PocketsofPerth
Monday, August 31, 2009
UWAFP (Taylors College) 2010 BrochureHold on to your horses everyone, because what I've got in store here shocked us (Kristal and I).
We had a great laugh about it though, so I thought I'd share it with you here!
These were taken in April this year.
Cover page.
This was the biggest shock of all I guess.
I think I look a little weird - not used to having my face blow up this big!
Haha!
Kristal posing in a Chem experiment at the lab.
Here, she still looks like when I first met her 7 years ago!
A snapshot with Elle, the college's receptionist.
I learnt that she's only a year older than I am, which makes her 21 this year.
Hope you had a good laugh too, somehow! (I know Sasya would, and Mizah too if she took a break from her job at Lavender and read this!!)
Look out for my update on the City to Surf run coming real soon!
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Friday, August 28, 2009
City to Surf Run 30.08.09
Kristal and I will be taking part in Activ's City to Surf Run tomorrow, Sunday, 30.08.09
Kristal's participating in the Channel Nine 12k walk/run and I will be doing the 4k walk/run.
My participation was out of spontaneity!
I have to take baby steps and not be ambitious about this because it's my first mass run. So, 4k it is!
Hope we'll get all the love & support from all of you back home or wherever you are!
-
On a different note,
I'm planning to take up a non-aggressive sport to strengthen my back (since I suffer from back problems).
Flex-A-Lates or Pilates ?
Anyone??
They're both pretty similar, but Flex-A-Lates is slightly cheaper! Though the drawback is that classes will begin at 8 am, whereas Pilates will start at 6.15pm.
Both classes will be conducted at the UWA Crawley Campus.
Your suggestions are much appreciated! ( :
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Jalan2 Cari Makan: Love & Care Cafe
(Walk2 (to) Find Food)
Singapore is widely known for its food culture where cheap and good food are easily attainable throughout the city.
As a Singaporean myself, I'd have to say that food plays a big part in my life. I LOVE FOOD. Or more like, I LIKE TO EAT. A LOT. Being away from home though, especially in a land full of ang mohs (Caucasians) it can be tough finding a good eatery that serves a good spread of Malay food (or even Chinese food, Indian food etc.)
With culinary skills like mine (or lack thereof, really), I'm really blessed to have a housemate who cooks and actually enjoys doing so! (Her shepherd pies are yumm!!) Nevertheless, I can't torture her into cooking for me all the time (just most of the time! Haha!) and moreover, it's nice to go out and get some fresh Perth air sometimes! It's a beautiful country after all.
We would occasionally dine in at a Malaysian restaurant, serving authentic Malay food, located on Pier Street, just across Miss Maud's. A plus point is that it's approximately 5 minutes walk from Hay Street/Murray Street Malls so it's good to drop by for lunch or dinner after a exhaustive shopping trip!
Love&Care Cafe, 38 Pier Street
When I say it serves authentic Malay food, I do mean it. This is not a hoax, people!! Why I say this is because often, in a Western country, you'll find that almost (if not) all Asian restaurants advertise themselves as caterers of 'authentic' -insert country- food. Now now, we all know that surely that's just a good marketing strategy. But since I'm not a marketeer, I'm telling you, the food at Love & Care Cafe makes you feel like you never left home!
The restaurant is rather hidden from the public. It's competitors on the other hand, Cafe Karache and Ihsan's Cafe, which are strategically situated, have less than authentic array of dishes. It's just my opinion, but I'm sharing this with you out of personal experience.
With a kampong-style interior, the restaurant has a compact but friendly group of waiters/servers. They serve buffet at lunch, and ala carte for dinner. You could get bandung cincau and teh tarik from here as well. The buffet consists of popular Malay dishes such as Beef Rendang, Ayam Masak Merah and Sayur Lodeh, while for dinner one can choose to have anything from Mee Soto (with rice cubes), Nasi Goreng Pattaya to Prata and Curry.
Since it's Ramadhan (the fasting month for Muslims worldwide) now, Kristal and I visited this quaint Malaysian restaurant earlier this evening for my break fast.
Our plate of appetizers. 2 goreng pisang, 2 jemput-jemput and 2 dates! but my date is missing.
It was thoughtful of them to serve complimentary dates as I broke my fast. That's not all though, Kristal and I also had our first bite (in a long while) of jemput-jemput (correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's mashed banana and flour) and goreng pisang (banana fritters)! I liked the jemput-jemput best! It was crispy and tender all at once. Nomnomnom!!
$9.50 Nasi Goreng Love&Care (with fried chicken and egg)
We both had the Nasi Goreng Love & Care, which was tantalizing. I'm no food critic, but I can assure you it was worth the $9.50 (don't be alarmed, these are the 'normal' prices for food here, but it has to be said that the portion justifies the price!). The rice was moist enough with a tinge of spiciness (just a little spice to enhance the flavour), and the fried chicken was ... what can I say, fried chickens are simply yumm!
Love & Care Cafe is by far my dad's personal favourite eatery (although he can never get the name right. He always calls it things like, 'Care & Love', 'Love & Hope', or something way off) whenever my family is here to pay me a visit. He'll insist that we have our meals here whenever possible. If he had his way, that would mean all the time! Haha.
Since my dad is a big foodie himself (he was a satay boy and helped run a family food business years and years ago), I reckon this would be a good recommendation to all of you.
Love & Care Cafe opens on Mondays-Fridays at lunch time, from around noon to 2.30pm, and from 5.30 till late, and till 2.30pm on Saturdays. So be sure to organise your time properly if you don't want to miss this authentic Malay food dining experience in Perth City!
