A Little Blog

When I was a few years younger I had the idea that my possessions should all fit into the boot of a car. I can’t say I have managed to reduce my possessions by a huge amount, but I suppose I am getting close. For instance the books are now on a shelf plus under a coffee table. And a drawer. It used to be a 4-tier Ikea bookshelf + floor.

Well, recently I have a new idea to have everything squeeze into a carry-on luggage bag. While I don’t think I will literally reach that stage soon, I think it would be at least a good exercise to find out what stuff that I need, regularly use, that I would pack into the luggage bag.

80/20: Or twenty per cent of the objects are used eighty per cent of the time. I can already count:

- Laptop (daily usage)
- Clothes: shirt, pants, underwear, socks
- Shoes
- MP3 player

Hmmm that seems to be about it. The stuff that I use more than 80 per cent of the time.

What about the CDs? Books? Camera? Desktop PC and clunky CRT? The kitchen mixer? The $10 electronic kitchen weighing machine? etc etc? And of course, the bike. (Cash Convertors - again. That was where my old bike went)

For some reason I am thinking clothes are extraneous too. Not that I want to be a nudist - just that you can pretty much buy clothes in any city. Ditto electronics - though it won’t have your data.

When I moved out of the uni hostel I took along a copious amount of lecture notes. Eventually the paper were all recycled. I am now wondering about my Japanese notes.

I should actually trying packing that luggage bag for a trial some day.

Today I was set to cycle to Pasir Ris. But not before I hit the library to borrow some books. That was when I came across a little exhibition about the eastern park connectors. The exhibition consisted of pictures of various scenic spots you would see while cycling along the connectors.

There was also a free map of the connectors, plus a little card saying green is the new pink. Well, they are promoting a cycling event on Feb 14.

Anyhow, I got home, got back on the bike, detoured for lunch, and finally was on my way to Pasir Ris. I proceeded to get a little lost at a traffic junction, but the large map at the junction helped me get back on track.

Near sunplaza park I see a bike rental shop. I think the aunty will have better business on weekends. Further up I see a couple on a tandem bike. Well.

Again… another giant canal besides the bike path. The path is pretty easy to follow. Then a bridge over an expressway. The uncle in front of me cycles up in spite of the sign with the fine message.

I cycle till I see some ponds with people sitting around fishing. That must be the fisherman’s village.

Then I reached Pasir Ris Park, and found a bench to read the borrowed book.

After twenty (short) chapters I went to Downtown East and was amazed at how different it looks from what I remember how it was. Now there’s even an ice-skating rink.

Then I cycled back home.

At this desk I surfed the site about the aforementioned event. The route is 28km, which is around 8km longer than the OCBC “mass” route. But Green’s registration fees are cheaper - and so is their equipment rental.

Maybe some day I should try out the event’s route. I haven’t done the bits linking Pasir Ris to Changi Beach.

Continuing from when I bought a new bike: time to make the cost repay itself.

First off, my butt is still sore. I rode slowly till the part where I get onto the Bedok Park Connector and to the bridge over PIE. I push my bike up - there are no signs saying $1000 fine for riding but remember, the butt needs a rest and the back could use some straightening up.

There’s some huge canals beside the connector and they are kinda dry. I reach Bedok Reservoir and start to cycle around the shore. It is basically dirt-track.

Before I know it I have cycled the perimeter. 4km. I wonder how long I would have taken walking or jogging.

I make note to try the connector to Paris Ris park in the near future. “Only” some 6km from Bedok Reservoir. Siglap is connected too, only some 8km.

Finally I shook myself out of the chair and made my way to Changi Airport T3. Ok it’s not my first time but for my second time I have more leisure time to walk around.

I took the train. I see basement 2. I see that it has somewhat low ceilings. It’s funny considering that there are many tall buildings in Singapore. This level is mostly retail stores and eating places - including a foodcourt. There’s also a supermarket - larger floor area than I expected, and the prices doesn’t scream “airport”.

