpOYG9AkllNqZ3yxxZVmZzQCYNxDjZz97jd2mME35mpIII4yUy6hKqmweteOPhy72X0B_jJvFrR4EHxl97IkGqyqII/s1600/240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wsWFsw54fOLm9r9cVghNh5mxp-pwvhijslmhz3vlS1kpF-c1jMpOYG9AkllNqZ3yxxZVmZzQCYNxDjZz97jd2mME35mpIII4yUy6hKqmweteOPhy72X0B_jJvFrR4EHxl97IkGqyqII/s400/240.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lake Batur--</strong> At the base of Mount Batur is Lake Batur. The fishing villages of Kedisan and Buahan can be seen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178794038062721362.post-66358099115189692282010-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:002010-10-24T00:00:00.246-07:00Palou Bali: Balinesian Batik<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bali's major industry is tourism, followed by the creation and export of handicrafts. Agriculture fits in somewhere. One of the crafts known for Bali, and Indonesia is <em>batik</em>. Batik is a means of creating a dyed pattern on cloth. Both silk and cotton batiks are manufactured in Bali. While in Bali we toured a small batik mill in the village of Cili (pronounced "Shilli" ) near Ubud.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8dMQZgfcVuB5gN1Mv_P6UMayuYO-bzUVQB_DtvX36A9t0l4aTxarjspbqXgTNOtja7HDZOwtfQCt9F7nlNO_5e1y9AK4BjIQzedqC0vN336tPU6RwTvPDaAiZhtGPNA8oNc702rpznY/s1600/287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8dMQZgfcVuB5gN1Mv_P6UMayuYO-bzUVQB_DtvX36A9t0l4aTxarjspbqXgTNOtja7HDZOwtfQCt9F7nlNO_5e1y9AK4BjIQzedqC0vN336tPU6RwTvPDaAiZhtGPNA8oNc702rpznY/s400/287.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I previously knew nothing about batik, but while visiting the mill I learned there are two basic styles of batik-- one style weaves the bolt of cloth, then stamps a pattern using various colored dyes onto the cloth. The second method, described as Balinese batik weaves the pattern directly into the fabric. This is a far more complicated and labor intensive process, and produces a higher quality batik. The stamped method, although producing a sharp and multi-colored pattern, is of lower quality I was told, and typically produced in Java. (There was clearly some animosity and rivalry between the Balinese and Javanese. Our driver and tour guide told me that, "there was no good karma in Java").</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Many of the looms sat idle in this mill. There were only four or five employees working while we visited. We were told that demand for the batik goods is currently way down, apparently due to the decline in the world economy. Most of the goods from this mill are shipped to Europe.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjniFgjGt5slDLPCwZ1riT90JyhJt34k97uEBzzgMuXujIBZK24VNx9OhESOztXwCFhPPflkJjgSlZCowFM_Bk-gLRl0DCNIPNQhlwnsTvflr4yybJbwrkGT0G8tDrPRcwgT4wNE9t1kk/s1600/289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjniFgjGt5slDLPCwZ1riT90JyhJt34k97uEBzzgMuXujIBZK24VNx9OhESOztXwCFhPPflkJjgSlZCowFM_Bk-gLRl0DCNIPNQhlwnsTvflr4yybJbwrkGT0G8tDrPRcwgT4wNE9t1kk/s400/289.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>The pattern--</strong> The process starts by winding white thread (in this case cotton) onto a frame. Small plastic shields are placed around sets of the threads in areas where it is desired to <u>prevent</u> the dye from permeating the threads. In this case, the desired pattern will be multi-colored, so there are multiple colors of plastic shields, one for each of the series of dyes used, aside from the first dye. When the pattern is complete with the application of the plastic shields, the threads are carefully removed from the frame.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJqJyfGKodiCuhyvwd4eAwXyE2CWJICzabPK0jZOt9XdMpROUdcLzqNcY9EoMkfBXDIYJExsUQ3pXSjoGv23Tit1CtN3_KMDViPG9dpPDxX0AXFcr2xkXkDOHEOVybC2eo6LtIZQEGzg/s1600/298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJqJyfGKodiCuhyvwd4eAwXyE2CWJICzabPK0jZOt9XdMpROUdcLzqNcY9EoMkfBXDIYJExsUQ3pXSjoGv23Tit1CtN3_KMDViPG9dpPDxX0AXFcr2xkXkDOHEOVybC2eo6LtIZQEGzg/s400/298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Dye vats--</strong> These are the dye vats. This area is essentially outside-- there is a tin roof shelter, but no walls. A wood fire is used to heat the water for mixing the dyes. (The dyes are purchased from Germany-- Ritz?). Near the back wall there is a small trough of running water coming from and going to who knows where. I'm not sure in the U.S. OSHA or the EPA would be thrilled about this.