There’s a wild wind blowing
Down the corner of my street
Every night there the headlights are glowing
There’s a cold war coming
On the radio I heard
Baby it’s a violent world

I’ll be going to the World Youth Congress this summer in Istanbul, Turkey. I’ve heard awesome things about it and I’m really excited to attend! I hope I can get in touch with Malaysia Airlines for the sponsorship; the Malaysians need sponsors! Come to think of it, just how many Malaysians are going? I’ve counted 3. Someone pop up, pleasee!

Anyways, I ran to Popular yesterday to get some books; the indispensable Lonely Planet guidebook and “Snow” by Orhan Pamuk. Just so you know, Lonely Planet books are a great quick reference for trivia and info about destinations, but don’t always refer to it! I find that researching and asking the locals always reveals the best places to eat and to be at. Its also great to dwell into the psyche of the people of your destination. From what I hear about Snow, Orhan Pamuk juxtapositions Turkey’s orthodox essence with modernity with lucidity and colour. Really excited to start reading!

You may have noticed that some of the things on this blog have changed lately; the theme, title, orientation and colours for example. I’ve always wanted to give it a name I’m comfortable with. But the context hasn’t always gelled with it, abit like how Malaysian karaoke videos have nothing to do with the lyrics. Hmmm, I feel like singing now.

So, after little deliberation, I gave it a much more natural title! Viva milo ais!

THIS IS IT! More on what happened later

Hello, its Ghost of Christmas Past again.

Except since Christmas is over, i’m in temporary retirement. Which is probably why i’m helping Mark update this blog. He’s paying me to blog for him you know.

Right, Mark?

Anyway, be good this year if not you don’t get a present during Christmas. Really. (since i have direct contact with Santa.)

Its terrifying to see that such rage has actually manifested itself though, thank goodness, it has not turned into an enormous mess yet. Yet, to be present in existence with such pinpointed violence is a pretty scary thing.

I’ve been advised by friends and much of the alternative press to not display in your car rosaries, Christian stickers, crucifixes and all sorts of other knick-knacks that would reveal your Christianity. All this for fear of having your windows smashed, as reported numerous times on Twitter.

As much as this might save your money, I am of the opinion that if we do this, we are in away pretty much giving in to the demands of the angry people, to restrain ourselves from our freedom to express our faith. Ainit?

I think this is an issue of dignity. I know I won’t be giving in into any of their demands. None of us should, that is, if we want to protect and display our faith in these troubling times.

Ultimately, lets not attack or fight back because that simply mirrors what those people are doing, the exact opposite of what any religion would command, including one named after “peace” itself.

Lets hope the situation resolves itself; sans the mad rhetoric, ending the violence and hopefully giving birth to some form of a consensus. Ultimately, to live together ala muhibah, whether we are Muslims or Christians. Thats supposed to be our Malaysia right? Amen?

Dinner was a pot-luck amongst the relatives. We brought cake. My first time trying pathé. Mmm, crackers and salmon were fantastic hors d’oeuvres.

Aunty-aunties and my sam suk poh looking on and preparing the food and the drinks. My first time champagne!

It was great to chat and meet my relatives and cousins after such a long time. The food was great too! Presents?

TA-DAAAAH! A traveller’s adaptor, socks, Turkish delight, and lots of chocolate!

HOPE EVERYONE HAD A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

YOU CAN’T ESCAPE THE CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE! It is wonderful, almost magical, to see Orchard Road decked to the nines with ornaments, lights and all sorts of decorations. Amidst the throngs of people, you can feel their wonder as they marvel at the strata of of that little part of Singapore. The festive mood hangs and also encapsulates Singapore. Everyone should come down and feel it!

Before Orchard Rd, I kicked off Christmas Day by attending midnight mass. I’m not actually Catholic, but I thought it’d be an interesting way to start Christmas. I am pretty inquisitive after all! I’ll do a photo essay on the beautiful St Teresa’s Church soon. The ceremonies were new to me and wonderful.

Anyway, wishing everyone a blessed and wonderful Christmas!

]]> http://markychan.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/christmas-in-singapore/feed/ 3 markychan IMG_2698 IMG_2618b http://markychan.wordpress.com/2009/12/25/a-night-up-bukit-chandu/ http://markychan.wordpress.com/2009/12/25/a-night-up-bukit-chandu/#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:28:13 +0000 markychan http://markychan.wordpress.com/?p=64 Continue reading →]]> I am quite an inquisitive person, and I also read Russel Lee’s True Singapore Ghost Stories. It was only more tempting to go up Bukit Chandu at night, alone, considering my relative’s condo is just below the hill! Bukit Chandu is supposedly one of, if not the most, haunted places on the island of Singapore. It saw a bloody war between the Japanese and British forces during the Second World War and many perished. But still, it seemed so inviting to go up and scare myself silly! And disappointed I was not.

I started walking at about 11pm up Pepys Road. Man, it was ABSOLUTELY SILENT except for the occasional but shocking bursts of shaking the tall trees above made. It was as if something was watching me. The stranger thing was that I could not help but cough very uncontrollably and suddenly at one part of the road, passing it when I went UP and DOWN.

I reached the Canopy Walk, which was eerily empty amongst the tree top, but quite amazingly romantic! I walked over to Kent Ridge Park, and it surprised me to see that there were still some people walking around in the dark. Wait, were they people anyway? It was dark and quiet and a cool breeze was blowing. Just as I guessed, there were a few couples enjoying company on the benches. Romantic what!

But it got a bit less romantic when I walked down to Hort Park. I walked downhill on a dark and tree-covered path. I heard lots of funny cracks of twigs and all sorts of noises, I don’t want to know where they came from! It was all okay until I saw the graveyard!

I freaked out and after deliberating abit, I decided not to go through Hort Park since I was the only person there. The night threw in a few more chills with strange noises, bats, moving figures (probably a couple la) and of course the thick, heavy and mysterious air of Kent Ridge Park. I got back just before midnight.

If anyone is looking for a free, clean, accessible and unforgettable scare, don’t go to Sentosa! Go to Kent Ridge and Hort Parks at night!