eevon.sg

Eevon flew over the Indian Ocean, cycled half an island, frolicked in cool waters, patted a small kangaroo-like marsupial and lazed on a crispy lawn.

Sounds like fun?

YES IT WAS. I did all that at Rottnest Island, a nature reserve characterised by dark green Rottnest tea trees and lofty cypresses.

I love this island.

I think Rotto is one of the most picturesque hideaways unspoilt with natural beauty. Perfect place to wind down and cycle like there’s no tomorrow. Ok kidding.

A little background on the cycling; I think that conquering Rotto with Winn, my pretty sista and CW, our tough guide on these bikes is a courageous act. Why?

Those rented bikes were super lousy and literally a PITA!!! We suffered from an irritable butt ache the next 2 days after conquering Rotto. All you delicate girls who are thinking to try what we did, be prepared!

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I have a confession to make. We only managed to cover half of Rottnest Island. YES, not the entire island. Unfortunately, we woke up late and were only just in time for the 12pm ferry. Hey I’m on a vacation. How could you expect me to wake up earlier than an average day? That’s ridiculous. Heh.

Though it is a tiresome task, cycling around the island is really the best way to enjoy its beauty and everything it has to offer. I appreciate the fresh air, tranquility and a total lack of traffic. What a perfect getaway from an over-crowding city-life.

Felt so at home cycling carelessly on this charming island once inhabited by Aboriginal people for approximately 23,000 years when rising sea levels separated it from the mainland of Western Australia. It’s just so awesome to just keep peddling without ideas or serious thougts messing up my mind.

Then suddenly, a teeny-weeny crazy feeling came over me.

I got distracted by an enticing secluded beach!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Couldn’t hide my excitement. Skipped along the shoreline while both of them shared a smoke. I just had to soak up this awesome scenery. Look at the marvelous blue background.

I can’t believe that this lovely island was once a prison for Aboriginal people between 1838-1931? Rottnest was also an internment camp during both world wars. Goodness. What a dark history for a place so beautiful.

Fascinating isn’t it?

Dark stories aside, the island is refreshingly uncrowded with 63 sheltered beaches and 20 bays to choose from and that’s bad because I have a strong tendency to stop by every now and then to touch the crystal blue water and soft golden sand.

I know. I have such naughty fingers.

We would have gone for a quick swim if it wasn’t so chilly. The weather was spectacular and the cool sea breeze was never that comforting but the waters were still too cold. Argh should have stayed overnight to star-gaze.

Am so regretful for not having that planned out.

Good thing we scored at Quokka spotting. Oh hello little kangaroo-rat babies. I was so delighted to see these chubby rat-looking creatures!

Look at his beady eyes! SO CUTEE! I shall name him Koka. Lol. Ah Koka is almost about the size of a domestic cat. Missed Yuniko so much that I had to pat Koka a couple more times before my cravings to touch furry animals were satisfied. Koka’s thick shaggy fur was course and odd.

I felt like pulling his tail but he hopped away before I could try. Bad Boy. Pfff.

Native to Rottnest Island, he looks like a pint-sized kangaroo doesn’t he? Yeah he is not a rat! He’s actually a small marsupial like the forest wallabies and tree kangaroo. Lovely little creatures. Was playing with the thought of smuggling it to Jindi’s backyard. Nah.

Oh guess what. I’m sure you won’t like this too.

My worst ever experience at Rotto was this deceiving looking uphill ride! It was a horrifying route to the lighthouse. OMG. It looked OK right? But it was so tough to cycle up this cunning, sly, steep hill! We were like so gonna kill ourselves when CW said that’s the only way to reach Little Salmon Bay.

Blahhh we made it in the end. But it was tough. By the way, it is compulsory for a helmet to be worn at all times while riding. Urghh. Uncomfy. Thank goodness we made it over the salt lakes and got to one of the stunning cliffs.

After all that strenuous peddling, I needed a breather and this is the perfect spot to let my hair down.

Staring blankly over the horizon, I listened to the waves crash and died upon the rocks wishing that time could come to a standstill. Then I realised that it would be a huge mistake. I wouldn’t want that because I was alone. Felt like an aboriginal prisoner awaiting for some sort of emancipation. Yeah it was a rather grave feeling. Maybe the death of waves sneaked some grieve into my heart. Since that’s the case, I guess I rather be stuck in this imaginative vision with a soul mate. Makes more sense now. I’m so selfish. I know. But that’s just too bad.

