tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221985132024-03-08T02:36:04.209+08:00Chasing TailsA small site about someone who has a habit of writing long-winded essays about a gazzillion things from software engineering/methodology to food and culture. It tends to be a little hyper and hence, sometimes, we chase our own little "tails".Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.comBlogger488125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-55271017844907332282011-05-28T19:04:00.003+08:002011-05-28T20:43:54.559+08:00Norwegian ExposureSo many photos to process....<br /><br />And when the photos are done, which ones do I put up?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />For this business trip, I brought my new CPL (Circular Polariser) filter which I had gotten just before I flew off. It was certainly a good investment of my RM300+. I would have to agree that the CPL filter is quite useful when you're out and about.<br /><br />We didn't get to go very far and decided to explore the city sights.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5767959350/" title="IMG_000683 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/5767959350_771075dd03.jpg" alt="IMG_000683" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />One of the recommended sights from our Norwegian colleagues was to go to Aker Brygge, which is a pretty happening harbour very near our apartments.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5767414695/" title="IMG_000681 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/5767414695_01827859ea.jpg" alt="IMG_000681" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The city of Oslo is pretty organized in grids - which can make us a bit confused at times because we're not used to the organization. LOL! There were times when we thought we were using a "short-cut" but it turns out to be a long cut. Grrr.... But it was not bad as the weather was pleasant for walking.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5767414665/" title="IMG_000680 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/5767414665_ba9a152aa5.jpg" alt="IMG_000680" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Transportation around Oslo is very convenient. The buses, trains, trams, ferries and metro (underground) are all inter-connected. With just a weekly pass for 200Nkr, we have access to all the public transportation. The buses and trains run on time and you even have a timer on how long the next bus is away from a stop. That's efficiency for you.<br /><br />Besides that, Oslo is also a very pedestrian-friendly city. Cars stop at the zebra crossings and won't speed up if they see you on the crossings. The walkways are wide enough and paved making it very pleasant and safe to walk.<br /><br />The walk to Aker Brygge took us around 20 minutes downhill. It is really a lovely little harbour where you can walk around and enjoy the fresh air. The harbour also has some really nice little eateries and pubs too.<br /><br />What caught my eye was the marina..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5767959378/" title="IMG_000691 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/5767959378_468d39a94a.jpg" alt="IMG_000691" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Across Aker Brygge is the Akershus fortress which we visited during the weekend.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5767474317/" title="IMG_000696 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5767474317_6f131f2554.jpg" alt="IMG_000696" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />There are some interesting sites around Aker Brygge and along the harbour, there are some lovely restaurants including TGIF (which... isn't that great in my opinion)...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5767474291/" title="IMG_000693 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/5767474291_0588a192b6.jpg" alt="IMG_000693" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">There's definitely a hive of activity around the harbour since it was close to the independence day celebrations.<br /><br />I will post up some interesting pics later.<br /></div></div></div></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-49149848008501152572011-05-26T01:03:00.003+08:002011-05-26T01:07:22.561+08:00I'm Too Old For This...It has been a pretty frustrating week...<br /><br />I just took some time off to relax by keeping the computer turned off and then getting my hands to do some work.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5758581459/" title="IMG_9462 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/5758581459_6e8327405a.jpg" alt="IMG_9462" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">What is the result of my hard "work" and fingers burning with pain due to the size of these blocks?<br /><br />You'll have to wait for a while to find out more. :D<br /><br />Yeah... Yeah.. Some folks may say that playing with such toys doesn't suit an old fart like me but hey, they made some of these toys for adults!<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-3475883649744747382011-05-22T00:15:00.003+08:002011-05-22T00:19:24.606+08:00AscendingLet's be positive...<br /><br />Looking at a staircase, we ascend to reach greater heights...<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5742903889/" title="IMG_000745 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/5742903889_6a0f93ca3c.jpg" alt="IMG_000745" border="0" height="500" width="322" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I managed to rescue this photo from the SD card where I've accidentally deleted photos before I did a proper backup...<br /><br />I saw the staircase while walking around the Operahuset, i.e. the Opera House in Oslo.<br /><br />This photo was taken in RAW and converted to B&W. Love the textures...<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-12840620993849107502011-05-18T00:54:00.006+08:002011-05-18T00:58:54.005+08:00A Photographer's Hard Lesson<div style="text-align: justify;">Did something extremely silly a couple of nights ago.... I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED SOME PHOTOS WHICH I DIDN'T TRANSFER OUT FROM MY SD CARD!!!!