A Day out at Cockatoo Island – 17th Biennale of Sydney

Over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, I spent the afternoon at Cockatoo Island, the major venue of the 17th Biennale of Sydney. Even before getting to the island,  the scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay across the Sydney Harbour to the island certainly raised the anticipation. Cockatoo Island was a very unique setting to experience contemporary art because its was also former prison and shipyard.  Many of these buildings and workshops’ content still remains.

Below are some of the photos I took on the island, while here is the link to the entire collection.

A Sunday Cyclist along the Sydney Harbour Bridge

A Sunday cyclist along the Sydney Harbour Bridge by Berno (bernardoh3rd at gmail)

Late night tea stop along a 19 hours journey to Goa

My June 2009 Holiday in China: Huangshan, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing and Shanghai

Last month in a period of three weeks, I visited five China cities. This trip could be sum up in three phrases: physical exhilarating, cultural enriching and  geo-political awareness enlightening.The visit included UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Huangshan (often referred by Chinese as “The number one mountain under the Heavens”), the ancient Chinese Village of Hongcun, the classical gardens of Suzhou,  the burial ground of the founder and first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty – Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Hangzhou’s West Lake (featured on the RMB 1 dollar note).

Despite making this trip by myself, I never felt alone. I had the good fortune of travelling and interacting with many kind, helpful and interesting people (backpacking tourists and local residents) in every city along my journey. There is always a friend company in a hostel or along the streets. Such are the joys of backpacking

My travel began from Anhui Province (Tunxi, Huangshan, Yixian, Shexian) to Zhejiang Province (Hangzhou) to Jiangsu Province (Suzhou and Nanjing) and finally China’s largest city – Shanghai. These authentic sights and the opportunities to interact with the local residents are captured in the following highlights.

	A. Shanghai – Huangshan Overnight Sleeper Train My journey began when I caught an soft-sleeper overnight train from Shanghai to Huangshan (K8418, cabin interior). During the 15 hours journey, I chatted and shared my travel plans with many other travellers from different countries including Japan, USA, Sri Lanka and of course China. Soon I got acquainted with a young Chinese couple and we decided to hike Huangshan together. Pictures of K8418 Shanghai to Huangshan overnight sleeper train ride
	B. Tunxi Old Street After a long train ride, I decided to stay overnight in Tunxi town (where the Huangshan railway station) was located. I stayed in Old Street Youth Hostel, where the area’s old architectures were preserved and now transformed into tourism-oriented enclave. Pictures from the Tunxi downtown,youth hostel and the Old Street.
	C. Huangshan Huangshan in Anhui’s province is one of China’s most scenic spots. The mountain range is characterised by numerous gravity defying odd-shaped pine trees, steep trails, deep gorges with lush greenery and grotesque rock formations representing the arch-typical Chinese landscape (shanshui) paintings. With my new founded Chinese friends, we began our 2 days hike from the Western Steps (also known as the back entrance) and exit from the Eastern Steps as recommended by the hostel. The Western Steps landscape is filled with numerous strange and interesting rock formations such as Monkey Gazing at the Sea, Fairy Lady Flower and the Mobile Phone rock. The Eastern Steps is more steep and gives you the opportunity to appreciate the majestic mountainous range. Many other celebrated sights include Yingke Song (Welcome Guest Pine) and the Tiandu Feng (Apex of the Celestial Capital Peak). Pictures of my hike around Huangshan.
	D. Hongchun and Tangyue Memorial Archway Apart from the Huangshan, there are another two popular tourist attractions which can be easily managed by oneself without booking those overpriced guided tours. They are Hongcun village and the Tangyue Memorial Archways. Just travel like the locals and use the long distance public buses from Huangshan long distance bus terminal to get to Yixan and Shexian counties respectively. D1. Hongcun Village Fans of Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon movie must make a trip to Hongcun. Part of the movie was filmed in this village. Hongcun and (nearby) Xidi are two ancient Chinese villages listed in UNSECO World Heritage. Hongcun with its water features and distinct Anhui architecture has becomes a popular subject amongst many Chinese art students. In 2004, this cherished village was commemorated as part of a China Post “Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui” stamp series. Pictures of Hongcun village. D2. Tangyue Memorial Archway The Tangyue Memorial Archway is a series of seven arches built between the Ming and Qing dynasties. These arches commemorated the virtues of loyalty, filial piety, women’s chastity, justice, moral integrity and charity by the village inhabitants and served as a reminder for future generation. Pictures of Tangyue Memorial Archway
	E. Hangzhou – West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Village Around the prosperous city of Hangzhou lies one of China’s most popular attraction, the famed West Lake or Xihu. The beauty and the wealth of this city led to a claim that Hangzhou“beyond dispute (is) the finest and the noblest in the world” attributed to Marco Polo. When I was finally able to pull myself from West Lake sights, I visited Lingyin Temple (Temple of the Soul’s Retreat), one of China’s largest monastery and Longjing Village. Longjing Village is the famed green tea growing area that grows the popular Longjing tea (龙井茶). During my visit, I was invited to a farmer’s actual house and had the opportunity to sample the different grades of Longjing tea. Pictures of the West Lake , Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda and Longjing tea.
	F. Suzhou 上有天堂, 下有苏杭 Above is heaven, below is Suhang (Suzhou and Hangzhou) This famous saying praises the beauties of Suzhou and Hangzhou. Suzhou often referred as the “Venice of the East” for its gardens, stone bridges and canals across the city. The beauty of Suzhou’s classical gardens was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage under the “Classical Gardens of Suzhou”. These gardens include Master of the Net Garden. The Master of the Net garden is the smallest of the classical gardens but because of its size, it was easy to appreciate the beauty of the garden. Pictures of Master of the Net garden and downtown Suzhou.
	G. Tongli About 27km from Suzhou, lies the small water village of Tongli. Within Tongli are picturesque waterways and bridges, famed garden (Tuisi Garden -Retreat and Reflection) and also China Sex Museum. Pictures of Tongli Village
	H. Nanjing Nanjing is capital of Jiangsu Province which include Suzhou. Nanjing (the Southen Capital), together with Beijing (the Northen Capital), Luoyang and Chang’an (now Xi’an) formed the “Four Historical capitals of China” (中国四大古都). Nanjing is also home to one of the largest concentration of tertiary institutions in China. This city is also the final resting places of major statesmen in Chinese history including Sun Yat-sen (founder of the post-imperial China) and Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang, founder and first emperor of the Ming Dynasty). Travelling to Nanjing from Shanghai is easy and comfortable via a 3 hours train ride on China Railway Highspeed (CRH) trains Pictures of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and modern downtown Nanjing.
	I. Shanghai Shanghai, China’s largest city and the symbol of China’s growing economic stature on the world’s stage. Ever since the days of the Western nations trade concessions settlements, Shanghai has been one of Asia’s financial and trading hub. The modern Shanghai is now a buzzing, vibrant and energetic metropolis. The energy of this city is simply tremendous.There is something for everyone in this city. For arts fans, the Shanghai Museum is a treat. This museum housed an mind boggling first class collection of Chinese arts including pottery, ancient currency and sculptures. To appreciate the origins and the development of this city, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre is a must, even just to see the mini model of the city sprawl. Fans of la mien and xiao long baos, you can finally have one’s fill in Shanghai. While you’re there, get introduced to shenjian too, a dish similar to xiao long. The Shanghainese cuisine is more noodles and bread based. Let’s just say, I had my fill of xiao long and dumplings for a very long time. For the defenders of the world’s economy (aka shopaholic), after your saving rounds in Ginza or Fifth Avenue, you will have your hands full in Huaihai Lu and Nanjing Lu. Pictures of downtown Shanghai (including the Bund, Jinmao Tower and the Bund). Pictures of artistic shots of the city (Art in the City- Shanghai). Pictures of Shanghai Museum (a selection from the pottery, ancient currency and sculptures). Pictures of St Ignatius Cathedral (Xiujiahui).