The Singapore Flag
We recited the pledge at 822pm along with Singaporeans all over the world.
I know I'm 2 weeks late, but my family and I (along with my housemate, Kristal) celebrated Singapore's 44th year of independence on the 9th of August in Perth this year. My parents and sister (my brother couldn't make it, sadly) had flown down under to pay me a visit, and what better time to gather the family and celebrate the nation's birthday, while on holiday!
We attended a dinner celebration organised by the Singapore Student Society at Makan2@Vic Park, which has come to be known as the place to be seen, more so for students. It's a cool chillout place, with other students serving at the cafe, popular for their Mamak-standard Teh Tarik. You could also find a bountiful array of local food there, albeit the disparaging difference in local prices. A little out of the way for me (who is heavily-dependent on public transport) but I try to drop by whenever I have the time or craving for a mug of good teh tarik here.
We didn't purchase tickets for the celebration as they were wiped out pretty fast. The ticket, which costs $17 each (for non-members of the SSS) entitles one to a plate of nasi (or rice) with chicken rendang, and a good cup of teh tarik, and fruit punch. We had dinner elsewhere, but were allowed to enter the premises and join in the fun. Each of us did receive a cup of fruit punch, and teh tarik, nonetheless!
Pretty Singapore flag-inspired Cupcake
They were supposed to stream the live broadcast of the National Day Parade 2009, but I think technology failed them.
We were shown videos of all the famous National Day songs instead, some of which Kristal & I sang along to, and most of which are new to my sister (but she caught on pretty quickly)!
As with all birthday parties, it's simply wrong to not have a birthday cake! To ensure that every one gets their fair share, all of us were offered the National Day cupcake! Something refreshing yet nothing new (seeing as how cupcakes have gained widespread popularity because it looks really pretty and cute), the cupcakes were aptly red in colour and adorned with colourful little stars. Real pretty isn't it? Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of cupcakes (I don't like how bland they taste) and I basically just scooped off the icing! Sinful, but I just had to try this one.
My sister was ecstatic when she received the goodie bag!
We were also entertained with games & quizzes, and winners get to take home the NDP goodie bag! They had many to give away, so that meant a lot of quizzes! Some questions were easy-peasy, but some needed a little think-through.
One question went, "Name the tallest building in Singapore". Someone was chosen and she quipped, "Err ... Taka?" :-O !! Major giveaway but what an embarrasing moment for her as loud gasps could be heard from all corners of the room. Either she's not Singaporean, or she hasn't come home in a long time. The answer to that is the Swissotel the Stamford, by the way.
We weren't picked to answer any quizzes even though my mom attempted to gain the emcee's attention (and we were sitting right in front!). We did manage however to get home with not one, but two goodie bags! My sister was the youngest person there (since it's a Uni event, and most if not all are students), and perhaps the organisers felt she deserved to get one! HOW LUCKY! In Singapore, only those who went to the NDP got the goodie bag. We weren't at the NDP, we weren't even in Singapore, but we still got it! Syiok!
An event organised by the Singapore Students Society (UWA)
The celebration was mediocre on the whole, but I'm sure all of us had a good time as we gathered in a room where the person next to you is bound to be a Singaporean. A feeling that can't be described, unless you're living in another man's land.
I had a wonderful time spent with my family. Really blessed and glad I had them to share my patriotism with (haha), and I can't wait to see them again soon.
Such is the life of a student living abroad!
Pigeonhole @ 80 Barrack St
The very trendy (and costly) 'Kronan' bicycle
Kristal wants one of these for her collection.
Perth is often regarded as a rather 'dull' city in comparison to its more vibrant, and metropolitan (read: 'hip', 'happening') counterparts, like Sydney and Melbourne. I'm just mentioning these 3 cities because I assume that they house many, many Asians, and especially students like myself. As such, I'm always on the lookout for something 'out of the ordinary', something 'quirky'. Shops that are comparable to the ones at Haji Lane, for instance.
I discovered this shop one day, sometime last year when I read Karen Cheng's (a fellow Australian-Asian blogger) blog. I was excited, because this would mean a different shopping experience than the time spent at Myer, or Target, or Dotti and Sportsgirl even. This meant a different shopping experience because I'll be browsing 'cool' stuff, like pencil cases that are made from recycled leather sofas, lomo cameras, an umbrella in the form of a bottle etc etc.
It took me a while to find the place, because the pioneer store is tucked away in an unassuming building. Almost a year later, Pigeonhole has successfully opened another store (although still nicely tucked away in a 'lane').
If you're planning to unwind yourself in Perth anytime in the near future, or if you already are in Perth and have no idea what else to do on cold, wintry days like these, do drop by Pigeonhole at Barrack Street (really, really near the popular Hay St/Murray St Malls in Perth) or take a stroll to the other end of the street malls, and envelope yourself in the atmosphere of the other end of the Hay St/Murray St malls, adjacent to King Street(where it's peppered with sidewalk cafes, other off-beat, quirky stores, and a couple of luxurious shops) and get yourself to Shafto Lane!
You'll have no regrets! Because you're sure to find a little sum'in sum'in for yourself or a loved one.
I'm not too sure about Pigeonhole's opening hours, but do check out their website
for more details!
I find the above 'thread' pretty hilarious. Saw it in the cubicle around the corner of one of UWA's many lecture theatres.
Not the ideal place, of course but you'll be surprised at the amount of conversations and interaction that take place in one cubicle alone.
I was just mentioning to Kristal the other day actually, how I'd feel inadequate if I were to come to school in merely tshirt and jeans. We talked about this cause Kristal was donned in well, tshirt and jeans and had commented that she felt like a Poly student (no offence to Poly students out there. Besides, what's wrong in wearing tshirt and jeans??).
