Manoj Sugathan's Wlog

Singapore Youth Olympics Football Match (Bronze Medal)

2010-08-25T22:12:00.001+08:00

Singapore 4, Montenegro 1

Singapore Youth Olympics (Day 1, Badminton)

2010-08-15T13:29:00.001+08:00

Singapore Youth Olympics Inauguration Day

2010-08-15T13:25:00.001+08:00

The Helix and Marina Bay Sands

2010-04-25T14:08:00.001+08:00

The Helix, a pedestrian walk way connecting Marina Centre to Bayfront are opened yesterday (24/April/2010). The vehicular bridge, Bayfront Bridge is opening today (25/April/2010) evening.

Marina Bay Sands Integrated resort is partly opening next week. I have no clue how. The whole site is still a construction site with full of cranes and cement mixtures. I really don’t know who want to stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel or go for an event there at this point!

When all the pieces of the puzzle fall together, Marina Bay will be a magnificent place to visit. And I think it will take at least until the second half of the year.

Universal Studios Singapore

2010-03-21T18:30:00.001+08:00

Pictures from today’s visit of Universal Studios Singapore. Too much walking, too many rides and too tired to write any text!

Madagascar:

Far Far Away:

The Lost World:

WaterWorld:

Ancient Egypt:

Battlestar Galactica:

New York/ Hollywood:

Pinnacle @ Duxton

2010-03-07T19:13:00.001+08:00

Following are the pictures from a visit to Pinnacle @ Duxton, the tallest Housing Board flats in Singapore and a small stroll there.

The Sky Park on the 50th floor offers a 360 degree view of Singapore from the top. From the 50th floor you can see the Resorts World at Sentosa, The Keppel Ship Yard, Bukit Timah and even some Indonesian Islands.

One important thing, it costs S$5 for non-residents to go up and the number of Visitors per days is restricted to 200 a day. The website http://www.pinnacleduxton.com.sg/ shows how many have already gone up this day!

You must have a CEPAS compliant EZLink card to “buy” a ticket (non, NETS card won’t work and Cash or Visa also does not work!). If you are lucky (like us) the security guards may have S$15 EZLink cards to sell (with S$10 loaded).

The view is magnificent and of course at S$5 it is cheaper than the Singapore flyer @ S$ 29/-, which we visited a few weeks back. You also get 60 minutes to see the skyline compared to the Singapore Flyer’s 30 minutes.

Still feels odd that one must pay to “visit” a HDB block. This is probably a first in Singapore. On the other hand if this fee wasn’t there the place would have been over crowded and the Pinnacle @ Duxton residents would have been fuming.

Few years down the line, with many tall HDB blocks the novelty may disappear and no fees would be required.

From the top you can see many older HDB blocks and you get an idea how far has HDB come in 50 years!

In summary, it is a nice way to spend a weekend morning.

Day 4: Lake District, William Wordsworth and The Daffodils

2010-02-16T11:27:00.000+08:00

Today’s Walk: Grasmere to Patterdale (09/August)

Daffodils

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretch'd in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

William Wordsworth (1804)

During my school days I used to hate poetry – simply because the teachers insisted that I had to learn those poems “by-heart” and reproduce word by word during exams (which I was bad at). Of course there were mathematical and scientific formulas which also had to be remembered and reproduced in its entirety ; anyway there were no choice for formulas, but there were tricks to remember them! As I hated poetry I put an extra effort to un-learn after the exams. For everything else other than poetry, you just need to remember the key points and then you can reproduce it in your own words (which I was good at). In spite of all the hatred toward poetry, I still remember a few of them - at least some part of it – and Daffodils is one of them, because I could visualize a host of golden daffodils, beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

A few years back when I visited Lake District with my family, I saw in real life what Wordsworth said, and it was much more beautiful that what I thought. This time there were not many – Daffodils bloom during spring season and not in the fall.

Lake District in the North West is one of the most scenic spots in England – the other being Cotswold. Lake District is a part of the largest of British National Parks (or is it the other way?), and is famous for its beautiful and exotic scenery. National Geographic picked this as one of the must visit 50 places in your lifetime. The hills and mountains (why a hill or mountain is called a “fell” in this part of the world?) rise from sea level to heights of over a kilometre (not difficult as climbing Everest, but more difficult that climbing Bukit Timah, the highest point in Singapore – 150 meters), and are intersected by expansive landscapes often containing some of the most stunning lakes.

Everything one associates with the romantic notion of an English Country side is also there in the Lake Districts. Rolling meadows, grazing sheep and cattle (let me not describe in detail the not so romantic thing – sheep droppings) quaint villages besides beautiful lakes (many of them aptly named like Elterwater, Loweswater and Ullswater), expansive landscape, streams, rivers and wonderful inns and pubs – it is all here in the Lake District. And of course this is where the largest national park in England as well.

With the exotic mix of lakes and mountains (and mountains reflecting on the lakes), it is very natural that this beauty of the Lake Districts has inspired many poets and artists – William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, Beatrix Potter (of Peter Rabbit Fame – my son’s favourite), Shelly and Keats were some of them.

Like many other places in England, the most famous being Stonehenge near Salisbury, Lake District too has its own stone circle, the Castlerigg Stone Circle. I wonder what is with the prehistoric Englishmen and their love of erecting stone circles at very odd places!

It is also interesting to note that it is generally mentioned (where else, Internet) that William Wordsworth walked some 280,000 kilometres (175,000 miles) in his lifetime, mostly in the Lake District. Though it gives me great pleasure to know that the great poet was a “walker” like me, I think it is just a story as it is unlikely Wordsworth carried a pedometer to accurately measure it. It also works out to 9.5 kilometres of walk a day, for every single day of Wordsworth's 80 years on this earth. However I have to admit that it is still plausible. I have just covered 1,000 kilometres in 10 months, just 279,000 kilometres to go to beat Wordsworth’s record and I have 40 more years to do so…

Today’s Walk (Simple and straightforward, climb up a hill and climb down):

Last night the stay was at Ivy Dene, a very new bed and breakfast place in Grasmere, not even many locals knew where it was. Very nice and comfortable place, it is very small as well, probably could take only a couple of guests. A two storied house, the landlord occupied the lower floor and the two rooms on the top floor was rented out. Breakfast is served in the morning in the landlord’s dining room. And that sums up a bed and breakfast arrangement in the UK.