I remember a story my girlfriend once told me. She lamented telling her ex everything he needed to know about her which include her desire to visit Rottnest but yet no action was taken. Years passed and he gradually forgot. A classic case of humans taking things/people for granted. In turn, she seemed to have forgotten how she fell in love with him too. Sad right?

Anyway a moment of peace and isolation up high on a cliff is such an enjoyable escape, however temporary, from the pangs of life. You should try it too. Someday.

Hehe. I wore Vibrams for this adventure and it was a good decision. Was compelled to strike a pose with it. For that moment, I pretended I was a Vibram spokesperson.

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We had too little time to do more stuff at Rotto! Well there are actually lots of stuff going on here. Other attractions include guided walking tours, scenic flights, a family fun park, the Rottnest Museum, as well as tennis, lawn bowls and golf. If you are a tough and adventurous person just like me, have a go at kayaking, diving, surfing, boogie boarding or fishing.

Otherwise, simply plop yourself on any lush, rolling green lawns with a cup of hot chocolate and a good read. I love doing lazy stuff like that too.

After the exciting adventure. I was seriously in need of a cuppa hot chocolate to kick back and relax. Can always count on such simple things to make me happy. Life’s been good to me. Thank you.

Before heading back to the jetty for the late afternoon ferry back to Freemantle, I had a strong feeling that I’ll definitely come visit again. I must share this beautiful haunt with Ken. We shall catch the sunset over a glass of wine and enjoy one of the best beach-side views in the world. Shall we, dearie?

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If you wanna Conquer Rotto too, here are some useful links and suggestions:

• Rottnest Island: Visit their official webbie to find out more.
• How to get there: Getting to Rotto is no sweat at all. We bought tickets on the spot, took the Rottnest Express and it ferried us to the island from Freemantle in less than 45 minutes.
• If you have time, do stay over for a night or 2 so you can catch the sun rise and not over-strain on the bike tour.
• Be a smart traveller. Do your homework before hopping on the ferry. Check the weather forecast and remember to bring a good book along.

Thank you CW and Winn for the lovely company.

March is ending and the next quarter of this awesome year is coming close. It’s crazy. Time flies when you don’t want it to so that means I had loads of fun!  Made lots of new friends, reconnected with old pals and experienced stuff I’ve never thought I would. Am glad to have done and learnt so much since I’ve graduated last August.

Unfortunately, there’s a huge pile of drafts waiting to be completed and published. But before I could even pen down all the interesting stuff I’ve experienced, I’m already looking forward to stealing time from serious work for more getaways.

Well since you are here, I bet you also love the idea of being footloose. Eager to travel. Having no attachments or ties; free to do as one pleases?

Photo credit to glynsen kor kor.

Oh 2009 was a bad, busy year for me. All the mad attempts to multi-task drove me nuts. Can’t believed I’ve survived the mad juggling between organising a ROM reception, preparing for graduation and completing an internship.

Photo credit to glynsen kor kor.

Though I had fun, I was terribly deprived of travelling adventures.

But that was 2009. Good news is that I have at least 3 vacations to fly off to this year! 2010 is gonna be a good year for travel adventures!

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First stop. Australia.

Yes I’ve been there and it was kinda boring. I WAS SO SICK. Dragged the portable heater everywhere I went because I couldn’t take the cold! I thought I could die and no one would found out. Ok kidding. Was sick but still went for a road trip all the way to Lancelin with darling girlfriend and our bfs.

I wore colourful toe socks with flip-flops and we were so young! Haha. And that’s a real background! Not some studio backdrop!

Right now, I need a lazy vacation with my girls and it’s been ages since we last bitched over wine and spent quality time just being us, Perth seems like the perfect place for lots of relaxing time for myself and mega chill-out sessions with girlfriends. This trip is all set to be a rejuvenating one.

I will be far far away from the madding crowd for almost 11 days. No serious shopping. More nature stuff ie. hiking or cycling where I can unleash the prowess of the Vibram Five Fingers. Wonder if the weather would be too cold for me to laze on Cottesloe beach. Perhaps idling or blogging along the cappuccino strip with a hot cup of latte would be more enticing.  I’m so gonna spend time with Pete, my neglected DSLR and try to capture silly moments with my girlfriends.