I feel as though every day, I'd have to invest in a decent amount of time to pull together an outfit, particularly now, because it's winter and there's just so much layering that needs to be done (opt that out and you'll most prolly freeze). It's all fun, of course because you get to play around and actually put on things you forgot you had.
But it struck me though, and my mom couldn't have said it better when she asked me, "Are you going to school or a fashion show?"
I cheekily replied, "Fashion show,"
Exactly why I chuckled when I saw that someone had drew an arrow and said, "Arts Students?" when 'Who has the time to dress up for school?' was posed.
I'm not sure what's it like in Singapore, but I have to say, the girls here at my Uni, they dress pretty fashionably. It's like a vast runway and I often draw inspirations just by walking around campus.
Then again, I largely commune to and fro the Arts Building and the Soci Building, so I can't say that *all the girls at UWA are fashionably-inclined.
Oh!
And I wore my super discounted pair of SteveMadden rainboots from Myer to school today (sediakan payung sebelum hujan, katekan) and thought to myself, if I were to go for a run in these boots, I think I'll get me some sturdy leg muscles ... and some leg injury because obviously they're not suitable for such activities.
So I was reading up on an article by David Counts titled Too Many Bananas, Not Enough Pineapples, and No Watermelons at All, and I came across this particularly interesting 'lesson' of 3 lessons:
[If you are a little visually-challenged (or majorly, like me), it reads: Never refuse a gift, and never fail to return a gift. If you cannot use it, you can always give it away to someone else -- there is no such thing as too much -- there are never too many bananas.]
We've often been taught that we shouldn't possess too much of a commodity and/or intangible good(s) since it might derail our moral standing.
I find the quote above a fresh twist to the normative dogma we've been coerced to adhere to.
After all, where sharing is caring, I guess one can never have too much of anything.
I therefore urge you to participate in SWAP activities, instead of purchasing commodities at any opportunity there is.
If you're in Singapore, do keep a lookout for SWIRL's SwirlSwapSwop (www.swirlgirls.blogspot.com)
and
in Perth, a good example would be Winifred&Bance's Vintage SWAP Party (www.winifredandbance.com)
It'll be a unique experience each time, I guarantee.
Hahah, well well who am I to anyhow guarantee like that, eh!
Just from past experiences I guess.
Best if you can attend it with a friend or two.
Three friends and you might end up fighting over the same stuff.
Haha!
Unless you're all of 3 different sizes la.
Our first and (hopefully not the) last sole trip to Thornlie. A little over a year ago, because we haven't discovered the halal chicken at City's Shimizu.
One of the many crazy nights where we popped by Sasya's place.
Right before we set foot for the journey to a higher level of education. I miss Uncle Raymond's/Sunni's sushi!
At your 17th birthday at Jalan Kayu's Spizza, where we had to squeeze into the Musso.
Sec 4 Farewell Assembly on my 16th birthday. You were joyous because, well because it was my birthday! Hahah!
Feelings go up,
Feelings go down
but no matter the weight,
I'll still carry you on my shoulders.
I will try la. Cause you know. We're both not light.
Kidding, K!
I know you had a BLAST today!
I'm glad you like the home decor. Eh! Wait. You never said you liked it, but can tell la from your face that you like it a lot!!
Cause it came from the heart.
Love you Taltal,
Love Hannah.
The blazing sun with a hint of the cool breeze.
Trees are shedding, paving ways for new lives.
Sounds like spring, smells like spring!
Rightfully though we're all still stuck in dreary Winter here in the southern hemisphere, but nonetheless, I still demand that it's spring! September's only a month away, in any case.
I'm right into my third week of uni as of tomorrow, Monday the 3rd. Thus far, it's been pretty easygoing. Actually, I kinda feel like I'm still on holiday! That doesn't sound right, does it? Maybe it's just me and my relatively laidback timetable (school starts at 10 and ends by 2). Maybe it's the units I'm taking this sem: 2 Ling, 1 Comm Studies, 1 Anthrop - Anthrop has the most amt of readings in my opinion, and I haven't really started on them. I'm really liking Ling1102, Language as a Cognitive System, as well as Comm Studies. My lecturers are usually American since I share the same lecturer for both Ling units, and my tutors are all approachable and interactive. So yes, that's uni life in academia but the social scene is still bland for now. I'm getting there, I hope.
I haven't been doing much here in Perth cause I get really lazy to lift myself off the warm support of the couches and bed! But, I'd have to say the past few days have been rather eventful.
First off, on
Friday,
Kristal and I headed down to the City after school. We had planned on going for the Freshies BBQ organised by the Singapore Students' Society (SSS) at Matilda Bay which is just across our apartment, but abandoned the idea because it was too awkward. We did bump into Ophe and Feng Xian en route our escape though. Kristal got her necessities and we had bubbletea! Pretty much combed the city as usual; saw some stuff I liked but I'm getting a little broke because August is a wonderful month (haha). Friday spells late night shopping so yes, that was what we basically did. Spent the last few minutes at Mango where Kristal got pretty good deals, and where I acted as her personal shopper. Hahah, I was really actioning can. Just grabbed, grabbed whatever I thought was 'right' for her. Of course she didn't get all that I'd offered, but still, I hope she's glad for her buys! We haven't had dinner, but the bubble tea kept us satiated. I really wanted her to try Macs fries dipped in hot fudge sundae though (a tradition from more than a decade ago). Stepped into the 24h Macs, highly patronized by Australian youths. It was pretty scary for us, because well, the people there were seemingly rowdy and gangsta. Of course, I deduced this only based upon their mannerisms and attire. Not sure if it's accurate, but you'd know what I mean when you see them. A group of boys were sitting on the counters of the McCafe and it made the manager on shift pretty furious! Kristal said they reminded her of the mats back home. I said I think the mats aren't as bad (and threatening) in comparison.