The only problem with Ivy Dean was it was on one extreme end of Grasmere. The pubs, hotels and all the touristy places are on the other end – which means a kilometre and a half of walk to the pub and then walk back the same distance after dinner. That was the last thing I wanted to do after a day of walking – but there was no other choice.

Being a popular place, Grasmere has many pubs and hotels – including some high end expensive ones (which all walkers tend to avoid). Went to Lamb Inn which a part of Red Lion hotel (one of the many Lions on the Coast to Coast route). Excellent ales and some ordinary food (which is the theme for most pubs in the UK).

Started very early next day. It is slightly drizzling and is somewhat cold – both nothing that I cannot handle after so many days of walk. As I lived on the extreme end of Grasmere there was a choice of taking a short cut by walking by the side of the A591 highway, but decided not to do so. Instead I back tracked to Goody Bridge and started the walk for the day. After all that was a much charming route instead of walking by the side of big vehicles whizzing past.

Then come the climb and after a tiring climb to the Great Tongue, one gets two options – a further climb towards the left via Little Tongue Gill or another climb via Tongue Gill! Strangely Little Tongue Gill seems to be tedious than Tongue Gill (some one needs to pay more attention when naming routes).

After the climb(ing up) for the day, on the way down is Ruthwaite Lodge, a stone house, where once Wordsworth’s poems were carved on a rock tablet there. There are many such stone houses on the way, some still in use, and some abandoned. The stone houses, mostly in the middle of no where, is an awe inspiring sight.

Walking by the Grisedale Beck (river) one doesn’t need to look at the maps anymore – the path to Patterdale is straightforward.

The walk of the day ends at the White Lion Pub - remember it ended yesterday at Red Lion Pub.

*NB: A few of the photos above were taken during my last trip with my family a couple of years back.

Resorts World Sentosa – A View From Inside

2010-01-24T15:50:00.001+08:00

Had a quick walk inside Resorts World Sentosa today. Here are some snaps. Except for the hotels, it is work in progress. Construction is happening all over the place. Might take a while before everything is ready.

However from the first look, Resorts World Sentosa is going to be wonderful place for a break when everything is ready.

The first surprise came in when the Sentosa staff waived off the $6 entrance fee for the Taxi we took, even tough we told him we are not guests at the hotel.

The taxi ride was very smooth. After turning to Sentosa neat Vivocity (still constructions are on going at the entrance) and going around Universal Studios, in a couple of minutes we were at Resorts World Sentosa. The taxi driver mentioned that he had been to an “induction” at Resorts World Sentosa, but seems to be lost momentarily when we drove in. However very clear signs all over the place and one is unlikely to get lost.

A very noticeable things is that the staff are all well trained and very friendly. Looks like Resorts World Sentosa has put a special emphasis on customer service (which is sort of very rare in Singapore). Thumbs up for that.

I was expecting a huge crowd at Resorts World Sentosa – after all it is just a week old. Surprisingly there was only a reasonable crowd – even Vivocity across the bay had a much bigger crows. When we entered Sentosa the parking display board said that 1,200 card parks are available! I am guessing everyone is waiting for the Universal Studios (and Casino's) to open before going into Resorts World Sentosa.

The Casino is a couple of floors below the ground. One has to take two escalators down with surrounding illuminated with a futuristic blue and a series of TV screens showing colourful fishes swimming around. However just in front of the casino, there is natural light as well. There are electronic gates for the casino – never seen such an arrangements at other Casinos I have been to.

Even though constructions are all around the place, the four hotels that are open seems to be fully functional with hotel guests streaming in an out. The cafes and restaurants in the hotels are busy. Saw Minister Mah Bo Tan, Minister of National Development, at Resorts World Sentosa today.

A large number of high end shops are all around Resorts World Sentosa. Most well known brands are all there. Orchard Road is going to have serious competition. By the look of it, many of the shops are ready to open anytime. Few like Victoria Secret is already open.

Many might want to wait until Chinese New Year to go and see Resorts World Sentosa. However my suggestion will be to go in and have a look before it gets too crowded and thus get a in-depth and relaxed view of the place.

Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009

2009-12-07T11:06:00.001+08:00

22nd July 2009:
I get an invite for joining the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. All charged up preparing for the Coast to Coast Walk in UK, I decided to go for the full one.

09th September 2009:
My organization’s “Road Runner Co-Captain” gets worried and urges me to rethink. He gives me an option to downgrade to half marathon or 10K race. The thrill of completing the Coast to Coast walk (as well as ego) prevents me from doing it.

September to Mid-October:
Nothing done and no practice. Plans to start practice on 7th October, becomes lazy and postpones to the following weekend.

Second half of October:
Falls sick with a terrible chest infection and was bed ridden for a few days. And still no practice.

1st December to 4th December:
Panic kicks in. Even though chest infection is not fully gone, starts with short walks after office hours.

5th December, 8:00 AM:
Goes for a 4 hour 20 kilometer walk. Clearly legs are refusing to cooperate. Why did I let this happen?

5th December, 7:30 PM:
As I have to wake up at 3:00 AM tomorrow, goes to sleep early. Frequent nightmares during sleep.

6th December, 3:01 AM:
Alarm rings, jumps out of bed in panic. Realizes the D-day is upon me. Water heater doesn’t work. A cold water bath takes drains away whatever confidence and energy left.

6th December, 4:00 AM:
Taxi arrives. Driver is amused (putting it simply) that I am going for a full marathon this early in the morning.