<br /><br />*Sigh*.... I had meant to back up my photos after each session but I put it off.<br /><br />Call it procrastination and this is certainly a very hard lesson to swallow.<br /><br />Some of those lovely photos of Oslo will never come back - especially when I took a picture of a parade of Norwegians dressed up in 16th century gear commemorating the founding of the city by a Danish prince....<br /><br />*sigh*...<br /><br />I had been lazy. So, this is the punishment I got. Time to be a better organized photographer/traveler.<br /></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-41794064680846532962011-05-08T15:05:00.003+08:002011-05-08T15:11:55.533+08:00Clearer Now... I HopeIt's been a week since we've started the knowledge transfer activities here in Oslo.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5698199877/" title="IMG_9209 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/5698199877_f663fbb8a0.jpg" alt="IMG_9209" height="500" width="334" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />It's starting to get clearer now.... and we're getting into focus...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We've got a looooong journey ahead and it would prove to be quite interesting. As the old saying goes, "it's not the destination but the journey towards the destination..."<br /></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-300104494348362602011-05-02T12:58:00.003+08:002011-05-02T18:55:26.660+08:00Way Up North...Ok... I'm still a wee bit bleary and tired after traveling on planes for 24 hours.<br /><br />Two transit flights later, I've landed safely at the Land of the Midnight Sun.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The travel itself was quite "comfortable" being jammed in economy class without a PEU (Personal Entertainment Unit)... Yes, I'm quite "spoilt" as I've never traveled long haul without any entertainment. Wished I brought my PSP..<br /><br />Anyway, since we traveled at night, it was very tempting for me to sleep throughout the journey. However, by adjusting my watch and devices to Oslo time. That meant that I was forcing my body to adjust the bio-rhythm clock. I'm not looking forward to the return trip...<br /><br />The route was KL--> Bangkok --> Frankfurt --> Oslo. The trip from KL --> Bangkok --> Frankfurt was ok. But we were misguided by the immigration folks and ended up missing the connecting flight to Oslo. *sigh*. Had to wait for another 3 hours and was on standby.<br /><br />Lucky for us, we managed to get on board and arrived at 1:30pm.<br /><br />By the time we got to the apartment, we were pretty tired. However, the views are wonderful...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5678935774/" title="IMG_8922 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5678935774_d10282ab29.jpg" alt="IMG_8922" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My room faced the main street. It is a little noisy during the morning but quite silent at night. Anyway, good to have the sounds of the city in the background as it lulls me to sleep.<br /><br />I brought my new CPL filter for my 17-70mm lens and tested it out. It was worth the $$ spent. ;-)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5678935840/" title="IMG_8923 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5678935840_51aed52580.jpg" alt="IMG_8923" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My room also has a nice balcony overlooking a long street. Lovely vantage for some photos which I will try to take. The architecture here is lovely and I'm excited to take photos of it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5678935912/" title="IMG_8925 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5678935912_0bd2d94c50.jpg" alt="IMG_8925" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The above shot was taken without the CPL and you can tell that the sky isn't as blue.<br /><br />Why am I up here? Well, I'm part of a team who is undergoing a handover from our colleagues in Oslo. From the <a href="http://angiecltan.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-going-to-be-alright.html">latest organizational reshuffling</a>, all of us had to take on different projects.<br /><br />It's going to be a pretty busy time for the next 2 weeks.<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-6041049797045521762011-04-23T22:04:00.002+08:002011-04-23T22:33:25.636+08:00DisappointedI'm feeling a wee bit disappointed today.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5645850173/" title="IMG_8883 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5264/5645850173_d1677cd3af.jpg" alt="IMG_8883" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I had expected to enjoy a pretty nice afternoon at 1Utama but things didn't turn out as I had planned...<br /><a name='more'></a><br />First of all, I thought of having a pretty nice lunch since it felt like a nice day. However, the choice of lunch I had for this afternoon was not what I had expected.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5646413920/" title="IMG_8884 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5646413920_58036f783c.jpg" alt="IMG_8884" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I ended up going to Nyonya Colors @ 1Utama for a late lunch. I had no idea what to order and saw a picture of the Thai Curry Laksa which looked appealing and so, ordered that. It was an interesting taste and pretty spicy with a hint of sweetness.<br /><br />However, the spices and chillis were not to my liking and I had difficulty enjoying it. I should have ordered the standard curry laksa instead....<br /><br />For RM8.90, it is a wee bit pricey but there's a whole drumstick with part of the thigh included in the noodles. Note that you don't get potatoes with the noodles but radish. Odd but suits the curry.<br /><br />Later, I had to soothe the heat by taking a bit of ice-cream. I was certainly not very satisfied with my lunch choice.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5645850231/" title="IMG_8888 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5645850231_e5dea22614.jpg" alt="IMG_8888" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">For dinner, I had to satisfy my curiosity with the Carl's Jr Chillis Cheese Fries. Boy, I was disappointed.