6-6-6

It's the 6th month of 2014 but more importantly today is the 6th anniversary of my living in Australia which means that I have spent 1/6th of my life on this continent (hence the triple 6 in the title).

On 21st June 2008, I stepped on a plane after having decided that Ision is my final destination. Thinking back now, I find it hard to believe that I had that amount of courage in me to make perhaps this biggest move in my life. I guess people have done much more glorious (and stranger) things in the name of love for eons so who am I to wax lyrical about my courage in the pursuit of this four-letter word?

I have always maintained that the motivation behind my relocation was 50% pull (Ision) and 50% push (draconian rules of Singapore especially towards homosexuals) although I think secretly the pull factor was a little more than 50%. The reason why I had to tell myself constantly that it was only 50% is because of my self-protection instinct—if the relationship fails, I would not have lost it all. But after 7 years in this together with Ision (plus a civil union along the way), I think this reminder to myself can finally be pronounced obsolete.

Of course this does not make the push factor any less significant. I have been following the development of gay rights in Singapore over these 6 years and sometimes I really struggle to see if it is truly three-steps forward/two-steps back or the other way round instead. The 6th (another 6!) Pink Dot takes place in a week (I swear I will attend it in person one day) and the fact that this event never stops growing larger in scale is in my opinion the strongest indicator that it's three-steps forward. Alas homosexuals living in Singapore must still remain ever-vigilant and cannot let their guard down as the opposing voices are often louder, shriller and most sickeningly, they come with greater clout.

Take the recent backlash from the Muslim community and the fact that different religious groups often unite in Singapore to sound their dissent for instance, ironically ignoring the other glaring things that make their faiths diametrically-opposite from one another. Don't these people have better things to do than to fight something that is inevitable? Don't they know what they do makes Singapore look like an oppressive third-world country (perhaps it still is) in the eyes of other nations? These people who rear their ugly heads against a single disadvantaged minority group never fail to grab every chance to satiate their hunger for might and superiority but they also unknowingly reveal how primitive and silly they are. As I see these naysayers come out of the woodwork once again and read about these disappointing developments, I feel glad that I made that decision 6 years ago.

You might now ask, if uprooting myself from Singapore was such a good idea, what do I have to show for this decision now that I have had all these years to establish my life down under? For starters, I am recognised under the law as the spouse of my same-sex partner so that is a huge plus (not huge enough as gay marriage is still illegal but we're getting there albeit slowly). I have also recently been given a role that furthers my career—my official title in Papua New Guinea is "Production Lead", something that will most definitely brighten up my CV. This progression must mean that I am doing things right in my career, which gives me another tick in this 6-year report card. Also, I have been looking for true love for the longest time and my relationship with Ision has never been stronger (in fact I am getting a little overly-dependent on him—sometimes I am not too sure if that is really a bad thing). Therefore in the love department, another tick has been earned.

Although as stated above, the three most important things in my life are all trending in the right direction, there are still several things that remain under-developed eg. my modelling career, busking ambitions, and property-purchase. As I am not getting any younger, I think it is best that I put my efforts in becoming a better model to hibernation (although I still want to do photo shoots in a few particular genres, when opportunities become available). Unlike modelling, busking is not age-dependent and since I am still composing regularly, falling behind is not such a bad thing (as long as I resume it at some point in time). Then comes the buying of property, which remains the biggest ick factor in my life right now. It's icky because I know it makes perfect fiscal sense to buy seeing that prices never stop rising yet I am still procrastinating (which never stopped since more than 3 years ago). Well I blame this on my job which constantly injects uncertainty into where I call "home" and since we are still planning to move to UK after my 12-month stint in Papua New Guinea, I think it is not the end-of-the-world if I don't buy now. This is the way I always rationalise my failings (a.k.a. finding something to blame)—definitely something I am not proud of but this system works so I tend not to mend it if it is not broken.

One thing that is certain is my life has become more of an adventure ever since I moved away from the predictable comforts of Singapore. This not only accelerated personal-growth, I have also come to realise it did (and still does) make life more interesting (even though I will never give up my penchant for routine and stability). As I prepare for my next adventure (my work in PNG tentatively starts 1st August), I look back fondly at how Australia has changed me over these 6 years, while missing the food, my friends and family back home (my favourite 3-F's).

If the only constant in life is change, I hope it treats me kindly so I can return to this spot in 6 years' time as a much better person to tell you all that has happened since.

Musical journey (47)

I have described in many previous posts the passion I have for performing and so it is not surprising that I will grab every opportunity to perform in front of audience. However I feel that there is a difference between this kind of ad hoc performances and those people do in order to earn a living. I might be perceived as negative here but I think making one's passion a livelihood somehow tarnishes that brilliant energy just a little bit. I am sure there are many examples out there that prove me wrong but this is just a personal opinion.