6th December, 5:00 AM:
Arrives at the start point at Esplanade Bridge. Loads and loads of people are walking in. Everyone looks energetic (and well toned). Cool weather. Everything looks perfect for everyone (except me). Different sections for different abilities – people who can complete marathon in less than 3 hours, less than 4 hours, less than 5 hours. I join the last group, greater than 5 hours.

6th December, 5:30 AM:
Kick off. I am realizing 7,500 people running generate a lot of heat. The cool morning suddenly becomes a very hot an humid morning. I started walking slowly (yes, I decided to walk!) and get pushed to one side by the large number of eager runners. Starts walking in the foot path not to get run over.

3 kilometers:
After a U turn, I cross the start point (on the other side of the road). 3 kilometers in 25 minutes not bad!

5 kilometers:
Still walking through the main streets of Singapore (which is shutdown for traffic). I get to see places I haven’t ever seen in Singapore.

7 kilometers:
Hears the shout “100 Plus, 100 meters ahead”. What a nice marketing. 100 Plus is an isotonic drink (and I am assuming a co-sponsor)

8 kilometers:
Just crossed the lead runners (on the other side of the road) who are coming back. These folks have covered 34+ kilometers while I have just covered 8!

12 kilometers:
Walking through the East Coast Park is much more fun than walking on the roads. But sand keeps going into my shoes - which is very irritating. So I have to clean my shoes. Looking down for the first time, I started realizing my legs are paining.

15 kilometers:
Feeling hungry I eat a banana. Toss the banana skin carefully to one side. The whole route is littered with banana skins and water cups. Feels terrible about the student volunteers who are putting an extra effort in cleaning up the litter.

18 kilometers:
Who ever said that a marathon is “Mind over body” was exaggerating. It is just “Mind over Calf muscle”. Calf muscle is paining and started almost having muscle cramps. Eat another banana (potassium in banana is supposed to be good to avoid cramps). Knee also starts paining.

20 kilometers:
Still not half way though. Thigh muscles, calf muscles and heels are all paining. I am also wondering when my knee will give up. The only encouraging sign is that there are still people behind me!

21 kilometers:
What a relief. Half way though rather unceremoniously. A race official is happily snoozing off at the half way mark. The chip tied to the shoes beeps, ensuring that I have covered 22 km and did not cheat.

22 kilometers:
Gets a free Power Bar, an energy gel. The only thing noticeable was the not so good taste and a note which said it had too much caffeine. This stuff gives an amazing boost to your energy and starts walking faster and faster. The pains are forgotten.

25 kilometers:
Power bar boost is gone like a balloon that went bust. Pain returns with amazing vigor. It is also becoming very hot. Funniest thing – some are distributing hot dogs to marathon walkers! But I was hungry and I ate one! Anything to keep the mind away from the pain was welcome

27 kilometers:
Wife calls wondering why I haven’t come back. She is not very happy when I mentioned that I plan to walk the entire distance (and I did not believe I could do that)

28 kilometers:
Organizers step in the way and suggest the few of us (trailing few) stop walking as it is “too late” and the roads will open soon. They also carefully mention that last year “many people were admitted in the ICU”. Some panics, decides to stop walking, but for some of us, it was “having walked this far, I am not giving up”. We get warnings about “be careful about the traffic and don’t get hit”.

31 kilometers:
Out of East Coast Park and back on the main roads. Roads are half opened (just one direction) for traffic.

33 kilometers:
A boy jumps out from the corner saying “You are my hero. I would have died if I walked this long”. I am sure he was trying to motivate me – but suddenly words like “death”, “accident” and “faint” comes to my mind and doesn’t go away. The heat becomes unbearable on the main roads.
34 kilometers:
Crosses the National Stadium. A bus stops nearby and a guy gets out and says “You can get into the bus and we will drop you just before the finish line. And YOU WILL GET YOUR CERTIFIACTE”. The last part of the offer makes many of them get into the bus. Cheating…. Cheating… Suddenly there are only 3 or 4 people behind me.

37 kilometers:
Meets Chan, a 79 year old marathoner who has completed 18 already. Feels ashamed of myself and start moving faster along with him. Walking along with a person who is twice older than you is a better boost than the Power Bar.

39 kilometers:
We now have escort as we are the “final batch”. Half a dozen vehicles are behind us with all the light and sirens. A few of them behind me “falls off” (in fact one person just fainted and actually fell). Suddenly the prospect of being the last person to complete the marathon becomes a reality. No way would I let this happen. Started walking fast will all the energy left and managed to overtake a dozen people.

41.5 kilometers:
Can hear the music and noise at the finishing point. Very, very thrilled. An MC catches me, spells my name wrongly, and then praises me with hundreds watching. Not sure that I felt happy or sad!

Finishing line:
The clock flashed 8 hours 51 minutes but I should have taken lesser time. The clock started (I believe) when the first person crossed the start line. I was behind in the start line and would have started 3-4 minutes or so later.

Collects the medal and T-Shirt. The person who gave it to me wasn’t very comfortable when I told him I finished the marathon (I wonder why)! Goes to my company’s tent and found it empty. So heads back home.

I wasn’t the first or I wasn’t the last, but I completed my first full marathon!

T+1:
Every part of the body is paining. Strangely there is upper body pain also.

T+2:
Surprisingly pain is gone. Wondering whether it is really gone or will it make a comeback on day 3, like other runners mentioned. Also saw the timings on the website.

Day 2: Preparing for a Coast to Coast Walk

2009-10-11T19:32:00.001+08:00

Today’s Walk: Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite (07/August)

Stayed at Fox and Hounds, Ennerdale Bridge. Rating Expensive rates (food at the restaurant also was expensive) and an average stay – together not a good combination. Co-walkers mentioned a nearby pub which offered accommodation as well was a much better and cheaper choice.

Before I describe today’s walk, let me start with my 8 step planning process for a Coast to Coast Walk.

Step 1: Find a reason

Everyone goes for a long walk for different reasons. Some does it for getting away from the rigors of life. Some does it to enjoy nature and explore new places. Some does it as an exercise. Some does it to loose weight. And some does to drinking all the beers that are available – like Dr. Steven Sullivan.