You can view my additional China holiday pictures trip from my 2009-Anhui-Zhejiang-Jiangsu-Shanghai-Trip collection.

Training for the 2009 Adidas Sundown Marathon – 35km Familiarisation Run with Team Fatbird

Last Friday, I took part in a Team Fatbird‘s Sundown Marathon Route Familiarisation Run as part of my preparation for the May Sundown Marathon. I estimated more than 60 runners turned up for this community run, which began around 9pm. This is quite an impressive turnout for an event that was promoted mainly via Facebook and the word of mouth.

The running route (linked below) started from ECP Car Park C4 and went along the parts of the Eastern Coastal Park Connector Network. It offered runners an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the eastern suburbs including Siglap, Tampines, Pasir Ris and Loyang.

Good thing, there were committee members from Team Fatbird dispersed among the different running packs. One’s concentration can take a serious beating during a long distance overnight run. Anthony, David and the other  Team Fatbird run pacers played an important role to lead the various running packs, chit chatting along the way and keeping motivation high among the trainees. A special mention goes out to Max for providing taking pictures of the runners along the route. The photos opportunities brought out the smiles of many.

Almost 4 hours 30mins later, drenched in perspiration and really yearning for my bed, I finally arrived at the finishing line. Ah Beng and Suan made the tiredness almost disappear with their wonderful hospitality with food and drinks donated by others.

This well attended run is a great testimony to the enthusiasm, dedication and generosity of the Singapore running community. To all who had donated resources to organise this event and participated in this run, THANK YOU!

Pictures taken by Max Ang (feetoffurry)

Related links:

• Night Hawk #8 – Sundown Familiarization #1 Post-Run Report
• 35km and 55km Routes

An Internship with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs

Good news, friends! Since last month, I joined the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) as an intern under the Eric Teo Global Citizens Internships programme. Founded in 1961, the SIIA is Singapore’s oldest think tank dedicated to the research, analysis and discussion of regional & international issues.

A unique feature of SIIA’s programmes is its commitment to public education including students and the general public population through events such as 938LIVE in NIE: What Does ASEAN Mean to You? (past) and the upcoming The Obama Administration’s First 100 Days forum (23 May 09).