<br /><br />I took a burger but the meat patty was dry and pretty tasteless. Had to smother the burger with tomato in order to have some taste.<br /><br />The cheese fries was salty, although the flavour was "authentic" with the meat (beef) based sauce which had some curry and tomato taste. However, it was too salty and so, had to counter it with a lot of tomato and chilli sauce. Not good.<br /><br />I had previously <a href="http://angiecltan.blogspot.com/2008/03/carls-jr-1utama.html">raved about Carl's Jr</a>, talking about how good the burgers were. But now, 3 yrs later, I'm sorely disappointed.<br /><br />The price of the burger is about the same price as what you can get at Chilli's or Tony Roma's but the quality has not been maintained.<br /><br />It might be some time before I will try Carl's Jr again.<br /><br />Hopefully tomorrow would be less of a disappointment... culinary-wise. ;-)<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-9050202598271711402011-04-15T16:00:00.003+08:002011-04-15T16:03:51.051+08:00Another Week Has Zoomed By<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5620827273/" title="IMG_8801 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5620827273_56165f63d3.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="IMG_8801" border="0" /></a><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Rusty zoooming at the speed of light... 1/400 of a second that is..</span></i><br /></div><br />Wow... Time certainly has zoomed right by us!<br /><div><br /></div><div>I can't believe that it's now the middle of April. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wonder if there would be good news at the end of April.... Hmmm..</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great weekend folks!</div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-45048874355548834142011-04-12T08:27:00.003+08:002011-04-12T08:52:41.384+08:00It's Going To Be Alright!<div style="text-align: justify;">My hiatus from this blog was mainly due to work. That's not a big surprise actually.<br /><br />Not that I hate my work, I actually enjoyed it a lot.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />It started 6 months ago, when the team received news that we were to drop whatever work we were doing to start working on a new R&D project which involved building a platform.<br /><br />As with new projects, come new uncertainties and challenges. This was nothing new with our project. As it turned out, we had to overcome a very steep mountain of learning and applying new technology, working with new overseas colleagues as well as get used to being under the scrutiny of top level management (our "chickens").<br /><br />Some found the new project daunting; others enjoyed the challenge and for me, the usual ups and downs came with it.<br /><br />So, my dedication to the new project did "distract" me from working on my photos and this blog as when I got home, I was really tired - both mentally and physically. I recalled the words from a former boss that "if you feel tired after a good day's work - it's really worth it".<br /><br />Stuff from work and home overwhelmed me to the point that I no longer have time to gym which makes me very irritable and moody at times. Not good.<br /><br />Anyway, 6 months later, we've got another piece of news. We are to drop everything we've been working on this project to pick up another product to continue to develop and support. We were like "WTF??!"<br /><br />*sigh*<br /><br />The news was delivered to us on a Friday. Boy, what a way to start your weekend. We had time to digest the news.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5611783750/" title="IMG_8790 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5611783750_53cc29ccb4.jpg" alt="IMG_8790" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rusty always smile... not knowing what will happen next...</span><br /></div><br />A conference call was setup for the following week to discuss certain matters. The team was settling down to the news and thought that the call had to do with transition plans. However, our unit boss was in the call to reiterate the plan and "instruct" us to do what is necessary. Not very helpful. That made everyone quite disappointed and frankly, a little "pissed off".<br /><br />Oh well, given a little bit of time - things have settled down quite a bit. With new colleagues joining the team changing the dynamics a little; the team is focused to getting things done and getting people up to speed. Another piece of news is that an ex-team member is headed back our way to help out with managing the product.<br /><br />The middle management has been really trying their utmost best to smooth things out. Frankly, in the above matter, 3 teams were badly affected by the news. 2 had to swap products, and another is now overwhelmed with the fact that they've got no more additional help when the project returns to them!<br /><br />We're stuck in the middle. On one hand, we're to help out with our existing project as much as possible and on the other, have to approach the other team about knowledge to transition their product. The sad part of the story is that the other team whom we're approaching had their projects taken away twice...<br /><br />It seems that everyday some of us are reminded about the possible hostile reaction we may face from the other team but I'm trying to keep positive. I know things will be alright.<br /><br />I believe that no matter what happens, the team will pull through. We thought we could never do what we're doing now and I'm sure we'll be ok.<br /><br />Guess I'll have to activate my LoA (Law of Attraction) to attract the good and positive. No time and energy to dwell on the negative.<br /><br />As one friend put it, we have to start getting away from the "Why-this-happened" to "How-to -overcome-this".<br /></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-39228804462180421532011-04-06T07:45:00.000+08:002011-04-06T07:45:00.138+08:00Weekend Brunch @ The Bee, Jaya OneI've yet to blog about what has been going on lately, which I will work on next...