You can't see much from that one picture of music boxes (no. 5), but there's a large store in Otaru, Hokkaido called Otaru Orgel (apparently an "orgel" is オルゴール orugōru, the japanese word for a music box, thanks Wikipedia). There that I discovered a tune that was once lost to my memory - Sakura, Sakura, which I first heard from a keychain that we bought in Tokyo more than a decade ago. Beautiful shop, beautiful tunes in each octagonal jewel.

Image Credit: Sn�hetta, Ketil Jacobsen, diephotodesigner, Archdaily

Apparently, "Tverrfjellhytta" is Norwegian for "Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion". Its amazing how Norwegian can turn something so simple (in English) to something seemingly unpronounceable via phonetics.

That aside, Snohetta's scuptural observation booth is truly quite beautiful, and it would be difficult to imagine anything else in such a setting. Nature itself seems to surround the the structure's visitor even within the structure, where the sculptural woodwork of the otherwise oblong structure mimics the strong, vast exterior it is in. It's almost spiritual, both the building and the scenery, as if one were closer to God, freed from life.

Image Credit: Adam Richards Architects & ArchDaily

What I find particularly interesting about British architecture is it's fondness for brickwork. I mean, this love for rust-iron blocks manifests itself in all forms of architecture, from that of the Baroque era to today's modern structures (e.g. the extension for the Tate Modern). Regardless, I suppose it's a particularly defining attribute of British design, and it works beautifully in this building, where the rigidity of those tiny bricks is juxtaposed beautifully against the form that it is used to form - an arguably postmodern curved block. Equally beautiful are the somewhat organic white spiral staircase, as well as the strange closet-cabinet divider in the last picture, that mirrors both the room's form as well as evokes the classical styles of cabinetry. Quite interesting indeed.

On a side note, I'm almost done with my papers

Image Credit: transito inicial

I don't know, it seems a very creative way to soften the look of an iconic, but otherwise seemingly uncomfortable chair. Quite brilliant.

I'm not exactly sure why, be it for hubristic reasons or otherwise, but somehow, I enjoy presenting (and viewing) the photographs that I take in this manner.

Just a suggestion, view it in full-screen.

Video Credit: Ansen Goh

"We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over. So in a series of kindness there is, at last, one which makes the heart run over."

While we may not have been the most bonded class, friendships were nevertheless forged, and it is these little bonds that made JC life a little more tolerable. That, in its own right is a beautiful thing. So thank you, Ansen, Joel, Joel, and Nathanael. You've made my time at SAJC quite an interesting one, albeit occasionally strange, but it was this quirkiness that made it so special.

2011, Breakfast at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Life. A mere fleeting moment, where just about everything fades (in the twinkling of an eye); the days of our youth become a mere hazy memory, lost in the sea of present worries. Sitting in the garden's café and watching young, innocent minds fizzle away their energy in joyous play made me realise, I really do miss the innocence of youth, and to some degree, I yearn for a restoration of what was gone.

Perhaps, it is through such moments that God reminds us of how we were blessed, both then, and now. It is in losing what we once had that allows us to realise its value. Strangely enough, it took an escape from the strains of my routine to see this - I guess that just shows the extent of my life's monotony.

It would seem that it is only through such seemingly insignificant and trivial moments that one finds the source of joie de vivre - time spent in reflection, or with our loved ones.

I really should head to the Botanic Gardens a little more often; the last time, was too long ago.

Image Credit: ArchDaily, FG + SG