Home » Travel (Page 3)
Category Archives: Travel
India Memory Project – Partner’s Story
Once upon a time there was a little boy growing up in India.
His father was a very talented man and toured the world with the Paranjoti Choir. One such trip took his father to France where he met another little boy.
Who became pen pals with his son. Writing to each other for many years…
His son even shared the news of his father’s death when he only eleven.
Fast forward forty years and the two finally meet when the little boy has grown up and tours France with a musical.
This is their story captured in:
India Memory Project: 105 – “A friend from my childhood I had never met” (more…)
“This table is reserved!” in Singapore
You can be forgiven for thinking that someone ‘Oops!’ left their wallet behind.
But nope! This is instead a small indication that this table has been reserved while folks go get their meal. It could be a packet of tissues, a ticket stub, a phone, keys, practically anything!
Have you ever encountered something similar to reserve a seat or table where you live?
Or is this just a terribly considerate honest approach possible only in Singapore?
Related posts:
New year, new microwave… and a reminder from 20 years ago
On 26 Dec, we welcomed our kitten Zoe in the evening. We also threw a rollickingly good Boxing Day brunch.
The idea was to revive a ‘tradition’ from Canada where Christmas would be devoted to family, but Boxing Day? Oh that was prime time for those near and dear friends who are like family!
A friend’s Xmas feast that we joined
Feasting, feasting feasting!!
And what is family friend time like without a feast? So I encouraged folks to ‘box’ up their Christmas leftovers and bring to our home. As the day progressed, dish upon delicious dish piled up. To the point where both our living room and kitchen tables were groaning under the weight and even the kitchen counter and stove was bursting with fabulous food. (Shame on me! I was too busy socialising to take a pic!)
Most dishes needed heating, so between the stove and microwave, something sure was ‘cooking’ in the kitchen. At one point, my re-heating duties were taken over by a couple of friends and my partner’s mother’s helper. Not quite sure how it happened, but to cut a long story short, we literally managed to burn out the micro!
Now this is India… which means anything can be repaired. And sure enough, my very serviceable microwave can indeed be fixed. However the cost to replace the part blown is 4 times its re-sale value and inching close to that of buying a new cheap one. After a dozen years, we decided it was time to ‘upgrade’ and get a swank new microwave come grill come convection oven, donating our old micro to our driver who will be able to get it repaired or re-sell it.
So out with the old and in with the new! (more…)
The Naked DJ
Yes that really is the title… of a documentary film I caught as part of the Singapore International Film Festival last week.
What made it remarkable is that it was shown without any censorship – apparently passing without difficulty. Can I just say – wow! Singapore is definitely changing!
You need to understand, Singapore is not a place known for originality or its acceptance of ‘alternate’ perspectives or lifestyles. DJ Chris Ho (X’Ho or DJ Mentor) is known for being a force for counter-culture and while I see him more of a creative ‘borrower’ than a creator of original content, he certainly courts controversy and shakes things up.
The evening began with an amusing ritual. Little bottles were passed around – “Take one and pass it on.” What was it? Chewing gum. We all collectively indulged in chewing contraband gum just to set the tone for some naughtiness! (more…)
Swinging BACK into Singapore!!
I’m doing a very happy dance right now as I’m about to hop on plane to Singapore!
Daily commute from the East Coast to CBD, Singapore
I’ve shared before… over the years Singapore has become my ‘alternate’ home… It is where I based my international company, it is where I go periodically to drum up potential business, it is also my home away from my home away!
I know this trip will be chock of meetings, merriment and more. I’ve packed a lot into each day… literally from the moment I land til the moment I leave! But I’m just too greedy to finally be back!
How can I not squeeze in a Christmas tree and lighting celebration at friends? A veggie feast at a hipster joint? Some jazz? A little whisky? And mixing up some work related meetings with catching up with some favourite ex-colleagues?
So will you hear from me in the next week? Likely not!
I will simply be too busy swinging around Singapore.
The quietest Diwali yet!
There is something exceedingly off about this picture… It is the middle of the day, there is no whine or banging of construction noises from the flat next door…. There is no pulsing music blaring at top volume… There are only the occasional burst of random fire crackers…
Is this really Diwali?
A peaceful, relaxed and frankly rather enjoyable Diwali?
Could it be that finally we can welcome Lakshmi into our homes with only the gentle glow of diyas?
Can I dare hope?? A few hours more will tell…
For those of you heading out soon to win or lose fortunes over cards, share merriment and gift giving with family and friends, let me add an exuberant ‘Happy Diwali!’ to the mercifully quiet chorus this year!
Does seem a bit like the Palladium’s Diwali decoration have almost a Christmasy feel?
Related posts:
Door No 2 – Bangla bound!
I’m getting back into travel times – so far all in India!
The trip to Jodhpur was delightful and I may eventually get around to sharing another post or two about our time at the palace or film set.
However right now, all attention and focus is on preparing for Door No 2 – Kolkata.
Kolkata (usf.vc)
Good news! I did get the short assignment – yeah!
Even better news! It will take me to Kolkata for a few days – even bigger yeah!
Alas my client’s office is not exactly in the heart of the city. So scope to revisit some familiar haunts is minimal – not so yeah…
And, keeping my client needs paramount, I’ve put together a schedule that leaves nearly no room for play.
Naughty me.
I’m still hoping a friend or two can come rescue me for a small adventure on my one free evening.
No matter what – can’t wait to hear the music of Bangla in my ears, chow down on delicious Bangla food, dive into a good project and… let’s be honest… escape the Mumbai heat for a couple of days!
PS – Just in case you are wondering, skipped ‘Door No 3’ aka the Chennai trip. However have another Delhi / Gurgaon trip coming up soon!!
Related posts:
Thank you Canadian voters!
I’m a proud Canadian.
I’m proud of the values I grew up with – embracing cultures and communities of the world, religious persuasion, celebrating that love is the person not the gender… believing in universal healthcare, access to quality education, funding for the arts, creating opportunities to work together in harmony with civility and compassion.
Understanding a helping hand and a second chance can make a positive difference. Recognising we are merely renting space on this planet and responsibility for generations to come in our treatment of our environment. Believing in fairness, a commitment to scientific discovery, that an open honest debate makes us stronger. (more…)
Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort from Raas Haveli
My first day in Jodhpur was spent with a wee bit of shopping, exploring a stepwell and a rather civilised lunch then evening drinks at the enchanting Raas Hotel.
Aside from being an oasis from the hustle and bustle, Raas boasts one of the best views of Mehrangarh Fort. I felt like I could reach out and touch it! Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the fort towers high over Jodhpur. (more…)
Everyday Asia 