Can’t wait to over-indulge  in wine tasting. Will make my way to Swan Valley first thing I get there to stock up on the wine and cheese for the entire trip. I shall have lots and lots of opportunities to swish, swill and swallow! Hello fabulous bottles of riesling, gewurtztraminer and semillion!! Oh and of course, how could I forget. Cool camembert is invited too.

Counting down. 28 more days to go.

Ken and I popped by Macau before we explored Hong Kong and if we did not splurge on fine dining and excessive shopping, I would say that it is possible to explore the city on a show-string! Shall do a post on the expensive Portuguese restaurant next but now I shall share on how to have an inexpensive yet fun-filled day for two in Macau.

Well, Macau is a safe city, perfect for those who don’t mind walking. Before trying to embark on our adventure at Macau, we put on comfortable walking shoes and picked up a free map at the MGTO info counters at the ferry terminal or airport. We know that if we planned well, we can actually travel around Macau for free simply by hopping on and off the complimentary shuttle buses operated by all major casinos and hotels! Then again, I still prefer walking around the city. That’s still the best way to get around Macau.

Our day started with some famous Portuguese egg tarts at Margaret’s Cafe e Nata (Gum Loi Building Rua Alm. Costa Cabral, Macaubefore) before take a relaxing stroll through history at Senado Square, the heart of Macau where there’s lots of opportunity to camwhore. Hehe.

Apparently this cafe bakes the freshest, most crispy and tastiest baked Portuguese egg tarts on the island. True? You know the answer. My contented face explains everything.

Oh my the custard filling was super smooth, soft and rich in flavour. I could still recall how much I loved the burnt caramelised bits and the flaky puff! We paid MOP$1.25 for each egg tart. Breakfast was just about MOP$10.

Feeling kinda full from breakfast, we decided to use the map and walked over to Senado Square. Well, everyone must visit Senado Square because it is like a must-visit site. Check out the lovely wave-patterned mosaic of coloured cobble stones on its pavement. That place feels new. Not very comfortable. I prefer old places.

I can’t seem to find any interesting pictures of us here. Probably we didn’t really care much about the square while we were there because we were distracted by this particular shop! That shop which sells steamed milk! We did some research online and was advised to look out for Yee Shun Milk Company when we visit Senado because that particular outlet at Senado Square is the main branch. You can’t miss it. It’s exterior is pink.

We ordered a bowl of steamed milk pudding (MOP$14) and steamed egg custard (MOP$14). Yummy! If you are looking for that famous chain from Macau specialising in milk and custard based dessert, there’s no other than Yee Shun Milk Company. And it is true that the steamed milk and egg custard taste better in Macau than their branches in Hong Kong. Plus it is slightly more expensive in Hong Kong.

After satisfying the dessert cravings, we attempted to unfold history at some old churches around Senado Square. I think we covered the Cathedral Church (1622), the Church of St Anthony (1560) and Church of St Dominic (1587). Entrance to the attractions mentioned above are all free! Oh look. I played pretend and it was fun to provoke exasperated facial expressions from him.

I wanted to confess all my evil-doings at the St. Dominic’s Church. But the priest was off-duty. Probably another day then. Anyway the most awesome architecture in Macau is definitely the St. Paul Ruins.

Beautiful structure but can’t get enough of it because all that’s left was just the southern stone façade. This site once stood the largest Catholic Church in Asia at one time before it was destroyed by a fire during a typhoon. Sad right? And we didn’t know that it is customary to throw coins into the top window of the ruins from the stairs, for luck. Wiki said that.

Well well, the fact that we were in the Las Vegas of Asia means we cannot escape these casinos. Have to at least step into one to get a feel of it. Since we don’t gamble, we just gawked at the gaudy/grand decorations, ordered a drink and indulge in the free, non-stop entertainment shows in the casino lounge. It was pretty boring. Oh if I’m not mistaken, the Venetian perhaps the biggest hotel in the world but Cablenazi and I did not have the chance to check the Venetian out previously when we were here. We were lazy. Just want to chill, relax, hold hands and explore the old city. Lunch was pork chop buns from a local shop we chanced upon! Not bad.

Getting lost is in a quaint place like Macau is a simple pleasure itself. I like the sight of old, crumbling architecture of the past. I like the rough stale feel of old bricks. We also chanced upon spots that were lest touristy. Such as this breezy park somewhere in Macau. Lol. We bought ice cream from a cart and people-watched. Also realised how much I enjoy his company.

