I was around Balestier area (well, actually Toa Payoh) since I have to send mum for her mahjong session. The huge Burmese Buddhist Temple ((Maha Sasana Ramsi) certainly looks interesting, and most importantly, I haven't been there yet! So I decide to swing by and take a look at the Burmese temple, experience some Burmese culture as well too!
Layout is typical of any Buddhist temples, perhaps there are fine differences in architectural details & statues which more closely resembles those in Northern Part of Thailand.
This statue of Buddha is sculpted from white marble found in Sagyin Hill, Mayanmar. It has been transported from Mayanmar in 1916 and eventually arrived to Singapore in 1918. *phew* a 2 year feat!
On 3rd floor, the murals painted by devotees depicts the history of Maha Sasana Ramsi
It also houses another beautiful golden statue of Buddha. It's really an interesting visit, and if not for lack of time, I would surely comb the area searching for Burmese food.
More Info about Burmese Buddhist Temple (Maha Sasana Ramsi)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese_Buddhist_Temple
http://www.burmesebuddhisttemple.org.sg/index.htm
http://www.livelife.ecitizen.gov.sg/culture/heritage/ht_balestier.asp
Oh, btw Wan Qing Yuan(晚晴园) is just beside the Burmaese Buddhist Temple, pity that they are close for major repair works.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Burmese Buddhist Temple
Monday, April 28, 2008
Early Autumn Mitake
A mere mention of Japan, and it's not uncommon to see people starting to conjure up images of cosmopolitan city of Tokyo.
But I'm not a city person. Nested deep inside is a really simple, down-to-earth person, longing to be at peace with nature.
Tokyo? Don't really interest me anymore, fortunately, while attempting to get away from all these modern madness, serendipity found me.
About 2 hours away to the west of Tokyo (via JR Ome Line) lies the mountainous region of Okutama (奥多摩).
Being early in the autumn, when splendid fall colors are still asleep, these wonderful wild mushroom harvests begin showing up at make-shift stall. I haven't done a mushroom hunting myself as yet, hopefully I will have some opportunity in the near future.
Beautiful Tama river(多摩川) still flowing with torrents of icy cold water from the mountains.
Further up the Tama River (多摩川), families were having fun fishing out river trouts.
These poor thing will end up as lovely BBQ lunch for these happy families. Sprinkle some salt, perhaps a few branches of herbs like rosemary ~ marvelous! What a wonderful, lazy life I'm longing to be with.
But I am not with family nor equipped with fishing gear for battles with these lovely fishes. So I would buy a piece here to satiate all my needs.
Oh, did I mention Mitake(御岳)? Mount Mitake(御岳山) is one of the attractions in Okutama(奥多摩), but I'm fully mesmerize by the surrounding that's tantalizing all my sensory. I never made it to Mount Mitake hahahaha ...
Alright, I do Mount Mitake next time I'm here again .. heh!
View Larger Map
Monday, April 14, 2008
Remembering Songkran
I was in Bangkok for Songkran during 2006. Fun time though I must say, it's really too wild & too HOT (i.e the weather) for me.
This Year, Songkran falls on 12 – 15 April 2008. Yes, it's happening right now. More info in the following link
Songkran.Net
Though I will won't miss the truly mad water battles, I sorely missed the Khao Chae (Rice in cold Jasmine scented water, served with various delectable condiments) that are only available during summer.
The web link shows the official performance during Songkran with Grand Palace in the background. For the unofficial water battles, check out my slideshow :)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Parable
I'm sure many have already read about the Mexican Fisherman Parable, if you have't done so, you could read from here, here & here. I like this parable but since most have been written from western perspective, I thought I just writeup an Asian edition as well too ;P
So here goes ......
While touring around Northern Thailand, a modern Asian tourist stumbled upon wonderfully aromatic & delicious rice cooked by a Thai Villager. Upon further queries, he learned that the villagers have been harvesting wild rice in a secret spot amongst the mountains. He complimented the Thai for the fantastic rice and asked him how long it took to harvest them.
"Not very long" replied the Thai
"So why didn't you stay out longer and harvest more?" asked the puzzled Asian
"Because it already sufficient to support our family daily needs"
"But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"Well, I have long afternoon naps & tea with my lover, play with children a little, soak in hot spring bath, enjoy driving around the mountains. In the evening, we go village to visit my friends, play guitar, sing songs & be merry ..... "
The Asian interrupted. "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you achieve greater success! You should start harvesting longer every day. You can sell extra rice your harvest to generate more revenue.
"And then?" asked the Thai
"With extra revenue, you can employ more people. This will brings in more harvest and hence even greater profits. After which, you can start export the rice yourself, expand your geographical reach for even better profits! Then, you can leave this small village and head to big modern cities, setup big enterprises to make even more money"
"How long?"
"20, perhaps 25 years?
"And after that?"
"Now, this is where it gets interesting. Once your business becomes really big, you can IPO and start selling stocks to make millions & millions of dollars"
"Oh really? Okie, and after that?"
"After that you'll ve able to retire, live in small village, have long afternoon naps & tea with your lover, play with your children, drive around and spend evening with enjoying with your village friends."
************* Self Thoughts *****************
Quite often, we have been locked in that silly rat race, trying to achieve success & happiness as defined by others. Did we stop, step out for a moment, and asked ourselves what we truly wanted? Who knows, we may already be there!
The original Mexican Fisherman story is a inspiration for me, It has taught me not to be blind follower of herd in the pursue of success & happiness. Instead, we should define for ourselves what truly ours.
Hopefully my asian edition is close to what it's trying to teach.
********************************************
Notes about Photos
All photos in the slideshow are taken during my trip to North Thailand (Mae Hong Son) during 2002. They are taken at various places - Mae Chaem, Pai, Mae-U-Kor. The Mexican Sunflower fields are spectacular.
More information can be found in the following website.
Travel Mae Hong Son