This was after our meal (which consisted of an apple pie, a hot fudge sundae, large fries, and a filet-O-fish)
Argh! Why did it come out like this? Anyway, we had half an hour to kill before the bus is scheduled to send us back home. FAT FACE!
So on
Saturday, we had a mission! To get to a contempo cafe nestled in the North of Perth, in a town called Vincent! MILKD. You can check out their website! It's a pretty small dining area, inc. al fresco setting, and they serve all day breakfast here (as with most Australian cafes. Haha.) but Kristal and I only had a good mug of flat white (for her) and a cup of sweet hot chocolate! It was good. To me. Inevitably filled up our stomachs, with all the milk (and the calories) but ah, it's all in the name of good fun, yes?
A graffiti-ish mural on the wall where we sat.
The cafe from Kristal's pov. Lighting wasn't good where we sat. And my camera not as pro as someone's. Haha.
After completing our mission, we set foot for Winifred and Bance, a vintage shop in Inglewood. We knew what buses would bring us there, but because we weren't familiar with North Perth, we had trouble finding the bus stops that would provide us with the appropriate buses. So we walked over to the petrol station, and got directions. Turns out, we had to walk over a km to get to that suburb. So we walked. And walked. It was actually a pretty long walk, but it didn't feel like it. Perhaps it was the weather. The weather made it really bearable. I didn't time how long it had taken us to travel from North Perth to Inglewood by foot, but when we got there, we managed to find the right bus stand almost right away. So the bus came, and we weren't sure of the exact address of the bus stand. When I boarded the bus and tapped my SmartRider (Perth's ezlink), I approached the driver and enquired:
Hannah : Hi, does this bus go to Bunnings?
Driver: What?
Hannah: Bunnings, you know the big shop?
Driver: Well do you know where it is??
Hannah: I think it's along Beaufort Street.
Driver: Well then, just press the bell! What do you think the bells are there for!?!?
Hannah: (puzzled and annoyed all at once) Oh, ok. Thanks.
Awful service.
We succesfully spotted Bunnings (more like Kristal). I was expecting a big building with an apparent display of 'B-U-N-N-I-N-G-S' in white against green wall, but nope! this Bunnings (I think it's like Courts) was a little hidden. We crossed over to W & B, and scanned the whole shop first, and then began to surreptitiously find for treasures. Haha! Kristal has been looking for bags, and we saw a few ridiculously vintage (not sure if they function well but it could serve as a chest display or smth) luggages, priced at $45! In fact, W & B is very affordable, bearing in mind that these are vintage goods (most are I believe, 20 years or more). A clear contrast from Singapore's usually overpriced vintage stores. I finally got a $10 black coat with grey fur (very drama, huh. but $10 only la. got a hole in a pocket though) after much deliberation. Also got a tweed pink blazer from another recycling shop from across W & B. They have quite good finds too! Really nice bagsss. But a little pricey for our liking.
This one's my fault. I didn't rotate the picture. But the prev one's just plain, faulty. Kristal with her new found glory!
I'm so sorry. I think iphoto is facing some probs at the moment. So anyway, this is Winifred & Bance, the vintage store!
Momo's. The other shop I went to.
Sunday.
We had plans to go catch My Sister's Keeper at the nearest theatre, which can be found in a neighbouring (not so neighbour, there's still a 20 min bus ride) suburb called Subiaco. I kept insisting we purchase the tickets first, since we were there abt 45 mins early. But Kristal laughed and told me, here, 10 people in a movie theatre is considered full house already. Haha. The disparaging differences. The movie was really, really good by the way. At least for me. I read the novel of the same name by Jodi Picoult 3 years back, so I can't remember details and the ending even. Just the plot, I can recall, along with the fact that it was a novel that made me cry hard at the end of it. I still remember the day I finished the book! My maid had brought my sis down for a swim and I had stayed home cause I planned to read my book. I plopped myself down on the couch and started reading. I cried, with mucus flowing and all (so gross, but I like the feeling when I'm really sad and not to wipe it off! hahahahah.) and then I got to the ending, and just cried. Like a baby. Like waa! waa! that kind. Okay la, not as whiny, but you get the picture. So, I heard the movie's ending had a twist, and honestly, I can't tell cause I really can't remember the ending for the novel, but the movie was a definite, definite tearjerker. I had read a review of it by the NY Times a few weeks ago when I was back home in Sg, and it mentioned that the theatre was sobbing and stuff. It's true! The people around me were all sniffing, and resisting the tears. The works. The girl in front of me was trying so hard not to cry, she kept fanning herself, in the manner where you really want to cry but you don't want to cause it'll ruin your makeup or something, ala beauty pageant queens.
Oh, and we had BASKIN ROBBINS too, since it can be conveniently found opposite the theatre. I tried a sample of the Green Tea and Shafiqah!! It's almost as good as the Jap one just ard the corner! Really. It's like the Green Tea frap! I had my usual Mint, and Kristal had Buttery Almond! We headed to the market after the movie, got our dinner, and scurried to purchase a bag of fruit to keep healthy (haha) hoping we'll make it in time for the bus back home. We were 5 mins early, so we decided to walk further up to the next bus stop. The bus didn't come after 30 mins. I rang the infoline. I was told because there was an AFL (Australian Football League) at the Subiaco Stadium (or whatever it's called), the bus service is delayed. So much for the delay. The bus never came at all! I got super mad. Because it got really cold. We thought of taking the cab but that's a little out of our budget, and cabs are elusive in Perth! Most of the time. And I didn't want to call for one, cause that'll mean more money spent! So we had to walk out of the suburb, and towards Shenton Park to get a bus back home. Thank goodness we didn't miss that one. Otherwise, Cranky Me will come haunt.
