Other side of Singapore!!!

I cannot resist myself to say, what a day it was? Just awesome... I've been in Singapore for 371 days, till yesterday! But it took me these long days to see the other side of Singapore and with another friend from Scotland, who is just less than a month spent in Singapore. Yesterday was a very long, tiring yet memorable day, as we started our day with lunch at Thai Express, City hall. Later were wandering into each and every shop in City hall. Just a window shopping (Very female stuff!!!), because she had already made up her mind to shop only in Ion Orchard. So after these aimless roaming, headed towards Ion Orchard. First, we jumped into Zara, clothing section. Though I just took 10 mins to pick a shirt, it was she who spent almost another 45 minutes to get a trendy lacy modern party wear. In the mean time I was going around few other shops in the same level and waited outside Zara only without carrying a board saying "Shoplifters will be Prosecuted". Damn they should have been paid me for the free service! Leave it, then she got into Muji, Mac, Fossil etc.. Sorry cannot type all the shops here, better you can visit yourself. Then I thought of getting a iPhone 5 contract, for which we have crossed Wisma Atria to reach Takashimaya. On the way, saw the Body shop and one another beauty shop, so I dropped her there and gone to Epicentre, an authorized apple seller, where I got few things clarified for my primitive apple hand phone 3. From there I level down to Star hub store for iPhone 5, but the long queue resembled me the one in Trimala Triupathi. So with no patience, I detoured to next door Singtel, where there were not much people around and looked very much free. I never dreamt or foreseen such a great shock before entering the shop. Their mobile plans looked attractive, traffic was also fine as I would get a corporate discount, but the only one thing i.e I had to pay Sing $900 as deposit apart from $200 for 24 month contract. Better I would get a Pay-As-You-Go rather being held up in a contract again. Never get into contract mobile was my first lesson in London. So to avoid doing the same mistake again, I started to devise other plans for getting iPhone 5 instead of whining about it. Meanwhile she finished her body shop purchase, our next stop at Harrods &  lush, getting a glimpse of London with all souvenirs and picture frames. Later we entered into a mid autumn moon cake festival, honestly we din't count how many different flavors of moon-cakes we tried. Not restricting only to moon-cakes, we also tried some Japanese stuff salads & snacks, Baumkuchen, German ring cake with Japanese improvisation, jaw dropped on seeing the making process, to finish with, tasted few Chocoelf dark almond chocolate. By this time, we both were exhausted and desperately needed a drink or plain water to keep ourselves spirited. So had a tender coconut in the basement food hall, there comes a magical idea, decided to head back to Raffles city, just to listen the F1 race. Within a split second planning, we made a move and reached there in 10 mins or less. The place is full of excitement, energy and exuberance for Formula 1. Though we had not purchased a ticket, we enjoyed listening to those race sound and luckily had a glimpse of race through an untied curtain around the track. It was really a lucky coup d'oeil moment for life. Without letting down the F1 fervor, we reached Farrer Park for authentic Indian dinner. So without a choice, gone into Anjappar to sate our stomach and planned for tonight's most sought party of the year 2012 (after F1 party night of Singapore!!!). That was the place I felt my toe's were hurt & sore; and cannot move even after the bill has been paid. Called Dhanvanth, to make a choice for ipod classic or nano! I greeted him over the phone, in turn he said dude you still have few more hours to roam for the day. Almost fainted after hearing that, I passed the phone to my friend, then she settled for ipod classic, we parted our ways to respective home, as we both are staying in two different ends of Singapore. As the day ends with tasting the other bits and started liking Singapore even more now :) :) :)

"Sakuni-let the game begin" Power Play!!!

