A year has passed without any major mishap. Grateful that family are in good health. Thankful to have good friends around. Happy that everyone is doing well.
On the personal front, it has been uninspiring. Experienced a whole load of negative feelings and there are still some that couldn't be shaken off, yet.
Is life as I imagined it to be? I don't know man. I really don't know. When I was younger, there wasn't much thought put in as to what life was going to be. Have always thought that somehow, it'll just straighten itself and everything will work out. Doesn't seemed like that now.
Sounds like a downer, right? What a vicious cycle.
It'd be interesting to see how 2013 will turn out to be. But that will also depends, on how I'll make it to be. Reality is seriously, biting me on my butt.
Happy New Year everyone. Happy. New. Year.
31 December, 2012
26 December, 2012
eat, drink and be merry~
Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas~ How was yours? It's a normal day for us, and we went to visit my nanny, Aunty Phillip. She's my sister's nanny too. Only my bro didn't have a nanny. Wondered why...hmmm. Probably coz he was looked after by my grandma.
Then, it was a day of relaxing (which day wasn't?? Hahaa!) till dinner time. Steamboat for dinner! Feels like CNY too. All ingredients were storebought, though. Saves the hassle.
I'm in-charge of the grill station. But this grill thingy looked like a toy. It can make takopachi too. But we haven't try that.
Ended the night with a very full tummy.
Happy Boxing Day!~
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| tree in da house |
Then, it was a day of relaxing (which day wasn't?? Hahaa!) till dinner time. Steamboat for dinner! Feels like CNY too. All ingredients were storebought, though. Saves the hassle.
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| taupoks and crabsticks |
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| mushrooms |
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| fried beancurd skins |
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| korean side dish: marinated squid |
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| pork collars and sausages |
Ended the night with a very full tummy.
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| eat, eaten, ate |
Happy Boxing Day!~
24 December, 2012
CF2012 @ Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Was at Comic Fiesta 2012 at KL Convention Centre on Day One.
Had to take kommuter train to KL Sentral, then change to LRT to KLCC. Long queues to buy train tickets. -_-'
Then walk to the venue. We had early birds tickets, so no need to queue to enter the venue. =P
Hmmm. Day One, packed. Throngs and throngs of people.
One can look at the merchandise at the many many booths, talk to the illustrators. or watch cosplay.
They were having Group Cosplay competition, so was watching that for a while. Some were nice (especially the dancing ones), some were just... well, there's always room for improvement.
There was also a segment featuring Danny Choo, Culture Japan.
There were plenty of cosplayers hanging around the venue, so plenty of photo opportunities. Most often, they'd be willing to let you take a photo of them. But of course, there are some who'd decline.
I was walking down the hall, when I walked past a boy 'L' (L Lawliet or Eru, the detective character in Death Note who has a fondness for lollipops). He was offering some potato chips to another stranger. Then I realized, he was offering his chips to a girl who was also dressed in character as 'L'. That made me laugh and I asked if they'd like to take a picture together.
There were many photographers with big big cameras and saw some cosplayers being the muse of these group, or maybe some cosplayers do have their own photographer for their portfolios? Maybe.
 |
| was here |
Then walk to the venue. We had early birds tickets, so no need to queue to enter the venue. =P
 |
| we have ticketz |
Hmmm. Day One, packed. Throngs and throngs of people.
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| full house |
One can look at the merchandise at the many many booths, talk to the illustrators. or watch cosplay.
 |
| this toy looks familiar |
 |
| cool dolls on display |
They were having Group Cosplay competition, so was watching that for a while. Some were nice (especially the dancing ones), some were just... well, there's always room for improvement.
 |
| dance skit |
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| doing the cutesy dance |
There was also a segment featuring Danny Choo, Culture Japan.
 |
| Danny Choo |
There were plenty of cosplayers hanging around the venue, so plenty of photo opportunities. Most often, they'd be willing to let you take a photo of them. But of course, there are some who'd decline.
 |
| nice costumes |
 |
| hey, Iron Man |
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| should be as hot as hell in there |
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| boy 'L' and girl 'L' |
There were many photographers with big big cameras and saw some cosplayers being the muse of these group, or maybe some cosplayers do have their own photographer for their portfolios? Maybe.
23 December, 2012
Happy Winter Solstice
Been home a for few days now. Celebrated Winter Solstice by having tang yuans. How many did you have for this year?
Store bought tang yuans were good. Same kind that were sold across NTUC in Singapore. Easy to cook, and nice to eat!