Opportunities to perform come in many forms and one of them is at work functions. When my current Australian company organised a talent contest, I was one of the first to sign up but alas there wasn't enough interest in the competition (how can an Asian person be less shy and inhibited than Aussies?!) and the event had to be cancelled. There were many more chances to sing for colleagues back when I was in Singapore which also included the associated task of writing team-building songs (that sometimes make me cringe a wee bit).

In this month's musical journey, you will get to listen to a song written for a company that is not so cringe-worthy. In fact I quite like the words myself (other than the word "safety" which I was forced to include) as they are really positive (I had to shove my usual negativity aside and invoke my imagination to write it). The clever (and lazy) thing about this composition is that I used the tune of one of my favourite Chinese pieces to write new words for the corporate event. Needless to say I enjoyed every second of performing it in front of my work mates (and bosses!).

So here's my musical sharing for June (2014 has sure flown by fast).


[More Than Meets the Eye]

The odds are small
The walls so tall
When challenged we show no signs of fear at all
But when we stand alone we will fall
So when we heed the call
We stand together through it all

The stakes are high
We race against time
There are no answers too hard for us to find
'Cos we have the skills for us to fight
Talents we cannot hide
'Cos we're more than meets the eye

We raise the bar high
So we can strive to be the best
And with pride we do it right
With safety in mind

Through good and bad times
We will find that we will build ties that bind
So hand in hand
Let us soar above the sky

With our goals in sight we're aligned
With each and every one we will strike
Nothing's too high for us to climb
We'll stand united at the start line
Now it's time for us to shine

The world will see why
We are more than meets the eye

Musical journey (46)

You might not be aware of this but I have been given a 12-month stint working in several oil and gas plants in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) on a 28 days on/28 days off rotation. I originally baulked at the idea of working 28 days non-stop for 12 hours a day but the lure of having the next 28 days off while on full pay (at about a 50% higher rate) is too strong to pass off especially when work is so scarce in Melbourne right now. It felt so good when the boss announced at the department meeting that I have been given this role. What a morale-booster for me to think that I am finally not seen as a under-performer in the office!

However the negativity in me strikes again—who knows what will happen at the end of the 12 months? That's why I intend to impress the pants off the client while on the job so that I have the best chances of a contract-extension should there still be no Melbourne work (or elsewhere) at the end of this stint. By the way London has finally decided to hire but that has to be put on hold because I committed to the PNG deal first, much to Ision's dismay. Anyway there is enough work in London to require me there for the next 5 years (that's what I have been told) and the London manager is happy to get me back when PNG ends. So we shall all watch this space.

PNG visa-application is underway at the moment and that takes about 2 - 4 months (talk about red tape and inefficiency!) which means that I am going to bid my boo farewell some time between July to September. He will surely survive without me as this is not the first time I am working away from home (it was Brisbane the last time round). What will sorely be missed though is the comfort of living in a nice developed city like Melbourne in an area where everything you could possibly want is just a stone's throw away, not to mention the lively busking scene featuring some very good talents in Australia.

Speaking of busking, I finally got a taste of it recently. While waiting for a late friend for dinner, I plucked up the courage to ask if I could sing and sang I did, not one but three songs. In hindsight I should not have given her money because I did earn her some when I was singing. She is a wandering performer with no fixed location but I will surely do the same thing should I meet her again. It was both relaxing and exhilarating singing on the streets in front of a group of people. The mix of emotions is a little hard to describe but suffice to say it gave me further confirmation that busking is what I want to do. If only I am not that lazy and actually put in the effort to pin down a willing instrumentalist for real! I know the PNG thing should not be a hindrance to this desire but I have a strong inkling it will...

Anyway in the meantime, this is what happened that night when I sang along Bourke Street for the first time.

Nudity prevails

It has been ages since I posted my photo shoot pictures and this month you are in luck once again. As I was digging through my archives, I realised I had a long-forgotten series done back in 2010 at Obelisk Beach when I was still living in Sydney. This is the only solo shoot I have ever done at a location where nudity is not only allowed but celebrated. Other than the feeling of total liberation, the attention I got from the other nudists was an exhilaration that cannot really be replicated by anything else.

This series is small but it still manages to neatly provide a snapshot of my life back in Sydney where everything was new and exciting, when I still had the drive to do the many things that I wouldn't do now. That was a good and fun time and I have the photos to show for it.

Nudity prevailed and still does.

