Art- London

Art in diverse forms: an ancient Egyptian mural in the British Musuem, magnificent medieval paintings in the National Gallery (sadly, no photographs allowed), contemporary art including those of famed British artist Damien Hirst, graffiti, and works of art students.

the Japanese language

I'm part of the Japanese Speaking Corner which means I go down to the Japanese Association to practise japanese conversation on occasional saturdays. For class today we sang karaoke in the karaoke room of the Association. It was completely free (except for snacks). It was a great introduction to Japanese songs.

I watched Lost in Translation for the third time. For some reason I just really connect with it. The feeling of loneliness in a foreign place with strangers, things that come and go, people you never meet again, friendship that goes beyond words. To Charlotte, I say: sometimes at night, I lie awake on my bed, looking outside my window, and I wish I could sleep too.

Gardens and Parks- London

Photos of London's greenery, including those taken at our picnic in Hyde Park.

Architecture- London

Totally FLOORED by the old-world architecture! You have to see them in person to fully appreciate their beauty and charm or grandeur. Very picturesque.

I'm back

Haven't updated in such a long time! Got really caught up with work. Okay, where to start? So much has happened in this period of time. I WENT TO EUROPE! I've always dreamed of setting foot on the continent ever since my brother returned from a trip to Europe many years ago with amazing stories. I had NO IDEA it would be this soon! Many people have hardly ever stepped out of their city, haven't visited other states in their country, even. For me, travel is a part of my life. Getting to know new cultures, having new experiences, really widens my outlook and enriches my life. I've visited Malaysia, Australia, America, China, Japan, and now Europe. It's really best to stay with locals when you visit a country. They can take you to places not on the travel itinerary, and show you the lifestyle of a local. It's a great that I have relatives all over the world in Australia, America, Japan, Malaysia. Whenever I go to a new place, I always make sure that I try the food. My palate is just so diverse. I've loved almost any food that I've tried: Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, French, Thai, fusion... My family has this practice of trying various cuisines whenever we eat out. My mum once said that travel is expensive, but the experience is well worth the money. I consider myself truly fortunate that I can afford to go travelling.

Art

Went to watch the Chinese Dance SYF today, and was struck by the visually arresting displays. This got me pondering about the idea of art. I feel there is a strong human need to create art, and that is why some people become artists despite the financial instability of the job. They do it because they simply have to, because they can't live without it. By art, I don't just mean paintings or the like. Dance, music, literature, even cooking, to me, are all artforms. I don't think art is solely based on the experience of the observer, and for this reason, I disagree with the notion that art is simply what the institution of the art world designates as such. There is something about a brilliant work of art that elevates it to a higher level, beyond the mundane, perhaps into the realm of the divine. I think art is a release of the inner soul, a way of breaking free of the repressions every person has.