My recent trip to Osaka was a voyage of discovery and I found a whole new area just a stone’s throw from the main haunts. Strolling along the streets I’ve come to know that I stumbled upon a couple of cute little cafes. I’d only walked two blocks from the main hub of Umeda, yet it already felt as though I was in a quiet suburb of a much smaller city. In contrast to the modern skyscrapers that are so iconic in that part of Osaka I started to notice small wooden houses in traditional Japanese architecture. The mood had completely changed from a bustling cosmopolitan city centre to a sleepy, bohemian district filled with meandering streets and little old ladies leisurely cycling past on rickety old bicycles.
Known as Nakazaki-cho, this part of Osaka is located only a short walk from Hankyu Umeda Station and JR Osaka Station. Even though the peripheral with skyscraper-lined business district, there are decade-old folk houses remained in Nakazaki-cho, and those are renovated to use as popular cafes or vintage clothing stores. Although it is a popular area for young people as well as Shinsaibashi, the place is not about the hustle and bustle like Shinsaibashi, and visitors can enjoy a walk around in the relaxed atmosphere. Old houses in Nakazaki-cho were preserved because the area was free from damages by air raids during World War II. Marginalized from the post-war development, nobody was interested with the area until utilized as renewed stylish town with nostalgic sense by young generations with new sensibility. 如果,不说,你相信这是大坂吗?在喧闹繁忙的城市里,仿佛踏路了世外桃花源般。。。位于大阪中崎町的 “百年旧社区”(这个在二次世界大战中倖免于难却显得破破落落的小小地区)在这里能感受到,与众不同的建筑,轻松悠闲的步调和每个老区的内心的小理想。 中崎町位于大坂北区,在很热闹的梅田商圈旁边有一个宁静又有百年历史的小社区,位于大坂地下铁,谷町线的中崎町站,在大坂市中心梅田附近,梅田站走过去漫步大概十几分钟就到了。沿路从繁华热闹的梅田商圈逐渐变成具有浓浓日式传统风情的街道,也带我来到一个宁静世界。 在这里的每一间商店都有着独特的风格,静静等待你去推开他的门,到里面探险一番,也是在这步伐紧湊的城市中,让人可以放松自我,找回初心的一个地方。中崎町老街的街景都有着浓浓的复古风味,值得您细细品味并认真挖宝。宁静得让人想要进一步探访,这是我第一次看见中崎町介时,令我相当惊豔的地方!
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Rinku Premium Outlets, located in "Rinku Town" adjacent to the Kansai International Airport in Osaka, houses about 150 shops including famous brand shops from home and abroad. It was designed in the image of a historic port town, Charleston in the United States. Besides enjoying shopping in a street with the look of a resort, what I did managed to catch, with perfect timing, was the sunset. The breath-taking sunset at Rinku Town was particularly worth seeing. Spectacular colours over the bay witnessed from a wonderful vantage point, it was fate.
We all know just how romantic, inspiring and utterly Instagram-able they can be, but most of us only make time for sunsets when we're on vacation, as if that calming, beautiful moment can only occur when we're in an exotic place, free from everyday obligations. What better way to practice being aware of the present moment than by watching the literal passing of time as the sun sinks below the horizon? A happy weekend! What do you really know about the local filmmaker, Royston Tan? I love all of his movies. Most of his films are innocent at times and heartwarming. He is sincere, imaginative, logical and authentic Singaporean.