What is your reason?

Step 2: Check out your personality

What sort of a personality do you have and what sort of a holiday do you want? On one extreme are people who would you like to sit on the beach quietly and read a book. On the other extreme are the skydivers who needs the adrenaline rush. If you are neither one of this, and is in the middle, walking/ trekking may be for you. Here is a low strain activity (at least I thought so, but wasn’t the case), that helps you to enjoy new sceneries every minute of the walk (and meet a few like minded people each day). Last thirty minutes doesn’t look like the next thirty minutes (like being on a beach) and the fun doesn’t just last 30 seconds (like the skydiver).

Step 3: Look at the mirror (That’s where I started)

If walk for you means walking from your cubicle to the meeting room or from your car to the supermarket, Coast to Coast walk isn’t for you (yet). You need at least 3 months of preparation (don’t be disheartened – I needed 10 months of preparation). You must be physically prepared where you can walk 20 kilometres each day on a weekend for this walk. Make sure you have worn (“broken in”) your trekking shoes for a few weeks and there are no more cracked skins and blisters.

If you are a “good walker” you can easily cover the Coast to Coast walk 10 days - some one has run the whole distance in 36 hours! Ordinary mortals like me need 14 days. Some take 15 with a day break in the middle – after all you need time to wash your clothes and do a foot massage.

Despite all these advices which I am giving out like an expert, on day two of my walk all I can think is My Foot - it pains. Why did I get into this?

Step 4: Where to start (Look at Wainwright and Web)

In this 21^st century, there are a lot of web resources available to help you prepare for this trip. But every one should to start with Alfred Wainright’s book before anything else. Though the original book is many decades old, it has been refreshed to keep up with times (and ever changing landscape and land zoning rules). A very good amount of information is available in the web as well which is continuously being updated by walkers all around the world.

Step 5: When to Walk

Britain is defined as a country with Four seasons in one day! Even then try not to do this from November to March unless otherwise you are from the poles. It is way too cold. July and August are peak periods (but still there is too much of land area to make you feel lonely), so book the hotels in advance.

Step 6: Groupie or Solo

In a group of friends and family you find happiness and safety; being alone you finds solitude.

I would have loved to walk with my family. But until my kids grow up it is not going to happen. Yeah, my 5 year old son can walk 5 kilometres. After that I have to carry him (I tried it once).

Step 7: Accommodation

Here you have three choices:

1) A well planned trip with accommodation pre-booked is the safest option (like me)

2) Get accommodation on the fly when you reach a place which you like is for the courageous. However it is not advised during busy periods as all accommodation on route will be fully booked and you will sleep in the car park – if you can find the car park.

3) Carry your accommodation (tent) in your back pack is for the stronger ones. Camping sites are available on route for nominal fees. Enough wild space too is available!

I am sure I am not strong enough to carry heavy backpacks of 20Kgs and walk for two weeks or so - like some of the people I meet on the way – they make it look so easy. So I decided to use the Sherpa Van service for this (other services like packhorse is also available). Each day they move across my luggage from hotel to hotel (or more accurate Inn to Inn) for about £7. I just need to carry my backpack with essentials – Netbook and its cables, a notebook and some pens, a book to read, Vado HD, Digital Camera, extra memory for camera, extra power pack to provide juice for my phone, snacks, painkiller (just in case!) and water, water and more water.

Step 8: Plan your expenses

Expenses for this trip come in 6 forms:

1) Stuff to buy in preparation for the trip. This includes waterproof bags, rain coat, trekking shoes, compass, books, maps and other accessories

2) Airfare. Thanks to all those Frequent Flyer miles, I just paid taxes – which also costs as much as the price of a low cost air ticket!

3) Rail tickets. I definitely would recommend a 4 day Britrail England flexi-pass which allows 4 days of (unlimited) travel within 2 months. This allows me the following trips - Heathrow to London Paddington on Heathrow Express (day 1), Euston station in London to St Bees via Manchester (day 2), return to London from Robin Hoods bay (day 3), London to Heathrow airport (day 4). This pass works out much cheaper than the individual tickets and also offers much more flexibility (want to get down on the way and take a short break before continuing?).

4) Sherpa Van luggage mover service (£7 x 14 days) + Hotel booking service.

5) Accommodation charges – on an average £30 a night for a single en-suite (bathroom and toilet attached) room. Prices starts as low as £20 and can go up to £60. Directly paid at the hotels/ inns/ farm houses.

6) Food and drinks – typically come to £10 a stop. Breakfast is generally included (after all it is called B&B) as a part of accommodation

Day so far:

Last evening at the end of the walk, I met a couple of fellow walkers, Gary and Peter. It is astonishing how walkers form a quick bond among themselves even though they have never met before and know very little of each other. After all, there are only a few of them crazy enough to do such long walks, it is natural that they bond together. After a couple of beers, three of us, one from England, one from New Zealand and one from Singapore decide to walk together the next day.

Early morning we started from Ennerdale Bridge to reach Ennerdale Water which is the first of many lakes on the way. The first view of the lake itself is breathtaking and gives you an idea how beautiful would the upcoming walk in the Lake Districts be.

The walk along the south edges of the lake is tough, with some serious climbing on rocky tracks. But the beauty of the place takes your mind away from that effort. Somewhere near the highest point as you walk besides the lake, is the Robin Hood’s Chair, which is a rock that juts out.

Robin Hood’s Chair is just one of the many Robin Hood connections on the way (remember at the end of the walk is Robin Hood’s Bay!). There is even a Robin Hood’s Grave on the way. Folklore, mythology and walker’s imagination is a lethal combination and is not surprising such Chair’s and Grave’s exist.

After the climb down on the south end of the lake is River Liza. After crossing the river, and a long walk parallel to the river comes Black Sail Hut (Black Sail Youth Hostel).

In between very tall hills (or was it mountains?), Black Sail Hut lies in a dramatic location. Sitting down in front of the hill with a few other walkers and having a relaxed snack, I didn’t have a clue what the next few hours held for me. That was the good thing.