Hi all, before jump into the real story, let me first start with my day. Today, I had a plan to watch a live performance of a play called Sakuni with apt tag line let the game begin was scripted by my colleague Dr. Elavazhagan. You might wonder, is he a clinical doctor, who has got a rare hobby of script writing. Then you are wrong, he is a PhD scholar, got a dual passion towards Science and Drama. When the science and drama strike at a same point, you could very well expect a good narration with high performance. Coming from very Tamil family background, no surprise that, his script has been lauded by all the theatregoers. Previously he has penned down many plays, this was the first play I've seen in both English and Tamil version. Language and the live performance by the artists have completely gone hand in hand. Gotta see few Singaporean local television stars performing lively. First, the show in English with my other colleagues Rayne and Deepa. When I said Rayne that I am in for the next Tamil show also, she exclaimed that Ela would thank and love you more! Of course yes, he has no other choice, does he?!?! Rayne was the only non-indian viewer in the theatre. Though, she has got the synopsis of the play from Ela a day before, its a highly daunting task to sit and watch a show, which is completely Greek and Latin for her. Kudos and much appreciation for her time and patience. Later the show was over, there was a feedback session in the foyer. Meanwhile, we were waiting for another friend-couple, Champa and Krishna. Warm hug and pleasantries were shared by three female folks whilst, me and Krishna greeted each other. Few more minutes were spent there and as the time for next show ticked in the clock, we gave a short adieu to Rayne and Deepa. Now the Sakuni, the game begins in Tamil. Completely convinced by the story plot and acting, critically analysed the Sakuni's point of view, who was portrayed as a prime baddie in the epic. The victory of the show lies when the light illuminates the other shades of Sakuni, justifying his own act and turning the whole plot and mistakes towards the others, which you might not even dare to think off. He was first accused by Paanjali, Kanthari, Karna for misleading Dhuriyodhana while he was in search for his peace of mind and soul. Later the way he defends himself and rationalise others on their act which were the major cause for losing the Kurushetra battle. Novel perception, no answers from any of the accusers! Other than giving Sakuni what he has wanted at last, the peace of mind. If you think, Sakuni would have accepted the salvation given by Droupathi, then you are again wrong at jumping into the conclusion soon. That's where our script writer has got a twist in the plot. He says, every one has got their own excuses for their deeds done in the past and the peace of mind is within ourselves indeed! I was wondering what if Christopher Nolan would have scripted this play? He must have loved to call Sakuni as a necessary evil, rather than a pure evil as accused by all other characters (I would expect a complimentary tickets from Ela for the next play - #my dream voice lol). After the back to back shows (spent $50 before Friday night, had I become a scatter-good now a days, definitely not, cos, this play worth an every single penny!!!), I felt Tamil version has got more powerful dialogue delivery, which was demanded by the script. English verse is no lesser, still got more impressed with the Tamil, may be the fact its my mother tongue (I would like to mention here that I am neither a racist bum nor a language extremist!!!). Most of all the comments and suggestions were taken by the director and script writer, appreciations for the whole team was on the air, when we congratulate Ela and left the play theatre. I am also afraid that, my compliments and critics may lower your expectations, so better catch the full show at Drama Centre Black box, National Library Building before it ends. You are now down with only 4 more shows, today and tomorrow in total, tickets are selling like a hot baked cakes (true marketing words!!!) rush now to hold yours. Now to stand with the great Tamil sage, Thiruvalluvar (செவுக்குண வில்லாத போழ்து சிறிது வயிற்றுக்கும் ஈயப்படும்.

Translation: When 'tis no longer time the listening ear to feed;  With trifling dole of food supply the body's need. Explanation: When there is no food for the ear, give a little also to the stomach.), I am damn hungry and jumped into KFC Singapore with Champa and Krishna. Long wait and craving for KFC has come to an end tonight after a last visit in Oxford, almost an year and a half back! With a zinger meal I am done with my dinner and so Champa with cheese fries, Krishna with just Ice-Milo. Don't get any wrong ideas, that they are poor eaters. They have already filled their stomach before the show! We have parted our ways to home after filling the tummy with food at KFC and the heart with new message & good memoirs after the play! That's how the day has come to an end :) :) :)

Eat Out Memoirs!!!