<br /><br />I had missed this year's Putrajaya Balloon Festival due to an upset stomach. So, after a few hours of sleep, I got up feeling pretty hungry.<br /><br />EV suggested that we have brunch at this place she read about...<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It had my favourite snack - churros, which I discovered at a theme park many many years back.<br /><br />Off we went to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thebee.com.my">The Bee</a>. Apparently they serve brunch for the weekends and they do have a pretty good choice of menu items from eggs, sausages to pancakes and wraps.<br /><br />I opted for The Big Breakfast which came with either a coffee or tea.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5591974035/" title="IMG_8677 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5175/5591974035_46e898e1fc.jpg" alt="IMG_8677" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /></div>The scrambled eggs had the right degree of runniness, which went well with the toast and hash. I added the extra chicken sausage which was delicious!<br /><br />EV went for a wrap since she already had breakfast earlier. The Huevos Rancheros Wrap was a nice combo of spicy (with the chillis) and beans.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5591973975/" title="IMG_8678 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5591973975_1fb79533a5.jpg" alt="IMG_8678" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />With all that food, it was amazing that we had some space left for a small piece of dessert.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Having spied that churros was on the menu, we went for it! The churros came with a side of chocolate which went very well. I dream of the day I can try churros with hot thick chocolate in Brazil.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5591973871/" title="IMG_8682 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5591973871_aedcde268b.jpg" alt="IMG_8682" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />Besides scrumptious brunch, The Bee seems to have a great set of burgers - which I will try in the future...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The food at The Bee certainly has some home cook feel to it - especially with the home made sausages which is worth the extra $$$$.<br /><br />Oh yea, another great part of The Bee. You can add RM10 for a glass of orange juice and bottomless cups of coffee and tea with your brunch item. With the free WiFi and lovely atmosphere, this is a great place to hang out over the weekend.<br /></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-75359882754855578572011-04-04T08:23:00.003+08:002011-04-04T08:31:57.931+08:00I Missed an Entire Month!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5586705359/" title="IMG_8674 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5586705359_cb9b16c7ac.jpg" alt="IMG_8674" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes.. I didn't blog for an entire month.<br /><br />A whole stash of photos from February to March are still waiting for me to process...<br /><br />I was a little lazy but also was caught up with some stuff at work which for some reason now, doesn't really need my attention anymore. So, will have to realign my priorities. One of it is to get back to taking care of me and spending more time with my camera. ;-)<br /><br />Another is to think about getting all my certifications done.<br /><br />Anyway, will share more in the coming posts. One of it was the major disappointment I encountered on last Friday which had me going for some minor retail therapy over the weekend...<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-90317575475937388732011-02-19T11:16:00.002+08:002011-02-19T11:27:49.844+08:00Have a Great Weekend...Hope that everyone will have a relaxing weekend. It has been pretty hectic with the CNY holidays...<br /><br />For me, things were pretty crazy just before the CNY break due to some software platform release my team was involved in. We're relieved that it's now done but now, the old cycle of innovate, improve, fix and deliver a working software platform is back.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5457683744/" title="IMG_8536_BW by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5457683744_e530b4cc3b.jpg" alt="IMG_8536_BW" border="0/" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We or at least, I should learn from both Rusty and Snoopy... They always take time out for an afternoon "siesta". They only bark when necessary and only exert energy when it's really needed (like chasing squirrels or birds).<br /><br />Why don't I ever learn.....<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-24608665462912715872011-02-04T09:20:00.002+08:002011-02-04T09:26:36.851+08:00年初一 Cuisine (CNY 1st Day)GONG XI FA CAI!!!<br /><br />It's finally the Year of the Rabbit. After the previous night's indulgence, we usually have something lighter on the 1st day of the Chinese New Year.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />My mom cooked a type of vegetarian dish comprised of chinese cabbage, fried taopok (beancurd), mushrooms and fried onions. It's a slightly sweet and savoury dish which goes well with white rice. We usually have it at home during normal days too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5414836928/" title="IMG_8491 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5414836928_79e84ee8eb.jpg" alt="IMG_8491" border="0/" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">For the 1st day of the new year, we usually have noodles with this dish. The noodles are cooked in boiling water and mixed with some oil and fried onions to flavour it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5414225145/" title="IMG_8492 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5414225145_c94545298f.jpg" alt="IMG_8492" border="0/" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />According to my mom, my late grandmother would cook this for the 1st day of CNY. I was probably too young to remember it. Certainly a very delicious start to the new year!