During the last month with the organisation, I was introduced to the concept of “Track II diplomacy“, the various ASEAN foras, the various think tanks and special interests groups based in Singapore and the opportunity to be involved in the think tank’s flagship event – 2nd ASEAN & ASIA Forum.

I also enjoy the company I made within the organisation especially over lunch and tea discussion about philosophy and political/ economic theories. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be introduced to this environment before I return back to the university this July.

My Dusty Run 2009 Experience, Running 33km from ECP to the Eastern Suburbs

Last Friday (Good Friday), in preparation for the upcoming Sundown Marathon, more than 50 runners from Team Fatbird and other Singapore running community groups took part in the 2009 Dusty Run organised by Keonz.

The Dusty Run began at 9.20pm and the route starts from East Coast Park (ECP) to the eastern suburbs via Tanah Merah, Expo, Simei, Bedok Reservoir, Kembagan, Opera Estate and back onto the ECP.

Along the way, Max and Jane provided a much-appreciated dose of encouragement and fun as the run photographer along route. In the end, I learnt that my group ran 33km instead of the originally planned 30km because we bypassed an earlier turning point. I thought I knew the Singapore eastern suburbs inside out but this “jogging tour” took my understanding to a new level. Looking back at the run, I really treasured the opportunity to meet other running enthusiasts from all walks of life sharing one common passion – running.

Check out this link to other pictures taken during the run.

My 2009 Calendar of Sporting Events: Fun runs, long distance, biathlon and triathlon

This page (mainly for my personal record keeping) will be regularly updated as I sign up (confirmed) for more events.

1. 22 Feb 09- Singapore Tribob Sprint Aquathlon (750m swim, 5km run)
2. 7 Mar 09- Singapore Biathlon (1500m swim, 10k run) Absent
3. 24 May 09 – PAssion Run 2009 (15k run)
4. 30 May 09- Adidas Sundown Marathon (42k run): Timing (), Photos(Here), Report()
5. 28 Jun 09- Kuala Lumpur Marathon (tentative)
6. 1 Australian race (tentative): Geelong Half Marathon (19 Apr)/  Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon (17 May)/ Gold Coast Marathon (5 July)/ Sydney Running Festival (20 Sep)/ Melbourne Marathon (11 Oct)
7. Singapore Army Half Marathon – tentative
8. Borneo Marathon 2009 (11 Oct) -tentative
9. OSIM Singapore Triathlon – tentative
10. Angkor Wat International Half Marathon 2009 (6 Dec) – tentative

My first marathon afterthoughts

Running revealed to me the different facets of life. Everyone dreams of a fairy-tale ending, but life doesn’t always go according to that script. Completing a race isn’t the end of a story, but I realised, it could also mark the opportunity to write a new chapter differently.

I shall live to “run” another day.

I finally completed my first full marathon (Singapore Marathon) on 7 Dec 2008, making a fitting end to my 2008 running calendar, a tick across my personal to-do list.  A marathon is demanding challenge but during this race, I picked up a painful injury (Iliotibial band syndrome, IBTS) at the 25k mark and I limped to complete the remainder.

My target timing was 5.30-5.45h and I came in a 6.15h. Naturally, I was very upset with the result. I was caught between beating myself (mentally) for the poor performance and overlook the positive experience and the camaraderie among my circle of runners friends.

Then, I stopped the “beating” for a moment and asked myself, “Why are you not happy for this personal achievement?” or could it be because you had set your heart on the matters (Pride? Lack of self assurance? Who/ what are you running for?) which are not necessary centred on the  right values. A thought (or a voice) came up, “You run your own race. This is only your first, you can always improve on the next attempt. Right now, smile and share the positive moment with those around you and learn to let go.”

I felt a heavy (self-imposed) burden lifted up when I listened and accepted the prompting of that voice. In life, there are many matters that could easily let us down but should we let it get to us? Maybe we should ask, why are we sad? Even if the reason was valid, do we surrender to misery or try around, smile and move on?  It is always easier to move on with hope.

In closing, I’m grateful to God for granting me the ability to complete the event and people from my running circle who encouraged and trained with me along the way. Magníficat ánima mea Dóminum.

Here is a link to my marathon pictures.

Climbing to the top of Singapore – 2008 Swissotel Vertical Marathon

This is the view of the Singapore financial district from the very top of South-east Asia’s tallest hotel – Swissotel the Stamford.

This morning, I took apart in my first “Swissotel Vertical Marathon“. Having trained (in)consistently in the gym’s Stairmaster on 4 grand occasions, I felt I was all set to attempt my tallest challenge – a 73-storey climb.

The overall turnout was huge. I was proud to see the encouraging numbers of female participants. The event emcee also mentioned that there were about 150 nationalities registered for this event.

I maintained an easy pace during the climb and the result was 13mins 53secs. I reckon next year I want to achieve 13min 15secs timing.

Here is a selection of the pictures taken during the 2008 Swissotel Vertical Marathon in Singapore.

Related link: 1,500 take part in Swissotel Vertical Marathon (Channel NewsAsia)