Today is a sad, sad day for Singapore. I am not ashamed to say that I teared. I am ashamed, though, that we have never displayed our depth of appreciation till now. We’ve taken so many things for granted, living in our own bubble – and only now, only now, we remember to be grateful. I suppose we can quote the old adage that it’s better late than never, but that’s just an easy excuse. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Lately, I find myself being more acutely aware of life and its fleetingness. I usually try not to think or dwell too much on this train of thought, but reality confronts me like a spoon being rapped sharply against the side of a bowl. No one can escape the ruination and helplessness that time brings.
“For me, music is like a big bag with no compartments. It has many layers, and you can skewer them…” – Ryuichi Sakamoto
The other day, I chanced across an interview with the most genius Ryuichi Sakamoto. I was mightily impressed with how responded to a question on how his music transcends genres. He’s truly a gifted musician with the most touching/thoughtful melodies. I still recall the first time I heard Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence. Sniff.
In other news, Switzerland was simply stunning. That’s Lake Trübsee you see in the photo. Its beauty – tough fight with with that of Norway’s. Though after thinking long and hard about it, I will still choose Norway because, the food. ‘Nuff said.
Lankayan was simply incredible.
The snorkeling just off the shore was amazing. Apart from being able to observe a multitude of fishes in close proximity, being able to swim alongside them gentle and graceful green sea turtles as they glided, nibbled on choice seagrass and surfaced to breathe, was truly a privilege. Twas definitely one of the more beautiful and memorable experiences ever.
The sunburn was worth it. Owtch.
The buffet food provided at the resort also deserves special mention – no, seriously. It was abundant, bountiful, and basically, every food-related creature comfort that I could think of, was catered for. In addition – throughout the day there’s free flow of snacks, hot and cold drinks (including several types of coffee, tea and MILO! HELLO!), and get this – even a minifridge stocked with butter, Greenfields milk, and cheese. Let’s not even start on the wide variety of sauces, syrups, condiments etc.
By the way, let’s remember that tiny Lankayan is somewhere remote in the Sulu sea. Apart from food being in excess, its the quality of the food that elevates it into the realms of the truly outstanding. Somehow, they manage to produce mindblowingly delicious fish, egg porridge, tom yam bee hoon, pasta, and chicken noodle soup. Just to name a few.
A case in point – they consistently managing to serve the most sumptous and freshest fish cooked in all sorts of glorious ways (e.g. with the yummiest sambal sauce or baked in the most refreshing lemon salsa or grilled with a party of garden herbs, anyone?). Another case in point – the egg porridge, my word. It looks super tasteless and boring but MAN it has the homeliest taste and the most nostalgic feel. I can’t even begin to describe this bowl of divine goodness that has the power to cause tectonic shifts. Somehow it makes me think I’m back at my grandma’s having a bowl of yummy chok.
The unpretentious and genially tasty food just brings tears to my eyes, it does. Really – their chef is is a friggin genius.
And here we are savouring not only the tastiest meals, but also astounding views of nature, in an uber serene environment. Heck yeah.
Will definitely have to return sometime soon.
Brandon Sanderson has got to be one of the most incredible fantasy authors out there. Am pretty sure I’ve read nearly all of his books (with the exception of his Wheel of Time collaborations and some of his shorter stories), andddd – dare I say this? – I’ve yet to be disappointed. Though, the more books of his I devour the higher the stakes get; will this be the book that breaks the camel’s back?
Apart from the mindblowingly tight plots and insanely awesome worldbuilding (also, not to forget brilliantly written characters that endear themselves to you) that I’ve come to expect, what really takes the cake is truly his scale of imagination. I mean, really, what’s the fantasy genre without imagination, right? Ah, but there’s imagination, and then there’s Brandon Sanderson’s imagination. And while at it, why not let’s incorporate some awesome themes (and discussions) about morality, religion and epistemology at large.
Also, there is just no such thing as getting a whiff or sniff of how his tales might possibly pan out. In a way, its delightfully frustrating. You’ll be kept riveted – and gladly so. I’m always awed at how Sanderson manages to conclude each story. I have tried being constantly on the lookout for the slightest detail that could point towards something more significant as I hurtle eagerly and desperately through his books, but no. I suppose that’s what really draws me – his originality and all these incredible plot twists. I always feel satisfied after I complete his books, mentally yelling WHAT A GOOD READ! ad nauseam.
I am about to start on the newly released Words of Radiance, the second book in the ongoing crazy awesome 10-book Stormlight Archives. I am quivering in nervous anticipation, but am slightly hesitant to start – after I complete it, I don’t think I can wait years and years for all the books to be out and the whole story to be completed. How?
I haven’t heard, or been excited about new artists/bands for a while now; the last was probably Alt-J. Or perhaps I’ve just not been dutifully reading my bookmarked music blogs as voraciously of late. Anyways, I think I’ve begun to approach new music-y stuff with some level of trepidation and apprehension.
The other day, on a whimsical whim, I decided to pay my favourite music aggregator a visit after a long hiatus. I must confess that I was completely let down at the stuff that was recommended/listed. What was I hearing? What’s with all the pointless synthesizing and lame/boring lyrics? Where were the glorious melodies that would (with or without ado, it depends) welcome and cocoon us into the song? Has glorious musical geniusy- inspiration finally evaporated or what?
OR. MAYBE. Its just a different generation now and I just can’t connect with the new and hip genres that are emerging? Ageing alert! But then again, if we are able to connect with different musical styles and genres through the years (e.g. Chet Baker helloooo), it goes to show that good music transcends generations, innit. Just like how good stories are timeless. Welllll not saying that I got good taste in music butttt.. oh hey maybe I am :p
Typing the above made me a little disheartened, so I went to google “what happened to indie music” and felt a little better realising that I wasn’t the only sod out there who felt this way. This and this are quite interesting reads, if you have the time.
Anyways, here are how we can differentiate types of rock, according to k:
Alternative rock:
Characterized by predominantly distorted guitars, depending less on the major scales, and not often played in common time. An example – Muse.
Modern or contemporary rock:
Characterized by distorted guitars, heavy drumming, and usually played in common time. An example – Nickelback.
Classic Rock:
Characterized by big sounding distorted guitars and guitar riffs, and associated with the 70s and 80s. An example – AC/DC.
P.S. Since this entry seems to be in a somewhat dissing mode, let me conclude by saying that imho, She & Him’s latest Volume 3 cannot be compared to the amazing Volumes 1&2 which were, coincidentally, produced before Zooey & Ben went their separate ways. Just saying.
And that is why I think Norway (Lofoten, in particular) will always hold a very special place in my heart. I doubt I’ll ever tire of its quietly majestic landscapes and sparkling beauty – never thought there could be so much loveliness and exquisiteness of the cold and frozen nature.
Even though we didn’t manage to experience the best weather that summer could offer –
I thought it was simply magical.
And, whaddaya know – here we are again! At the conclusion of another year and the brink of another!
Enveloped by these incredibly majestic landscapes, I thought about how all of us are really just modicums in the larger, grander scheme of things, innit.
Well, hello there. Its been ages since I last posted an proper entry here; sometimes I forget about this space waiting patiently for me. WordPress has changed its dashboard and I’m having a little difficulty navigating through this ah, web. Am also feeling a little awkward typing here in this new configuration. Almost like a stranger.
Anyways, Norway was simply beautiful. So gorgeous that I feel justly lame when I attempt to describe how spectacular it is. Will attempt to explain and be less lame in the next post, as it is sleepytime now. But meanwhile, I leave you with this awesome song – it never fails to bring a dash of humour and hilarity to my sensibilities whenever I listen to it:
