Blog Moved

Hey Readers,

I have moved my blog to http://www.theawesomenerd92.blogspot.com

Warmest Regard,
Ryan Ong

Meal At Home

The rats fool around when the cats are away. My elder sister's three meals were spent in the kitchen during the past few days. She purchased many groceries to sustain her meals for the whole week.  

 A sumptuous supper prepared by my elder sister. The sausages, eggs and breads were slapped with slabs of butter and oil.

 The aftermath.

 Unwashed laundry. Mom actually instructed us to wash our clothes on Thursday and so I did.

 Unwashed cups!

 My elder sister scrubbing and washing the dishes before the return of our parents. 

 A week worth of laundry.

 My stomach groaned in hunger when a platter of delicious foods set in front of my eyes. Hence, I decided to cook a share of egg noodles purchased by my sister. 

 My elder sister tore open the package and placed it inside the boiling water.

 My meal for the whole day. Thank you, sister!

 Time to enjoy my meal!

Last updated by Mr Ryan Ong on 18/11/2012 at 0126hrs

Istana Open House 2012

This post is dedicated to my two ACC friends who selflessly spent their free time with me during the darkest hour of my life. Sometimes I really detest myself for not putting enough effort to plan out my schedule so I can meet them.

Christianity has turned Jasper's life 180 degrees. He decided that by sharing with me the relationship with god will being me back on feet again. I can see his sincerity to extend his helping hand when I consulted him on my problems. 

Turning to Christianity has never come across my mind when he actually invited me to his church for service. Personally, church seems like an enjoyable place to be in and I kind of look forward to what the preaching can do to enlighten me. He is inviting me to his candlelight service on the Nov 24th, 2012 and I will definitely do my best to turn up.

Our initial plan for the day is to:

1) Lunch with him at JustAcia

2) Purchased his Euro Cup cards at Plaza Sing.

3) Walk around town area

4) Dinner with Kelvin and Jasper at Old Airport Road.

However, a coincidence the day we met up was a public holiday and Istana actually opened up for admission. Free ponchos were given to us in case of bad weather.

A booth set up by the company for Passion Card also issued free gifts to their members. Being part of their team, I received a piece of tatoo, a badge and a bookmark (I supposed?).

The Istana grpund is open to the public five times a year. Admission to the Istana grounds is complimentary for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person. Entrance to the grounds is via main gate at Orchard Road. Opening hours are usually from 08:30am to 06:30pm.

NOTE TO VISITORS:
To facilitate security checks, please refrain from bringing sharp objects or bulky items to the Istana.
The sale of tickets to tour the Istana Main Building will close at 5:30pm, subject to crowd condition.

After lunch, Jasper incessantly made calls to Hui Jie in the hope that he would actually pick up the call. However, due to some reasons, the ringtone of Hui Jie's phone turned out to be in engaged mode. Despite upteemth failures, Jasper did not give up at all.

JAPANESE GARDEN
Tastefully, Japanese Pond sure has it name sounds like Japanese porn. When I mentioned to Jasper about 'Japanese Pond', he jumped a bit because 'porn' is a taboo in Christianity.

The Japanese Garden located behind the Centre Gate fits snugly into the corner bounded by two roads. Completed in August 1967, it is tastefully landscaped with carefully selected plants. It imparts a distinctly different atmosphere from other parts of the ground.

Sprawling Pine Trees grow around the irregularly shaped lily pond, over which is a miniature wooden bridge. Stone lanterns, rocks and low flowering shrubs with delicate flowers complete the picture. The Japanese garden is at least its best in the early morning when the mixed colour water lilies bloom and the Japanese Kois surface in search of food.

In spite of its location at the heart of the city, the Istana domain is a green lung amid the arteries of the metropolitan bustle.

QUEEN VICTORIA STATUE
The sky was overcast and a light rain began to fall. We flipped open our 'free gifts' and donned on our poncho.

