I still remember the exhilaration (and occasional disappointment) of being in a competitive sport. Your team mates are not your BFF but the good ones will always root for you. Your coach is not a father figure but he will always be honest. Your competition is not an enemy but the worthy ones will always put your mind to the test.
Perhaps it is that nostalgia that got me so emotional during the opening of the Inaugural Summer Youth Olympics, proudly hosted by Singapore. Granted, we have a tradition of going over the top, sometimes, with the recount of our history. I do believe that some were truly entertained and inspired by the theatrical display of colourful fabric, water splashes, and pyrotechnics. And not to forget the angelic choir who sang the National Anthem.
I may not agree with all the accommodations we have to make for the guests, but I am glad that they are here.
On most of the business trips, I tend to ‘window-shop’ and ‘sight-see’ from a moving vehicle between the office and the hotel. The routine and simplicity do not bother me. It is still going to work except in a different currency.
When I am done soaking up the quiet, I like to venture into the crowds and listen to the conversations of the local. It is my little way to taste the life of what it can be. Of what it might have been, perhaps. Then when I get lost in the massive underground train system or be rejected by cab drivers who do not like reading maps, I will just pretend to be a contestant in the amazing race.
Of sensing and relaxing; busy night street / sedated lounge
Stuff from random shopping in Seoul and Taipei; lego pendants / earphone winder / pencil case
If you are not me, you are probably using Wireless@SG SSA. Regardless of what I do or what I don’t pretend to know how to do, my credentials simply cannot be authenticated. And on both Windows Mobile and Snow Leopard. It is a small thing but so frustrating and frankly, feels a little discriminating.
The promise of automatic, login-less access to wifi hotspots could have been the solution to my quiet resent for my 20MB data plan. Alas, it is not meant to be.
“People’s reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don’t, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul.”
- Edward Lewis, Pretty Woman
Opera in the (Botanic) Park
The turnout for Opera in the Park was so much bigger than that seen for Fall in love with Warsaw last July. Well, most were there for the free entertainment for their picnic and/or social networking. For the few, we held back rising to our feet when the emotions were elevated high on the B note.
I don’t know if I like Opera. I know I am in love with the emotions conveyed. I love how my goosebumps and breath foretell my reactions before I can sense it. I love the way I gaze at the performer with such detailed imagery in my head when I don’t know what he is singing about.
Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle! Tramontate, stelle! All’alba vincero!
It was a splendid evening. It was even greeted with our dear SAF pilots (i.e. NDP rehearsals).