<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-59262026730376628672011-02-03T12:07:00.002+08:002011-02-03T12:10:18.873+08:00Happy Year of the Rabbit!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Wishing everyone a fantastic Year of the Rabbit!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5412520508/" title="IMG_8493 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5412520508_2887af9900.jpg" alt="IMG_8493" border="0/" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">May it be a year of hopping joy, abundance, good health & luck for you and your family!<br /><br />恭喜发财!<br /></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-84542643140929251872011-01-04T00:35:00.000+08:002011-01-04T00:35:47.128+08:00Called Home To The Lord - We Will Miss You Ian Tan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7ucO9j1vaV8iK8JtFZSg8FJa-O9SfGDroLQGbdoIecYAgbnaEasElr75_h14OKqetimEp5bpsOrz4DzgktmCpUdiBE_uoYhz-WYM_IDwqQ8IVMWtet2yXshqQTVmJfnl-kDeaw/s1600/Ian_Tan-25-Dec-2010.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aFErE7J6AIHv1fIMu9JE1GkgOdFvTvv5iHWSfKo6SE6jgjYDRoboq-fryyNqD_o11fWjm9g__IHzqWwws3XUTWnDrzwzWxoNoa7zI03KIRBRrXNEOOae_bewZ6GlfM1yVpIMVQ/s1600/IMG_8293.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aFErE7J6AIHv1fIMu9JE1GkgOdFvTvv5iHWSfKo6SE6jgjYDRoboq-fryyNqD_o11fWjm9g__IHzqWwws3XUTWnDrzwzWxoNoa7zI03KIRBRrXNEOOae_bewZ6GlfM1yVpIMVQ/s400/IMG_8293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557993453802451218" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It was so sudden, so shocking. We hoped that it was someone else...<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />We got the news on Sunday night, just when we finished an early dinner. We had plans to go do some grocery shopping for fruits when we got a very disturbing call from my eldest uncle. My eldest cousin Ian had just passed away.<br /><br />It was so sudden.<br /><br />We had just celebrated his birthday which fell on Christmas day. It was a large family gathering & ever since my cousin returned from US, we celebrated his birthday during our annual Christmas celebration at one of the aunt's or uncle's house.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7ucO9j1vaV8iK8JtFZSg8FJa-O9SfGDroLQGbdoIecYAgbnaEasElr75_h14OKqetimEp5bpsOrz4DzgktmCpUdiBE_uoYhz-WYM_IDwqQ8IVMWtet2yXshqQTVmJfnl-kDeaw/s1600/Ian_Tan-25-Dec-2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7ucO9j1vaV8iK8JtFZSg8FJa-O9SfGDroLQGbdoIecYAgbnaEasElr75_h14OKqetimEp5bpsOrz4DzgktmCpUdiBE_uoYhz-WYM_IDwqQ8IVMWtet2yXshqQTVmJfnl-kDeaw/s400/Ian_Tan-25-Dec-2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557996838240944770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cousin Ian with one of the new puppies "Robin"</span><br /></div><br />My cousin was gifted. He was gifted with a beautiful voice and gentle heart. He was a voice tutor and had come back from US to be with my aunt/uncle after studying and working there for many years. When he was back, he continued to teach and also help out in church.<br /><br />He was always so musical and inspirational. His gentleness and belief in God touched all of us. I managed to attend one of his performances last year and was in awe.<br /><br />Anyway, tonite's wake was a testament to his life. He had so much love and shared it with everyone. The house was full with people whom he taught and met in church.<br /><br />The last performance he gave was at a friend's church for a Christmas event. He had chosen a song titled "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. During the eulogy, the friend mentioned that the song choice was a bit strange for Christmas but probably my cousin chose the song that during Christmas, there was always hope in Christ who came to wash away our sins.<br /><br />This was strange. I had spent some time at my aunt's place to fix up their Internet connection. I had to return twice to get everything all setup. While I was setting things setup, I had heard him practicing that song. It was one of my favourite songs too... I didn't want to interrupt him during his practice as I wanted to ask him about who was the singer of the song. So, after I finished everything, I went home - with the song in my head. I had thought that he was practicing for church the next day. It never occurred to me that he was going to sing it during Christmas celebrations.<br /><br />Looking back, I was glad to have had to go back to my aunt's place twice to fix up their Internet connection. I always did love his singing. Even when he didn't sing, he was a great pianist. I was glad that I was there to listen to him sing - for one of the last times.<br /><br />We're all sad to lose such a gentle soul but we're glad that he has gone home to be with God. I'm sure that he is now singing to God, praising him. For now, we rejoice that he is free from suffering as he suffered from lung problems from an early age but despite that - kept singing and praising God.<br /><br />Here's the song "I Can Only Imagine"...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0xwzItqYmII?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0xwzItqYmII?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We'll miss you Ian. I'm sure that now you're with JoJo, Granny and Grandpa. in the beauty of heaven. Am sure they will be glad to see you there.<br /><br />God bless...<br /></div></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-29046407679205515282010-12-31T11:20:00.003+08:002010-12-31T11:24:06.793+08:00In Anticipation... Happy New Year!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5308618684/" title="IMG_8244 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5283/5308618684_1010d2030d.jpg" alt="IMG_8244" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Happy New Year!!! Hope that 2011 will be a fantastic one for you all...<br /><br />I've been a bit busy with work to pay any attention to blogging. I have tonnes of photos to edit too but haven't had time to work on it.<br /><br />Wishing everyone a great year ahead....Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-55151950499196334602010-12-24T07:59:00.002+08:002010-12-24T08:02:34.380+08:00Merry Christmas!