slosh down the pepper!

JUMP IN WITH THE RHYTHM!

'Caught'
I was usually late for my docent duty, but that Saturday was a push for luck. I was 'caught' strolling in at 11.15am (official hours: 10.30am to 12.00noon) by Ivy who was with two Student Ambassadors at the Tropical Crops section, just next to Fragile Forest where I am stationed to be at. Ivy is the assistant curator (aka education executive) who's in charge of all docents, and definitely my impunctuality falls outside the acceptable code of conduct for even volunteers. "You will make it up right?" Of course I said I will compensate for that 45 minutes! So much for a solo act! I thought I could get away with it since there were nobody else on duty with me that day. Hai...

'Captivated'
In preparation for the Bangkok trip, it was decided that an itinerary will be planned with the free travel guides in Borders. [Went to Kinokuniya previously; not much of a selection] After an hour or so, I felt sleepy. Not that I am disinterested, but I am just not so used to reading guides. Plus, the wooden bench wasn't very comfortable. I surrendered and very selfishly handed all the guides to TB and started browsing the other fictional stuffs. Being the lazy me, I chose one that was near me, "The Good Earth", by some female writer which I couldn't remember her name besides the initials P and S. A rather easy read which spoke of Wang Lung in some China village before dunno-what revolution (pre-modern China times) - resigned to life yet resilient to the manipulation of fate, or at least that's what I got out of the first 34 pages. I ought to return to find out what' happening in the rest of the hundred pages.

'Mad. Hot'
Not that mad. Not that hot. The take was similar to that of the movie "Super Size Me". Filmed in documentary-like fashion, "Mad Hot Ballroom" talked of kids who grew up in not-so-nice environments (associated with drugs & gangsterism) who changed for the better as they trotted to the steps of latin music. Dance moves weren't as slick as expected, but still made the cut for pleasurable viewing. Kids featured were mainly of african and asian descent. That speaks much of them in capital-rich America huh... Very expectedly, the ending geared towards the successful instilment of confidence and hope and future in those 'problematic' kids as the scenes moved from smiling kids to teary-eyed parents. Worthy of the 3/5 stars rating in ST reviews.

'Subdued'
Rainforest trails seem to be in the rage. Even the Botanical Gardens has one, albeit a short one. Hidden in a small, obscured corner between a fence of leaves, the small flight of cemented stairs looked as if it led to unlimited darkness. No street lamps. The first minute was horrible, since it was difficult to see where you are going without the aid of even the slightest hint of light rays. I tripped a few times as I missed those steps that cut into the first few metres of the trail. Still, sentosa's dragon trail beats it hands down!

'Revolutionary'
Near Botanical Gardens stood Prata Café. Situated next to Evans Lodge, the clientele of this café comprises mainly of hostelites and surprisingly a number of other "pass-bys". Along the stretch of road that led up to the café were two lines of cars parked. Rather strange, when there obviously is a carpark next to the Lodge! While small, it was pretty empty and allows free parking. Apparently this café was once featured in the papers for its maggi prata! Unfortunately this is not a treat for onion-haters (unless you order a 'special'). Anyway, it's really nothing very interesting; just maggi mee with the seasoning powder wrapped in non-crispy prata. The ice lemon ginger drink was a first for me too! Refreshing, with a spicy aftertaste.

**********

Music, aircon, comfy seats. I appreciated all these all the while. And now I have grown to love it even more!

posted by slingwoof @ 3/14/2006 08:17:00 PM