I told Kristal to take this cause it feels so American Suburb. Haha. Commercialisation.
Kristal says they look like they're friends.
Angry. Cold. And Waiting. RAWWRRRRR!!
OK. BED BECKONS, BACK'S HURTING TOO.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR WEDNESDAY TO COME! :D
(Walk2 (to) Find Food)
Singapore is widely known for its food culture where cheap and good food are easily attainable throughout the city.
As a Singaporean myself, I'd have to say that food plays a big part in my life. I LOVE FOOD. Or more like, I LIKE TO EAT. A LOT. Being away from home though, especially in a land full of ang mohs (Caucasians) it can be tough finding a good eatery that serves a good spread of Malay food (or even Chinese food, Indian food etc.)
With culinary skills like mine (or lack thereof, really), I'm really blessed to have a housemate who cooks and actually enjoys doing so! (Her shepherd pies are yumm!!) Nevertheless, I can't torture her into cooking for me all the time (just most of the time! Haha!) and moreover, it's nice to go out and get some fresh Perth air sometimes! It's a beautiful country after all.
We would occasionally dine in at a Malaysian restaurant, serving authentic Malay food, located on Pier Street, just across Miss Maud's. A plus point is that it's approximately 5 minutes walk from Hay Street/Murray Street Malls so it's good to drop by for lunch or dinner after a exhaustive shopping trip!
Love&Care Cafe, 38 Pier Street
When I say it serves authentic Malay food, I do mean it. This is not a hoax, people!! Why I say this is because often, in a Western country, you'll find that almost (if not) all Asian restaurants advertise themselves as caterers of 'authentic' -insert country- food. Now now, we all know that surely that's just a good marketing strategy. But since I'm not a marketeer, I'm telling you, the food at Love & Care Cafe makes you feel like you never left home!
The restaurant is rather hidden from the public. It's competitors on the other hand, Cafe Karache and Ihsan's Cafe, which are strategically situated, have less than authentic array of dishes. It's just my opinion, but I'm sharing this with you out of personal experience.
Trying to capture the kampong essence of the cafe
With a kampong-style interior, the restaurant has a compact but friendly group of waiters/servers. They serve buffet at lunch, and ala carte for dinner. You could get bandung cincau and teh tarik from here as well. The buffet consists of popular Malay dishes such as Beef Rendang, Ayam Masak Merah and Sayur Lodeh, while for dinner one can choose to have anything from Mee Soto (with rice cubes), Nasi Goreng Pattaya to Prata and Curry.
Since it's Ramadhan (the fasting month for Muslims worldwide) now, Kristal and I visited this quaint Malaysian restaurant earlier this evening for my break fast.
Our plate of appetizers. 2 goreng pisang, 2 jemput-jemput and 2 dates! but my date is missing.
It was thoughtful of them to serve complimentary dates as I broke my fast. That's not all though, Kristal and I also had our first bite (in a long while) of jemput-jemput (correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's mashed banana and flour) and goreng pisang (banana fritters)! I liked the jemput-jemput best! It was crispy and tender all at once. Nomnomnom!!
$9.50 Nasi Goreng Love&Care (with fried chicken and egg)
We both had the Nasi Goreng Love & Care, which was tantalizing. I'm no food critic, but I can assure you it was worth the $9.50 (don't be alarmed, these are the 'normal' prices for food here, but it has to be said that the portion justifies the price!). The rice was moist enough with a tinge of spiciness (just a little spice to enhance the flavour), and the fried chicken was ... what can I say, fried chickens are simply yumm!
Love & Care Cafe is by far my dad's personal favourite eatery (although he can never get the name right. He always calls it things like, 'Care & Love', 'Love & Hope', or something way off) whenever my family is here to pay me a visit. He'll insist that we have our meals here whenever possible. If he had his way, that would mean all the time! Haha.
Since my dad is a big foodie himself (he was a satay boy and helped run a family food business years and years ago), I reckon this would be a good recommendation to all of you.
Love & Care Cafe opens on Mondays-Fridays at lunch time, from around noon to 2.30pm, and from 5.30 till late, and till 2.30pm on Saturdays. So be sure to organise your time properly if you don't want to miss this authentic Malay food dining experience in Perth City!
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Sunday, August 23, 2009
Singapore Turns 44
The Singapore Flag
We recited the pledge at 822pm along with Singaporeans all over the world.
I know I'm 2 weeks late, but my family and I (along with my housemate, Kristal) celebrated Singapore's 44th year of independence on the 9th of August in Perth this year. My parents and sister (my brother couldn't make it, sadly) had flown down under to pay me a visit, and what better time to gather the family and celebrate the nation's birthday, while on holiday!
We attended a dinner celebration organised by the Singapore Student Society at Makan2@Vic Park, which has come to be known as the place to be seen, more so for students. It's a cool chillout place, with other students serving at the cafe, popular for their Mamak-standard Teh Tarik. You could also find a bountiful array of local food there, albeit the disparaging difference in local prices. A little out of the way for me (who is heavily-dependent on public transport) but I try to drop by whenever I have the time or craving for a mug of good teh tarik here.