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5286258205/" title="IMG_8126 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5286258205_64fed5d491.jpg" alt="IMG_8126" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Christmas tree is up and decorated.<br /><br />The dogs are ready to party too...<br /><br />Wishing you and your family a very Merry Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year!!!!<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-45607430240196692242010-12-12T23:23:00.002+08:002010-12-12T23:29:07.400+08:00Twelve Days to Christmas...Wow... It has been a busy December.<br /><br />The Christmas decorations are up and I've been going around to take some photos...<br /><br />Here is my favourite one so far.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5254578614/" title="IMG_8093 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5254578614_fedb64593e.jpg" alt="IMG_8093" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Twelve days to go... Have you done your Christmas shopping?<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-88111502425982102972010-12-04T20:10:00.002+08:002010-12-04T20:13:47.833+08:00Don't Skimp On That FilterThis certainly was a relief...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5231405008/" title="IMG_7941 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5169/5231405008_08c48fc7c1.jpg" alt="IMG_7941" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_JustifyCenter" title="Align Center" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 11);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="img/blank.gif" alt="Align Center" class="gl_align_center" border="0" /></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Never underestimate the significance of getting a UV filter for your lens.. I was glad that this protected my lens.<br /><br />How did this happen? My "free" Canon bag strap broke earlier and it fell on the ground. The impact caused the crack.<br /><br />Anyway, planning to get a Hoya UV filter to replace this.<br /><br />All I can say is *PHEW*!!!<br /></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-58847849888918554252010-11-30T08:19:00.003+08:002010-11-30T08:25:41.734+08:00ShadowsI've been quite lazy to blog lately.<br /><br />Looking at these photos isn't going to help either...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5218965357/" title="IMG_7764 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5218965357_912d143c36.jpg" alt="IMG_7764" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br />It was just one of those days when I felt like shooting in B&W. Strangely enough, Rusty was just feeling lazy enough for me to capture the moment.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5219555022/" title="IMG_7765 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5219555022_11e41040c4.jpg" alt="IMG_7765" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Rusty has quite a bit of fine whiskers which I'm not sure what its use is for. Anyway, the lazy boy was lounging in the chair the entire day...<br /><br />*Yawn*... Reminds me of the lovely cool weather we're getting in the evenings. It certainly wants to make me sleep...<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-73227782366033182522010-11-23T08:18:00.002+08:002010-11-23T08:38:19.176+08:00Cheap Eats @ Whampoa DriveOn my final day in Lion City, we both finally were able to find the hawker centre near our hotel.<br /><br />Somehow, we both regretted not having gone to the place earlier...<br /><br />EV's sister recommended Whampoa Drive's hawker centre to us for its famous rojak. We never got to try it as it opened at night. We both decided to pay a visit for brunch on our last day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5199501901/" title="IMG_7704 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5199501901_e016547ba7.jpg" alt="IMG_7704" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />This was the first thing I spotted...<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />It was under the stall named "Chinese Pancake". My parents called it Ban Chang Kueh, which is a thick pancake sandwich with lots of peanuts. At this stall, we found that the filling could either be coconut, peanut or red bean. We chose peanut and coconut. Each slice costs SGD0.60 - a steal considering the amount of filling they gave us.<br /><br />I recognized this place from one of the food programmes I saw on AFC, so, I'd guess it must be good.<br /><br />Absolutely delicious!! Unfortunately, in KL, the chinese pancake stalls are quite stingy with their filling. By the time we finished the pancake, the bottom of the box still had a lot of peanuts and coconut shreddings...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5200094910/" title="IMG_7703 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5200094910_b3d978be0a.jpg" alt="IMG_7703" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Another kueh we found was the Chwee Kueh. It's a Teo Chew dish of steamed rice cakes topped off with minced preserved vegetables. Apparently this is hard to find in KL but quite popular in Kuching. EV was very excited to find this...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5199501951/" title="IMG_7705 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5199501951_5c676e47a2.jpg" alt="IMG_7705" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite all the yummy kueh, we still wanted to have something substantial. So, we ordered from this China handmade noodle stall which had seafood noodles. We both opted for the dry noodles with fish slices.<br /><br />The noodles resemble our Pan Mee with its fried anchovies (ikan bilis), mushrooms and vegetables. The only missing ingredient is the minced pork. Since the shop serves only seafood, the minced pork is left out.<br /><br />I made the grave mistake of mixing everything (dried chillies and all) together...<br /><br />The dried chillies are flaming hot! It didn't hit me until the 5th or 6th bite when I started to feel heat all over my mouth!! The worse part - the drinks stall nearby didn't have any ice...<br /><br />I had to abandon my noodles early and paid the price later by visiting the toilet 4 or 5 times before boarding the flight.