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| lunch to celebrate Winter Solstice |
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| fish maw braised with pork ribs |
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| tang yuan |
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| lotus paste filling |
14 December, 2012
The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey
Wasn't expecting to watch this movie but since opportunity came a knocking, so why not!
Was at Lido, and while waiting for the movie, saw some caucasian kids who had dressed up as their favourite characters. Saw one girl who was dressed in grey and she was Gandalf the Grey, complete with the wizard hat, and beard~! Hahahaa! Then, her friend who was late, came running in ala Bilbo Baggins (with the curly hair with a tinge of reddish brown), complete with Bilbo's coat (somewhat) and his sword. Next came another friend, who at first glance looked like any average teenager except for the fact, that she was carrying a backpack that looked like Gollum, hanging on her back. Kakaka! So fun!
Also found a guy, who was in costume as Gandalf (complete with wizard staff).
Movie started at about 8:30pm and lasted till 11:15pm. And, that was just for Part 1. Two more parts to go in two years time. WOoohOOOo! Cool!
Cinematography was great, although there were some scenes where the eyes couldn't catch up so those pretty much looked like a blur of motion. There were also a few scenes where one can feel the camera jerking downwards for a second.
The story was supposed to be of Bilbo Baggins, but to me, it is really telling the story of the dwarves. Thirteen dwarves of individually distinct look and personalities, banding together in their quest to reclaim their homeland, and led by their enigmatic prince, Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thráin. When not in costume, Thorin played by Richard Armitage, looks like this. Bilbo is 'volunteered' (by Gandalf) to be the fourteenth member of this Company of Dwarves, and his role is as the Burglar.
There was never a dull moment in the show, although there were many cliche scenes. It was good to see familiar characters on screen again. Lord Elrond of Rivendell (Elf), Queen Galadriel (Elf, also known as Lady of Lórien), Gollum and Saruman (White Wizard), and those fugly Orcs, trolls and what-nots.
Lots of running, lots of fighting and lots of CGs. Fun, fun, fun!!
Memorable quotes that I liked:
"Bagginses? What is Bagginses? Is it soft? Is it juicy? Can we eat it?" Gollum, when he saw Bilbo in the cave, for the first time.
"Run! Run for your lives!" Gandalf shouted when they were ambused.
The Hobbit soundtrack: Misty Mountains Cold (Richard Armitage and the 'Company of Dwarves'), music composed by Howard Shore
Was at Lido, and while waiting for the movie, saw some caucasian kids who had dressed up as their favourite characters. Saw one girl who was dressed in grey and she was Gandalf the Grey, complete with the wizard hat, and beard~! Hahahaa! Then, her friend who was late, came running in ala Bilbo Baggins (with the curly hair with a tinge of reddish brown), complete with Bilbo's coat (somewhat) and his sword. Next came another friend, who at first glance looked like any average teenager except for the fact, that she was carrying a backpack that looked like Gollum, hanging on her back. Kakaka! So fun!
 |
| for photo opportunities |
Also found a guy, who was in costume as Gandalf (complete with wizard staff).
 |
| Gandalf, the Grey |
Movie started at about 8:30pm and lasted till 11:15pm. And, that was just for Part 1. Two more parts to go in two years time. WOoohOOOo! Cool!
Cinematography was great, although there were some scenes where the eyes couldn't catch up so those pretty much looked like a blur of motion. There were also a few scenes where one can feel the camera jerking downwards for a second.
The story was supposed to be of Bilbo Baggins, but to me, it is really telling the story of the dwarves. Thirteen dwarves of individually distinct look and personalities, banding together in their quest to reclaim their homeland, and led by their enigmatic prince, Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thráin. When not in costume, Thorin played by Richard Armitage, looks like this. Bilbo is 'volunteered' (by Gandalf) to be the fourteenth member of this Company of Dwarves, and his role is as the Burglar.
There was never a dull moment in the show, although there were many cliche scenes. It was good to see familiar characters on screen again. Lord Elrond of Rivendell (Elf), Queen Galadriel (Elf, also known as Lady of Lórien), Gollum and Saruman (White Wizard), and those fugly Orcs, trolls and what-nots.
Lots of running, lots of fighting and lots of CGs. Fun, fun, fun!!
Memorable quotes that I liked:
"Bagginses? What is Bagginses? Is it soft? Is it juicy? Can we eat it?" Gollum, when he saw Bilbo in the cave, for the first time.
"Run! Run for your lives!" Gandalf shouted when they were ambused.