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_FRXYbBbRp55bnhoa_vqLvP5IrsKGP0t8ajzcvGhgftF3UAV93tcKko5z4UzELwdVhqIwAD5imCpqkd5_ieqdcIxUziUxUGnJ3KsHMGUe7RvU2jdWTqpp1PyF6PP00oiykVb2oyeKWs/s1600/297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_FRXYbBbRp55bnhoa_vqLvP5IrsKGP0t8ajzcvGhgftF3UAV93tcKko5z4UzELwdVhqIwAD5imCpqkd5_ieqdcIxUziUxUGnJ3KsHMGUe7RvU2jdWTqpp1PyF6PP00oiykVb2oyeKWs/s400/297.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Hung out to dye-- </strong>After stewing in the dye vats for the appropriate length of time, the bundles of thread are carefully rinsed and hung on the wall to dry. These workers were carefully making sure that the various loops of thread were not tangled-- a tangle could spell disaster. After drying the plastic dye shields are removed. If the fabric is to receive multiple colors, only the plastic shields for the next color dye to be applied are removed, and the next round of dying/drying occurs.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXax4XgtAdtpJQFv0BfHbG89hq4fVjAiW2GAr3CW8eBkiL0ttIFVAL-I8w3d3vCG55sjsJcTy0pLP47Zpm70h0sgnhT2N3gp96rgbY1iY7ggup8yPvPHmkxFHgmDDH2m1w_Ft-tDvae4/s1600/293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXax4XgtAdtpJQFv0BfHbG89hq4fVjAiW2GAr3CW8eBkiL0ttIFVAL-I8w3d3vCG55sjsJcTy0pLP47Zpm70h0sgnhT2N3gp96rgbY1iY7ggup8yPvPHmkxFHgmDDH2m1w_Ft-tDvae4/s400/293.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><div align="justify"><strong>Loading the bobbins--</strong> After drying, the dyed threads are loaded onto bobbins, which will then be used with the looms. Note that the thread has its pattern "programed" onto its full length in a linear fashion, as the color varies at appropriate points and segment lengths.</div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2UNP5qPHPpi0H55ybaJsB6uv6YP-WKRH1jgjkLv7EGkCVTsFyQsLlju7g5TgDtvUa_5u4FpaRQjnZQIqK-cAiVwTZihU_AXYWsWewRcF8ngmH60PRgYNDzoBFSANYlPU4-ZglS1_Uyg/s1600/292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2UNP5qPHPpi0H55ybaJsB6uv6YP-WKRH1jgjkLv7EGkCVTsFyQsLlju7g5TgDtvUa_5u4FpaRQjnZQIqK-cAiVwTZihU_AXYWsWewRcF8ngmH60PRgYNDzoBFSANYlPU4-ZglS1_Uyg/s400/292.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>The loom--</strong> The fabric is woven on wooden looms, which are what I would describe as semi-automatic. The shuttle (the loom equivalent of the needle for needle and thread sewing) is scooted across (the warp?) by stepping on one of two wooden peddles on the loom. (One peddle scoots the shuttle left, the other right by striking the end of the shuttle. Prior to scooting the shuttle across the warp (?) the set of warp (?) threads are alternated, creating the weaving.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nS1cbyiPUQ_J-YyMUuQSbMT7CdbrwjN4V4O0TCbRq1O9g13vPoJHmC6fc4vzUg9sWFQCiGv6ZgAOogAAqa1J5rSnzR3ow5eZgpoB86VaEwTv2FkDrND3vue6OdGHgo2SXq_IISztcfg/s1600/294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nS1cbyiPUQ_J-YyMUuQSbMT7CdbrwjN4V4O0TCbRq1O9g13vPoJHmC6fc4vzUg9sWFQCiGv6ZgAOogAAqa1J5rSnzR3ow5eZgpoB86VaEwTv2FkDrND3vue6OdGHgo2SXq_IISztcfg/s400/294.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Outdoor work space--</strong> As with the dying operation, these looms are in an outdoor area, with only a tin roof to shade and shelter the workers. (The showroom for finished goods was indoors-- however, it was much cooler outside than inside the showroom, since there was no apparent air conditioning.) </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw5YXS9yQVSfj6bgB-8VjunwmRYAX7h-egOakEf_GhRoraxPlRuEUNER7uFoiWcayDULgL_LqGBwHGi2RkaQs6IMs-yDqpb9Ag-y4uXl1ut9OwJlrzFgDsqkEGzz0SjhgQH8Dtt67zG0/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw5YXS9yQVSfj6bgB-8VjunwmRYAX7h-egOakEf_GhRoraxPlRuEUNER7uFoiWcayDULgL_LqGBwHGi2RkaQs6IMs-yDqpb9Ag-y4uXl1ut9OwJlrzFgDsqkEGzz0SjhgQH8Dtt67zG0/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify"><strong>Finished goods--</strong> A shirt made from Balinese batik fabric. The patterns are directly woven into the fabric, and consequently the fabric is completely reversible-- the pattern appears on both sides, as opposed to the stamped batik, which has the pattern only on one side.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div>Jim Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14831590020012971240noreply@blogger.com0