<br /><br />A great place to visit! Highly recommended if you're around the area.<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-29709888736676223392010-11-18T23:55:00.000+08:002010-11-18T23:55:52.162+08:00Universal Fun @ Lion City - Day 3Finally.. I'm able to blog about my day at Universal Studio, Singapore.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5184805744/" title="IMG_7448 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5184805744_c72013703b.jpg" alt="IMG_7448" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />It was a really really fun day.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />We took a monorail ride from Vivo City to Sentosa Island for $3. We arrived at Vivo City via cab but one can take the MRT to Harbourfront Station which is within Vivo City.<br /><br />Universal Studios Singapore is divided into several "zones":<br /><ul><li>Hollywood/NYC</li><li>Madagascar</li><li>Ancient Egypt</li><li>The Lost World</li><li>Far Far Away</li><li>Sci-Fi City</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Each zone had a distinctive fixture and rides. The only zone which didn't have a ride was the Hollywood/NYC zone which had more decoration and performances.<br /><br />The weather was cloudy and a little hazy due to the recent volcanic rumblings of Gunung Merapi in Indonesia. So, no clear blue skies were captured and everything in the photos were cast against a "white" background.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5186008990/" title="IMG_7461 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1042/5186008990_fb75d65cca.jpg" alt="IMG_7461" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />We started out early as the crowds started arriving at 10am. The first place we went through was the Madagascar zone. The rides here were catered for the kids. So, after taking a few pics, we moved on towards the next zone - Far Far Away.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185994958/" title="IMG_7601 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1432/5185994958_3f6a1692c7.jpg" alt="IMG_7601" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Far Far Away had a few attractions, including the Dragon Ride which is like a mini roller coaster for kids. We didn't get a chance to sit on that but we did go for the 4D show. It was a good one as you got to feel some effects while watching a short Shrek clip.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185393563/" title="IMG_7582 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5185393563_338ca73bce.jpg" alt="IMG_7582" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />At the Egyptian zone, you're whisked away to another time & place. This is where the Mummy franchise sits with the big attraction being the Mummy's Revenge - an indoor roller coaster. My friend went in and enjoyed the ride though it was short. I was outside taking lots of photos...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185393395/" title="IMG_7506 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5185393395_7ea4f38d59.jpg" alt="IMG_7506" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />I took this picture in RAW and converted it. I certainly like to shoot in RAW as there is so much detail captured. I'll definitely shoot more in RAW since I've got a new SD card.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185994684/" title="IMG_7489 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1400/5185994684_ed8ac5212d.jpg" alt="IMG_7489" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Our main target was to head to the Jurassic Park Rapids as we heard that we could get wet as it was a water ride. The queue was long. We didn't go for this ride until the end... We did enjoy the canopy ride. I don't like heights but I enjoyed the short ride.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185994936/" title="IMG_7598 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5185994936_c3a464b94a.jpg" alt="IMG_7598" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Unfortunately, the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster ride was still closed and so, the Sci-Fi section was rather quiet. I suspect that they might actually introduce more attractions later.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185393431/" title="IMG_7511 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5185393431_155ebf5886.jpg" alt="IMG_7511" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />The ride sure looks intense..... Which would you take? Red or Blue?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185393495/" title="IMG_7535 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5185393495_8d409b7cf1.jpg" alt="IMG_7535" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />The Hollywood/NYC section is mainly 1 large soundstage with iconic buildings, signages and props taken right out of NYC. Some restaurants, shops as well as performance of the sound stage is here. Worthwhile to go in while waiting for performances to begin.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185393531/" title="IMG_7537 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1027/5185393531_1a4ff8cc6a.jpg" alt="IMG_7537" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />While waiting for the performance, I took some pics of the NYC area.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5185995008/" title="IMG_7626 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5185995008_8ae7207ea6.jpg" alt="IMG_7626" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />The parking meter is just so iconic. The entire soundstage reminds me of the set right out of Friends.<br /><br />As for food - there are a variety of restaurants ranging from fast food to Asian/Western cuisine. We both opted for fast food as we were liked the decor of the 50's Mel's Drive-In : a big prop from the movie "American Grafitti".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5186903389/" title="IMG_7550 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5186903389_8caec21190.jpg" alt="IMG_7550" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />We managed to capture some performances throughout the day - one was a singing/dancing number by the Kowabunga Kove and another by street hip-hop performers called Rockafellas. Both were great!