12th December (Friday) - Steamboat dinner and Internet Cafe
I rendezvous with DK and WG at Outram on this day. There are a few possible options for dinner, either steamboat or cooked foods. The steamboats look tempting (even though I had it 5 days back on the Sunday). It cost $15 per person and we just went for the shop offering special tasting soups. We went for two portions of soup (as can be seen in the photo below) - Tom Yam and Bak Ku Teh. The selectables are pretty much the same but this is much better than the last one we went. The service is definitely a plus point, we don't have to wait long to get seated and the foods are replenished very fast.
今日與DK和WG在歐南會面。晚餐有幾種選擇，火鍋或煮炒料理。火鍋挺引人注目的（但五天前我已經用過了火鍋）。一人只有15新幣。我們選擇了一家含有特別湯料，便叫了泰國酸辣與肉骨茶。可選擇的菜料跟前一次的差不多一樣，可是這兒的服務卻是比上一回的好多了。不需要排隊等待，而卻料理補充的速度也很快。
After dinner, DK showed us a off-the-beaten track Internet Cafe. It is really a off the beaten track! There is only 1 customer in the whole shop and the rate is amongst the cheapest I have seen so far, at $1.95/hr. I played a few games briefly before checking out on the Taiwan travel plan.
用完晚餐，DK就帶我們去一家離開熟路的網吧。真是沒人。當我們到達時，只有一位顧客。而且也很便宜，一小時只有1.95新幣。我玩了一些遊戲，就與他們商量台灣遊玩計劃。
Here is the more or less finalised itinerary. It spans the entire 3rd week of February (8 days) where they will travel from north of Taiwan to the south. I gave a few recommendations for Taipei and let them plan on the rest of the places. The air tickets are really cheap, only $400plus for a return journey. I can't join them as I will be busy with work in the next few months till middle of the year.
以下的照片是確認好的旅遊行程。是在二月份的第三個星期（八天左右）。會從台灣的北部到南部。我給了一些關于台北旅遊景點的建議。飛往台北的飛機票真是便宜，來回只有400多新幣。我不能加入台灣之旅因爲我正在忙于工作到明年中。
13th December (Saturday) - Blood Donation
This is my blood donation of the year. We got there around 3pm. It is quite a great coincidence, while we were walking up to the National Blood Centre stairs, I saw L. Actually she recognised me first, I couldn't recognise her from afar. It's been many years since we last saw her. But I still occasionally chat with her via msn.
We go through the usual screening process for blood donation and we are in.
这是我今年首次捐血(我每一年都有捐血)。我们到哪儿有下午3点左右。真巧，遇到一位几年不见的朋友L.新加坡真是小，很容易遇到朋友。
经过了简单的检验，我们就开始捐血行动。
We left around 5pm. Here I am with all their blood donation gifts. I find the 'YOU ARE MY TYPE' card to be pretty cool. There is a collar pin with a 'O' on it. The other is a santa squeeze ball.
我們5點左右離開。捐血也有很多免費禮品。我覺得最有趣的是“你是我的類型”卡。有個凸緣銷與一個大“O”字在正中央。另外一個是個聖誕老人球。
It's time to reward ourselves after a good deed. We decide to go for Central's Manhatten Fish Market. After looking through the menu, we went for the mega Seafood Platter.
做完善事該充一充自己。我們打算去Central一家料理店。看了菜單，我們選擇了超級海鮮料理。
14th December (Sunday) - BDS Reunion
On this day I had a chance to catch up with my BDS buddies. We decided on Soup Restaurant at Suntec City. There is a garden look-alike in the indoor restaurant.
這一天終于有機會與BDS兄弟會面。我們決定了一家在新達城的中華料理店。在飯店裏面，有個小院子。
We ordered lots of stuff, coming in first is the Samsui Ginger Chicken that is part of Singapore's specialty. KK gave all of us a treat, thanks a lot!
我們叫了許多樣菜。第一進場的是三水姜聳雞，這是新加坡獨特的菜肴。KK請了我們這一餐。這是很感謝。
We walked around the area and came upon Marina Square's indoor christmas deco.
我們到處逛逛，見到了濱海彎室內購物城的聖誕裝飾。
We break for tea at Hagan Das ice cream in Esplandae. We are the only customers in there. This really shows the economic crisis has hit the people hard.
是喝下午茶的時間，就去了新加坡大劇院的一家冰淇淋店。發現顧客只有我們。
17th December - Alfresco Seafood
After so many months, I finally have to chance to go for seafood dining. A Japanese colleague visited us this week and our company is giving him a treat at East Coast Jumbo seafood restaurant. This place is only 20mins walk away from my house. It has a beautiful ambience by the sea.