What makes a person more happy, especially a gourmand - of course eating! But, today all the eat outs I saw brought those goody days of Oxford with good buddies. Yes, it happened at Great World City mall, Singapore. Yesterday was a bad day for me, because my card was retained in the atm machine. So, I was directed to the nearest bank for claiming a new card by the customer service assistant. That's the purpose of my visit to GWC today after work. Once, I finished my work in the bank, I started to wander aimlessly before something that catches my eyes and mind - that is a shop named Early Learning Center, a kiddo shop. That was the moment I felt very nostalgic, coz, the first place I have seen in Oxford was Early Learning Center at the city center. Coming next, I have seen Marks & Spencer. Followed by Dorothy Perkins, Swarovski, Movies at night (Snehal, Merrila, Sangeetha, Govind, Davin, Mahesh & Ravi) etc...  It doesn't end there. Then comes to the chain of food shops, BK, McD and Ben & Jerry all exclusive outlets. By seeing these all shops, I have skipped a couple of beats in heart. Because, each one of this shop had a different stories to remember at different occasions. At first place, BK and KFC, though KFC was not there, it was countless times we (myself, Hari, Saranya, Prajitha, & another friend ng) had a sumptuous meal at Queens lane outlet. Its been more than an year and a quarter, I had been to BK. Likewise McD, first shop in the city, very big one, out of almost 15 counters, at least 10 customer service assistants were my friends all the time when I was in Oxford. I hardly remember being paid for atleast one single meal at this particular shop. Thanks to Merrila, Sathish, Adithya, Gopi, Harsha, Lavanya, Mahesh for giving us a gratis meal every time. When I was having my food alone today, I was munching those witty chats and beautiful time with my friends. Numerous fights, verbal abuse, fight for fun on the streets, reconciliation again in a minute, all happened in any one of those shops. Most of the time, it would be with two girls (names concealed). And today, I found the Mediterranean foodie called hummus in UK, hommus in S'pore after an extensive search for more than 6 months. So all together cast my mind back to couple of years before and I cannot accept the fact that, time flies. But it does! I wish to be back there anytime in the future. Yet, recreating the same magic is very difficult as most of my friends are scattered and settled in different parts of the world. Sad though, still memories keep those days alive! Thanks for all friends who gave me a good memoirs to relish and relax without regret :) :) :)

Trip to India :)

Chocolates; way to celebrate. Gifts; sharing love. Time Spending; make you feel high. Priority; to most special one's. Hug; best way to express care. Life demands many thing at once, its all about you to decide and prioritize. Last month trip to India was fun filled and more sentimental. I've seen three weddings in a row - to start with Jeeji, Saranya and Champa, all good friends of mine. I've met my best buddies and a special one too, had a great time out there in back home. Warm welcome and time spent together with my friends were great. Been to my sister's place, all my nephew's were well engaged with their final school exams. One thing I've been learning since 2010, A way to spend your money faster? You should be blessed with 4 nephew's and a niece. I was totally sick and tired of puzzles, card & board games, cars, brain trainers etc.. Even Toys R Us, was looking bit bored and less attractive. One thing I need to mention here, all toys shops in Singapore were more expensive than UK. After all much care, I bought a big barbie doll for my niece, later I noticed it was bigger than my travel luggage. Got to please the Air India staff for putting it as an extra luggage without paying an extra penny! Thinking about my childhood days, I was so unfortunate that I don't have any paternal or maternal uncle living or working in abroad to buy me these kind of toys. Though some hot issues were boiled in my family circle, I was not lending my ear to them. Since, I've no time to relax in a week's break time - strictly no time for me to worry too. Week later back in Singapore, it took more than a week for me to clear all the pending piled up works. Meanwhile, distributing the sweets and savories to friends, going out for a lunch etc... Our starhub cricket subscription was fully justified by one match. That was CSK Vs RCB, as usual RCB was dominating the Chennai wicket at first. To more worse, even at the second half, Chennai was ready to lose the match comfortably in front of the home crowd. That was just rewritten by Albie, slamming 28 runs in one slog over of Kohli. It was a very bad decision of RCB to give very part timer at the end. Still that made us win in the nerve wrecking match. Thanks to them. Then nothing much happened at my side other than same routine of work-home-work. But last Saturday was a day, I had full stomach of sumptuous lunch and also sated dinner at Krupa anna's place for Tamizh New Year. Whole day we were laughing our gut out, became a cine critic and didn't spare IPL also. I can proudly say I've been a part of an eminent group, because except me, rest are all PhD scholars, so called 'Doctorates'. Really it was an elite crowd. It was a beautiful day and memorable too :) :) :)