 

 

Musical journey (45)

Time has really flown by since this month's musical piece was written—fifteen years to be exact. Back then I was an extremely maladjusted little army boy void of any self-esteem. One of the most effective ways I used to numb the anguish of dealing with homosexual thoughts I desperately wanted to get rid of was to write angsty and emo songs.

Come to think of it now, I am not sure if these songs helped in any way because from the lyrics, I must have been pretty messed up during that time and so I find it hard to believe that bringing all those raw emotions to the surface could actually alleviate suffering. Well maybe writing such songs gave me assurance that I was still able to feel pain and that I was resilient enough to deal with more of it. Sometimes I don't think I give the twenty year old Kim the credit that he deserves for he must have been really strong to be able to continue functioning normally through that difficult period of army life and coming out.

My journey of coming to terms with homosexuality was a very lonesome one and very often I felt as if I was naked and alone on a plain, when the only thing I could talk to or help me was the wind. I never want to experience that feeling of drowning with no one to save me ever again yet I don't ever want to forget it. That is why I am thankful I wrote this song because with it I will always be able to remember where I came from and how changed I have become.



[风]

词 / 曲 : 锦泉
 
突然觉得惊惶失措
一个人站在旷野中
一阵风吹向我
我发现这风的冷漠

其实我也尝试改变自己
我也知道不可能的
我还是， 还是执迷
风啊， 只有我和你

风， 你能否带走我的苦啊
风， 你不能就请继续吹吧
我心中的痛只有我自己能操纵
可是我赤裸裸在风中不知所措

风， 你能否吹袭我的害怕
风， 你吹灭指引我的火把
无止境的惶恐， 你永远都不会懂
冻僵的灵魂怎能拖着疲惫的身体走


[Wind]

Panic and helplessness consumes me suddenly
As I stand alone on this vast plain
A gust of wind blows toward me
Making me realise how cold it is

I have actually attempted to change
Even though I know that is not possible
But I still remain obstinate
And now only the wind and I remain

Wind, can you take this suffering away
Wind, if you cannot do that then please just continue with your journey
The pain in my heart can only be controlled by myself
But there I stand naked in the wind not knowing what to do

Wind, are you able to attack my fears
Wind, you extinguished my guiding torch instead
You will never comprehend this infinite terror
How can this frozen soul continue to drag this tired body along

Q1 2014 update

Since I've returned from my three-week vacation, the pace at work has been frantically hectic to say the least. It is as if we are all rushing to get jobless at the same time as the only two major projects (with increasingly-compressed schedules) that are keeping the office afloat will both end at the same time. There is absolutely no work forecast to keep us employed after these two projects and come some time next month, the need for the London opportunity (which is being pursued by five others in my department) becomes more pressing than ever. Speaking about London, the start of several projects over there got delayed and recruitment became uncertain (*yawn*) but rest assured that I will bug the London process manager no end till I get some sort of certainty.

However it is not all bad news on the work front—I have just received the best performance review ever with the attainment of an overall "Meets Expectations" standard for the first time since I transferred into the Melbourne office and even "Exceeding Expectations" under "Action Orientation" (even though "Meets Expectations" is supposed to be the the norm). This just shows that first, a male boss beats a female boss hands down in terms of not micro-managing when it comes to employees' performance (amongst other things). Also this boss is new and thus has no inaccurate and prejudiced pre-conceived notions of me from previous performance reviews. Lastly good reviews are really largely based on luck (mine being no different) as I did not get comments from people who hates me majorly (your future in the company depends about 70% on how other people judge you, this is how scary and political things are in my office). My weeks of apprehension typical of the period before performance reviews can finally be put to bed for at least another year, that is if I am still employed in Melbourne in 2015.

Oh, and we also moved into our new place (ie. a pretty impressive feat seeing how we did not hire any help) and FINALLY got the Internet up and running. You never know how much you can miss this warmth and normalcy now flowing in our blood until you lose it. As for what normalcy means to me these days, it is the enjoyment of the relaxing confines of my apartment walls and simple things like surfing the net and watching news on TV. I never expected someone who used to loathe staying at home in the weekends could actually become such a hermit. I blame it all on Ision actually as he is the one who influenced me to be like him. I am not saying this is bad at all. In fact, I really relish the times when we are both at home doing nothing, when I can just go over to him to give him a hug and kiss as and when I like. If only his working hours match mine, then we can really spend more time and do much more together. I recently told him that I am thankful he made me become someone who gets contented and happy with the most basic of things. I don't think this is healthy but I am finding myself increasingly dependent on having him around and as physically-close to me as possible. I guess this is part and parcel of married life (I still find it quite odd to call him "husband").

