Kecak, kecak, kecak, kecak...
Post Date : 2015-05-20
Bali, Indonesia
Jan. 26 - 31, 2006
Having some gold fish and a fox terrier meant that preparing for my first trip to Bali meant having to find a willing colleague to take care of my babies. 90,000 Rupiah translated into US$10 for a visa on arrival at the immigration on January 27, 2006. Mom, my brother and his wife flew in from Malaysia to join me. Our first stop after we checked in was at Jimbaran for a scrumptious seafood. We were simply thrilled to see the Balinese joining their palms together when greeting us. Even TV announcers do so, followed by the Hindu prayer of "om santi santi om."
Admittedly, we need all the prayer we can get as our nerves were rattled when we sat down for lunch where the bombings had taken place in 2002 and 2005. With my family together, any mishap could spell disaster especially when this trip is about celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Dog on January 29. I tried not to let the thought bother me so I focused on how different things are in this predominantly Hindu island. When the big day came, mom received her "ang pow" or red packet stuffed with money, S$888 to be exact in which she counted four times due to the different denominations. If you wonder why 888, the number 8 in Chinese sounds like prosperity being said three times over. Then, she sat down to receive my kow tow which has gone out of practice but it is still a ritual that I carry out yearly for a woman who has done so much for me. We hired a driver named I. Ketut Windyana 450,000 Rupiah for an 8-hour tour in a van. We visited a few places such as Ubud, Kinta Mani, Sukarno's palace, a stone masonry, some art galleries, terraced rice paddy field, a temple with ongoing ceremony where Hindus dipped themselves in a pool of cold water to cleanse themselves as they were blessed by a priest. Although Sukarno had ensured that his palace is on a higher ground than the temple, he had underestimated spirituality will always reign high in people's heart. We were happy with Ketut's service and we asked him back the next day where we had 6 durians for 110,000 Rupiah at one of the stops. With so many zeros, I find it hard determine the exact amount I had been spending.
Another stop, the historic Pura (temple) Taman Ayun is surrounded by a moat with lotuses, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Beyond the moat, the temple lies on a slightly raised ground. The split gate, the shrine, the gateway, and rows of pavilion with black thatched roofing were simply breath-taking. Equally impressive was the temple of Tanah Lot where a temple perched on an island all by itself, not too far from the black sanded coastline. It was a fitting logistical arrangement, and I got many wonderful shots of the sun setting while watching the kecak dance. Outside, we were being warned about those notorious monkeys and while I was taking photos, one of them tried to snatch my camera and I screamed loud enough to send the monkey fleeing. The dance was performed by a large group of chanting man sitting in a circle, waving their arms to the epic story of Ramayana, the Hindu version of Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. It was really breath taking to see the sunset in the panoramic background. I felt a sense of peace although I knew that by tomorrow, it would all be back to square one again on January 31, 2006.
In addition to the many Hindu temples with an empty altar probably due to the fact that the Balinese had evolved Hinduism into a local fusion. There were religious offerings of flowers placed on the outside of almost every shop and ladies carrying offerings on their heads. Religious expression and artistic display all rolled into one. At the temple, there are ceremonies for puberty, marriage, and cremation. The tourist industry has created a greater demand and it became an opportunity for the Balinese to communicate their ideas about life and death.
You earned it, I'm so proud of you!
Post Date : 2015-05-20
Carbondale, Illinois, USA
Apr. 11 - May 14, 2006
Sarah Magro graduates! And I'm going to Carbondale, Illinois where Southern Illinois University is located to celebrate! Our friendship started back in 1999 with I befriended her son, James, who was studying philosophy at Texas Tech University. Sarah has been taking care of James since the accident in the pool that rendered James paralyzed. While the son pursued his Master's, the mother was pursuing her passion in art and has found it hard to complete her Bachelor's degree until May 2006. This celebratory trip lasted over a month from April 11 - May 14, 2006.