We didn't purchase tickets for the celebration as they were wiped out pretty fast. The ticket, which costs $17 each (for non-members of the SSS) entitles one to a plate of nasi (or rice) with chicken rendang, and a good cup of teh tarik, and fruit punch. We had dinner elsewhere, but were allowed to enter the premises and join in the fun. Each of us did receive a cup of fruit punch, and teh tarik, nonetheless!
Pretty Singapore flag-inspired Cupcake
They were supposed to stream the live broadcast of the National Day Parade 2009, but I think technology failed them.
We were shown videos of all the famous National Day songs instead, some of which Kristal & I sang along to, and most of which are new to my sister (but she caught on pretty quickly)!
As with all birthday parties, it's simply wrong to not have a birthday cake! To ensure that every one gets their fair share, all of us were offered the National Day cupcake! Something refreshing yet nothing new (seeing as how cupcakes have gained widespread popularity because it looks really pretty and cute), the cupcakes were aptly red in colour and adorned with colourful little stars. Real pretty isn't it? Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of cupcakes (I don't like how bland they taste) and I basically just scooped off the icing! Sinful, but I just had to try this one.
My sister was ecstatic when she received the goodie bag!
We were also entertained with games & quizzes, and winners get to take home the NDP goodie bag! They had many to give away, so that meant a lot of quizzes! Some questions were easy-peasy, but some needed a little think-through.
One question went, "Name the tallest building in Singapore". Someone was chosen and she quipped, "Err ... Taka?" :-O !! Major giveaway but what an embarrasing moment for her as loud gasps could be heard from all corners of the room. Either she's not Singaporean, or she hasn't come home in a long time. The answer to that is the Swissotel the Stamford, by the way.
We weren't picked to answer any quizzes even though my mom attempted to gain the emcee's attention (and we were sitting right in front!). We did manage however to get home with not one, but two goodie bags! My sister was the youngest person there (since it's a Uni event, and most if not all are students), and perhaps the organisers felt she deserved to get one! HOW LUCKY! In Singapore, only those who went to the NDP got the goodie bag. We weren't at the NDP, we weren't even in Singapore, but we still got it! Syiok!
An event organised by the Singapore Students Society (UWA)
The celebration was mediocre on the whole, but I'm sure all of us had a good time as we gathered in a room where the person next to you is bound to be a Singaporean. A feeling that can't be described, unless you're living in another man's land.
I had a wonderful time spent with my family. Really blessed and glad I had them to share my patriotism with (haha), and I can't wait to see them again soon.
Such is the life of a student living abroad!
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Friday, August 21, 2009
Perth's Treasures: Pigeonhole
Pigeonhole @ 80 Barrack St
The very trendy (and costly) 'Kronan' bicycle
Kristal wants one of these for her collection.
Perth is often regarded as a rather 'dull' city in comparison to its more vibrant, and metropolitan (read: 'hip', 'happening') counterparts, like Sydney and Melbourne. I'm just mentioning these 3 cities because I assume that they house many, many Asians, and especially students like myself. As such, I'm always on the lookout for something 'out of the ordinary', something 'quirky'. Shops that are comparable to the ones at Haji Lane, for instance.
I discovered this shop one day, sometime last year when I read Karen Cheng's (a fellow Australian-Asian blogger) blog. I was excited, because this would mean a different shopping experience than the time spent at Myer, or Target, or Dotti and Sportsgirl even. This meant a different shopping experience because I'll be browsing 'cool' stuff, like pencil cases that are made from recycled leather sofas, lomo cameras, an umbrella in the form of a bottle etc etc.
It took me a while to find the place, because the pioneer store is tucked away in an unassuming building. Almost a year later, Pigeonhole has successfully opened another store (although still nicely tucked away in a 'lane').
If you're planning to unwind yourself in Perth anytime in the near future, or if you already are in Perth and have no idea what else to do on cold, wintry days like these, do drop by Pigeonhole at Barrack Street (really, really near the popular Hay St/Murray St Malls in Perth) or take a stroll to the other end of the street malls, and envelope yourself in the atmosphere of the other end of the Hay St/Murray St malls, adjacent to King Street(where it's peppered with sidewalk cafes, other off-beat, quirky stores, and a couple of luxurious shops) and get yourself to Shafto Lane!
You'll have no regrets! Because you're sure to find a little sum'in sum'in for yourself or a loved one.
I'm not too sure about Pigeonhole's opening hours, but do check out their website
for more details!
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Arts FacI find the above 'thread' pretty hilarious. Saw it in the cubicle around the corner of one of UWA's many lecture theatres.
Not the ideal place, of course but you'll be surprised at the amount of conversations and interaction that take place in one cubicle alone.
I was just mentioning to Kristal the other day actually, how I'd feel inadequate if I were to come to school in merely tshirt and jeans. We talked about this cause Kristal was donned in well, tshirt and jeans and had commented that she felt like a Poly student (no offence to Poly students out there. Besides, what's wrong in wearing tshirt and jeans??).
I feel as though every day, I'd have to invest in a decent amount of time to pull together an outfit, particularly now, because it's winter and there's just so much layering that needs to be done (opt that out and you'll most prolly freeze). It's all fun, of course because you get to play around and actually put on things you forgot you had.
But it struck me though, and my mom couldn't have said it better when she asked me, "Are you going to school or a fashion show?"
I cheekily replied, "Fashion show,"
Exactly why I chuckled when I saw that someone had drew an arrow and said, "Arts Students?" when 'Who has the time to dress up for school?' was posed.
I'm not sure what's it like in Singapore, but I have to say, the girls here at my Uni, they dress pretty fashionably. It's like a vast runway and I often draw inspirations just by walking around campus.
Then again, I largely commune to and fro the Arts Building and the Soci Building, so I can't say that *all the girls at UWA are fashionably-inclined.
