My World - Turn of the century mansion

Look at this, a dilapidated mansion. I couldn't tell you how old it is, but am guessing it's as old as the turn of the last century. Will it ever be restored? Wh0's the owner? Questions...I took the photo in 2006 and can't confirm its location. Dang~

It reminded me of Grey Gardens, which is this majestic mansion in East Hampton, New York, that decayed along with its occupants, a mother and her daughter, both called Edith Beales, who were relatives of Jacqueline Onassis, wife of John F Kennedy. They became famous because of a 1975 documentary film and more recently a film of the same name (2009) starring Drew Barrymore as Little Edie and Jessica Lange as Big Edie. It's an intimate portrait of the two eccentric recluses, a reality show before its time.

Here's a clip based on the original documentary. The mansion still exists having been beautifully restored by its new owners.




My World Tuesday

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Thai spirit house

A Thai spirit house is a shrine to animist spirits placed in an auspicious spot to appease spirits. It is commonly seen in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, less common in Singapore. This one sits at the corner entrance to a food centre along Sembawang Road.


ABC Wednesday round 5

Prata Place

This is like a off-the-road diner and it's popular for serving up prata for breakfast. Prata is dough fried on a girdle.

The Indian kitchen. I note a big pot on right (can't see in picture) with a sign which says soup kambing which is a mutton broth. That must be for lunch or dinner. There're Indian curries at the counter for you to order if you wish to order chicken or mutton pieces in your curry. If not you get a meatless curry as a dip for your prata.

We order the side of mutton curry. This is the prata kosong (or plain prata). You can order prata with fillings of cheese, chocolate, banana, etc if you so wish.

Here's another view of the exterior. It's nestled in the Springleaf Garden estate (1 Thong Soon Ave) which is along Upper Thomson Road.

That's my World

Monochrome - the oldest church

This is the oldest church in Singapore. Built in 1835, it is considered a masterpiece by the Irish architect George Coleman who designed it. It was consecrated the following year and dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian monk. So the name of the church is the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

A very old tree in the church compound.

At the back of the church is a little garden, It is actually a Memorial Garden with beautiful, ornate tombstones which are the tomb markings of Armenians who died in Singapore. It is worth a visit if you are in the area (60, Hill Street).




The gate close-up.

Somehow, the Armenian community is small but influential and stamped its mark in
Singapore. Like the Sarkies Brothers who built and managed the Raffles Hotel, Agnes Joaquim who is the inspiration behind the national orchid Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’.

For more monochrome maniacs posts, go here.

Sugar cane in frontyard

Don't you just love the taste of sugar cane juice? The cane stick goes through the juicer and out comes delicious juice.

In the past, my dad used to bring home sticks of sugar cane for us to chomp on. Nobody does that anymore. I think the dentist will approve as it kind of cleans the teeth. Hehe...

I was delighted to see sugar cane growing outside somebody's frontyard.

abc wednesday round 5

Singapore Slingers

See that cone shaped roof? It's our indoor sporting arena designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange.

Foreign performing acts have played here, including The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Beyonce Knowles, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Pussycat Dolls, etc etc. along with ice skating shows like Disney on Ice, circuses, magic shows.

Did you know that the Singapore Indoor Stadium is home to our national basketball team, Singapore Slingers?


Here's the inside view. This photo was taken last Sunday just before the match between the Singapore Slingers and the Malaysian team, KL Dragons in the GE ASEAN Basketball League 2009/10.


The merlion mascot making a cameo appearance. Special guest appearance by girls from the Singapore American School who put up a choreographed dance item. Other than that, cheerleaders in skimpy outfits were the time fillers for intervals.

It was an exciting match with emotions running high, with the KL Dragons winning. The Malaysian supporters were out in force. The one seated next to me clapped so hard my ears hurt. The next four games are lined up in the next two months, with matches against the Thailand Tigers and Philippine Patriots.

Personally I'd rather watch basketball than football. There was a huge following by the American expat community at Sunday's game.

Below is the Singapore Slingers doing a warm-up.

That's my World