Singapore Metblogs » sin_chen

The new voice

sin_chen — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:29:47 +0000

Did anyone realize that the train station is using a new announcer on the trains? There’s something very awkward about the way she says “doors are closing”, or the way she pronounces the names of some of the train stations. Perhaps it’s just me, but I can’t seem to put a finger to it. Accent perhaps? I once read an article by a lecturer which spoke about how Kallang (pronounced : Car-Lung), was being pronounced Care-Lang, a result of certain socio linguistic forces that led to the shift in pronunciation towards the American accent.

Festive season’s ending

sin_chen — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:47:17 +0000

Quite a sobering sight to see workers removing the Christmas decorations from the trees along Orchard Road. A stark reminder that the new year has begun and the whole rat race will begin again quite soon. If the general crowd on the streets are an indication of this, the town area was strangely quieter than usual even during the lunch hours.

Heads up, people!

Really wierd weather

sin_chen — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 08:12:05 +0000

Some of these days, it’s going to flood real bad. The rain has been coming in random and unpredictable flash storms. Almost five or six of them in the past few hours or so. Crazy stuff.

On the hindsight, the weather has cooled down considerably. Welcome December.

Sun with Moon Dining and Cafe

sin_chen — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:04:12 +0000

I went to this excellent Japanese restaurant this morning with the parents, where I tried the Kamameshi (steamed rice pot). The ambiance was really nice, with Japanese art and calligraphy lining the walls and the dimmed lighting used to effect. What is worth mentioning is certainly the food. The rice was fragrant and tasty, and reminded me a little of our ‘claypot rice’ – just more fragrant. In addition, I was really intrigued with the little hourglass that they provided with the rice pot. Apparently I had to wait for the sand to completely empty before I opened the lid of the pot. Will probably hit the place again sometime soon.

The sun, the sea and the rain

sin_chen — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 08:59:02 +0000

Just this morning, I was perspiring while walking along Orchard Road. At the same time, the girlfriend was getting a tan on the beach. Just a couple of hours later, here I am, sitting in my room and listening to the thunder rumbling threateningly outside.

About the old days

sin_chen — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 09:53:18 +0000

As I took a trip down memory lane at the Cathay Gallery, I was both intrigued and thrilled to have a chance to look at the various artifacts that the people who lived during those times used and experienced. When I looked around, I realized that I wasn’t the only one, as three old men stood at one of the glass panels behind me, talking to one another about a certain actress and movie that they had watched in the past. They went on about it for a good five minutes. I felt that I just had to take the picture there and then to remind myself about the beauty of nostalgia. Perhaps one day when I take a look back at pictures of now, I’ll feel the same.

Tasty Crustaceans

sin_chen — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:16:00 +0000

Tasty Crustaceans

Originally uploaded by Liangcai

The Chilli Crab, I feel, is one of the most interesting dishes one can have in Singapore. The spicy gravy really brings out the flavour of the sweet crab meat (I know there are those who would only have their crabs steamed). I paid for 1.1kg crab, and I really didn’t expect it to be THAT huge. The picture probably doesn’t really show it, but half of that was all I had for dinner. The girlfriend ate the other half.

Budding artists

sin_chen — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:00:41 +0000

budding artists

Originally uploaded by Liangcai

Took this at Raffles Place, one of our main financial hubs. These teenagers sit around the pavements, making sketches of the Dali figure in the background, oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the lunch crowd all around them.

Free booze

sin_chen — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 03:54:46 +0000

Ocktoberfest street promos

Originally uploaded by Liangcai

I’ve noticed more and more of these marketing campaigns around where free stuff are given out in exchange for contacts on a mailing list, or just to create brand awareness. I saw this booth along Boat Quay a couple of days back, and I stopped by for a glass of free beer.

For tourists (or Singaporeans wanting to me tourists in your own country)

sin_chen — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:58:25 +0000

Found an interesting link for those interested in touring Singapore on your own. Check it out here