I attended a workshop chaired by him who talked about the process of making short films and feature-length films, highlighting the difference between the two films from script development, character growth and more. He has also provided some insight on his upcoming feature film 3688, targeted to be screened in theatres in September 2015. Royston shared intimate feelings and past experiences seemed honest and reflective. It was an enthralling workshop which was heart-warming, humorous and genuinely sincere! I hope all of you can show support to him and appreciate his film works as much as i do! 很感谢 Royston Tan 陈之谦今天让我上了一堂宝贵的人生课程。这堂课程没有教材, 也不是在教室, 没有作业, 也没有分数。它虽然只有短短两个钟头, 却教了我很多年都没有教的东西。我想, 很少有人能够听到这样一堂课, 因此我觉得自己荣幸至极! Royston Tan 陈之谦的新影片《想入飞飞》3688 即将在今年九月播映,希望大家能鼎力支持本地导演才子一直用心地创出一部一部热泪温馨的好影品! While I write about amazing street art from all around the world I travelled to, there is actually a lot going on in my hometown Singapore too. Honestly, I’ve never thought I couldn’t keep up with Singapore’s street art scene, but that’s what happened during this summer, so I’m writing a blogpost collecting what’s new on the streets of Chinatown, including some older works that I still hadn’t review in my blog.
Street art has transformed Chinatown's public spaces into open-air galleries, adding vibrancy to urban landscapes. The whole place has seen a glut of impressive new public artwork appear to the delight of many. The walls come to life with murals that are painted, filmed, and re-painted to create captivating moving images. The artists had painted in Chinatown to connect with its heritage, working through issues of identity, influence and geography with sweeping murals saturated with local culture. They brim with both color and emotion. 我很喜欢在新加坡牛车水老社区的巷弄内散步,老屋旧巷在有心人士的维护下,很像活化的有机体,每回造访都有意想不到的发现。 没有什么东西会像空白的石头表面一样,能够激发广泛的艺术创作欲望。 除了美食之外,牛车水也开始散发另一种魅力。在古迹区转角遇见的壁画,成为许多人游老社区的目的。沿途的一些古老牛车水建筑物很多开始被这些创意艺术家注入了新的生命,让整个地方呈现出了另一个面貌,也让来自世界各地或外地的到访者徒步走入老街时,见证古老的建筑物牛车水一路走来的岁月。栩栩如生的壁画刻画出牛车水古早味的生活百态。可见外墙脱落,砖瓦外露的情景,让人感叹光阴似箭,感慨万分。 Odds And Collectables (its slogan is known as 'The Last Time One') is a tiny little curio shop located along Telok Ayer Street, within Singapore Central Business District, dealing with the import and trade of antiquities and collectibles, including furniture and stamps.
Especially in a throw-away culture like Singapore, places like these, with true character and a belief in preserving things that are memorable and cherishing every item, no matter how big or small, are far and few between. So it was really wonderful being able to revisit Odds And Collectables at Telok Ayer Street again recently. I’m a huge fan of nature, especially the magical type. You know what I mean: fairytale gardens, enchanting forests, or quaint rivers and ponds. That’s why I’ve always had my heart set on walking through a bamboo forest in Japan. I was able to accomplish this life goal in Kyoto when I visited the grove in Arashiyama. Tall and serene, the bamboo encompassing the wide walking paths were just what I had been hoping for.
Only 30 minutes or so from the bustling Kyoto city center, the towering bamboo forest is an almost shocking contrast to the urbanity surrounding it. Wooden paths weave through the dense thicket of tall bamboo stalks that reach dozens of feet into the sky, creating a canopy. The absolutely gorgeous forest of skinny bamboo trunks is the heroin chic of wooded glades. As the wind passes through the tightly packed plants, the wood bends and creaks, the leaves rustle, and the trunks knock together, creating a peaceful sound like almost nothing else. In Japan, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are often situated near bamboo groves, which are viewed as a clever means of warding off evil, while the bamboo is seen as a symbol of strength. What a happy weekend! I had an intimate experience of the rooms and corridor of the historical Raffles Hotel in Singapore and a rare chance to check out the presidential suite. The suite is distinguished by it’s amazing spaciousness and elegant appointments, it’s magnificence amplified with soaring high ceilings. There’s a remarkable quality of antiques and artwork displayed, ultra lush period furnishings, grand chandeliers including Oriental carpets arranged on teakwood flooring.