In San Francisco, there was a cool store called Karikter selling collectibles on Sutter Street that I had frequented since their opening in 1994 and this time there was a big Tintin clock in the shape of watch (Maxiclock) measuring over 2 meter long from Swatch and it immediately became a must-have. The spending spree continued with a ticket to 7-time Grammy Award winner Toni Braxton's concert in Oakland on April 13. Toni opened the point-and-shoot floodgate when she walked down the stage to sit on an audience's lap and took a camera in her hand and started snapping photos. Some spending was unnecessary but paying someone to prepare my tax for 2005 at H&R was unavoidable. Then, there were souvenirs for friends and family. Since the spending floodgate had opened, it was also during this trip that I decided to visit Vancouver for the first time. Without knowing anyone there, Victor Mo, a long-time friend in San Francisco had arranged for three of his friends in Vancouver to show me around. Luckily, in Los Angeles, in which I visited on April 29, Tom Ch'ng, was no stranger as his friendship and mine went back to 1994. He shares his house in LA with his boyfriend, Marcello. When there was the May Day Boycott on May 1st, he was vocal about illegal immigrant's amnesty and rights. His Latino buddies projected a certain kind of mixture of cholo, a mixture of gangster-influenced fashion and they shaved their heads.
Fast-forwarding to May 5, 3 days after my trip in LA, I was bound for St. Louis, Missouri and James Carter, also a long time friend, had put on a bit of weight but still as bubbly and sweet as ever. His long time companion dog had passed on and this time, a crazy kitten called Rosco was adopted. If James had told people that he's an architect, believably he would be as his house is a constant ongoing project. It was a sweet and nice short reunion from May 5 - 6. Sarah drove from Carbondale to pick me up and I stayed with Sarah and James till May 13, 2006 before flying back to San Francisco, only to rush back to Singapore the following day!
On the frame that I gave Sarah as her graduation gift, I wrote "you earned it, I'm so proud of you." and I remembered that Sarah said "so, this is it?" I remembered feeling that way too when I graduated three years before where all the culmination of hard work eventually just climaxed, leaving me and now Sarah feeling "what's next?"
Thank You Paul, Anthony and Donny
Post Date : 2015-05-20
Vancouver, Canada
Apr 22 - 25, 2006
It seemed like a destination from April 22 - 25 was destined to go awry with the immigration officer in Vancouver asking me the routine questions which seemed more like an interrogation. When I checked in at Hampton Inn, I had to correct the receptionist for misspelling my name.
I couldn't let a little discomfort get in the way as the priority is to discover as much as Vancouver in the least amount of time. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown is based on the harmony of four main elements: rock, water, plants, and architecture. These four elements combine to create a breathtaking experience of perfect balance, yin and yang. Adjacent to the Garden is the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver with a museum and archive facility, library and conference hall. I was particularly drawn to the 12 Chinese zodiac laid in a circle in marble in the middle of the cultural center. There were signs of discontent. While members of Falung Gong openly demonstrated against the Chinese Communist Party, there was a van filled with messages about injustice brought about by the US government under Bush.
I was deeply touched by Paul Lam whom I met for the first time and he went out of his way to show me around and had to drive 40 minutes to drop me off at the hotel and another 40 back to his home in Surrey. Here is a situation where total strangers became friends prompted by my impulsive needs to discover new places. I was really touched by Paul Lam, Anthony Steele and Donny Agcaoili's hospitality. Looking around, crime rate is seemingly low or non-existing in Vancouver with balcony on floor level without any high fences. Vancouver has a large gay community in the downtown area around Davie Street. British Columbia was the second Canadian jurisdiction after Ontario to legalize same-sex marriage. Kudos to a vibrant and multicultural city that truly celebrates diversity which is far better off than their neighbor to the south! Reading the messages on the van, something's really messed up about US's foreign policy. It's not a good idea to make more enemies than friends.
