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The bo-chap mentality

Weekday morning rush hour. Commuters walking hastily trying to catch a train or bus to work. This is a common sight in Singapore and in many developing and developed countries. But what's missing here?

This morning, a lady was sitting near the door of City Hall-bound platform at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. She was attended by another lady, and I believe they did not know each other. However, there were many onlookers gazing at them as if it was a "show". I volunteered to get help from the MRT staff.

Up went I go towards the Control Room and sought help from 2 staff. One followed me, and he asked his colleague to prepare a wheelchair.

Once the MRT staff has attended to the lady, I left for my train knowing that she would be well taken care of. While in the train, I felt disgusted by the onlookers for not doing anything. Feeling sick and weak in an unexpected place may happen to anyone! Wouldn't they wish that someone lends a helping hand if it happens to themselves or their loved ones?

People, take a moment to think. It's not rocket science but a simple human touch that is lacking here. We not have a simply bo-chap mentality, we also adopt a "aiya, it will not happen to me" mentality.

We certainly do not want our children to grow up in such an environment where there is no basic common sense and TLC.

Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo

Japan revisited

My first trip to Japan was almost 25 years ago.

This time, due to work, I had the chance to revisit this intriguing country from 12-16 April (cherry blossom ended on 7 April in Tokyo). The weather was great with a temperature ranging from 15-20C.

The 6-hour flight to Tokyo by JAL was pleasant though it doesn't provide an array of magazines and latest blockbusters like SQ.

Checked into New Otani Hotel at Akasaka area after taking the airport bus, which cost JPY3,000 per way (SGD45). The ride was less than 1.5h.

Wasting no time, I explored into Harajuku, Shibuya and ended at Shinjuku for dinner with some shopping. The food floor of any department store made my eyes popped - there were a HUGE range of daintly presented food and desserts! They were oh-so-fresh-and-ultra-yummy. I tried sakura-infused cake and papa beard puff. I also bought a punnet of sweet and juicy strawberries for JPY600 (SGD9). I was pleasantly surprised to see a limited edition Agnes b dumpling bag and bought one as it's so durable, fashionable and functional. It cost JPY9,500 after tax rebate (SGD143) as opposed to SGD215 sold here for the usual range. I also bought Shinkansen stuff for the kids and other cosmetics (Aube Couture, Maquillage and MM)from a local drug store. At a bookstore, I bought the Jill Stuart mook at JPY1,000 (SGD15) with an umbrella, which came in handy as it poured in Hamamatsu on Tuesday.

Dinner was at Katsukura located on the 14th floor of Takashima, Shinjuku, touted as the holy grail of tonkatsu. I wasn't disappointed as the food was delicious and the batter was crisp but not oily. The chawanmushi was another not-to-be-missed, the broth used to cook the egg custard was top-grade and full-flavoured.

Came Monday was a full-day meeting at the office, I only had sushi at a sushi bar near Akasaka-mitsuke station for dinner.

On Tuesday, together with my very nice German colleague, we took Shinkansen to Hamamatsu for another meeting before our event the next day, hence there's nothing to talk about here. We shall fast-forward to Wednesday night as I took the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. On the way back, the weather was great and I could see the majestic Mount Fuji, it was a grand sight! I wish I was on holiday. After checking back into New Otani, I zoomed out for a quick dinner.

On Thursday, as my meeting in the office only started at 10am, I decided to explore the much talked-about Tsukiji Fish Market. I left my hotel at 5am, took train from Akasaka-mitsuke station to Ginza and transferred to Tsukiji station. I followed the crowd towards the famed market.

There were many people, fishmongers and visitors blended in harmony. I have never seen so much fresh seafood in my life, they were so fresh that the place did not give the usual fishy stench. As I explored further, I found the auction area. One man was seen shouting his lungs out as the auction was going on. Hunger pangs struck just after I was done with the market. Navigating my way out, I was lucky to have found the alley where the sushi bars were located. My friend Fannie recommended that I ate at Daiwa, there were queues and it took me 45 minutes to get a seat and 15 minutes to finish my meal. I had the JPY3,500 set (SGD53) consists of uni, chu-toro, ebi, squid, etc, it was THE highlight of this trip. I was happy I went to the market and returned to my hotel in time for my walk to office for meeting before heading to the airport.

All photos can be found in my Facebook.

Kieran, the bronze swimmer

Have been so busy that I couldn't find time to update my blog!

Anyway, Kieran took his first swimming test last Saturday, 12 April at Raffles Institution. It was for the Bronze stage, which is the basic.

He was jittery at first but warmed up real soon.

He swam 16 x 25m, treaded water for 3 minutes, stayed afloat for 1 and made a float from his PJs.

What was unexpected after the test in the waters was the survival Q&A test, which his instructor did not inform us about. He was asked what one couldn't do at a swimming pool. He scratched his head and answered only when prompted.

Once the examiner said, "Congratulations, you passed the test.", Kieran was beaming and so were we.

I am so proud of him.