I love the old school glamour of the place. The whole place is such an elegant hotel, feels like a throwback to a more elegant genteel time. I was fortunate enough to go behind the "veil" and experience this historic hotel up close and personal. It was like walking into colonial Singapore. The hotel is rich in history and every nook and cranny is filled with nostalgia. Many important people, heads of state, royalty and rockstars have stayed here over the years – from Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Princess Kate (Duke & Duchess of Cambridge) to Michael Jackson. Social enterprises are social businesses driven by a social mission and have aims and objectives to achieve a social purpose. They are increasingly fashionable across the world. This coffee shop located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui district of Hong Kong opened in January last year is a collaborative effort between the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and the Teresa Teng Foundation to commemorate the late Taiwanese singing legend. Teresa Teng’s songs had been extremely popular among Chinese-speaking population, which was captivated by her unique gentle beautiful singing voice.
New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association is an organization dedicated to bringing about social integration for those with psychiatric disabilities. The Teresa New Life Coffee Shop which provides opportunities and career training for the psychiatrically disabled to learn new skills, is not just a tribute to the star’s musical talent, but is also a reminder and continuation of her public spirit. In keeping with this positive message, the coffee shop’s menu revolves around healthy eating and features many organic ingredients, including Teresa Teng’s favourite soy products. 提到香港夜晚最美丽的地方,维多利亚港湾绝对可以大力的记上一笔。和维港一条马路之隔的街旁,一入夜便没有了太刺眼的灯光,如果不是特别留心,很难发现这里静静的坐落着邓丽君的主题咖啡厅。在这里坐坐,喝杯咖啡,吃个晚餐,邓丽君曼妙的声音萦绕耳边,忽而有种在她的家中做客的感觉。 对于经历过七八十年代的人来说,邓丽君不仅仅是一位美丽的歌者,更是那一代人的集体回忆,即使现在的九十后人群中,仍有人对邓丽君的歌念念不忘。让人意外的是,在这里竟然还碰到了海外的游客,他们兴致勃勃的用餐,用心的挑选着邓丽君的纪念品,怀念满满。这咖啡店位于尖东站出口,在巴士站后的红红咖啡店, 相比附近的热闹的四川菜馆或德国餐厅, 这家小餐厅更显和谐恬逸。而且又是社企形式营运的,决定到这餐厅来试试。 甜蜜蜜新生咖啡店由邓丽君文教基金会赞助,获得社会福利署拨款资助,因此咖啡店会聘用数名精神病康复者担任员工,喝咖啡怀愐一代歌后的甜美声音之余,也可协助弱社群重投社会,份外有意义。此店一来为精神病患康复者创造就业机会,二来延续邓丽君小姐绕樑三日的歌声和善心的精神。我虽不属于那一个年代,但也有少少浸淫同陶醉在她的歌声之中。 螃蟹营养价值丰富,味极鲜美,在新加坡喜欢食用螃蟹的人有很多,我就是其中一个。我最喜欢的就是螃蟹腹部的肉和蟹黄,那真是回味无穷啊。螃蟹不仅好吃,含有丰富的维生素,还有一定的药用价值。据《本草纲目》和中国古代一些医书记载,蟹肉清热散血、养筋益气,可治筋骨损伤、疥癣、烫伤,湿热黄疸;蟹爪破血消积,可治产后瘀积,血崩、腹痛;蟹壳攻毒行瘀,可治瘀血积滞,乳痈、冻疮等,同时蟹壳还可提制成可溶性的甲壳质,该物质粘性高,是很有发展前途的工业原料。
位于大牌261实龙岗中心邻里的“菜市场”,有一间已经有50多年悠久历史的螃蟹批发商家店铺 - 林燕飞老字号海鲜批发公司。它作为从我国早期就开始发展的海鲜批发市场而家喻户晓。林燕飞螃蟹批发商行成立于六十年代,专门代理批发斯里兰卡螃蟹及基围虾等产品。由于虾蟹生长坏境完美等特点,其质量很高,味道极为鲜美,深受我国饭店,酒楼及市民的喜爱,也是过年,过节馈送。尤其是春节前的一个月是海味市场的旺季,销售额占全年的三成。 The world is full of wonderful places to visit. And many of these places are found in the Land of the Rising Sun. That is why Japan is always packed with visitors from all over the world. One of the most traveled places in Japan is Kyoto. That is because nature has found a way to mix with the historical beauty of temples, shrines and towns in the city. The richly preserved Japanese traditions, its architecture and natural sceneries make a well rounded ambiance for relaxation. But do you know that aside from the temples and museums, there are many must-do activities in Kyoto that allows you to become closer to nature?