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5186900341/" title="IMG_7681 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5186900341_b8a8ec5a76.jpg" alt="IMG_7681" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />I enjoyed the street hip-hop performance as the guys did some old school breakdancing as well as some nice new moves too.<br /><br />Universal Studios closes at 7pm. According to a friend, there was supposed to be some fireworks display. We stuck around until past 7pm but there was no fireworks...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5186900375/" title="IMG_7696 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5186900375_0ea0d961e7.jpg" alt="IMG_7696" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />So, even though some of the rides were closed and some were just a bit too short - it was an enjoyable experience. We were both quite tired and broke (after all that shopping) at the end of the day.<br /><br />It is certainly a precursor to our impending trip to the US Disneyland theme park, which I'm not sure when. :P<br /><br /></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-22129329615752122502010-11-17T10:23:00.001+08:002010-11-17T10:25:36.532+08:00YellowJust a preview of things to come...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5182939659/" title="IMG_7536 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5182939659_890450fa1b.jpg" alt="IMG_7536" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm still in the midst of editing my photos... So many...<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-85684256185849816652010-11-14T08:00:00.001+08:002010-11-14T08:00:00.705+08:00Universal Fun @ Lion City - Day 2After a restless night, we had a relaxing late morning breakfast at the nearby Tuck Shoppe, which is just down the road from our hotel.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5169599282/" title="IMG_7393 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1238/5169599282_9b75a42db1.jpg" alt="IMG_7393" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />The cafe had the usual food - toast, soft-boiled eggs, curry/chicken rice and even wantan mee.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I ordered the typical breakfast, soft-boiled eggs with kaya on toast.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5169000333/" title="IMG_7395 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5169000333_8a4b4684aa.jpg" alt="IMG_7395" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The breakfast wasn't expensive at under $5 for a set of 2 slices of kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5169599326/" title="IMG_7394 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/5169599326_e7b34bf167.jpg" alt="IMG_7394" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br />After breakfast, we went back to the hotel to plan our next day as well as catch up on the Sunday news. We had plans to meet up with our old Uni mates who moved down to S'pore after working for a while in both Sydney and Penang.<br /><br />We spent some time with our friend and their son, catching up on some news and etc.<br /><br />We later went on down to Orchard to do our shopping...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5169612494/" title="IMG_7420 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/5169612494_2f7b0508c1.jpg" alt="IMG_7420" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Once we arrived at ION, I started looking out for this "collagen burger" but couldn't find it. :-(<br /><br />It was a day we spent on shopping and I ended up buying some photography books from Kinokuniya.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5169020795/" title="IMG_7428 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/5169020795_9c87df66a5.jpg" alt="IMG_7428" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />While walking around the Food Hall @ ION Orchard, I spotted a unique stall selling Peking Duck by the Modern Peking Duck franchise. A pack such as this costs $6. The duck is succulent with yummy crispy skin!<br /><br />I also bought some snacks from the Dong Dae Mun Korean Street Snacks stall but forgot to take a picture of the crispy chicken and bulgogi beef and chicken sticks.<br /><br />Orchard is still the main shopping hub of the city. Thank goodness I was here for a short trip or else I might just go bankrupt shopping here!<br /></div></div>Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22198513.post-32939362088831740382010-11-13T07:43:00.000+08:002010-11-13T07:43:00.135+08:00StructuresJust my attempt at learning to take some pictures of structures...<br /><br />This is what I saw while passing under the Esplanade Drive to get to the Merlion.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5168192854/" title="IMG_7367 by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/5168192854_a6fb1f01a8.jpg" alt="IMG_7367" border="0" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I found it to be quite fascinating the way lines and curves form a structure for people to use. At one point I wanted to study either architecture or civil engineering but since my Comp Science course came first, I couldn't study either. (The letter of acceptance for my civil engineering course arrived a day later.. :( )<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angiecltan/5168192836/" title="IMG_7368_bw by angiecltan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/5168192836_e96497dce3.jpg" alt="IMG_7368_bw" border="0" height="334" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">All is not lost - I still love to look at buildings and now with my camera, can learn ways to document these structures.<br /></div><br />I did this B&W in post-production as I felt it looked better that way. The strong lines proved a good contrast against the waterline and making the structure look more solid.<br /><br />One regret I had - I didn't shoot this in RAW... *doh!*Angie Tanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08889499261628380006noreply@blogger.com3