Oh!
And I wore my super discounted pair of SteveMadden rainboots from Myer to school today (sediakan payung sebelum hujan, katekan) and thought to myself, if I were to go for a run in these boots, I think I'll get me some sturdy leg muscles ... and some leg injury because obviously they're not suitable for such activities.
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Food For Thought, Lessons From AnthropSo I was reading up on an article by David Counts titled Too Many Bananas, Not Enough Pineapples, and No Watermelons at All, and I came across this particularly interesting 'lesson' of 3 lessons:
[If you are a little visually-challenged (or majorly, like me), it reads: Never refuse a gift, and never fail to return a gift. If you cannot use it, you can always give it away to someone else -- there is no such thing as too much -- there are never too many bananas.]
We've often been taught that we shouldn't possess too much of a commodity and/or intangible good(s) since it might derail our moral standing.
I find the quote above a fresh twist to the normative dogma we've been coerced to adhere to.
After all, where sharing is caring, I guess one can never have too much of anything.
I therefore urge you to participate in SWAP activities, instead of purchasing commodities at any opportunity there is.
If you're in Singapore, do keep a lookout for SWIRL's SwirlSwapSwop (www.swirlgirls.blogspot.com)
and
in Perth, a good example would be Winifred&Bance's Vintage SWAP Party (www.winifredandbance.com)
It'll be a unique experience each time, I guarantee.
Hahah, well well who am I to anyhow guarantee like that, eh!
Just from past experiences I guess.
Best if you can attend it with a friend or two.
Three friends and you might end up fighting over the same stuff.
Haha!
Unless you're all of 3 different sizes la.
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009
7 Years of Friendship in a Bundle of 20 (and a 19.75)Our first and (hopefully not the) last sole trip to Thornlie. A little over a year ago, because we haven't discovered the halal chicken at City's Shimizu.
One of the many crazy nights where we popped by Sasya's place.
Right before we set foot for the journey to a higher level of education. I miss Uncle Raymond's/Sunni's sushi!
At your 17th birthday at Jalan Kayu's Spizza, where we had to squeeze into the Musso.
Sec 4 Farewell Assembly on my 16th birthday. You were joyous because, well because it was my birthday! Hahah!
Feelings go up,
Feelings go down
but no matter the weight,
I'll still carry you on my shoulders.
I will try la. Cause you know. We're both not light.
Kidding, K!
I know you had a BLAST today!
I'm glad you like the home decor. Eh! Wait. You never said you liked it, but can tell la from your face that you like it a lot!!
Cause it came from the heart.
Love you Taltal,
Love Hannah.
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Sunday, August 2, 2009
I Can Breathe the Airs of SpringThe blazing sun with a hint of the cool breeze.
Trees are shedding, paving ways for new lives.
Sounds like spring, smells like spring!
Rightfully though we're all still stuck in dreary Winter here in the southern hemisphere, but nonetheless, I still demand that it's spring! September's only a month away, in any case.
I'm right into my third week of uni as of tomorrow, Monday the 3rd. Thus far, it's been pretty easygoing. Actually, I kinda feel like I'm still on holiday! That doesn't sound right, does it? Maybe it's just me and my relatively laidback timetable (school starts at 10 and ends by 2). Maybe it's the units I'm taking this sem: 2 Ling, 1 Comm Studies, 1 Anthrop - Anthrop has the most amt of readings in my opinion, and I haven't really started on them. I'm really liking Ling1102, Language as a Cognitive System, as well as Comm Studies. My lecturers are usually American since I share the same lecturer for both Ling units, and my tutors are all approachable and interactive. So yes, that's uni life in academia but the social scene is still bland for now. I'm getting there, I hope.
I haven't been doing much here in Perth cause I get really lazy to lift myself off the warm support of the couches and bed! But, I'd have to say the past few days have been rather eventful.
First off, on
Friday,
Kristal and I headed down to the City after school. We had planned on going for the Freshies BBQ organised by the Singapore Students' Society (SSS) at Matilda Bay which is just across our apartment, but abandoned the idea because it was too awkward. We did bump into Ophe and Feng Xian en route our escape though. Kristal got her necessities and we had bubbletea! Pretty much combed the city as usual; saw some stuff I liked but I'm getting a little broke because August is a wonderful month (haha). Friday spells late night shopping so yes, that was what we basically did. Spent the last few minutes at Mango where Kristal got pretty good deals, and where I acted as her personal shopper. Hahah, I was really actioning can. Just grabbed, grabbed whatever I thought was 'right' for her. Of course she didn't get all that I'd offered, but still, I hope she's glad for her buys! We haven't had dinner, but the bubble tea kept us satiated. I really wanted her to try Macs fries dipped in hot fudge sundae though (a tradition from more than a decade ago). Stepped into the 24h Macs, highly patronized by Australian youths. It was pretty scary for us, because well, the people there were seemingly rowdy and gangsta. Of course, I deduced this only based upon their mannerisms and attire. Not sure if it's accurate, but you'd know what I mean when you see them. A group of boys were sitting on the counters of the McCafe and it made the manager on shift pretty furious! Kristal said they reminded her of the mats back home. I said I think the mats aren't as bad (and threatening) in comparison.
This was after our meal (which consisted of an apple pie, a hot fudge sundae, large fries, and a filet-O-fish)
Argh! Why did it come out like this? Anyway, we had half an hour to kill before the bus is scheduled to send us back home. FAT FACE!
