People 2012 (19) - Musician

Nowadays when we think or talk about musicians, we will tend to refer to pop music or rock music or heavy metal music. But with more than 5000 years of history, I may be wrong but definitely not too far off if I say one of the oldest musicians has to be the Chinese.

古琴, 琵琶, 二胡, 二弦, 笛子, 簫, 唢呐, 锣, 大鼓

In the photo, I believe the man is playing a 阮, a moon-shape lute.

“It is not a dreamlike state, but the somehow insulated state, that a great musician achieves in a great performance. He’s aware of where he is and what he’s doing, but his mind is on the playing of the instrument with an internal sense of righteous – it is not merely mechanical, it is not only spiritual; it is something of both, on a different plane and a more remote one.” Arnold Palmer

People 2012 (11) - Persistence

Walking through the streets looking for some ideas for this project, I saw this old lady pushing her heavy cart from far off. Initially I didn’t want to take her photo, I felt like invading her privacy, expounding on her misery.

But when she got nearer, I couldn’t help but admire her persistence and attitude of never-say-die. Walking bare-footed, she ignored the stares from people, she lowers her head and go on pushing, bit by bit, moving to her destination. I just had to take her photo, to remember this moment of humbling and to remind myself that no matter how hard life is, we can still walk on!

“Not those who soar, but those who plod their rugged way to God, unhelped, are heros. They whose backs have felt the rod, whose feet have pressed the path unshod, may smile upon defeated care. Not they who soar.” Paul Laurence

木与土

Good combination: bricks to fight against flood and wood to deter lightning.

Two Is Better Than One

When I was single, I enjoyed life. Now I’m married, I live my life.

Most people associate Raffles Place with work, busy walkways, crowds, money, etc.. However, with the person you love, a seemingly boring place can also become romantic and fun.

We walked from streets to streets, not picking on the bad but just being appreciative of whatever that is around us. Contentment is an important lesson in life.

See things from a different view, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Life is not just about right or wrong, not just about your side or mine.

Reflections are just part of understanding yourself better.

I love my wife!

Shots!

Quite an adequate name for photographers to stop by and take a look.

While walking along Ann Siang Hill a few weeks back, I stopped by this small cafe for lunch. Chose not to sit inside just so that I can enjoy the feeling of the late afternoon sun and also to look at the people walking around in search of something interesting in this area.

Ordered a plate of seafood pasta and a glass or orange smoothie.

Timeless … Activities

Some things will never change, time will pass but people’s habits and behaviours may not change.

A group of men gathered together for a timeless game of chess.

Regardless of the big malls, some people still prefers the old street markets.

Ann Siang Park

Didn’t know there is such a beautiful park behind Ann Siang Road.

Just love to walk around old streets and admire the beauty that defies time.

Under The Same Sky

whether old or new, the past or the present, the same sky looms over us all

Scenes From Marina Bay Sands

Flowers 花

Every time I look at the flowers around me, I will remember the bible verse, Matt 6:28-30.
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

Little But Not Small

If there is a place for motorists to hone their driving skills, this has to be one of the places in Singapore. The pedestrians are king of the road. Where? Little India.

I think there are more people on the roads here than in Orchard Rd. And mind you, it’s a weekday. For info, Mustafa Centre is the only 24 hours shopping mall in Singapore. And you can find almost everything there. Prices are not expensive too. In fact, Mustafa was mentioned in tour books as one of the most happening places in Singapore. Salute to all the Indians who made Singapore proud.

Little India is truly a very colourful place. From the buildings to the people, it is just full of vibrant and the lifestyle is quite captivating at times.

A man doing stock check in this shop. I don’t think you will see a Chinese shop so empty, we will tend to squeeze in as much items as possible, to get the most out of anything.

An old man plying his trade as a laundry man.

Do we still see such bag deposit counters anywhere else?

Life goes on as usual no matter what, for some.

A group of people gathering in front of a shophouse to watch the football match between Singapore & Malaysia.

As I wandered along the streets, I found this game I used to play when I was young, Carrom Game.

It’s a super huge board, twice the size we usually played on. So that a lot of people can play at the same time.

Ever wonder why most of the money changers in Singapore are operated by Indians?

Night Lights In Singapore

One challenge for me as I take photos is night shots. Heard from many friends around, the essential equipment to have for a good night shot will be tripod, flash and remote control. All of which I do not have. Maybe I should invest. But still the night scene in Singapore fascinates me a lot. Still searching for places besides Orchard Rd and Sentosa.

Wheelock Place, during Christmas, it will be transformed into a huge Christmas tree.

Tried a slower shutter speed to capture the lights but hands not steady enough for a clearer picture.

Just a feeling of peace.

Shots from Sentosa.

Along Mount Sophia Road

before you think this is a fish-eye lens photo, it’s not. it’s purely the landscape of the roads that caused this effect.

another example of landscape defining the photo

this is getting to ground level to capture such a shot. learning to take various photo from different angles.

end of the day, the mood is set for a drink somewhere