Then came the steepest and most dangerous climb of my life.

In absolute terms, it wasn’t a big climb, just 650 metres. In fact during the rest of the walk, I did climb even higher hills. But this being the first serious climb I wasn’t prepared for it.

For a while the climb is through randomly laid out rocky steps. Occasionally the track fades away and one needs to be careful about every step (and not to miss one).

Half way through the walk many things went wrong. Very strong and cold wind was hitting my face, while my body is overheating as I was wearing a thick jacket. Being the second day of my walk (and due to my inexperience) I had all sort of things in my bag. The weight wasn’t an issue on the first two days, but during this climb, it was a real issue; it was dragging me down. And the most terrifying part is that the climb was very steep and has no safety barrier. One wrong step and it is half a kilometre fall straight down from the hill and having fear of heights also did not help!

I was really stuck half way through. Too tired and terrified to climb up and absolutely now way to climb down. All of a sudden, ten months of practice meant nothing.

I came for a Coast to Coast Walk, and not a Coast to Coast Climb.

That’s when the amazing thing happened. Along from Gary and Peter, half a dozen walkers whom I haven’t ever met before today, was encouraging and motivating me to climb up further and further. Tips like “take the jacket off”, “sip a little bit water”, “don’t look down”, “breathe steadily; breathe in through your nose and breathe out thorough your mouth”, “you are almost there” came in quick succession. Gary even offered me to carry my shoulder bag. Within 45 minutes I am at the top!

The sense of achievement has never been greater. And the views of the sea shore at St. Bees from the top, though many miles away, was an adequate compensation for all the effort.

After a few smaller ups and downs comes the Honsiter Slate Mine still producing high quality slates. Then comes a steep climb to Longthwaite and a short gentle walk by the side of a small river to today’s destination, Rosthwaite.

A much delayed update

2009-09-28T21:26:00.001+08:00

Is this blog dead?

Far from it – at least that is what I believe myself.

First the good news…

Over a month back I completed the Coast to Coast walk. I was religiously updating the blog for many months before the walk and for the first few days during the walk. I was so committed that I carried my Netbook in my shoulder bag during the long walks even though the extra 1 kilo weight of the Netbook made the walk more difficult.

Now the bad news (plural)…

As the walk got tough, I took longer and longer than expected to finish the walk each day. Even after starting at around 8:00 AM each day, the walk completed around 6:00 to 7:00 PM most days even though my hope and plan was to complete before 4:00PM! . After the walk each day there was barely enough time to have a quick dinner and a few pints of beer (correction - there is always time for beer) and just crash! I was too tired to blog! WiFi connectivity became harder and harder to obtain. Many villages did not even have mobile signals so WiFi was too much to ask. As soon as I reached back London, my Netbook crashed (it is a long story, details to follow). So I decided to continue updates after I am back in Singapore.

However I landed in Singapore in the middle of a house renovation/ house move. Things were so much tougher than I thought initially. And of course there were boxes, boxes and more boxes to be packed and moved. A month and a house move and a family emergency later, things have stabilized and I will start the updates next week.

Though my memory is not very good, I took notes, pictures and videos diligently throughout the walk. So I am hoping I can recreate the lengthy journey in finer details even though it has been a while since I completed the walk.

Updates start next week.

Day 1: Real Start

2009-08-13T01:31:00.001+08:00

Today’s Walk: St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge

Stayed at Stone House Farm: Rating – Very Good

After the tiring walk followed by a wonderful sleep I was eagerly looking forward towards Day 1. Most places in the UK, where you stay, provide you with a big breakfast, typically what is called an English breakfast (also nicknamed Cholesterol on a plate) consisting of sausage, toast, bacon, eggs, beans (all with lots and lots of oil). There will also be fruits salad, cereals and yoghurt. Once you have it, you will need a few hours to recover before you can even move. So I skipped the English Breakfast that and just had some toast and coffee.

The stay at Stone House Farm was very good. They had all the facilities including an option to cook (none of which I used). This place is very next to the St. Bees station and thus wasn’t difficult to get the luggage to the place of accommodation. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to stay at St. Bees. A couple of pubs and hotels are also very next to this place.

And now on to the walk. After retracing last days route back to the Village, I joined back the Coast to Coast trail.

Few steps later and has happened previously to me, the footpath disappears - but a board saying footpath is still there!

However the maps in the book I am following (by Terry Marsh) is excellent (though the markers on the path are not). The one below, written on a card board was facing the wrong direction and I realized it only after a few 100 metres.

The Terry Marsh book clearly shows all the landmarks and directions and has some high resolution maps which came in handy for me to find the right direction.

Around me everything looks picture perfect – I am in the middle of a a huge farm land with lots and lots of lambs and cows grazing with no worries and ignoring me totally (though this will not be the case in the coming days).

There is also railway line that goes across this field which I have to cross before I walk further. Here I hit my first snag. The map in the book and the real world doesn’t seem to match. There is no way to cross the line at the gate as it is locked. Am I supposed to jump over the gate? Or is there a way to open the gate?

With no one around for miles and now I realize decision making throughout this walk is going to be a tough task! Instead of jumping the gate, finally I decided that I will go a kilometre further away from my planned path, and cross the line through what looked liked a rarely used underpass. I am now half an hour behind schedule - not that I have anything urgent to do at Ennerdale Bridge.

On to Moor row, Cleator Moor and then on to Dent Fell.

Dent Fell became the first physically tiring part of the walk. It is a reasonably tall hill with a climb of reasonable inclination. As all my practices in Singapore was about climbing Bukit Timah, a hill that is 150 metres tall, Dent came in as a big shock. I had to really struggle to get on top of Dent (I had no clue it was many of such hills/mountains to come).

The descent from Dent posed another major challenge. With no laid out routes and with a very steep slope, simply put - it was frightening. One wrong step or one slip I will be going down a few hundred metres. This is not what I wanted to do.

Once Dent is covered, and after a long walk besides a stream it is the climb down to Ennerdale bridge.