G'day Australia
Post Date : 2015-05-20
Sydney, Australia
May 17 - 21, 2006
Melbourne, Australia
May 21 - 24, 2006
The thought of seeing lively kangaroos or torpid koala wasn't realized due to the rushed visit to Sydney from May 17 - 21 and Melbourne from May, 21 - 24, of 2006. Instead, I was intrigue by the mix of old and contemporary buildings in the two states. Sydney and Melbourne have always been rivals and while the former boasts its Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, Melbourne makes up with its modernist-aspired Southern Cross Station, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, RMIT Gallery, just to name a few.
It was my first time to fly Qantas and the first city was Sydney. I had no idea why I was being asked to get in line at the immigration to line up for quarantine and luckily I didn't have to. Walking around Sydney, I felt that people didn't give a damn what one does and there was a nice mixture of freedom, liberty, and individuality. King street was a long stretch of road with authentic mixture of convenience stores, adult video stores, restaurants, pubs, saloon, retail shops, etc. The fee for Sydney Tower wasn't too steep but I decided to pass since I was hooked on discovering as much on foot. I noticed a large concentration of Chinese shops along George Street. The city is fast paced with a lot of cars, modern retail shops with wonderful graphics, signage and people who zigzagged their way through and there was a sense of freedom in pursuing their own sense of identity. All the buses stop at the Circular Quay. I attempted to record as many image as possible of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera house. I even boarded the ferry at wharf 4 to check out the view from sea and it was breath-taking. My measure of how progressive a society is based on how tolerant a city is to its LGBT community and I found one on Oxford Street. Good for you, Sydney! At Market City, I paid AUS$110 for a souvenir watch with a 1958 Australian penny with a Kangaroo over it. I also picked up some souvenirs for friends and relatives at Paddy's Market with over 200 stalls before leaving for Melbourne.
Melbourne has an excellent transport system, making it easy to get around. There are a number of trams and buses that travel around the city and inner suburbs. I relied on these conveniences and friendly Melbournians to help out with directions. An exciting place to visit, Little Bourke street in Melbourne is the center of Chinatown with Asian themed architecture, restaurants and historic buildings. Food is one of the most popular aspects of Chinatown with Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Korean, Thai and so forth, making choices difficult for me. At a restaurant called Pho Mekong on 241 Swanston Street, they claimed that President Clinton had two bowls of their rice noodle. My measure of the progressiveness of a city is also on how well designed the surroundings are. The state library located across Melbourne Central building featured a creative sign with a fallen building jutting out of the ground with a partially spelled "library". The State Library of Victoria located in Melbourne is a major reference and research library and these people what they're doing architecturally. Outside, there are statues of enslaved Jeanne D' Arc, Queen Victoria, and Sir Redmond Barry, judge of the supreme court but the daring signage and seemingly a piece of art show that Melbournians understand what scale is about and are not afraid to use them -- effectively!
Long Live Ma!
Post Date : 2015-05-20
Bangkok, Thailand
Jun 7 - 18, 2006
Jun 14 - 17, 2006 mom joining me in Bangkok for her 73rd birthday
Thais nationwide celebrated King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th year on the throne when I visited from June 7 - 18, 2006. Reigning since 1946, he is the world's longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. Proclaimed as "Maharaja" or the Great, the 79-year old (in 2006) monarch is highly revered.
In my heart, my mother is the greatest. This is a woman that would give her son $2 if she only has 50 cents to her name. As young as I could remember, she has always trained me to be independent. I was probably 5 years old when she showed me how to cross the road and since then, I have been able to do things on my own and decide for myself. While the Thai king received 21 Royal families at the fabulous Borommaratchasathit Maholan Throne Hall, I invited Ma who was brave enough to fly from Alor Setar, Kedah in Northern Malaysia to join me in Bangkok. She was 74 years old in 2006 and reads no word of English, much less utter a word for direction. The Chinese saying that goes along the lines of "take advantage of one's old age" works to her advantage when people were more willing to help and some would even let her get ahead due to her seniority as the Thais are known for. As she shared her story when we reunited on June 14th that a young Malaysian girl pretended to be traveling with her so that she could board the plane first. It worked out well because she needed someone to guide her. I had arrived a few days ahead for my "reconnaissance" in searching for a hotel that is accessible and comfortable. She had been to Thailand many years back but the city has since changed so much that it was my turn to wear yellow to celebrate the queen of my heart's 74th birthday.
