Singapore Science Centre - 20 years on

It used to cost just $0.50 for children visiting the Singapore Science Centre (SSC), compared to the $5 now. So we used to pop in often during the school holidays, enjoying the air-conditioned, dark and mystic setting that holds many interestingly fun scientific displays.

I never expect today's trip would be appealing (just didn't want to waste the 2 complimentary tickets from the HSA); SSC just for kids isn't it? But being now older, i could better appreciate the aspects of Science and the exhibitor for putting them across to the general public so simply; relating Science to our everyday life.

In retrospect, we were definitely lucky kids to have the Science Centre, 20 years back.

Some scientific observations still fantasies me, such as this anamorphic print painted by Istvan Orosz where an image is cleverly hidden in an overall scene, only revealed from specific angles or reflections onto the column. Can you recognise any part of the image from the painting?

Portrait of Jules Verne

An interesting poster. "This quirky cat hides more than its growl. Can you perceive the hidden bunny?"

Gravity Iron Ball Drop

Dance Patterns of the Dry Ice

I couldn't cover even half of the 1000 individual displays in the 10 halls. But surely, nothing beats watching these kids held spellbound by these interactive exhibits - just like how we used to.

It maybe this belief of bringing Science to the people of Singapore that kept the Science Centre going through these years..!

Bangladeshi Lady Finger

A sizzling wok is always enticing! Can't help peeping in while my Bangladeshi friend whips up a vegetable dish to compliment our packed lunch. Mmmm...

It is an easy and really delightful recipe - enliven with sweet Onions and zesty Green Chili!!

STEPS:
1. Chop up the 500g of Lady Fingers, 1 Onion and 3 small Green Chili.
2. Heat up Oil in wok, throw in the Onion and green Chili. After a while, give a generous pinch of Salt.
3. Add in the Lady Fingers, stir fried a little before covering it.
4. Open the lid and stir the mix from time to time for about 2-3 minutes apart. During these time, sprinkle some water to create steam.
5. Continue this simmering process until the vegetables reached your desired softness.

Serve. Yum!

Andersen's Ice-Cream Creation

Single Fondue ($11.50++), Banana Split ($11.50++)

I love my ice-cream served pure, without any accompaniment; it was not until the ice-cream creation from the Haagen dazs that i learned to appreciate the complex richness from such put-together.

Today we have a much simpler blend from the Andersen's of Denmark. Ice-cream flavors of Yogurt, Rum & Raisins for the Fondue, Bailey's scorched almond and Macadamia Nut for the Banana Split. Both creations were served with a luscious helping of chocolate fondue sauce.

Apart from ice-cream and baked waffle cones the Andersen is so famous for, i wish to endorse their chocolate fondue - it is so good you can even eat it on its own ;)

Banana Split

Indian Fare about the Little India

Always wanted to dine at these little Indian food stalls plying along the streets of the Little India - but even for locals like us, it is still quite an intimidating feat to barter in the 'territory' of the Indians ;)

Round the corner of Komala's Restaurant, we decide on a lone stall in "Shafina Cuisine" coffeeshop; using some simple English and finger gestures, we had our plate of Indian Rice with a huge food portion! 

Spiced Chicken, Potatoes and Lima bean masala ($5)

Fried Fish Briyani, with Cucumber Pickles and 1 Egg ($5.50)

Still the experience was a little of disappointment as we were hit by a food pricing higher than what our neighbourhood stall normally charges while the quality of food (the fried Fish especially) took a little compromising..

This ended the little mystery of dining in Little India.

Audemars Piguet, AP

Lady Royal Oak

Initially, i didn't agree to buy this diamonds studded Audemars Piguet watch - it was too expensive for the occasional wear and i didn't want the attentions drawn on such. But donning a similar watch to match Ric's Royal Oak on functions and dinners was a musing thought that's tempting enough to cause wavering.

Getting the green light, Ric placed order with a cash deposit week before the birthday. But dues to low stock availability, it was only month later that he got ringed up by the retailer that the watch had arrived. Sheepishly, the man tried to surprise the woman with the procurement ;)

It is an implicit beauty - finely brushed stainless steel finishes with quality certified diamonds that sparkle in minimum light conditions. On the wrist, it is formally subtle, never crudely pretentious. This is certainly one of my prized piece.

How the couple had loved to lock arms now...

Catharanthus roseus, 日日春, 长春花

Catharanthus roseus (pink)

It was one of those moment when i dashed indoor for my cam to capture the 'first bloom' of any new additions to the garden! The young plant is frail, evident of the pale violet bloom.

But take care that it do not do well in over-fertile soil. An all season flowering shrub that loves the full sun and light watering; i believe its colors will improve when this wet monsoon passes.

This Madagascar native is from Aunt when her neighbour's self-seed into her garden ;)

Catharanthus roseus 'Bright Eyes', Catharanthus cultiver (red)

Two weeks later, i came to know a like-minded neighbour who gave me this pot of the mixed species. Pretty!?