This love for not going outside also means that my desire to do more photo shoots has waned to a new low. The last photo shoot I did was almost exactly a year ago (the one in Brisbane) and I have not had a strong urge like before to strip in front of the camera (and I don't feel strange or uneasy about it!). Maybe this is for the best as I am not getting any younger and perkier. I hope this does not translate to me rationalising away the need to upkeep my gym routine (which hasn't happened thankfully)! The search for a busking partner is also proving to be too much of an effort and I am almost at the point of giving up on that venture as well. What species of sloth have I mutated into?!

Well that's the overview of this quarterly update from me. To have a taste of the finer details, here are my Facebook statuses from the time I came back from my vacation up till just a few moments ago. These status updates offer a clear indication of the phase of life ("The Next Next Phase"?) I am in right now. Married and contented.

“Kids don't try this at home - going into office for a full day of work after an overnight flight on budget economy. The ultimate zombifying experience.”

“FINALLY FINISHED UPDATING MY SPREADSHEET WITH ALL THE VACATION ENTRIES!!! Had to do it over a few sessions this weekend as it was all too much. Guess how much time in total I took to do it? It will shock you. Now for a little bit of outdoor time with Ision at the Midsumma Festival. Sorting out the pictures/videos I took is next when I return.”
 
“You can really miss something even though you have only gone without it for a short 3 weeks. Boo's cooking that is.”
 
“Forecast today: 43 degrees Celsius. Does hell ever get to that temperature?”
 
“Tokyo has a snow forecast tomorrow!!! Why didn't that happen when I was there???”
 
“Just got off a phone conversation with the manager of the London office. Looks like an interview is in the works in the next 2 weeks or so. Super excited and nervous!!!”
 
“Finally the rain is here to end the 4-day heat wave!!!!”
 
“Lower back pain again and this time it's bad! Is it due to wrong sitting/sleeping/gymming posture? I need some good remedial massage and I need it now!”
 
“Still sorting out vacation pics to blog. 117 and counting... How am I going to fit all of them in without tiring myself out? The back pain doesn't help in any way!”
 
“Finally finished sorting out my vacation pictures and videos and the order to post them in! Somehow I don't feel that the vacation has ended until I have blogged about it. It's frightening sometimes to a step back and see how social media has impacted our existence and perception of things.”
 
“Uniqlo opening in Swanston Street Melbourne. After experiencing Tokyo's megastores, this dwarf of a branch is so cute... and laughable.”
 
“It is Monday night again and yummy din din awaits when I get home from work. Thank you booboo!!!”
 
“Didn't know that $10 can buy me SO much char siew. Will save some of my supper for later.”
 
“Why did they make it so hard for someone to apply for a UK spouse visa? Better apply sooner or later before they change the laws again and make it even harder!”
 
 “It's home video night and just finished watching "Captain Phillips" and "Carrie", both excellent movies. Tom Hanks's acting was top-notch, especially the last scene. Haven't watched the original "Carrie" and didn't read the book either so didn't expect what happened in the last scene.”
 
“FINALLY! A proper full weekend with my boo. And you know what? For the first time, we are going to bake together. Item to conquer: pineapple tarts. [ Phoebee, it's your fault 8) ]”
 
“Now that the pineapple tarts are in the oven, we can only hope for the best. Will keep you posted of the final result.”

“Who would have thought such basic ingredients can be turned into something (pineapple tarts) so amazingly yummy? Fingers crossed!”

“Using the last bits of the leftover pineapple jam for brekkie. Too yummy.”

“What a crazy language! "Poorly" being both an adverb and adjective!”
 
“It sure feels good to be called a”world-class model" but seriously?!”
 

“It is freaking hot today and it will get worse tomorrow!”
 

“Just sent an email to "itsabouttheman.com" asking to model for them. Hope I am what they're looking for.”
 
“By the way, "itsabouttheman.com" so needs more Asian guys on that site! And here's Kimmy to the rescue! Just sent 100MB worth of pictures over. Let's see which ones they pick!”
 
“Just successfully negotiated my highest-ever fee for a modelling gig! Woot!”
 
“Sorry Baz Lurmann, I always thought you were gay. Apparently you are not.”
 
“F***ING HELL!! The online UK visa application website is not working!! WHY???~?!”
 
“Why does my sister want to make me jealous by sending me this picture of mum-cooked reunion dinner when I am all alone at home tonight???”
 
“Power is having money and not spending it because you are contented with what you have and don't need anything more.”
 
“Fire crackers setting off everywhere. Hope they don't start a fire in this intense heat!”
 
“9.30pm on a Sunday night. It's time for bed.”
 
“I like to visit the websites of photographers I have worked with because it always makes my day a little brighter seeing my pictures there. Ali (of Ali Choudhry photography), I am looking at you!”
 