The Hobbit soundtrack: Misty Mountains Cold (Richard Armitage and the 'Company of Dwarves'), music composed by Howard Shore
13 December, 2012
abit here, abit there
It's always raining. In the evenings, mostly. Is it causing you any inconvenience? For me, it doesn't really matter, as long as I have the umbrella. Though a bit worn, and quite dented, the umbrella was still sheltering me the best it could. But yesterday, it went beyond its limit and was rendered useless. Sigh.
Was at Plaza Singapura recently, and that was the first time in many years since I last set foot to that place. It has indeed changed, somewhat...There's this odd shaped thingie that looked like a shell of some sort that looked as though it could shelter about 20 peeps in it...somewhat reminiscence of ION but not quite.
Met up with IRC friends two days ago. Haven't seen them for like, for a year plus. IRC, what? Hahaha, for those of you who's not from my era, IRC means Internet Relay Chat. It was a huge thing for us students at that time, but... that was ages ago.
We ate at Pastamania Plaza Sing, and that was a crampy small place. Ordered a seafood zuppa. And out of the many types of pasta, I chose penne for this. But no matter what, it couldn't save that dish!
Also met up with ex-colleagues Flo and Gina recently. Glad to know both are well, and been busy. Though age had certainly caught up with us in certain aspects, such as hearing (a little) and memory.
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| wet pavements, bright lights, dark night |
Was at Plaza Singapura recently, and that was the first time in many years since I last set foot to that place. It has indeed changed, somewhat...There's this odd shaped thingie that looked like a shell of some sort that looked as though it could shelter about 20 peeps in it...somewhat reminiscence of ION but not quite.
 |
| huge Christmas tree at Plaza Singapura |
Met up with IRC friends two days ago. Haven't seen them for like, for a year plus. IRC, what? Hahaha, for those of you who's not from my era, IRC means Internet Relay Chat. It was a huge thing for us students at that time, but... that was ages ago.
We ate at Pastamania Plaza Sing, and that was a crampy small place. Ordered a seafood zuppa. And out of the many types of pasta, I chose penne for this. But no matter what, it couldn't save that dish!
 |
| am pretty sure I could cook better than this... |
Also met up with ex-colleagues Flo and Gina recently. Glad to know both are well, and been busy. Though age had certainly caught up with us in certain aspects, such as hearing (a little) and memory.
 | |
| you know it's Christmas |
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| sampling Christmas drink |
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| chicken apricot sandwich |
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| polar bear at Orchard Central |
03 December, 2012
Meidi-Ya Hokkaido Fair 2012
The Hokkaido Fair at Meidi-Ya, Liang Court, ran from 22 Nov till 2 Dec 2012. Was there by chance and bought cheese tarts. Costly tiny little things.
Came in a cute little box. One for $5, three for $12. How much does it cost in Sapporo? Just ￥189 per piece.
Shelf life was approximately four days, and the crust actually turned limp if its not refrigerated. Pop it into the fridge for a few hours, and it is good to eat with a nice hard crust.
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| Kinokotoya |
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| originated from Sapporo, baked in Singapore |
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| one is not enough |
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| yums |
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| cheese tarte |
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| blueberry cheese tarte |
26 November, 2012
i am awkward
Went for a food tasting session today and was quite surprised to be seated together with a table full of Japanese natives. Hmmm. Awkward starts. They were conversing amongst themselves in Japanese and I was just sitting right at the end of the table, minding my own business. Sweat. Thinks the entire table was either Japanese media people or people from F&B or regular customers of the restaurant. More sweat...
Then, after like 10 minutes or so, one Japanese lady at the start of the table then noticed there's this person sitting right at the end of the table that no one seems to know about. So, she sort of like asked something in Japanese and I guessed she was probably asking me to introduce myself. All heads were turned towards my direction and the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "Sorry, I'm not Japanese." Then I smiled...awkwardly.... *facepalm* The table was completely stunned into silence. Then I think she told the guy sitting beside me that she thought I was with him, and then he shook his head.
Where was my Japanese 101 when I needed it?! Argh! Hahaa, actually I should've said "はじめまして、わたしわLeeです。どぞよろしく。"
Anyway, eventually found out that the person that was sitting beside me, is Chef Nobu of KUMO, specializing in kaiseki ryori. Quite friendly, and conversant in English. Keke.