2011 Recap, 2012 foresee!!!

Dear friends, Wish you all very happy and fabulous year ahead! This note is just a recap of my previous year and foreseeing an upcoming year. Let me cast my mind back to an year before, i.e. 2011, it was like a roller coaster for me. Full of up's and down's, traveled a lot, from one pole to another pole of the Earth. I like travelling, but never expected that travelling will be on my cards to this extent. To give a fair guess, I would have traveled at least 10K miles by air. I can proudly say, I am an Explorer, next to DORA, my niece's favorite cartoon player. Yes, its been an wonderful year, especially, the second half of the year was so memorable in Chennai. Whilst, first half was in Oxford, ever favorite destination of mine, was roaming in the streets, seeking a good job but it didn't happen. Usually, I am person, who won't give up easily until I find a solution to an any issue. Whether, it'll be positive or negative, I used to fight till end. That's what keeps me going, I gave my best, hit hard and it was not in my control. Never mind! nothing to regret, at least I've tried my best till I decide to come back. Then flied back to home by the end of second quarter of the year. Got a new job, started my career with new hopes and blessings in Chennai. Spent my days there for 1/4th of the year. Met old friends & their family. It was very touchy, when they were opened their arms to embrace me as their own children. Its not fair if I miss to thank them for all their effort and blessing to get me here. And its a never ending list, if I start mentioning their names. Due to space restriction, I thank them (My parents too!) all for what I am today. Later, I got an another good offer from Singapore. Now, I'm here! Though I was travelling a lot in the late last year, I got a chance to meet very nice people, friends, in fact, few well wishers of mine. Last quarter of the year blessed me with good friends and their families to support me in this new alien land. This year would not have been so great and complete with out their support, love and kindness. Trust me, 2011, got me a very few special people, and I would say, 2011 is the best ever socialized year for me. I never used to move with an acquaintance this fast. But last year it was different, got friends in different ethnicity, different culture! So many beautiful memoirs, few good lessons, less hurt, definitely not any bitter opinions on any one particular. Exactly, July and August '11 were the most memorable part of my life. Realized what's real happiness in my home town. Spent happily with friends, who miss me a lot now, and so am I! Chennai beckons me sooner this year. Lets see whether my cards continue with same jaunting itinerary. Keeping my fingers crossed for 2012, may all this happiness continue to shower bliss, not only over me, but also for all my friends and their families too. Let 2012, brings all a new hope, new life, new career to be more successful in what ever we do! Lots of happiness shared, emotions went out, got courage to face the reality, found a new job and getting settled. I can't thank enough for all who had been very supportive for me throughout this roller coaster year and hope you all too enjoyed my company. What more I could have yearn for this upcoming year, other than to be close with my loved and dear ones!  

Sentosa - Universal Studio!!!

Hi Friends, today I am gonna record a wonderful, cheerful memoir of my life time.. Before start penning down, let me say a few words about those (my friends) who made today as the one of the best day (to be remembered forever) of my life. To start with, my best friend Aishu, knowing her since 2004, who is a lead person, very much organized, proper planner yet a little late comer. Venkatesh, aishu's husband, I can proudly say he is my elder brother. Down to earth, cool and highly patient enough to go shopping with aishu. Here comes the "Kissing Queen", "Smiling Beauty" and Cute little Princess Pranathi Venkat, three and half year old, known since her birth. She really made my day, not only mine, with others too! Giri, till this moment (forever!!!) one of my best buddy, from tomorrow onwards my housemate too, knowing him for almost seven and half years, calm, cool and typical freewheeling urban youth, now working in Singapore after completing his Masters degree. Along with them, Aishu's Mom & Parent-in-law's arrived at Changi Airport yesterday night. Myself, Giri and one more best friend of mine (name not printed on her request), been there to receive and put them in a nice sleeping accommodation. Aishu is here with whole family to attend her cousin's Big D Day in Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia. As they are leaving tonight, we spent a whole day in Universal Studio, Sentosa, which is a main tourist attraction in Singpore. Since, their travel has been made by a travel agent, they don't even have any breathing time for next 11 days in Malaysia & Singapore. After wedding in JB, they have three important task to do every single day, i.e) explore, shop and enjoy! So here starts the excitement and enjoyment of Sentosa! They have already planned and booked their tickets well in advance, they reached Sentosa on time and started exploring the Universal Studio. Since, mine and giri's plan to visit was a eleventh hour decision, we both been to Sentosa and waiting in the ticket counter. Suddenly a stranger (well an Indian!!!) approached me and offered an extra ticket of his. I was slightly puzzled and sighed giri. Giri said, sorry sir, we don't have cash in hand, we are going to buy using credit card. He just gave us the ticket worth of $74 by choice and left. By reconfirming the free ticket validity in the counter, we bought one more ticket and entered the Universal Studio. We can't wish for anything much better to start a day like this. With loads of excitement, we started experiencing all the attractions and enjoyed every moment there. Begin with Donkey Live show which was useless other than Pranathi had some food watching that dumb ass. Then queued up for Jurassic Park high flyer ride, after that enjoyed the water world show which was fantastic. Later had lunch and headed towards "The Mummy" roller coaster ride. Me, Venkat, Aishu and Giri experienced our adrenal secretion inside the tummy. It was a nice ride. Then me and giri went to enjoy the High Speed Roller Coaster Ride. In 90 secs, I clearly felt the visceral movement inside my body. In between every show, the most gratitude Singapore weather, blessed us with its gracious down pour. Searching for an umbrella and a rain coat has become a habitual act of the entire day. To soothe our senses, we four has been to King's party-go-round with Pranathi, its nothing but we call it as merry-go-round in back home. By this time, we were completely exhausted and planned to wind up our day in Sentosa with a Hollywood Dance Show. Before they start the show, a lady on my left initiated the talk and a stranger of different race has become a good acquaintance. The show was thoroughly enjoyed by Pranathi, she was clapping, singing and dancing to the tunes and become a fairy lady on her own world. As the day completed and their itinerary ticks into the next plan, except me and giri, they all left Sentosa to pack their backpacks to JB. After they left, we both been to a most spectacular and must watch Shrek 4D show, which was mind blowing and no words to describe. It was a complete fun and I would say, the full price worth that one show alone. Finally, we also started home, with few more pictures clicked and thanking that philanthropist again (an Indian stranger!!!) to offer a free ticket to top up our enjoyment with more fun and more economical. Wish this day would have last little longer, enjoyed the weekend with best buddies at best place. A Perfect Week End well spent after a long time and these memories to be cherished forever :) :) :)