“Yummy Monday night dinner, including dessert!!! Thank you boosboos!!!”
 
“Why are normal people supposed to be concerned with a convicted and guilty drug smuggler (Schapelle Corby)? When you do the crime, is it wrong to expect that you do the time as well?”
 
“We were so happy that day and damn, we looked so good, and so good together! The day I married Ision: 19th December 2013 -- our new anniversary date.”
 
“"Itsabouttheman.com" published my interview 3 days early!!! This first part features my work with Photography by Cobalt, Ali Choudhry Photography, Nemanja Glumac, Gabriel Ho, West Phillips and some others not on my friends list. What a nice bunch of pictures! Second part to follow soon.”
 
“I am officially a hash tag! (I know I am very primitive). #kimtien”
 
“Heading to a BBQ later in this hellish heat. "Expect lots of toplessness" is the only thing I can say now.”
 
“Mega cool! My friend has a 3D printer!”
 
“Why must be there be a total fire ban today? The BBQ pit has already been set up SO nicely!!!”
 
“Chinese New Year potluck on yet another hot summer day. My first gay group social event in Melbourne with my boo.”
 
“It feels good when your work is featured amongst pictures of other gorgeous men!”
 
“MY! PHONE! IS! FINALLY! HERE! But have to use my crappy iPhone 4 for one more day till I get my nano SIM and then BAM! 4G bliss again. Absence really makes the heart grow fonder!”
 
“Pan-fried barramundi with salad dressed in sesame sauce. Stir-fried eggplant with minced chicken and tomato in shrimp chilli paste. Egg noodle soup in marinated garlic and soy sauce stock topped with boiled carrots. Very elaborate for a simple Monday night dinner and all cooked by boo! Am I lucky or what?”
 
“From the "Final Fantasy: Lightning Returns" trailer, looks like this final installment of the trilogy is really different from the past 2 episodes. Gotta buy this tomorrow when it comes out!!!”
 
“Booboo's off-in-lieu today so my tummy benefits once more this week. Dumpling soup with dry mee pok plus chicken and eggplant stir-fried with mixed greens.”
 
“So exciting! Will veg out this whole coming weekend focusing on "Final Fantasy: Lightning Returns", starting tomorrow after work.”
 
“Work for the week done. Cardio for the weekend also done. Dinner cooked and consumed. Nothing stands between me and "Lightning Returns" now. HOR HOR HOR!!!”
 
“Why oh why must this inspection come in between me and Lightning?”
 
“Almost 8.30pm now and it is time for bed.”
 
“Want to see White Night tonight with boo but I am not too sure how this sits with his hatred for crowds... So how Ision???”
 
“妈妈，我爱你!”
 
“Happy Mardi Gras everyone. I will be at home playing my Xbox game. I'm glad I have done the parade (viewing and marching) a few times so that I am qualified to say "been there done that"”
 
“Simple but yummy Monday dinner made by boo. Organic ramen soup with smoked ham and chicken breast, with boiled greens in oyster sauce.”
 
“Finally!! I was wondering when "itsabouttheman.com" is going to post the second part of my pictures. I now regret not giving them some more!!”
 
“Start of the long weekend... what to do, what to do...”
 
“I have a white female colleague who likes to start her sentences with "I'm not a racist but...". What do you think I should say to her the next time she does that? By the way, I don't like her and it's not only because of her irritating voice.”
 
“It's been ages since my last interview but I have one tonight. It's the long-awaited video conference with the manager of the London office. Feeling more than a little nervous...”
 
“I love the ending of the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy!”
 
“Why aren't there more muscular Asians around?”
 
“Am I really over photo shoots? I have been in two minds about it for some time now.”
 
“I wonder what makes the innocent remake of the game "Fable" R18+. The intrigue makes me want to buy it even more.”
 
“Din din surprise on Monday night by booboo. Homemade Korean BBQ! Feeling so spoilt now. Thank you booboo!”
 
“Why have I turned into such a hermit? I used to avoid staying at home in the weekends like the plague!”
 
“Feeling lonely at home watching downloaded videos... and waiting restlessly for boo to come back from work in less than 3 hours' time so I can hug him again. That's my Friday and Saturday nights for almost every week for some time now.”
 
“Procrastination won't win today.... packing shall start in 30 minutes!”

“Thank goodness the steam room at my gym is up and running again after more than 2 months of down-time!”
 
“Wow. We own a trolley now, just like a professional removalist!”
 
“What a relaxing Sunday. Apple and custard pies in the oven and getting ready for afternoon tea with boo just inches away from me. I am really getting addicted to staying at home!”
 