And then at Ennerdale bridge, a pint of Ale is waiting at the Fox and Hounds, the pub where I would be staying.

After walking the first day alone, I was happy to meet a couple of fellow walkers – Peter and Garry – who will be with me for a few more days…

NB: This posting is a few days late – three reasons

WiFi is patchy and non-existent in some places
The walk took too long and I managed to reached my place of accommodation only after 6:00 PM (against my planned 4:00 PM)
I was too tired!

Day 0.5: Back in Time…

2009-08-10T16:24:00.001+08:00

I have just realized that my mobile cannot get any signal as I left St. Bees for the circular walk. It is progressively getting worse as I moved away from St. Bees. I don’t even dare to ask for WiFi as I got come cold stares when I asked for it the first time.

I am editing this post offline - if you are seeing this post online I some how managed to get a patchy connection somewhere.

There goes my plan to post each days walk as it happened. See you in a few days.

Day 0.5: Quick Start!

2009-08-10T16:19:00.001+08:00

An excellent place to start the walk

Day 0.5? Day 0 was done. Day 1 hasn’t started. So it has to be Day 0.5!

Three ironic things:

One of the classic nature walks, Coast to Coast Walk, starts at St. Bees Village, a village which is sandwiched between a nuclear power plant and chemical works factory!
The west to east direction Coast to Coast walk starts in the west direction!
After an year of planning, I started the Coast to Coast walk a day ahead of schedule!

After an early start from London, I reached St. Bees on Wednesday afternoon. The initial plan was to take rest for the rest of the day getting ready for the 14 day walk. However my land lady had a different suggestion. According to her, the weather hasn’t been this good for such a long time, and I should not miss a walk today. The suggestion was to cover the first 8 kilometres or so of the walk and then return to St. Bees. And on the next day, start from St. Bees again and rejoin the walk where I left it off the previous day. Sounded like a good idea. This will also give me an opportunity to see St.Bees head (a hill with steep cliffs facing the Irish sea) and the St. Bees light house leisurely without being worried about the long walk ahead on the first day.

So I started around 1:00 PM for the first part of the walk. So it is Day 0.5.

St. Bees is a small village with the biggest attraction being that it is the start point of the Coast to Coast walk. There are also a few shops, a few pubs and some B&B places for the walkers. A typical quiet English village.

St. Bees Village

Apart from that there is a very old church (and some mythology around it, as always) and an equally old school.

St. Bees Church

St. Bees School

The actual starting point of the walk, the St. Bees beach is slightly over a kilometre away from the village (and that walk doesn’t count!). The beach was very crowded – and I am hoping everyone in the beach did not come for a Coast to Coast walk – if so it will be a crowded walk! Fortunately most weren’t there for the walk – they were just having a picnic and some fun. I saw only a few walking up the St. Bees head.

As a ritual, I too dipped my foot in the Irish sea and started the walk.

The start of the C2C walk – Beach at the Irish sea

As I start climbing up the St. Bees head reality kicks in. Things are very different compared to what I practiced in Singapore. The climb to the top of St. Bees head is steep, walkways are non existent at certain points, and there is no fences on the sharp edges – one wrong step and it is a few hundred feet down! This is going to be much tougher than what I thought!

View of St. Bees from St. Bees head

As you climb up the St. Bees head, there is a magnificent view of the entire Village, that of the Irish sea and the farmlands in the background. After a couple of kilometres, I suddenly realize there is no one walking with me anymore, the few who were walking with me have disappeared, and the long path is front of me is deserted. And then the path almost disappears among thick growth of ferns. Time to get the map out and brush the map reading skills!

The red cliffs at St. Bees head

After crossing the St. Bees head, the must view thing is a few centuries old light house. I am not even sure whether it is operational. There seems to be no one around, even though there is a decent road leading to the light house.

St. Bees light house

Once the St. Bees head is covered it is a long walk back to St. Bees village. The walk back to the village is more than 5 kilometres. There goes the saving. I just covered 8 kilometres and to do that I have to walk an extra 10 kilometres.

I was back at the village around 6:00 PM. A quick bath and it is dinner time at a crowded village pub.

First night accommodation at Stone House farm

Day 0: Train Ride to St. Bees

2009-08-06T14:29:00.001+08:00

Today early morning I took a train from London Euston station to St. Bees. This involved two transfers, one at Preston and one at Barrow in Furness. There was only few minutes between the transfers. But everything went like clock work!

British train system has lot of bad press. But is not as bad as what people and press say. In fact after reading such articles, I had such low expectations of Britrail, they exceed expectations most of the time, which turns out to be a pleasant surprise for me.

My family and I have used the British rail service a few times in the past. Without doubt I can say trains are the best mode of transport when you travel around with young kids. They can move around (and run around), play with other kids, they can sleep comfortably lying down when they gets tired, the scenery keeps changing, try different food, get out an explore stations on the way – it has got all that can keep kids engaged and educated. After trying many types of trains in many countries in Asia and Europe it is my favourite mode of transport as well – even though I not young any more.

From London to Preston it was a Virgin Express train with all the bells and whistles, like in seat dining, Wifi and mobile repeaters. Unfortunately the first two were for business class and I wasn't in it. At Preston I changed to a TransPenine Express Train – with just two compartments. At Barrow when I changed the trains again, the new train just had one compartment!

20 minutes from London, the scenery changes to the country side. Grass lands, yellow and purple flowers, canals and boats, sheep, sheep and more sheep. There is so much sheep in UK, it will make New Zealand look bad. Strangely lamb is such a small part of restaurant menus in the UK, I wonder what is done with all these sheep's?

All of a sudden it started raining heavily. Along with rain and the mist the outside initially it looked like “Middle Earth”, but as the rain became strong the outside scenery completely disappeared. I turned my attention to a few magazines I bought at the station about walking and trekking (there are quiet a few!). In one of the magazines they were describing how to go for walking in summer at the end of each day after work, camp and be back to the office the next day morning on time!