過了這麽多個月，終于有機會品嘗海鮮料理。有位從日本來的同事來拜訪我們，我們公司就請他在東海岸海鮮館用晚餐。這兒離我家只有20分鍾步行。有個在海邊用餐的氣氛。
We ordered Singapore's famous Chilli Crabs. Of course there are many other orders like the normal Steam Crab, Samba Kang Kong, Toasted Mini-Octopus, Nonya Fish, Steamed Prawns and so on. The Chilli Crab is simply fabulous, and is a treat by my company.
我們叫了新加坡著名的辣椒螃蟹。也叫了許多樣菜，如蒸螃蟹，馬來風味，炸章魚，魚類，蒸蝦等。辣椒螃蟹真是贊不絕口，愛不釋手，拼且還是公司請客。
19th December (Friday) - King of Fruits
On our Japanese colleague last day in Singapore, he decided to have a go at Durian. It cost $20 for this special durian. He was holding on to this single piece of durian for 10mins and slowly having it. 'Onion' is the word he used to describe the unique taste of this king of fruits. And it takes a bit of effort for him to 'eliminate' the smell. Haha.
這是我們日本同事在新加坡的最後一天，他打算品嘗榴蓮。花了20新幣。他拿著一粒榴蓮，吃了10分鍾左右。他不停的說榴蓮像洋蔥的感覺。真是水果之王！過後也花了一點精力廢除了榴蓮味。哈哈
21st December (Sunday) - Singapore Flyer and Christmas Lightings
FP has free tickets to the Singapore Flyer! I have not been up there too so we scheduled to visit it on this day. The day is splendid with blue sky and cotton-like clouds hovering above, making it a perfect photoshoot day.
FP有新加坡摩天觀景輪的免費入門卷。因爲我也還沒去過，就預訂這一天去觀光。今天的天氣美好，藍天與棉花般的雲朵在空中漸漸的飄過。是個攝影的好天。
We have an adventurous plan. FP suggested setting up a video on the capsule the moment we board and record the entire loop process. Thereafter we will fast track it and possibly submit it at the next Singapore Arts exhibit. While the video was ongoing from my casio camera, I used my Sony Ericsson handphone camera to take the below pictures. Here is a view of Kallang River and the surrounding residental condos.
我們有個特別計劃。FP建議我們上了摩天觀景輪後就開始拍攝整個旋轉過程的影片。過後就快速播放整個片子，有可能可以在下一回的新加坡藝術展呈現。攝影在應用時，我就用了我的手機來拍一下的照片。這是加冷河與周邊的私人住宅。
The residental areas just next to the sea. The red arrow points directly to my house.
在海邊的住宅。紅線指著我的家。
Here we are at the top most point of the Flyer.
我們現在摩天觀景輪的最高點。
On the way down, we are rewarded with a splendid view of Singapore commerical district. Below is the floating stadium against the Esplanade and the financial centres.
當我們從另外一方下來時，見到了新加坡商業區。在右手旁是浮動體育場與新加坡大劇院（榴蓮形狀）。
We got back to the ground and begin to explore the F1 race track. The coconut trees by the side of the road really give it a tropical island paradise feel.
我們回到了陸地，就開始探險今年首次在新加坡開創的F1跑道。在路旁的椰子樹給整個跑道一個熱帶小島的感覺。
Here is the main pit stop of the race track. There is absolutely no one around. All is quiet at this time but it will all come back alive once a year.
這兒是跑道的維修站。現在完全沒人。可是一年一次，這兒會爆滿人。
Thereafter from there we took a bus to Tanjong Pagar. I suddenly felt like taking authentic Korean food and after surfing a few sites, they recommended the Tanjong Pagar area. There are 3 Korean restaurants in that area. We went for Haebok Korean Restaurant which has a greater selection from its menu. They served the standard cold dishes.
從哪兒我們就達乘公車到丹戎巴葛。今天好想吃韓國料理。之前在網上研究了一下，有幾個網站推薦丹戎巴葛一帶的韓國料理店。到了哪兒看到了三家韓國烤肉與料理店。我們選擇了Haebok韓餐，從菜單上看來比較多花樣。他們先上韓試冷菜。
I used to take korean food every day when I was in China. In Japan, I took it twice. Now back in Singapore, I decided to go for Korean cuisine as and when the nostalgic feeling come in. We ordered the Korean pancakes and Kimchi hotpot. Notice our bowls and utensils are all in metal. These are standard korean stuff.