“Why is there a strong smell of smoke in the air and yet there's no news report of forest fires?”
 
“蔡健雅's  達爾文 is my new favourite song. She is such a talented song-writer. If only I can write tunes like that...”
 
“The level of bureaucracy in Australian property management is abso-f***ing-lutely mind-boggling. Plus the separate entities don't communicate with one another (Body Corporate/Carpark Management/Security/Building Manager). And the high-and-mighty attitude exuding from these people who get high on red-tape doesn't help either. No wonder Australia finds itself not being able to compete with the rest of the world. It is no one else's fault but your own.”
 
“If a famous porn company wants to cast you, would you think that's a great compliment? I sure would (not that that has happened before)! Is this way of thinking unique to gay men only?”
 
“It is times like these that I seriously wish that I were living in my own property!”
 
“Civilisation has once again crept into my world! Internet has finally arrived!”
 
“To whoever you are who reported my photos, my list of friends has no place for prudes the likes of you so please F off and die. Looks like Facebook is on my side for once, no, twice!”  

“Why the hell are there still such long queues at H&M more than a week after its opening??!!”

Musical journey (44)

Ever since the demise of The Nude Singer as documented in this post, the thought of resuscitating this character that most wonderfully blend my two loves into a single concept has crossed my mind frequently. However with the constant uncertainty at work which throws into question the place I could truly settle down and call home as well as the creeping-in of old age (with the associated jadedness and lethargy), the pursuit of my true interests (namely music and naturism) is always pushed to the back seat.

This all began when we moved to Melbourne more than two years ago and the blame falls squarely on the dying chemical engineering industry in Australia. This is why the urgency to move to UK where there is plenty of work for me has never been stronger. On that relocation front, I have had in my opinion a very good interview with the London manager a few weeks ago and now I just have to sit back and wait for news (if any). Life has taught me not to ever expect anything to work in your favour and I have used this pessimistic outlook to successfully protect myself from anguish and disappointment time and again. All I need to know is that I have tried my best to secure a good interview as everything else is totally beyond my control.

We are also moving from one unit to another in the same complex today. Sounds easy enough? It is not, as we are doing it ourselves without engaging the help of professionals and the two units are a little distance apart in two separate buildings. Oh well, such is life, and is just another thing we have to do that's all.

This month's musical journey is a clip from my Sydney days where the dreams and passion of The Nude Singer are still alive and kicking. How can I cast the practical side of me into the wind and start to have that fervour and appetite for life once again I wonder... In the mean time, enjoy this 2011-rendition of one of my favourite songs—Josh Groban's "When You Say You Love Me".

Hello (again) Singapore!

In my last vacation post (gosh it's almost the end of the first quarter of the year already, how time flies), I will share some sights and sounds of my home country, where I stayed for close to a week before my holiday ended. I had a great time catching up with friends and was so glad I could be the first guest putting up at my bestie's place. However the best thing about the trip back to Singapore was the chance to be close to my mum again. Although it was a short time, we managed to do all the things that we usually did when I was still living with her. It was as if I had never left. I am completely unashamed of being called a mummy's boy because I am and I feel nothing other than extremely fortunate to have a parent who loves me that much.

"LC Food Centre"... I wonder how LC (low-class) it is.

Another signage WTF-moment (it's everywhere if you look closer). Yes, shop theft is a crime but is that even an achievable act?

I finally know what these hanging CDs are meant for. Are birds really scared of them?

Booboo's name on the billboard, well at least the sound of it.

My first-ever blackout in the middle of a meal. Never has that happened during my 30-year stay in the country and then this.

Here is a clip of the blackout experience.

$8.50 for a full-priced movie and $4 with my mum's senior concession. Can you imagine the profit lining the pockets of the people running cinemas in Australia where it costs $20 or so for a basic non-3D movie?

The overcrowding of the public transport system is getting worse indeed. At least the attendants at the station didn't have to shove people into trains like in Japan... yet.

I first saw these ginormous fans in Sydney's Paddy's Market and thought it was quite a cool idea (pardon the pun). Now it seems like they are everywhere in Singapore.

The speed at which Singapore changes never fails to amaze me. For instance this train line (albeit only partially complete) just popped into service when it was non-existent the last time I was back a little more than a year ago.

Do you know how much I paid for this jacket in Tokyo? 13900 yen! To think that it is selling at a third of the price in Singapore?!?! Luckily there wasn't my size so at least it was not all bad. H&M is still one of my favourite shops though (I fell in love with it when I first encountered one living in America).

Look at what one of my fans sent me. He urged me to write a song for Singapore's National Day and this picture was one of his motivational tools.