Don’t see many tourists here, as they are probably checking in their luggage and shopping in the higher-end shops at Departure after clearing immigration. Finally we have a really bright, airy departure hall. Well, T2 was almost twenty years ago.

Arrival was uninspiring. Dimly-lit, low ceilings - I’m sure new tourists will be impressed.

To the third level where more shops and dining places await. Crystal Jade, with a reception counter and three staff seated there. More than half the tables are filled. Looks good.

A bookstore, gift shops, sports-goods, Japanese eateries. Some shop space that were yet to be operational. Take a look at the flight schedules and you see that T3 is not really quite working at capacity yet. That’s not a bad thing for the ambience, everybody’s moving at a relaxed pace.

Level 4 or the viewing gallery. There’s a bar, interesting idea. From level 4 I can spy on parts of the area past immigration and the waiting areas at flight gates. Level 4 is bright and nice.

Erm that’s about it.

T3 is okay as long as you don’t run into the holiday crowd - I mean the crowd of locals looking to escape other crowded shopping malls on public holidays.

Today I got a new bicycle. For under $100, I didn’t expect it to be fantastic. It’s supposed to have 18 gears, but given it changes gear less than smoothly I suppose I will stick with three - the highest, lowest, and somewhere in between.

I took it for a spin and from East Coast Park I pedalled and pedalled and finally reached Changi Beach. Along the way I saw many tents and people. I know it’s new year’s eve, but still the number of people surprised me. People just relaxing away in their hammock or fishing. Well, it beats staring at a screen indoors.

On the way back to ECP from Changi it started to pour.

Luckily the rain didn’t last long, and I had a chance to sit somewhere and let the sea breeze blow dry my clothes. ECP is almost perfect except for the planes flying overhead now and then. But I suspect the two anglers at the jetty already got used to them. The two smoking, hokkien-speaking and specs-wearing anglers, as well as many other ECP regulars.

Anyway I’m already thinking of changing my ride. It would be good if the handle-bar can be adjusted higher. I will keep the bike a bit longer and get more mileage out of it. There are still unexplored places.

Again I was thinking about my old bike I had in Japan. It was used, and had inner tubes patched for leaks. It just looks pretty beat up. But it rode really well. It had three gears in an internal hub and an automatic front light. It even had rear disc brakes. I paid 5000 yen for it, and it included a basket.

Basic bikes in Japan start around 8000 yen new. That already include accessories like baskets, dynamo, and bell. Plus a rear wheel lock. Any one of them would beat the China-made mountain bikes you buy for under $100 new in Singapore. I am sure some of these Japanese bikes have China-made parts. But they still go through some sort of Japanese QC I think. Do you know that Panasonic also makes bicycles? I think I would trust a Panasonic bike, even though I know Panasonic better for their electronics.

I already miss my old bike.

But heck my new bike will do for now. About 40 more hours and I will break even the cost. Bike rental at ECP is $5 per hour, with an hour free.

Haha, can’t blame me for counting dollars.

my new wedding photography site is hosted here:

tokorode.com

I like this recipe because it is really easy to remember:

1lb flour
1lb sugar
1lb egg
1lb butter

Essentially, equal weight proportions of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.

You would probably want to reduce the portions as 4lbs of ingredients will make a really large cake.

Beat butter till fluffy. Then beat in sugar. Mix in egg one at a time. Finally, mix in flour.

Pour into pan and bake 180C till centre is cooked.

I have updated my other blog site with many new entries and pictures from my archive. In case you are wondering, those are wedding photos I have taken in Singapore.

Am still kinda thinking about how I could reenter the market as a wedding photographer, given my period of absence away from the country. Anyhow, do head over for a look if you are interested.

Make My Day :)

(I have to say, now I am hungry for cake!)

Hokkaido Milky Loaf (halfed portions)
270g bread flour
30g cake flour
5g yeast
40g sugar
4.5g salt
1 egg
125ml milk
75g whipping cream

Soft Bread Loaf
180g bread flour
150ml milk
50g unsalted butter
25g sugar
1tsb salt
1 tbsp yeast