Here's a picture of what we ate:
Had another pleasant surprise today. Was at the MRT, and about to alight when two boys passed by and one said, "I like your bag." Then he repeated it again and pointed to my bag because I didn't know he meant my bag the first time round. Hahaaa! That's the black tote bag from Punk Star that I always carry around. Thanks guys, for liking the bag. =)
Then, after like 10 minutes or so, one Japanese lady at the start of the table then noticed there's this person sitting right at the end of the table that no one seems to know about. So, she sort of like asked something in Japanese and I guessed she was probably asking me to introduce myself. All heads were turned towards my direction and the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "Sorry, I'm not Japanese." Then I smiled...awkwardly.... *facepalm* The table was completely stunned into silence. Then I think she told the guy sitting beside me that she thought I was with him, and then he shook his head.
Where was my Japanese 101 when I needed it?! Argh! Hahaa, actually I should've said "はじめまして、わたしわLeeです。どぞよろしく。"
Anyway, eventually found out that the person that was sitting beside me, is Chef Nobu of KUMO, specializing in kaiseki ryori. Quite friendly, and conversant in English. Keke.
Here's a picture of what we ate:
 |
| special tsukemen |
Had another pleasant surprise today. Was at the MRT, and about to alight when two boys passed by and one said, "I like your bag." Then he repeated it again and pointed to my bag because I didn't know he meant my bag the first time round. Hahaaa! That's the black tote bag from Punk Star that I always carry around. Thanks guys, for liking the bag. =)
25 November, 2012
short visit home
Went home on a 3 days 2 nights trip for a cousin's wedding. Took the bus to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), and from there on, just two stops from Kajang. But two stops equates to about 20 mins though.
Must do when back in hometown. Coffee from the local kopitiams.
The kopitiam that my family frequents, is called "Happy Happy Cafe". Hahaa!
The happening news at home? Free egg sausage mcmuffin from McD. Apparently, they gave out free egg sausage mcmuffins for a few days. But the ones that my dad got after queueing for like half-hour, didn't have egg. Because apparently, they ran out of eggs that morning. Haha...
Liked that the train from Kajang station to TBS are still new.
My PJ aunt gave us some fruits; rambutan and longans. It's been ages since I last ate any rambutans.
Didn't have much chance to get home-cooked food, but my sis did make stir-fried fish.
Mom's 8th brother's daughter (my cousin) had her wedding in Bangsar. That's about 1.5 hours away. My uncle (mom's 7th brother) was my dad's navigator, so we went to his house in Cheras around 6+ before making our way to Bangsar. Reached the wedding venue only at about 830 pm. About the right time, for first course. Keke.
Played a bit with little nieces (granddaughters of mom's late 6th brother) and got an invitation from the 5-year old to visit their house. She even asked her mom for permission! Waahahahaha!
Her kid sister, who's just two and a half, is soOOOo adorable~ *pinch her puffy cheeks*
Must do when back in hometown. Coffee from the local kopitiams.
 |
| kopitiam's coffee |
The kopitiam that my family frequents, is called "Happy Happy Cafe". Hahaa!
The happening news at home? Free egg sausage mcmuffin from McD. Apparently, they gave out free egg sausage mcmuffins for a few days. But the ones that my dad got after queueing for like half-hour, didn't have egg. Because apparently, they ran out of eggs that morning. Haha...
Liked that the train from Kajang station to TBS are still new.
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| women only coach |
My PJ aunt gave us some fruits; rambutan and longans. It's been ages since I last ate any rambutans.
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| rambutan |
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| longan |
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| stir fried fish with shaoxing wine |
Mom's 8th brother's daughter (my cousin) had her wedding in Bangsar. That's about 1.5 hours away. My uncle (mom's 7th brother) was my dad's navigator, so we went to his house in Cheras around 6+ before making our way to Bangsar. Reached the wedding venue only at about 830 pm. About the right time, for first course. Keke.
Played a bit with little nieces (granddaughters of mom's late 6th brother) and got an invitation from the 5-year old to visit their house. She even asked her mom for permission! Waahahahaha!
Her kid sister, who's just two and a half, is soOOOo adorable~ *pinch her puffy cheeks*
18 November, 2012
exploring Singapore Botanic Gardens
Took the train to Buona Vista and changed to Circle Line to Botanic Gardens. There's a convenience store right at the Botanic Gardens station gates, so can get your supply of water before going into the gardens.
Ample signages around, right from the start, so it was pretty easy to move around without a map.
First impression of the Gardens, after walking a couple of minutes from its entrance? It looked a little bare.
After walking for a couple of minutes more, then the trees grew bigger and sturdier.