I find "gourmet kebabs" very oxymoronic. If you see what kebabs are like and what purpose they serve in Australia, you will agree with me too.

All my favourite food that I can't live without (which means my Australian life is not really considered "living" as these are either non-authentic or non-existent on this continent). Examples include Singapore-style yong tau foo (top left), mee rebus (top right) and Indian rojak (bottom right).

More dishes not available in Australia namely fried ngoh hiang/prawn crackers (top left), Singapore-style popiah (top right), and kway chap (bottom left).

My favourite food in the world in the making. I never fail to salivate at that picture.

Tutu kweh (top left) is one of the little snacks I really miss (again non-existent in Australia). We have pandan chiffon cake here but at three times the price shown in the picture. At least booboo is getting better at making one now so that's at least a consolation.

The fabulous meal prepared by my hosts for me, my mother and her parents-in-law. Oil-poached cod (my favourite fish), pumpkin soup with home-made bread.

This is the closest I have ever been to a canine. This cute little dog (Tofu—owned by my hosts) really grows on people.

My bestie's jazzy rendition of this otherwise unbearable Chinese New Year song. This is the most modern take on this piece I have ever heard.

Here is what ended my three-week holiday on a warm and happy note. I will be back again soon enough people, don't you fret! This picture concludes my vacation series (finally!).

Hello Japan! (part 7 - other videos)

Things have been crazy at work recently and I had to put sorting through my vacation pictures and videos on the back-burner. Thankfully the videos are now all done and here are the rest of the clips taken when I was touring outside of Tokyo (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hakone). My next trip will definitely be with my boo (having him around would be SO handy as he is completely-fluent in Japanese) and it will be other areas like the prefectures of Hokkaido and/or Kyushu/Okinawa. In the mean time, I have these video memories to remind myself of how much fun I had and that I should revisit this wonderful country soon.

Ever wondered how these ultra-thin bonito flakes are made? Well here is the machine that makes it at Kyoto's Nishiki Market. The pre-sliced chunks of blackened fish were the things that amazed me.

Another machine at the Nishiki Market. This time it makes and packages little red bean cakes. With such small shopfronts, it is pretty impressive for them to house such complex pieces of machinery.

A walk through the Nishiki Market. One of the best things about market visits are the free samples on offer (it is best to visit on a hungry stomach).

Nothing fancy here. The giant moving crab just caught my attention and I had to capture it on film.

The street scene at a busy Kyoto intersection. It felt so different from the crazy pace of Tokyo.

This is Kyoto's famous Pontocho, a long narrow alley of really nice restaurants and bars flanking the Kamo River. I highly recommend this to all visitors.

The largest wooden building in the world a.k.a. the Todai'ji Temple of Nara, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

I posted a picture of the deers of Nara Park previously but only with this video can you experience the real "problems" they bring. It is funny when it happens to other people.

Religious singing at Nara Park. I kept expecting a flash mob of some kind but it didn't come. Anyone knows the name of this religion?

The sulphur hot springs of Hakone. This guy working there must be totally used to the pungent fumes that he feels uneasy when he gets home where the smell of rotten eggs doesn't permeate the air.

The only onsen (hot spring) I went to during my trip. If you only have time for one, Hakone's Ten-Zan is the one you should go to. This is the open space shared between the onsen and the connected restaurant (where you can dine in bathrobes).

A 2.6 km stretch of shopping a.k.a. the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in Osaka. I only made it three-fifths of the way (shame on me).

A street performer caught in the act in Osaka.

Pachinko madness (what pokies is to Aussies but on a much crazier level). I only managed to stay in that space for the duration of the video and I had to get out. The cigarette smoke and noise was simply unbearable.

Hello Japan! (part 6 - Tokyo videos)

This next post in my Japan travel series shall consist of only videos taken in Tokyo. I find that pictures alone cannot capture the moods and sounds that are necessary to recreate that moment in time. Only with videos can memories be truly frozen to be savoured in the future.

The quintessential way to travel within the city. Tokyo is a place where a car really feels redundant.

The scene at a typical metro station platform. There is a greeter at all exit gates who greets anyone that walks past. Where else in the world can you find such service in public train stations?

This is a sample of the jingles heard before the train doors close, which are different for different stations. This is handy for people who cannot see which station they are at due to overcrowding in trains. I was told each jingle represents something unique to that area.

Shinjuku is the busiest train station in the world. I was shocked when I took an elevator from B6 to the surface to realise there are six floors. You can get totally lost if you don't know where to look.

I chanced upon this live performance at Akihabara, where electronics of all kinds are sold. There was not a single female in sight in the audience, only geeks. This singer must be really popular among the Tokyo geekdom.