30 minutes later and after change of trains the rain has completely disappeared and everything looks bright.

At Preston Station while I was clicking heavily one of the station attendants insisted (nicely) that I have to see the Plaque unveiled by the Queen. Here is a picture of the Plaque.

The Station itself looked grand with its bright red and green architecture.

Finally after almost 5 hours of train journey I reached St. Bees station – as expected a very small train station.

Day T-1: London

2009-08-05T01:03:00.001+08:00

Today’s Walk: London

Planned distance: Unplanned, Actual distance: 21.44 km; Time taken 4 hours 10 minutes

Whether you fly a A380 or just a normal plane, a 13 hour flight is tiring. Two movies, few hours of sleep, a supper, a snack and a breakfast later I am still dazed.

In the morning 7:30 itself I managed to get an early check-in (at no cost!) at my favorite Rhodes hotel in Paddington. I have stayed here 4 times in the past, and is very impressed with this hotel. It is relatively inexpensive, has all facilities including Free WiFi and I even got free calls. After freshening up I did the best thing to avoid a jet lag – go for a long walk.

London is my favourite city for any holiday. After been here more than half a dozen times and after spending considerable amount of (holiday) time, I still find something new (which itself may be very old!) every time I come here. And, I have to say this, is the best city for pedestrians. There is so much to see by just walking.

There are very few cities in the world where the old and new mix so well. As a prominent financial nerve center of the world, cutting edge innovations happen (including some of the now disastrous financial products) in some of the buildings that haven’t changed even a bit over centuries.

Yes, the city has its problems of over crowding, crawling traffic (complemented by a wonderful underground train network), violence, pick pocketing and what not. But don’t most cities in the world have all of those?

As always today I went for a long and directionless walk with only one objective – come back to where I started after few hours.

The weather was terrible – it was dull, dark and damp – with frequent rains. So by British standards just a normal day. See the attached photo. No, it is not a black and white photo – that is how London looked today.

The weather motivated me to do some quick shopping for a better weatherproof clothing other than what I was carrying. I managed to get a Goretex jacket (which guarantees to keep me dry) , almost one third the price in Singapore. I am surprised!

In the evening I am going for a guided walk - what do you expect out of me anyway?

London has a variety of informative and educational walks like British Museum Walks and Tower of London walks where a knowledgeable guide takes you for a couple of hours of walk at interesting locations and tell the stories behind it. But who cares about such walks when there are Jack the Ripper Walk, Harry Porter Walk, Da Vinci Code Walk, Sherlock Holmes walk, Ghost Walk and Pub Walk which is much more fun!

Net connection is going to be choppy in the coming days. So you may not hear from me everyday.

Here is a collection of random photos from today trip.

Day T-2: In the beginning…

2009-08-03T22:08:00.001+08:00

May be it is the mid-life crisis.

Early in 2008 I realized, that in 2009 I will be 40 years old and I want to do something worthwhile, something tough, something inspirational and something I can tell my kids with pride when they grow up. Looking at myself then (and weighing around 77 Kilos) I decided if what ever I do has to be a tough task, there should be an element of fun in it, otherwise I cannot motivate myself to do it anyway. After a little bit of research I come to a conclusion, I cannot climb Everest, I cannot do a Triathlon, I cannot swim the English Channel and I cannot even run a marathon. The only thing I could do worthwhile is a long distance walk (and that too listening to music).

I chose the “Coast to Coast” walk in the UK devised by a gentleman named Alfred Wainwright. “Cost to Coast” walk is a 308 kilometre walk across England starting at St Bees in Cumbria, the west coast of England, and ending at North Sea coast at Robin Hood's Bay, the east coast of England and can be done in about two weeks. It had all the elements I was looking for – a reasonably long and tough walk, English country side, Moors, Lakes, Nature parks, Inns and of course pubs.

I started practising lightly towards mid of 2008, and started taking it seriously by November 2008 when I started this blog describing my walks and my plan to do a Coast to Coast walk. Once you go public on a blog (with 4,582 unique visitors from 100 countries/territories to date) you cannot go back on your word. So I have taken my walks more serious and have covered 829.5 kilometres in the last 8+ months and in the meanwhile as an added bonus, I have lost around 5 kilos. The details of my every single walk to date is here.

The Perils of Travel:

Terrorism, Bird Flu, SARS and now H1N1 (Swine Flu) - the world is becoming a more dangerous place. The effect of all of this on travel is significant. It makes all of us worried, especially when UK has now become a hot bed of H1N1.

What if you get quarantined in the UK (I have heard horror stories about NHS, the National Health Service)? Isn’t the weather this year “bad”? Isn’t the British Pound strengthening? Isn’t this a bad time to travel? Questions? Questions? My take is - after all when is it a good time to travel? How would one know if tomorrow is a better day to travel?

I had decided the dates for this trip well in advance, as early mid last year. Even though the travel scene has gone from bad to worse (Singapore Airlines is likely to post a full year loss for the first time, even worse than the SARS period) I have decided I will not change the dates of my trip, even after a health scare 10 days back (not H1N1, just a throat infection, but the doctor who treated me had H1N1!). I felt it is a risk worth taking. Thankfully my family is also very supportive of this walk – they have seen me practicing for this walk for a long time. I would miss them a lot, especially the two young kids. I have never been away from them this long, ever.

Singapore to London:

Tonight (03/August, around 10:15 PM Singapore time) I am posting this blog entry from the Silver Kris lounge at the Singapore airport (benefits of being a frequent flyer) waiting for the A380 flight to London. 3.5G is great (and I hope UK will continue to offer me either 3.5G or at least WiFi). And after a very long trip to the east saving me 7 hours (which I loose promptly when I fly back) I will be in London tomorrow morning.