So on
Saturday, we had a mission! To get to a contempo cafe nestled in the North of Perth, in a town called Vincent! MILKD. You can check out their website! It's a pretty small dining area, inc. al fresco setting, and they serve all day breakfast here (as with most Australian cafes. Haha.) but Kristal and I only had a good mug of flat white (for her) and a cup of sweet hot chocolate! It was good. To me. Inevitably filled up our stomachs, with all the milk (and the calories) but ah, it's all in the name of good fun, yes?
A graffiti-ish mural on the wall where we sat.
The cafe from Kristal's pov. Lighting wasn't good where we sat. And my camera not as pro as someone's. Haha.
After completing our mission, we set foot for Winifred and Bance, a vintage shop in Inglewood. We knew what buses would bring us there, but because we weren't familiar with North Perth, we had trouble finding the bus stops that would provide us with the appropriate buses. So we walked over to the petrol station, and got directions. Turns out, we had to walk over a km to get to that suburb. So we walked. And walked. It was actually a pretty long walk, but it didn't feel like it. Perhaps it was the weather. The weather made it really bearable. I didn't time how long it had taken us to travel from North Perth to Inglewood by foot, but when we got there, we managed to find the right bus stand almost right away. So the bus came, and we weren't sure of the exact address of the bus stand. When I boarded the bus and tapped my SmartRider (Perth's ezlink), I approached the driver and enquired:
Hannah : Hi, does this bus go to Bunnings?
Driver: What?
Hannah: Bunnings, you know the big shop?
Driver: Well do you know where it is??
Hannah: I think it's along Beaufort Street.
Driver: Well then, just press the bell! What do you think the bells are there for!?!?
Hannah: (puzzled and annoyed all at once) Oh, ok. Thanks.
Awful service.
We succesfully spotted Bunnings (more like Kristal). I was expecting a big building with an apparent display of 'B-U-N-N-I-N-G-S' in white against green wall, but nope! this Bunnings (I think it's like Courts) was a little hidden. We crossed over to W & B, and scanned the whole shop first, and then began to surreptitiously find for treasures. Haha! Kristal has been looking for bags, and we saw a few ridiculously vintage (not sure if they function well but it could serve as a chest display or smth) luggages, priced at $45! In fact, W & B is very affordable, bearing in mind that these are vintage goods (most are I believe, 20 years or more). A clear contrast from Singapore's usually overpriced vintage stores. I finally got a $10 black coat with grey fur (very drama, huh. but $10 only la. got a hole in a pocket though) after much deliberation. Also got a tweed pink blazer from another recycling shop from across W & B. They have quite good finds too! Really nice bagsss. But a little pricey for our liking.
This one's my fault. I didn't rotate the picture. But the prev one's just plain, faulty. Kristal with her new found glory!
I'm so sorry. I think iphoto is facing some probs at the moment. So anyway, this is Winifred & Bance, the vintage store!
Momo's. The other shop I went to.
Sunday.
We had plans to go catch My Sister's Keeper at the nearest theatre, which can be found in a neighbouring (not so neighbour, there's still a 20 min bus ride) suburb called Subiaco. I kept insisting we purchase the tickets first, since we were there abt 45 mins early. But Kristal laughed and told me, here, 10 people in a movie theatre is considered full house already. Haha. The disparaging differences. The movie was really, really good by the way. At least for me. I read the novel of the same name by Jodi Picoult 3 years back, so I can't remember details and the ending even. Just the plot, I can recall, along with the fact that it was a novel that made me cry hard at the end of it. I still remember the day I finished the book! My maid had brought my sis down for a swim and I had stayed home cause I planned to read my book. I plopped myself down on the couch and started reading. I cried, with mucus flowing and all (so gross, but I like the feeling when I'm really sad and not to wipe it off! hahahahah.) and then I got to the ending, and just cried. Like a baby. Like waa! waa! that kind. Okay la, not as whiny, but you get the picture. So, I heard the movie's ending had a twist, and honestly, I can't tell cause I really can't remember the ending for the novel, but the movie was a definite, definite tearjerker. I had read a review of it by the NY Times a few weeks ago when I was back home in Sg, and it mentioned that the theatre was sobbing and stuff. It's true! The people around me were all sniffing, and resisting the tears. The works. The girl in front of me was trying so hard not to cry, she kept fanning herself, in the manner where you really want to cry but you don't want to cause it'll ruin your makeup or something, ala beauty pageant queens.
Oh, and we had BASKIN ROBBINS too, since it can be conveniently found opposite the theatre. I tried a sample of the Green Tea and Shafiqah!! It's almost as good as the Jap one just ard the corner! Really. It's like the Green Tea frap! I had my usual Mint, and Kristal had Buttery Almond! We headed to the market after the movie, got our dinner, and scurried to purchase a bag of fruit to keep healthy (haha) hoping we'll make it in time for the bus back home. We were 5 mins early, so we decided to walk further up to the next bus stop. The bus didn't come after 30 mins. I rang the infoline. I was told because there was an AFL (Australian Football League) at the Subiaco Stadium (or whatever it's called), the bus service is delayed. So much for the delay. The bus never came at all! I got super mad. Because it got really cold. We thought of taking the cab but that's a little out of our budget, and cabs are elusive in Perth! Most of the time. And I didn't want to call for one, cause that'll mean more money spent! So we had to walk out of the suburb, and towards Shenton Park to get a bus back home. Thank goodness we didn't miss that one. Otherwise, Cranky Me will come haunt.
I told Kristal to take this cause it feels so American Suburb. Haha. Commercialisation.
Kristal says they look like they're friends.
Angry. Cold. And Waiting. RAWWRRRRR!!
OK. BED BECKONS, BACK'S HURTING TOO.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR WEDNESDAY TO COME! :D