Today was another bustling day in the office. Tons to do, calls to field (had a particularly highly-strung client on the phone) and I had to find time during lunch to pick up my medical report at Raffles Hospital. No, am perfectly well but had to go for another medical report for immigration. Suffice it to say that someone lost my medical report. But instead of griping about it, just decided to do whatever needed to be done.
I was amply rewarded for my patience and forebearance with a serendipitious discovery that made all the hassles worth it. I was very hungry after a hectic morning in the office. I was about to step into the Raffles Hospital food court when I decided to be adventurous. Why not see if there were any interesting places around? I really did not have time to dawdle as I had tons of work waiting for me. But it was such a lovely day and I couldn't resist that tingling feeling that told me I was going to discover something great. Indeed, my hunch was right. I decided to explore the shop houses along a cute little road called Bali Lane and lo and behold, I found this kitschy little spot called Blu Jaz Cafe. What caught me was the decor: very shabby chic! The place was bursting with color and the little sign outside said the week's special was Assam Fish Curry. Ever adventurous, I decided to give it a try. Oh my, the food was heavenly! And the entire meal was just $5.5o. Can I say, winner? It was so good I had to give my compliments to the chef. He was flattered and so pleased that he said I should come again on Saturday night as they would have some people performing that night. He promised that the Assam Fish Curry would definitely be on the menu!
It was a perfect meal. There were tons of magazines (the nice ones like InStyle) and the ambiance was just so chilled out! The decor was something else: a 50's-style plastic chandelier, a paper mache bust, round wooden tables, lounge chairs....ahhh, I found another haven in the city! I was surprised to see that my little escapade had lasted only 45 minutes. It felt so much longer! I had relaxed over lunch, read a magazine, chatted with the chef and waiters and just absorbed the Bohemian vibe. I cannot wait to drag my foodie buds to this place. That lunch totally re-energized me for the day. I came back into the office with a hop in my step. I love having these little surprises packed into my day.
Lessons:
(1) a potential set-back (e.g. having to re-do my medical exam) can lead you to make discoveries you otherwise would not have made (lovely, quirky cafes with personality that serve fantastic food); and
(2) follow the white rabbit if it tells you that something lies around the bend.
Have a great week!
P.S. Have I told you that I just moved into a lovely room in the office with a great view? If I look straight down, I can see the Fountain of Wealth!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Monday, October 10, 2005
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The Greatest Show on Earth
"I've stepped back into a long-forgotten dream." That was the first thing that came to mind as Quidam unfolded before me.
Cirque du Soleil is not just a show, it truly is an experience. I was hooked from the moment John, the ringmaster, stepped onto the stage and started fidgeting with his watch and coaxing latecoming audience members to their seat.
It felt like I had fallen into a rabbit hole. It is difficult to describe such a very visual experience. The music, colors, costumes, even the vibe in the big tent was otherworldly. And the combination of all these created a mood of anticipation. You were ready to be amazed. I came to the show expecting to be entertained, but I never though that a circus could move me to tears.
The show was amazing as it brought together music, drama, comedy, sensuality, and skill almost seamlessly. There were acts which were just physically enthralling such as the German Wheel where the artist would twirl around in his giant wheel stopping at the very edge of the stage and almost precariously dipping into the first row of the audience. He spun around the stage with such audacity and daring. He set the tone for the evening. He commanded attention onstage and seemed to be saying, "Prepare to see things which you do not think can be done."
The next show-stopper for me was the Diablo where four girls were playfully twirling a toy while doing amazing pyramids and dances. It was a heart-warming and amazing act.
But my favorite would have to be the Aerial Contortion in Silk. It was dramatic, moving me to tears and yet such a very physically engaging performance. Suspended by red silk, the artist showed off the strength and beauty of the human body. The combination of artistry and skill was absolutely magical.
For the first time, I am at a loss to describe an experience. I was moved to tears, I laughed out loud, I was totally engaged in the moment and was absolutely seduced by the show. Words like spell-binding finally make sense to me and would not be exxagerated in describing Quidam.
Some people might find Quidam to be a bit dark. But I loved the underlying darkness, the sensuality, the feeling that the fantasy was on the verge of a nightmare.
Guess who's going to try to catch all the Cirque shows all over the world!
Check out http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/default.htm
Cirque du Soleil is not just a show, it truly is an experience. I was hooked from the moment John, the ringmaster, stepped onto the stage and started fidgeting with his watch and coaxing latecoming audience members to their seat.
It felt like I had fallen into a rabbit hole. It is difficult to describe such a very visual experience. The music, colors, costumes, even the vibe in the big tent was otherworldly. And the combination of all these created a mood of anticipation. You were ready to be amazed. I came to the show expecting to be entertained, but I never though that a circus could move me to tears.
The show was amazing as it brought together music, drama, comedy, sensuality, and skill almost seamlessly. There were acts which were just physically enthralling such as the German Wheel where the artist would twirl around in his giant wheel stopping at the very edge of the stage and almost precariously dipping into the first row of the audience. He spun around the stage with such audacity and daring. He set the tone for the evening. He commanded attention onstage and seemed to be saying, "Prepare to see things which you do not think can be done."
The next show-stopper for me was the Diablo where four girls were playfully twirling a toy while doing amazing pyramids and dances. It was a heart-warming and amazing act.
But my favorite would have to be the Aerial Contortion in Silk. It was dramatic, moving me to tears and yet such a very physically engaging performance. Suspended by red silk, the artist showed off the strength and beauty of the human body. The combination of artistry and skill was absolutely magical.
For the first time, I am at a loss to describe an experience. I was moved to tears, I laughed out loud, I was totally engaged in the moment and was absolutely seduced by the show. Words like spell-binding finally make sense to me and would not be exxagerated in describing Quidam.
Some people might find Quidam to be a bit dark. But I loved the underlying darkness, the sensuality, the feeling that the fantasy was on the verge of a nightmare.
Guess who's going to try to catch all the Cirque shows all over the world!
Check out http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/default.htm
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