Singapore Notes - Shooting Missiles

I moved back to Singapore this months after 3 years in the Philippines. I'm enjoying getting re-acquainted with the city.

One learns something new every day. I thought I was pretty well up on Singapore slang, but I learnt a new expression the other day: shooting missiles.

My husband and I were in a cab and my husband commented on how nice it was to drive down such a quiet street, especially when one considered that the very next street from us was always so noisy. The cabby nodded appreciatively and said he hated driving down that busy street. Because of all the "shooting missiles."

In these terrible times, the mind goes pretty easily to terrorist activity; but I quickly dismissed that first thought since the cab driver seemed more amused than alarmed. I thought perhaps he was referring to some manner of fireworks, this being the Christmas-to-Chinese-New-Year festive season in Singapore.

But no. He explained that many pedestrians, new arrivals from a certain part of Asia, oblivious to Singapore traffic norms, would suddenly dart into this very busy road anywhere and everywhere they felt like crossing it! Shooting out into traffic like missiles. What an evocative image!

What part of Asia? That shall, of course, remain nameless though it will not be a mystery to anyone who knows Singapore - or that certain part of Asia. :)

Merry Christmas

Wishing all peace, harmony, good health and good cheer at Christmas and throughout the coming year.
Merry Christmas.

Red Rivers Writers - new e-magazine

With an eclectic mix of writings by new authors, some published some not (yet). Book reviews, book previews, writing tips, a travel column (by yours truly), and much more. Check it out!

Red Rivers Writers is part of Robin Falls magazine, which has a section on new writing for kids, anther sections on all manner of recently published books, a third on blog radio shows.

Mahatma Gandhi

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. -- Mahatma Gandhi

An apt quote for those of us in a position to help others in the Philippines, Indonesia, Samoa, or anywhere else in the world.

Oct 2, 2009 marks Mahatma Gandhi's 140th birth anniversary.

"Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth." Albert Einstein

Typhoon Relief in Manila - How to Help

Manila and the island on Luzon were battered by a typhoon and incessant rain on Saturday (Sept 26), claiming close to 60 lives and flooding many people out of their homes.

Sunday morning dawned bright – and dry – in Manila, but many, many families are still coping with their loss. We cannot bring back their loved ones, but we can at least help them get through the next few difficult days.

For those living in Metro-Manila, the blog PH Best Deals provides useful information that will help them find a centre close to their home to drop off food, medicines, blankets and other relief items.

More Pictures from Bali

Early morning in Sanur

Rice fields in Ubud

The garden in Ubud

It's a bird, it's superman... no, it's just a rather large kite! Flown from the shore at Sanur.

A Balinese music hall - this one at Sanur.

And dances at our villa in Ubud.

Bali - Island of the Gods

Just back once again from the beautiful Indonesian island of Bali. It is the perfect vacation destination for me - low, rolling hills; green rice fields that calm the heart and bring peace; magnificent volcanoes; seaside; and wonderful, friendly people.

More to follow soon about my latest trip there...