We visited major tourist spots such as the Damsernaduak floating market, the Siam Niramit Show, the elephant and crocodile shows, the Chatuchak market and so forth. She picked up some souvenirs and I picked up some wonderful images and memory of her enjoying her trip. It has been a while I see her smile and for anything to put a smile on her face, like they said in a popular credit card advertisement is definitely "priceless". Long Live Ma!
Taiwan, Republic of China
Post Date : 2015-05-20
Taipei, Taiwan
Nov. 25 - Dec. 6, 2006
Ling Tung University in Taichung, Taiwan invited me to present awards to winners of the Young Guns poster competition winner for a trip that lasted from November 25 - 30, 2006. It was my first visit to central Taiwan and Professor Cheng, my contact, Dr Chen, president of Ling Tung University were at the presentation that took place on November 28. Together with two other presenters, we took turns to talk about design to a bunch of enthused undergraduate students. Working with an interpreter, my presentation was 45 minutes and when I ended after some questions and answers. Although the students were shy, I sure made a connection with them as they gathered around me to ask questions after my presentation. Little I knew that everyone was waiting for me outside for cocktail and Prof. Cheng had to come in to get me out because according to local customs, everybody has to wait for the guest's first bite. I picked a few cookies and the students immediately stormed the table where food was placed. In Singapore, all the food would have been digested. Ling Tung University also houses The Numismatic Museum with coins that date back to pre-Chin dynasty. I learned quite a few things about some functional designs that existed in old coins such as the squarish hole in the middle of a coin. A string was once strung through it as a way for the owner to hold on to his money.
I left for Taipei on the 30th of November on a 2-hour train journey from Taichung to reunite with two Taiwanese friend from our years at Lubbock, Texas where we pursued our doctorate. Drs Lin Po-hsien Lan Ling-lan, both are now Associate Professors and department heads at the National Taiwan University for Arts NTUA. My stay at Taipei lasted till December 6, 2006. Taiwan's pride, the Taipei 101, reigning as the world's tallest building since 2004 until Shanghai World Financial Center in 2009. Then came along Dubai's Burj Khalifa in 2010 which currently holds the record at over 820 meters tall. The landmark incorporates traditional design element such as roundish coin with a squarish hole in the middle, the "ruyi" and the overall structure inspired by the bamboo is both modern as it is Chinese. December 1 became a memorable date as I saw the building in person for the first time. The National Palace Museum in Taipei is ranked as one of the world's top museums due to its collections which was moved from the Forbidden City in Beijing when the Kuomingtang government retreated to the island after losing to the communist in 1949.
The staff at Forward Suites Hotel had placed my name on a laundry basket and it was nice to see my name written in the traditional Chinese letter forms. Besides the accent and written Chinese, Taiwanese are different than mainland Chinese in one palpable way. Culturally, Taiwan has assimilated elements of traditional Chinese culture, due to the majority of its current residents, Japanese culture due to half century of occupation, traditional Confucianism, and increasingly Western values. Taiwanese love their dogs and their pets are given human status. Could it be that because in a capitalist, export-driven economy that our strong involvement in material possessions, investments and gains turn us into creatures hungry to give love? The next time I fly to Taiwan again, I'll do my best to find out from a Taiwanese with my rusty Mandarin.
Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
Nov. 12 - 19, 2006 to attend Tua Mak's funeral.
Alor Setar, Kedah & Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sep. 21 - Oct. 1, 2006
Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
Aug. 9 - 13, 2006.
Dec. 23, 2005 - Jan. 2, 2006 to attend my mother's eldest brother's funeral at Watt Siam, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.
YEOH'S JOURNAL
Read about things that interest me, matters that I care about, pictures and observations from my trips and stuff that I bother to share with the world.