前兩年在中國，似乎每一天都飲用韓國餐。今年去了日本，也用過了兩回。現在回來了新加坡，打算尋找當地正宗的韓國店。在這一家店我們叫了韓國煎餅與泡菜火鍋。在照片裏，你會發現韓國餐具是鐵的。
After dinner, we took the train down to Dhoby Ghaut to catch the night lighting. Christmas lights are hang across the streets.
晚飯過後，我們達了地鐵前往烏節路，打算觀賞今年的聖誕燈會。
A majestic christmas tree in front of the Paragon.
在一家豪華百貨前的聖誕樹。
The Ngee Ann City area is the most happening section of the entire stretch. There are stage performance and street shows setup.
義安城前是整個烏節路最熱鬧的部分。有街邊表演與歌台演出。
Let's take a peek at one of the performance.
歌台的演出。
Many people posing with the christmas trees.
許多人圍繞著聖誕樹。
Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
祝賀大家聖誕節與新年快樂。
23rd December (Tuesday)This evening we have our company's Dinner and Dance (D&D). It is held at Novotel Hotel at Clarke Quay.
這個傍晚我們公司舉辦了忘年會。是在克拉碼頭的一家豪華飯店。
The entire event span from 7.15pm till 10.45pm. There are some fascinating games and entertainment besides the usual dinner throughout the 3.5 hours. At the end of the D&D is the main dance portion - disco.
整個節目從7.15分到10.45分。在這時間裏，有很多很有趣的遊戲與娛樂表演。忘年會過後就是舞會的開始。
1) 23rd November (Sunday) - Indian Cuisine and Anime Festival
Just a day after I am back from Japan, I decide to catch up with FP and check out the Anime Festival that is happening down at Suntec City. While waiting around, I caught sight of this unique building. Notice it is perfectly orange to the left and perfectly white to the right. Later that evening, FP also show me a photo exhibit display at Millenia Walk that has this exact photo, except it is taken from the ground floor with great contrast and lighting.
從日本回到新加坡的第二天，我打算和FP會面，一起去查詢新達城的卡通與漫畫展。正在等候FP的時候，我看到這一間獨特的建築設計-左方畫有橙色右方是白色的小樓。當天傍晚，FP帶我去美年城的攝影展，看到同樣的展覽照片。
Thereafter we move on to Suntec City. Previously I have suggested checking out Muthu Curry but didn't have the opportunity. This time round we can go for it.
上一次去新達城時（半年前），我們沒時間品嘗新加坡著名的印度咖哩（Muthu's Curry）,這次機會來了。
We ordered a number of dishes, coming up to $55 for all. I ordered the Kebab, Cauliflower, Tandoori Chicken and Indian rice.
我們叫了許多印度料理，共有四道菜，一共55元新幣。
And here we are in to the anime festival. It cost $5 for the entrance. We timed ourselves such that we will arrive there around 7pm to catch May'N in action. Heard she is the main singer for the Macross Frontier songs. We got there at 7.20pm and the concert is just about to start. There were a great crowd gathering around the stage.
用完晚飯，我沒就走去日本卡通與漫畫展。入門費只有5元。根據我們的時間計算，7點就是一位日本女歌手出場的時候。她的名叫May'N-唱超時空要塞F的主題曲。我們7.20pm到達，在那時已經有很多人包圍著舞台。
There were a few shops around, some shopcasing anime, arcade games and display toys (below).
有幾家店鋪也設立在卡通與漫畫展內，展現了卡通，遊戲與玩具（以下）。
I noticed this cosplay couple and asked them whether can I take a photo of them. It is only after I got back home and started processing the photos do I find them familiar. Oh ya! I saw them previously at the Nagoya World Cosplay Summit, they were the representatives from Singapore.
我問了一對Cosplayer是否可以拍張照片。回到家後才發現他們很熟悉。對了！今年有在名古屋的世界Cosplay會見過，他們是代表新加坡隊的。
While checking out the exhibits, I came upon the characters I know best, those from Final Fantasy! Here we have Luna and Lulu. They posed for us to take photos. Thanks a million!
見到熟悉的遊戲人物面孔，是來自最終幻想的Luna與Lulu.擺好姿勢讓我們拍照。感謝萬分。
Thereafter we just walked around Suntec City and saw a few of their internal shopping mall christmas deco - Hanging Christmas Tree.
過後在新達城逛逛，見到許多室內聖誕樹。
2) 25th November (Tuesday) - Thai Cuisine
On this day directly after work, we decided to just drop by Bishan for a quick dinner. Nevertheless, I led them unknowingly to Thai Cuisine. There were 6 of us: HV, JT, JC, JL and CH.