No idea how we managed to walked back to a familiar lane that brought us back to the vicinity of our hostel. Then it is time for dinner! We decided to try something exotic for dinner that is unavailable in Malaysia/Singapore. Fresh Duck Blood Cake! We found it at a local roasted meat shop right opposite our hostel. Look at that bowl of protein.

Dinner was cheap. Roughly MOP30/SGD6 per person.

To end the day, we bought 2 cans of Macau beer each from 7-11 and chilled out in at a romantic garden. It was an  impromptu decision! So we ended up in a random garden near Senado Square. Actually with proper planning, you can consider visiting the Camoes Grotto, a garden with ancient pagoda trees and winding paths. That’s the oldest and biggest public park in Macau!

By the way, the Macau beer is a lightly flavoured brew suitable for ladies! I’m a fan of its grassy, pungent green apple skin-like flavour. Nice!

What we missed: Museum Hopping

Often misunderstood as the oriental Las Vegas, a sin city for big-time gamblers and playboy tycoons, Macau actually offers more than just that kind of entertainment. For history buffs like me, I wanted to museum hop as there are museums that are really worth visiting in Macau! But we had no time! In fact, there were so many interesting museums that we really have a tough time short listing the ones to visit. But if time permits, the one not-to-be-missed would be the Macau Wine Museum.

Wine sampling at a museum? Perfect excuse to get high.

It’s all about cosmology. The Temple of Heaven is where man reminds himself of his position between heaven and earth. Because the emperor was the foundation of the celestial balance, he was to re-establish the calendar every year and maintain the celestial balance by performing annual sacrifices to both Heaven and Earth on the winter and summer solstice respectively at the Temple of Heaven.

He would be swaggering along the super long pathway to the Altar of Heaven for sacrificial rituals in his dragon robes. Escorted by an entourage of elephant chariots, flag bearers, horse chariots, noblemen, musicians and acrobats to the altar where the ceremony was held, the scene must be spectacular. My heart felt a little heavy because this space is so empty now.

I strutted daringly into this place once forbidden to “commoners” and foreigners in imperial times. I wondered if I’m an intruder in this sacred site as I imagined myself watching the Emperor fast in the Hall of Abstinence, offer sacrifices and prayers at the Altar of Heaven or pray in a magnificent procession.

I recalled feeling a little awkward as I let my imagination ran wild within the noblest example of religious architecture in the whole of China. My senses heightened as I peered into the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The heavy wooden beams, the unending cold stony granite pathways and the glare of gaudy Qing decorative motives which looked like talismans and symbols exercised a sense of protection and vulnerability, of heaven, earth and man.

Drawn into the mood, my friends and I gave our own interpretation of Chinese spirituality with a picture in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

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The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a bewildering symbol of China’s agricultural past. There’s a reason why the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is round and stands on a square yard. Well, for the ancient Chinese, earth was represented by a square and Heaven by a circle. Thus, this structure was meant to represent Heaven and Earth; symbolising the connection of Heaven and Earth.

To the ancient Chinese, number 9 is divine. It symbolizes heaven; hence everything in the Temple of Heaven is built in tiers of three. The spectacular triple-gabled circular building with a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure was built without a nail.

I never knew that Chinese architecture is so driven by spirituality, mythology and folklore. I knew they were very concerned with something greater than this world but I’ve never expected them to create grand structures in their quest to solve these cosmic issues.

I was awed yet a little disappointed as though I’ve missed a lot simply because I am just a bystander. To me, ancient China is more than just the rise and fall of dynasties, old China as a whole, is a romantic era I’ve always wanted to explore. Deep in thoughts, I went into a daze as I walked across the dewy, misty garden flanked by centuries-old cypress trees.

Streaming sunlight awakened me. I tuned my ear to the group of old Chinese retirees who congregates every morning at the Temple of Heaven Park’s Southern Gate. They were singing revolutionary songs. Perhaps they have yet to recover from the Mao fever.

Time flies when I attempted to relive the past of this place. Unknowingly, we spent close to 2 hours here. The Temple of Heaven is definitely worth at least an hour of your time in Beijing. It’s a marvellous site that exudes serenity and bears much traditional and religious meaning.

Besides the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Altar of Heaven, there’re other places within the Temple of Heaven such as the Imperial Vault of Heaven. If you are interested, you can read up more details about this ancient architecture here.

I paid 30RMB for the admission fee. You can get here by subway line 5 exit A at the Tiantan Dongmen station. It brings you right in front of the east gate.