The narrow-gauge steam train Sagano Scenic Railway (嵯峨野观光鉄道), also known as the Sagano Romantic Train or Sagano Torokko, is one of Japan’s most scenic journeys, and can be combined with an exciting boat trip back on the Hozu River to make a wonderful day trip from Kyoto. The scenery is beautiful all year-round, with cherry blossom in spring, maple leaves in autumn and bamboo groves. It is possible to savor the twin delights of rail and boat travel, on a relaxing round trip, where the source of pleasure lies in the journey itself. Allow yourself to unwind amid the beautiful mountain scenery, enjoy the sakura cherry flowers in spring and crimson foliage in autumn cascading down the hillsides and let the fresh air invigorate your senses. 嵯峨野观光鉄道是一家地方的观光铁道公司,是JR西日本的全资子公司,是专门经营利用山阴本线旧线而设置的列车。火车以旧式的货车或客车车厢每五辆的编制改装而成,让乘客感觉跟大自然景物更亲近。加上木制座椅,更添怀旧感。单程大概25分钟便走完路程。沿途可欣赏保津川溪谷的自然美景。春天可看到樱花,夏天可看到满山的翠绿,秋天则可以看到红叶。所以不同时节来都会看到不一样的风景。终站亀冈还有许多狸猫像,喜欢四处逛的大可买单程票,在任何一个站下车。又或改坐小船沿保津川溪谷往下走回到渡月桥,欣赏水路的风光。 当然初次到京都旅遊的我当然也不可错过,尤其我很喜欢铁道轻旅行,更不能错过这样的路线! Hair for Hope is Children's Cancer Foundation (a non-profit for children with cancer and their families) signature fundraising event - the only head-shaving event in Singapore that serves to raise funds and awareness of childhood cancer. Hair for Hope is in its 13th year running this 2015. For me at least, the line really struck a chord as it encapsulated so many of my initial feelings upon stepping into the Changi Simei Community Centre Hall yesterday.
Every shaven head in Hair for Hope represents the understanding by an individual of the ordeals that a child with cancer is subjected to. By volunteering to shave, shavees become CCF ambassadors in helping to raise awareness of childhood cancer among their family and friends. It also provides an opportunity to garner support from the public in the form of donations. Having their head for a cancer charity as a way to give back and show their appreciation for all the things they'd been given while others are fighting to survive. “散发希望行动” 是儿童癌症基金会的年度剃头筹款活动, 自2002年以来一直响应着号召,在户外或校内举办这意义重大的慈善活动,为患上癌症的儿童筹款、献出爱心。 如果要看到一群人在同一天同一地点剃成光头,并不是一件容易的事情,但是昨天在樟宜四美社区中心这一幕真实发生,不仅壮观,而且感动。昨天再次举办了落发筹款仪式,为志愿落发献爱的人们剃头。这愿意牺牲自我奉献爱心的精神实在可嘉,令人敬佩。 曾经以为要为一些不相干的人与事剃发是很难的事, 昨天才知道一群8个思想各异的人为了慈善毅然剃光头发、为了帮助癌症病患集体落发, 心里充满了感动的喜悦,瞬间心里很清楚, 行善也可以是一股强大的推动力。 不知道自己有没有这样的勇气,但好想给这8位志愿者一个掌声! |
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