We ordered Tom Yam seafood, Thai Green Curry and the usual salad and vegetables stuff.
下了班過後，我們打算去碧山用晚餐。我“無意”中把他們帶去一間泰國料理店。有我們六位-HV,JT,JC,JL與CH.
叫了泰國酸辣菜與青咖哩和其他菜類。
3) 27th November (Thursday) - International Buffet at Cafe Brio
This is a meetup which we have arranged since 2 months back. It's time to catch with the BSB gang. And we are off to our favorite fine dining hangout at Cafe Brio. It cost $54 per person but UOB credit card has some discounts. I met up with WG, YS, DK, CK and A. Cafe Brio is at Grand Copthrone Hotel and it is already decorated for the Christmas season with this large christmas tree.
這是一次期待已久的會面。在兩個月前就與BS兄弟約好。我們會去一家高級自助料理飯店用晚餐。人均54元，信用卡有打折。一共六人-WG,YS,DK,CK與A.這一家飯店已爲聖誕節布置好了。
The best part is the international buffet spread featuring both local and international cuisine. For locals we have our chicken rice and laksa; for international they have lots of seafood, japanese sushi and sashimi, indian and western varieties. There are also lots of cakes and desserts (sinful).
在這國際自助餐有本地料理與國際料理。本地料理有海南雞飯與叻沙；國際料理有海鮮，日試，印度風味，與西試。還有許多蛋糕與甜食（愛不釋手）。
This is my 3rd round off the buffet table with the seafood selection and laksa.
這是我的第三輪，有海鮮與叻沙。
4) 29th November (Saturday) - Sunrise/Sunset and Marche (French Cuisine)
I woke up at 7am and is greeted by this beautiful morning sunrise. I took a photoshot from my house window of the sunrise.
今天一早七點起床，是個美麗的早晨。看了看天空，發現真是美啊。拍了一張照片。
In the evening, while taking a bus past the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, I caught sight of the sunset against Singapore financial district skyline and also snap another photo of it.
在傍晚時分，乘坐公車越過新加坡大橋時，見到美麗的一面。太陽在新加坡的商業區後下山了。又拍了一張照片。
For the evening, I will be going to Marche at Vivo City to catch up with some friends from the BSF. There were also six of us and the rest were JH, FY, QR, WZ and ZH. It has really been 2 years since I last saw them. Time really flies and I had been overseas most of the time, so it really seems like I have just saw them recently. Marche offers a European style cuisine which has a good mix of French and Italian varieties.
After Marche, we just pop by a cafe place and chatted till they chase us out.
今晚我去怡豐城與BSF的朋友會面。已經有兩年沒見到大家了。因爲我時常出國，所以總覺得似乎才見到大家不久。我們一共有六位：JH,FY,QR,WZ與ZH.這次去的餐館是一家法國料理店,名Marche.有很多話淡，用完晚餐，再去咖啡廳閑聊，直到他們把我們趕出門。
5) 3rd December (Wednesday) - Dinner at Ikea (Swedish Cuisine)
This is a family outing. J decide to take all of us to a baby-friendly place which is Ikea at Pasir Ris. The special set for tonight is Curry Chicken. And oh boy, we were really surprised by the crowd on a weekday evening. It took us 30mins to get a seat and queue for our food.
這是個家人約會。二哥約定帶我們去白沙的瑞典宜家用晚餐。今天的特別推薦是咖哩雞。出乎我們所料，人群真是多得不得了。今天是個周日傍晚，但我們花了30分找位子與購買晚餐。
We ordered a fair bit of dishes and it is my treat! Yea! This is the first meal where I am totally filled. The curry chicken potatos were humongous.
我们叫了许多料理，也是我请客，万岁！这一餐真是吃的太过饱。咖哩鸡的马铃薯真是巨大。
Just a short detour out from my blog, I share a few photos of Baby Bryan. This young guy which I see everyday after work. My friends say he has big eyes.
離開故事一下，與大家分享寶寶俊偉的照片。每一天下班後就見到他。朋友都說他的眼睛好大。
Here is one with small eyes.
這是小眼照片。
6) 5th December (Friday) - Geylang (Old hangout)
After 2 weeks back in Singapore, I am finally visiting Geylang again. This is the frontier of my territory (which spans from East Coast to Geylang). I have walked to these areas from my house before. So any place that is walkable from my house is considered to be within my area of visit.
Geylang is renown for its Red Light district but I will steer clear of those areas. I normally hang around the more quiet part of Geylang where once a while I can catch my friends who are also in the area. The photo below is taken with great risk, with me standing in the middle and taking a snap shot.