Then, I think I've reached Eco Lake. There are many pigeons and ducklings at the edge of the lake where sometimes visitors would feed them. But there are signs that says, "Please do not feed the pigeons." Even the tortoise or was it
But it was more exciting to see a black swan. That's a pretty rare sight in Singapore, yes?
Next, the Evoltution Garden was pretty cool. Very interesting to know the evolution of plants on Earth.
Then, after that somehow ended up at NParks Headquarters, where one can find toilets, the Visitor Centre, register for Orchid guided tour and a restaurant.
Found this nearby.
Hahaa, quite bo liao but took that picture just in case, couldn't find the real mccoy.
Was still on a mission to get to Swan Lake, so hurried along because the sun was getting stronger!
At that time, didn't know that the Symphony Lake was just right round the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage otherwise, would've just gone to see it.
Nevertheless, in the midst of walking towards Swan Lake, did encounter some pretty nice mini-waterfalls.
The mini-waterfalls are near the National Orchid Centre. Nearby, was the Ginger Garden which one can hear various birds calls. Didn't see any birds though.
Then, after a few minutes in the garden.. came to this view.
Can even go right behind inside of the waterfall (man-made, of course). That's so cool!
The sky was fascinating too. Hot and sunny, with dark overclouds.
Next stop, Swan Lake and hopefully can see some swans! By then, it was very very bright and hot. Read somewhere that photography during noon time is not recommended as the lightings will come out too harsh.
Came to this small looking area with quite yellow and murky waters, and saw two swans. WoOohooo!
Wonder how many swans lived there. Saw two but only one got close enough for photography without needing to zoom in too much. Elegant creatures, these swans.
After that, next destination was the exit. Saw a sign that pointed to Saraca Stream (latest attraction?) so went to take a look. The sound of the stream was quite soothing, but it's not that impressive as compared to waterfall.
The exploration from Botanic Gardens MRT towards the Tanglin Gate exit and covered most parts of the garden, took about 3 hours, inclusive of photo taking with about 20 minutes break.
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| Botanic Gardens entrance gate from Botanic Gardens MRT |
Ample signages around, right from the start, so it was pretty easy to move around without a map.
 |
| current location map |
 |
| directions signage to attractions |
 |
| first view of Gardens |
 |
| nice big tree |
 |
| Eco Lake |
 |
| ducklings! |
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| black swan, surrounded by terrapins |
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| black swan looking at ducklings |
Next, the Evoltution Garden was pretty cool. Very interesting to know the evolution of plants on Earth.
 |
| Evolution Garden |
 |
| replica of ancient Lepidodendrons |
 |
| moss covered rocks |
Then, after that somehow ended up at NParks Headquarters, where one can find toilets, the Visitor Centre, register for Orchid guided tour and a restaurant.
 |
| clock tower |
 |
| just water cascading down a wall |
 |
| trying to simulate the explorer's view emerging from lush forest into the beauty of a majestic waterfall |
Was still on a mission to get to Swan Lake, so hurried along because the sun was getting stronger!
 |
| Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage |
At that time, didn't know that the Symphony Lake was just right round the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage otherwise, would've just gone to see it.
Nevertheless, in the midst of walking towards Swan Lake, did encounter some pretty nice mini-waterfalls.
 |
| mini waterfall |
 |
| sculpture |
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| ginger flower |
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| big(ger) waterfall |
 |
| behind the waterfall |
The sky was fascinating too. Hot and sunny, with dark overclouds.
 |
| dark clouds threatening |
Next stop, Swan Lake and hopefully can see some swans! By then, it was very very bright and hot. Read somewhere that photography during noon time is not recommended as the lightings will come out too harsh.
Came to this small looking area with quite yellow and murky waters, and saw two swans. WoOohooo!
 |
| swans spotted! |
Wonder how many swans lived there. Saw two but only one got close enough for photography without needing to zoom in too much. Elegant creatures, these swans.
 |
| birds of a feather, flock together (even when some of them aren't real) |
 |
| Swan Lake |
After that, next destination was the exit. Saw a sign that pointed to Saraca Stream (latest attraction?) so went to take a look. The sound of the stream was quite soothing, but it's not that impressive as compared to waterfall.
 |
| Saraca Stream |
The exploration from Botanic Gardens MRT towards the Tanglin Gate exit and covered most parts of the garden, took about 3 hours, inclusive of photo taking with about 20 minutes break.
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| Tanglin Gate exit, bye~ |
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