Day 1 in Singapore!

On 16th September 2008 - landed in London! again after three years, on the same day, 16th September 2011 - landed in Singapore around 7 PM! Nice, small, clean country. There was no hassle in the immigration, waited in the budget terminal for my friends to arrive. Not much time to wait, they came on time. After three long years, met my friends yesterday, my heart skipped couple of beats for a second. It was a wonderful moment with good old buddies. Later, been to Ananda Bhavan Restaurant, had an early dinner. Champa has taken the cab and we started to my staying place which is in Choa Chu Kang, about 20 mins drive from airport. Here all the houses were built alike every where, reminding me about the Hostel in SRM and lingers those fantabulous days! My inmates are very sweet and jovial, hope they will enjoy my stay and bear my talking (Beware all!!!). As a first gesture of meet, again we had second dinner for their kind request and went to bed early. The real first day started today morning only, when I started using local commuting services to my cousins place. I really enjoyed this morning! I have enjoyed the beauty of Singapore in Day light. Here, its called SMRT like the Underground in London and I have got EZ Link card to commute both in bus and MRT. Its nothing but Oyster card in London, but unfortunately even after three long years of Oyster card usage, I couldn't understand how it charges for each travel. Because every time I use that I've spent more pounds than others. Hope it should not continue here too. By my own eye statistics, I have inferred that Singaporeans are much attracted or even I could say addicted to all the Apple products. Out of 6 in 10 people, owns an I phone 4 or I pad and watching a cartoon. There were so many things happened around me. To start with, a lady on my left in a decent clothing was reading a book titled "How to spend less without being miserable" so seriously. Whilst, another girl on opposite seat to her, ironically was in a gaudy, sluttish outfit with more accessories on her body, was observing very close on the book. I thought she was thinking to have one to learn how to reduce her expenses. Meanwhile, on my right there was a couple reading, talking, cuddling and finally got down in the next stop. Also, another Tamil couple were noticing as like me. Every thing is same here as in London, except with good amount of more Tamizhians around. After almost an hour of travel, I reached my cousins place and greeted them with sweets. It was a bright sunny day when I was out, but suddenly it started raining heavily. First lesson learnt in Singapore - Always carry an umbrella and never predict the weather here as I did in Oxford. After every one got accustomed to the place, a cute little angel, my niece Mayurika aged 7, started talking to me. Then she didn't stop till this minute. As the battery get drained in the mobile, she slept after a good physical activity in the park. In the evening, I got many pleasing complements from a little lady called Bhavana, my niece's friend, two year elder than her. Just now had dinner and started penning down for the day. At last with some meet & greet and with few sweet memoirs, my first day in Singapore has come to an end :)