Yes I’ve been lazy. To friends who I’ve spoken. most of you would heard about me raving about my splendid 2 weeks trip at in Beijing in June 2008 (right before the Olympics). Being caught up with assignments, work, never ending photo-edits and more excuses, I’ve failed to share my experience on my blog!  I apologise. Thanks sweeties for the constant complaints of not knowing what Eevon did in Beijing. Yes, I must agree that this blog which is all about me would be so incomplete if there’s nothing at all about this city that I will never forget ever. Thus, from now on, do expect more posts on my Beijing experience!

My 2 weeks in Beijing was a cultural-study trip on the intellectual, cultural and historical traditions of China. As a supporter of the arts, I shall start with a special place that has significant importance to a niche segment of China’s population, the avant-garde artists in Beijing. 798 Art District.

This place used to be the centre of socialism. Now it’s the centre of modernism and individualism. Puzzled? No worries, I will elaborate further.

As state-run factory estate designed by the East Germans in 1954, 798 Art District was an emblem of China’s industrial production and a symbol of the country’s brotherhood with fellow socialist countries. 47 years later, Chinese avant-garde artists from the outer margins of society set up studios and lofts in 798 Art District; marking the beginning of 798 Art District’s iconic role in new modern Beijing.

This place practically showcases China’s ideological shifts in history. Over here I became conscious of how contemporary Chinese art has transformed from a deviant activity to a source of international prestige in modern China. It was also heartening to find that the presence of a cultural base as opposed to an industrial one in 798 Art Zone suggests the appreciating value of the creative middle class in China’s economic growth.

798 Art District is a really big huge industrial estate where many of the spaces were designed by the artists themselves and as such reflects their own particular aesthetic tastes and interests while creating an ambiance of which their audience anticipates. This aligned with the cultural change in modern China where popular cultural attitudes shifts from society-oriented to individuality.

I found numerous slogans of the Mao’s era in 798 Art District such as “Learn the theories of Chairman Mao, Defend the theories of Chairman Mao.”, “To sail in the sea you need a great helmsman, to do some revolutionary work you need the theories of Chairman Mao”, “Long live the great Communist Part of China!” and etc. It was kinda bizarre to imagine people worshiping Mao as thought he is a deity. Then again, he’s the great helmsman. Everyone was seen walking around with a little red book when he ruled China.

In any case, the diversification of artistic outlets at 798 Art District is astonishing. Various cafes, galleries and clubs refashion the social and physical spaces of Chinese culture. And yes! Pink Maos are funkier. We can’t helped but thought that there were more underlying meanings behind the choice of using pink.

798 Art Districts houses trendy international and Chinese regional restaurants such as the Jianghu Western Restaurant and Sichuan No.6 Restaurant designed by the artistic community at 798 Art Zone. We had a hearty lunch at Tianxiayan Restaurant located at 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District.

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That large bowl of beef in oily chilli oil and Sichuan pepper corns numbed my lips and tongue! Other dishes were ok though personally, I thought that the Sichuan fare I had wasn’t very spectacular. However from what I know, this three-floor restaurant on the southeastern part of 798 is usually packed on weekends.

In a way, these restaurants reinterpret Beijing through the interrelationship between consumption, popular culture and space as the growing importance of social interactivity in activities such as dining, clubbing, theatre and performing arts places high value in atmosphere and aesthetics.

From its industrial beginnings, 798 Art District had transformed into a symbol of modern China that hosts foreign dignitaries and tourists and formed alliances with former capitalist adversaries. Apparent a Sony product promotion was launched in 798 Space Gallery and Yan club, a former factory cafeteria had transformed into a landmark of fashionable place to be in Beijing which had hosted the renowned British band “Morcheeba”. In addition to the frequently held art events, 798 Art District is also the new hot spot for commercial activities where many large enterprises such as Omega and Nike chose to hold product promotions and related commercial activities.

Sigh. Let’s just hope the artists at 798 Art District can sustain the unique undertone in their works to look at China’s industrial past in today’s context.

It is important to note that the artistic community at 798 Art District had won a stunning victory against their limitations as a minority in spreading new ideas and culture.

As a proud symbol of a modern and creative Beijing that blends the contemporary generations’ inherited past, acquired present and anticipated future within its space, 798 Art District is a space that celebrates the individual and portrays nuances of red china unpretentiously.

A visit to 798 Art District is a must if you like Chinese contemporary art and want to catch glimpses of China’s industrial past.

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798 Art District
Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District