11 Aug 13
Some time ago, I came across Katie’s visit to Kampong Buangkok. It is Singapore’s remaining kampong (or village) and one of those things I’d wanted to do since forever. Initially, I thought it was gonna be a bit of a trek to get there (think Pulau Ubin) but who knew, it’s just across the road from a petrol kiosk! I included directions on how to get there at the end of the post too.
As with most things associated with the olden days, once you step into the kampong, time really stands still.
Can’t help but adore the colours these homeowners picked out
This is the original road sign from the heydays!
See how there are modern apartment buildings in the background? This was like a vortex to the future and I’m standing in the past. Imagination much?
TV trivia: The new show “Mata Mata” on Ch5 filmed some of their scenes here. I recognized this blue door!
Imagination still rolling… mmm rainbow, gay pride? That ode would be really cool if it were true.
This lone chair-swing is right outside the entrance to the kampong. It looked morbid and gave off suicidal vibes, at first. Partly induced because we didn’t see a single soul inside the kampong. But we could hear the tv on in some houses, so people were probably indoors because it was afternoon and hot.
The kampong is also pretty near our future home (in Sengkang) so hopefully it will still be around then. I’d love to re-visit again and see if anything changes or if time really stands still there. If you’re thinking of going and you’re driving, get to Gerald Drive off Yio Chu Kang Rd. Turn left and you’ll see the first house with the address 8 Lorong Buangkok on your right. Go forth another 100m and on your left, you’ll see a makeshift sign that says Surau Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Park and begin!!
| Tags: 50mm/F1.8, kampong buangkok, last kampong in singapore, nikon FM10
2 Aug 13
Mmm, cafes. Can’t ignore the growing cafe culture here. There’s always a new place to check out, no matter how many I’ve checked off my list. #firstworldproblems. You can’t like them all, some cafes just aren’t for you. Like the vibe’s just not right. These two cafes are my favourites right now. I’ve returned to have coffee and food at both places, which on my terms is a big deal because apparently I’m always saying, “Hmmm, how about we try this new place? -insert suggestion-“.
Also I never want to leave when I’m there. First cafe up is D.O.C..
Department of Caffeine (D.O.C.)
What’s great? Good vibes aside, the food holds its own, alongside their coffee. I know zilch about coffee beans, but I know I like the ones they use here. Their lattes are great! I liked their pulled-pork sandwich. The cakes were good and homey too. Really nice space, friendly people. It also looks like they run a real kitchen, which would explain why the food’s good. My instincts go crazy when I see a toaster or oven that belongs in a home and not a food establishment. It always adds up, gotta have the right equipment for the right job!
The next cafe, I’m happy to say, is in the West. Two exits away from me on the PIE! Happy clam is me.
Necessary Provisions
What’s great? It is GORGEOUS from the outside and super chill inside. Opened by the same guys who operates Smitten Coffee, Necessary Provisions is like their cooler big brother from another mother or something. They make me want to paint my walls black. Their baked goods are delicious. If anything is a problem, it’s that you will be spoilt for choice. And end up overeating. Their lattes are not my go-to order, I love their milk & iced espresso cubes drink much more. I made a video of how to drink it if you’re curious! They open till late on weekdays and even later on weekends, 10pm and 12am respectively. Another reason why this place is cool, since most cafes shut by evening. I have to drop by for dinner next!
Till the next TOOTHSOME!
△ Previous posts: 01 & o2 △
| Tags: 50mm/F1.8, nikon FM10
19 Jul 13
Today is Ben’s birthday! And we are escaping to Siem Reap on Sunday, just for a few days. New thing I do when booking accommodation is sussing out ones with a balcony. Like in this photo – this was in Krabi, Thailand. Once again, first timers in Cambodia. Looking forward to seeing the magnificent Angkor Wat and possibly seeing enough temples & ruins to last us a while. We also booked a motorcycle tour that takes us to see their villages and rice fields.
If you’ve been before and have something to share, please do! I haven’t had much time to do my usual OTT research and am resorting to reading material on the plane!! That’s a first. Excited nonetheless, plus, we finally get to bust out our new travel duffel bags!
| Tags: 50mm/F1.8, krabi, nikon FM10, thailand
9 Jul 13
Some random photos today.
This is Sprmrkt. Such a great space, food’s alright.
Zion Road
Favourite Fieldguided tote
Goodman Arts Centre
An outtake of my pom pom crowns
Current favourite coffee shop
No longer news now but we’re engaged! Ben proposed on 16 May 🙂 As usual, the blog tends to lag one or two months behind real life.
The ring is a custom job by Caitlin of Mociun. I love its geometric shape so much, it’s perfect! So obviously wedding plans are underway. Pinterest is my new best friend – some days I drown in it, some days I thank the internet gods for its existence. Also, I know most of you would be reading this from a rss reader and not have noticed the slight re-design of the blog. Just wanted to point it out 🙂 And say thanks to Ben for his everlasting blog support-help. Haha, love!
| Tags: 50mm/F1.8, nikon FM10
3 Jul 13
Consolidating all the photos of Hanoi in one last post! Also food recommendations at the end of the post 😉 We stayed two more days in the city after returning from Halong Bay.
Started the day with coffee at the Hotel Metropole Hanoi
Then took a walk around the French Quarters
And then back to the Old Quarters
Found the popular Bun Cha place and filled our stomachs
Walked back towards our hotel
To hang out at the cafe near our hotel and have more coffee
When we got hungry again, we walked to a nice place called Little Hanoi for dinner
Followed by a nightcap at Cafe Linh, a drinking hole decorated with memorabilia from the Vietnam war
The next morning, also our last day, we had a quick bite at this cafe (photo on the left) as we were running late
But give us a balcony any day and we only just end up taking things even slower. So we hopped onto a cyclo to take us towards Ba Dinh district to buy us some time. I wanted to squeeze in some last minute sightseeing of Hanoi’s landmarks!
A statue of Lenin
Urm, no clue what this is
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Lastly, some places worth eating at within the Old Quarters.
1 Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan Street) > A local place for pho. Order the ‘tai nam’ style which is rare steak and flank.
2 Bun Bo Nam Bo (67 Hang Dieu Street) > Bun Bo is another viet-style of noodles. One of my favourites on this trip.
3 Cha Ca La Vong (14 Cha Ca Street) > This place serves only one dish, grilled monkfish. Local institution that’s still good.
4 Try Banh Xeo if you can find it!
5 Highway 4 (25 Bat Su Street) > This place caters to foreigners. Food’s good, not authentic Viet but nice & clean does it.
6 Bun Cha (1 Hang Manh Street) > Another style of noodles, this one comes with pork belly and porky meatballs.
7 Little Hanoi No. 9 (23 Hang Gai Street) > For a little Western cos you might be craving it on your last day (like I did!).
8 Vietnamese coffee – Cafes are a dime a dozen, stop and have it iced or steamy. Also free wifi!
| Tags: 50mm/F1.8, hanoi, nikon FM10, vietnam