Drizzle falls in the serenity of the greeneries. The artpiece of the work of nature.

We hid ourselves away from the drizzle and waited out the storm before we proceeded to the Lawn. Marked by his persistent characteristic, Jasper did not give up despite upteemth failed attempts to contact Hui Jie

A romantic scene of the gay couple standing in the greenery. Just kidding. Judging by their age difference, they are probably father and son tripping to the edge of the Queen Victoria Grounds for some sightseeing.

The Chinese community in Singapore presented the statue of Queen Victoria to the Governor, Sir Cecil Smith, in the Jubilee Year (1889) of her Majesty's rule, as a memento of their loyal affections and gratitude for the benefit of her rule. The six-foot high statue in Sicilian marble was the work of E. E. Geflowski and was one of the most lifelike statues of the Queen ever made.

As what the subject mentions: This statue of Queen Victoria was presented by the Chinese community in the year of Her Majesty's Jubilee. To be placed in the Government House. As a memorial of the loyal affection of Her Majesty subjects, And of their gratitude for the benefit of her rule.

THE LAWN
The Istana Front Lawn stretches from the Istana building to just before the Centre Gate. From Colonial times, garden parties were held on the Front Lawn, were stately Yellow Flames planted by the Duchess of Kent and her son the Duke in 1952 added to its grandeur.

Terribly drenched in the rain.

Posing.

Jasper's pose.

In the centre of this basically English garden is a circular fountain. From this spot, a good view of the Istana Main Building and the President's Standard flying from the highest point of the building can be had. Interesting plants and trees can be found.

Posing in front of the Spice Terrace delivers an aura of royalty and class. 'Istana' means the word 'palace'; a residence of the President where Presidential ceremonies held.   

A persistence attitude may lure a great admiration of many people. However, Jasper overly-persistence may have caused inconvenience and grievances to Hui Jie. Despite the attempts made during past three hours, Hui Jie did not bothered to answer or call back. I remember Hui Jie once said, "I don't like to call Jasper." Based on his assertion, can I surmise that he was avoiding Jasper's call intentionally? 

A panoramic view of the heartland as the backdrop for photography makes a perfect picture. However, a more careful approach on the camera angle will improve everything. 

Ponchos!

I made Jasper posed in this manner.

I have absolutely no idea what was going through his mind when he posed in such an awkward manner. Perhaps he was attempting to act sexy but miserably failed. Meanwhile, he had also turned himself a laughing stalk too. No offense.

I'm falling!!

THE GUN TERRACE
The Gun Terrace is marked by a 105mm Japanese Cannon, a symbol of the liberation of Singapore after the Japanese Occupation. The Gun Terrace commands a panoramic view of the Istana grounds and the city's skyline.

Sited along its perimeter is the Military Guard Room built in the early 1900s. Further along is a secluded pleasance, approached by descending two flights of steps in the terraced ground.

Jaspen abandoned our ponchos behind the bush. I told him to hide inside the bush but that's what he did.

OLD AIRPORT ROAD MARKET & FOOD CENTRE

Address: 51 Old Airport Road, Singapore 390051, Singapore

A perfect recommendation by Mr Jasper. Despite its lack of class and cheapness, the value we paid does not compromise the quality of food. I would say whatever provided in the market of Airport Road definitely is valued for money. However, the environment is still a far cry from a fine dining restaurant which I believe can improve through renovation and money.

These are the foods and beverages of my adoration. 

Honestly speaking, I abhor the taste of Seafoods. To me, all shell foods are repulsive beyond measure. I hate stingray, prawns, crabs and fishes. It's just too bad I don't eat them. However, it's extremely unpleasant to let them know I detest Seafoods because they probably won't like it. At the end of the meal, Kelvin and Jasper foot the bill for my share.

Jasper, Kelvin and me

Last updated by Mr Ryan Ong on 17/11/2012 at 1100hrs.