在新加坡兩個星期了，我終于又回去芽籠了。從我的家在東海岸，我有走到芽籠過（需要一個多小時）。芽籠是新加坡著名的紅燈區地點。可是我通常是去芽籠比較甯靜的部分，離紅燈區有好一段路。在那兒偶爾可以見到我的道友。以下的照片是我站在馬路中央冒著性命拍了一張照片。
7) 7th December (Sunday) - Post-Exams Celebration
One of my Jap class buddy CY skipped his exams in the morning, but we still agreed to meet up for lunch. We are off to our usual sushi place at Sakae. The last time we met up was in August when we registered for our exams.
Here is Sakae sushi conveyor belt.
我的日文班同學CY沒出席早上的考試，可是我們還約好午飯一起用。CY想吃壽司，所以我們有回去了Sakae壽司店。我們最後一次會面是三個月前，那時我們一起報名考試。這是Sakae的旋轉壽司。
After an hour rest back at home, I am off for my first evening jog. We ran 4km, my first long distance run since 6 months ago. After the run, we went to the East Coast Hawker Centre for our regular dinner - Fried Hokkien Mee and Coconut Drinks. This is life~
回到家休息了一個小時，傍晚就與我的鄰居到東海岸跑步。我們跑了4公裏。我已經有6個月沒有運動了。跑完步，我們就去東海岸露天熟食中心用我們的晚餐 - 抄福建蝦面與葉子水。人生快樂。
8) 8th December (Monday) - OldSchool and Marina Barrage
On this day, I have arranged with FP to catch up on some places that we intended to check out previously. One of which is the OldSchool. I read about the OldSchool on the SIA KrisFlyer Japanese magazine which briefly mention about the unique architecture of the building. The OldSchool is actually located at the hill behind Plaza Singapura. I read about staffs working in the OldSchool complaining that they have to climb 137 flights of stairs from PS daily. Here is the exact same photo as I have seen in the KrisFlyer magazine.
這一天與FB約好去探訪新加坡的某些景點。第一個是舊校園。上一次乘搭新加坡航空時，讀了航空日本雜志，看到舊校園獨特的建築設計。舊校園是在烏節路旁的一座小丘上。聽那兒的工作人員說，每一天需要爬137梯。這是在雜志上所看到一莫一樣的照片。
There are many arts studio in there. One of the notable building is the Sinema which showcase only local productions. A busty girl came up and chat with us, and we found that the capacity of the theatre is 120. FP and I have a similar interests in arts. For my side, I enjoy drawing and literary (writing) related arts.
舊校園其實是個藝術中心。在裏頭有個小電影院，只播放新加坡本地影片。我們與工作人員搭讪，了解戲院可以容納120觀衆。FP與我對藝術方面有興趣。我比較喜歡繪畫與文學（學做）藝術。
After the visit to the OldSchool, we proceeded to our next destination, the Marina Barrage which has just been opened. I mixed up a few things here. The marina korean-bbq and steamboat are all gone. That area is now the packing space for concrete mixers. And the only highlight in this area is the Marina Barrage. Don't bother taking public buses there cos there are free shuttle services there every 10-15minutes.
So here we are at the Marina Barrage.
觀完舊校園，我們去濱海堤壩。濱海堤壩在新加坡開了不久。有免費巴士從地鐵站直達堤壩。
A closer view.
比較靠近。
Walking along the barrage.
在堤壩上行走。
And me with the Singapore Flyer at the background. The wind is pretty strong down here, just like my home.
這是我與新加坡觀景輪。這兒的風好大哦，跟我的家一樣。
Just the night shot of the Singapore Flyer.
新加坡觀景輪的夜照。
There is a small exhibition place in the Marina Barrage which explains on how Singapore, the barrage and the environment interacts.
在堤壩裏有個小展覽廳，說明了堤壩與新加坡與大自然如何融合。
FP recommended this perfect spot which shows a circular orb superimposing in the middle of the Singapore Flyer.
FP推薦這個獨特的拍照地點，有個圓球在觀景輪的正中央。
This place reminds me of Nagoya's Sakae Oasis 21 terminal.
我回想起名古屋的栄。
After the Marina Barrage, we proceeded to Bugis' Tian Tian hotpot for dinner. We got there at 8.30pm and was quite amazed by the crowd. We finished dinner at 10pm and proceeded back.
看完了濱海堤壩，我們就去武吉士的天天火鍋店用晚餐。到哪兒8.30pm,還有很多人排隊。當我們用完晚飯時，已經是10pm了。
