Finally made the order

Just ordered a fresh batch of DVDs from YesAsia, including some top K-dramas, and a couple of historical TV series. One of them is 少年杨家将 (Young Warriors of the Yang Clan), which, by the way, has a nice opening theme (posted below). Was in two minds for a while (mainly because YesAsia has recently removed UAE from their free international shipping country list) but had to accept it for lack of alternatives.

 

Singapore 2009

Towers pop out of a bed of green

While I had no plans to take a second trip abroad this year, let alone within barely two months of my 17-day European conference/vacation, the opportunity to visit Singapore during the Diwali/ZhongQiu season was too inviting to pass up. The opportunity to once again meet old friends, thunder along old walking routes, haunt old haunts and eat old favorites. These are my four nostalgia-soaked days in the Lion City.

Power Station: Ai Dao Feng Dian

愛到瘋癲, composed by Ella and Hebe of S.H.E, sung by duo Power Station, with an MV featuring Ella. This song was playing on the Emirates Airline in-flight entertainment on my flight out of Singapore, and it kind of got stuck in my head.

 

大风起兮，云飞扬， 出漠宝市兮，归东方， 吃節月饼兮，穿古装 (credit to Han Gaozu for the first line)

Singapore!

Start:	Oct 6, '09
End:	Oct 10, '09
Location:	Singapore

Paris 2009

At Place de la Republique

Last stop and grand finale. With the three days I had in Paris, I decided to skip supersized portions like the Louvre and Versailles, and take in smaller morsels like Picasso and Eiffel, and at a leisurely pace. Each place had pieces so magnificent that it would be a shame to merely scan them. Paris is great on foot, as there is much to see and experience between and beyond the galleries. It is an unforgettable city, and I will definitely come back when I get the chance. Many thanks to Francois for his hospitality.

Luxembourg 2009

Grand Duchesse Charlotte Bridge, popularly known as the Red Bridge

A breathtaking lake of foliage floods the massive gorge that cuts through this city. Luxembourg has a floral biodiversity unlike any I have ever seen, and one which is a pleasure to explore. Learning the history of this great city, known as the "Gibraltar of the North" for its strategic position and defensibility, was also a treat for the mind. Strolling through quaint old lanes, sampling the culture and cuisine, trudging through densely forested mountains and hills, and marvelling at charming edifices, I found Luxembourg a great place to wind down and stimulate the senses.