Here are two clips of performances held at the Aisotope Lounge (the second clip features a drag trio who sings live and has their own albums—they are very good). Aisotope is a place where there is a different gay sub-culture compared to the other bars and clubs in the Shinjuku Ni Chome area. People there are young and showcase a very avant garde dress sense—definitely an eye-opening experience.

Pandemonium at the Tsukiji Fish Market. If only there were less people then I could actually get to see the merchandise on sale.

This is the street scene at Harajuku. The cosplay kids no longer surface there but how great would it be if they still did.

The countdown to 2014 at The Ring, the biggest gay party in the city.

This the full clip of all the "illegal" recordings I made during the countdown party (including the clip of the actual countdown). Filming is supposedly not allowed.

Walking in the CBD subway tunnel on New Year's Day. It was eerily quiet at the Nihonbashi station—strange but refreshing.

Meanwhile it was really bustling in Ikebukuro, where people flocked to on New Year's Day to soak in the festive atmosphere.

A walk through in Ikebukuro on New Year's Day. I love these exploratory walks for you don't know what you will encounter at the next corner.

Hello Japan! (part 5 - Tokyo miscellany)

OK, let me resume the vacation picture series. Although I did not have my actual phone with me then (its screen was smashed and could only repaired during the Singapore leg of my vacation), I was so glad to have a standby smartphone with me. I hate using Apple products but the standby phone enabled me to snap up pictures as and when I liked and only with these pictures can my vacation story be complete. Many of these pictures were simply random shots of things that caught my attention and here they are.

Notice the four rows of handles for standing passengers on the metro? I can only imagine how crowded it gets during peak hours. It would be a sight though—seeing passengers being pushed into the carriages by station staff.

 

Two of the most famous cartoon cats in Japan. Since Doraemon has been chosen to be the Olympics mascot, I gather that Hello Kitty is still not as popular in comparison.

Daiso floor guide in Harajuku.With a whopping four floors, this mega store dwarfs all others.

Green tea mouthwash anyone? Only in Japan.

It seems Kinokuniya sells much more than books in Japan.

My two encounters with the majestic Mount Fuji. From Mori Tower at dusk and on the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. I missed out on getting closer by not visiting Lake Kawaguchiko (one of the five lakes at the base of the mountain).

This is the ornament seen everywhere during the New Year period. I wonder what it exactly symbolises.

Pachinko madness in Japan. Very noisy and smoky inside, I seriously wonder how can people stay glued to their seats in such an environment for extended periods of time. This game must be really addictive!

I am surprised there is a rule against street-smoking because cigarette vending machines are everywhere. It is like not allowing someone to wank off to his favourite porn! Well at least there are many smoking booths around. And then there is this chuckle-inducing sign seen on the door of a smoking booth on the bullet train platform.

Ah... the soothing water-spraying toilet that cleans and massages. This is the thing I miss the most about Japan.

This was one of the rare times I encountered a gym. Yet the Japanese manages to stay so lean (I only saw one obese local man during the two-week trip). The world should learn from whatever they are doing to achieve this feat.

The smallest hotel room (in Higashi-Shinjuku) I ever stayed in—11m² of  pigeon-hole goodness. But it has everything you need so I cannot complain. With such a high premium on land in central Tokyo, this is the only way to go.

On the last day of my Japan trip I noticed this in the hotel room. I told myself I gotta get myself some of this erectricity!

It is a huge thing when trains don't run on schedule because trains are usually very punctual. "Person on tracks" was the reason—it must be an accident.

When I saw lots of men in women-only carriages, I realised this only applied during peak periods.

Although I know the Japanese drink a lot, I was still shocked to see how cheap alcohol is over there. AUD$12 for a bottle of gin?! And whiskey in gigantic PET bottles! These bottles were on the racks of every convenience stores.

"Adult" magazines and photocopiers aside, I was seriously impressed when I saw a public toilet in a 7-11.

To discourage disorderly behaviour in public, there is this peculiar policy in a lot of clubs in Japan. I was fooled on my first clubbing night but quickly realised it was an unenforceable rule. I ignored that ever since.

When I asked what the best gay dance party was for New Year's Eve, I was told this. And there I went. With this flyer, I managed to shave a third off the cover charge.

My first-ever countdown gay party. I was groped many times but was thankful that the group of really hunky local guys pulled me into their circle to gyrate and rub bodies with.

Random miscellany. Why do people want to know the elevation above sea level at train station exits? And with such low crime rates in Japan, I wonder how long have those "Wanted" notices stayed on the board.

More random miscellany. I didn't know QB House (ten-minute barber shop) came from Japan. Now I know.