Day T-2: Recap – Coast to Coast Walk Distances

2009-08-03T14:17:00.001+08:00

Day 1	St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge	22.5 km
Day 2	Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite	22.5 km
Day 3	Rosthwaite to Grasmere	14.5 km
Day 4	Grasmere to Patterdale	13.0 km
Day 5	Patterdale to Shap	26.0 km
Day 6	Shap to Kirkby Stephen	32.5 km
Day 7	Kirkby Stephen to Keld	19.5 km
Day 8	Keld to Reeth	17.5 km
Day 9	Reeth to Richmond	16.5 km
Day 10	Richmond to Ingleby Cross	35.5 km
Day 11	Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top	20.0 km
Day 12	Clay Bank Top to Glaisdale	29.0 km
Day 13	Glaisdale to Littlebeck	13.0 km
Day 14	Littlebeck to Robin Hoods Bay	18.0 km
Total	Coast to Coast walk	300 km

Raffles Hotel – The Video

2009-07-07T22:02:00.001+08:00

And here is a video version of my earlier blog entry.

Raffles Hotel

2009-07-02T07:12:00.001+08:00

Raffles Hotel is possibly the most famous landmark in Singapore.

Last weekend I spend time with my father and my son walking around the hotel and spending a bit of time at one of the famous establishments in there (more on it later).

Nestled among the modern skyscrapers, Raffles Hotel preserves quiet a bit of the history it has been associated for more than 120 years.

It is interesting to note that this Singapore icon was owned by many non-Singaporeans (in the traditional sense). The founders of the hotel, Sarkies Brothers were Armenians, and the owner of the building, Syed Mohamed Alsagoff was an Arab trader. Even the latest owner, Colony Capital, is a California based company. It all shows the position of Singapore as an important trading centre than anything else (as well as the importance of having enough money). Strange, it may look today; Asian’s weren’t allowed as guests in the hotel until the 1930’s.

What is the most important part of Raffles Hotel – Expansive rooms? Tropical Gardens? No. It will be the Long Bar and its famous Singapore Sling. This cocktail was invented by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in the earlier 1900 is a concotation of equal parts of gin, cherry brandy, and Benedictine shaken and then filled with club soda.

Generations of world famous and not so famous must have drunk Singapore Sling and must have eaten the unlimited servings of peanuts with it at Raffles Hotel! For non-alcoholics there is also a Virgin Sling (does it indicates Singapore is not a virgin?)

At S$23 + taxes, Singapore Sling (with a free “flow” of peanuts) at Raffles Hotel is an expensive drink. No choice – we too had to try it out! Three generations tried these world famous drinks – except the youngest one just tried hot chocolate. It is interesting to note that loads of foreign tourists are hurried in to be fed with one of these drinks.

Another curious thing to notice is that Raffles Hotel faces the Beach Road – but there is no beach or sea in sight! Land reclamation over time has literally moved the sea and the beach half a kilometer away. Raffles Hotel facing the sea - what a sight it would have been!

Here is some more interesting information about Raffles Hotel:

Raffles Hotel’s famous guests include Charlie Chaplin, Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham (who called it “the legendary symbol for all the fables of the exotic east”), Queen Elizabeth and Michael Jackson.
The last known wild tiger in Singapore was shot at the hotel more than hundred years back. In spite of the name “Singapura” (“Singa” means Lion) there were no wild lions in Singapore.
The hotel was scheduled for demolition in the 1980’s. But sense prevailed. Presidential suites now go at S$ 3,000 a night!

My Nokia Widget

2009-06-30T22:11:00.001+08:00

Nokia N97 review: After One Week*

2009-06-23T10:59:00.003+08:00

Likes: Nokia Music Store where I could download millions of songs (and I have downloaded thousands already)
Dislikes: Music store takes ages to load, terribly slow, poor search capabilities and frequently crash

Likes: Nokia Music Store where I was able to download wonderful long forgotten songs which I could not get anywhere else
Dislikes: Norton 360 antivirus thinking Nokia Music Store (or some component) of it as a Trojan.

Likes: Lock button on the phone to lock key board. The screen goes dark instantly saving battery.
Dislikes: The screen does not lighten up when it is unlocked. Lock again and unlock and it works fine

Likes: USB cable that can charge the battery and sync contents
Dislikes: Some times it does not charge the battery. Still haven’t found out the reason

Likes: Auto-sync between the computer and phone
Dislikes: Has to press OK twice to start this process

Likes: Voice recognition
Dislikes: Does not work with any reasonable accuracy

Likes: Handwriting recognition calculator
Dislikes: Nothing here, it works!

Likes: Pre-loaded with applications to grab news, stock quotes etc.
Dislikes: Dislikes – no way to measure or control data downloads

Likes: Nothing about Ovi store
Dislikes: Everything about Ovi store. When comparing with Android Marketplace, Windows Marketplace and Apple store, Ovi store is a disgrace

Likes: Able to play lots of music when going for a walk
Dislikes: No Sportstracker for N97

* Are the dislike due to a bug or is it a feature? Only time will tell!

Nokia N97 Review

2009-06-14T19:14:00.001+08:00

And how Nokia lost the PC/Internet integration plot…

I got hold of my new Nokia N97 yesterday. The telco, Starhub delivered it at home (though I have put in a Singtel SIM card!). I was eagerly looking forward to getting this phone.

Closely following the latest mobile trends, I believe there are three distinct technologies fighting a big battle for the dominance of mobile world – iPhone with it coolness and infinite number of third party applications, Android Phones (like HTC magic) with its open architecture and user extendibility and Nokia (and few other players) with the updated Symbian OS and its stability.

I always loved my Nokia phones – my first one was a Nokia 6110 - probably the best phone ever (may not be a smart phone, but it was a great phone). Except once when I tried a HP Windows mobile, all the other phones I always used was a Nokia model. Every one of them was better than the previous one.

Then came the period where the Nokia phones started talking with PC’s and Internet for the firs time. Nokia started loosing it. Every time I tried using Nokia software on a PC it misbehaved. The Nokia Ovi website is too slow and many times down – so are the other websites like http://sportstracker.nokia.com, which I use to track my walks. The great phone was not able to work with PC/Internet properly. The Nokia application on my Vista PC started hanging frequently.

The height of the problem was when I found out that Nokia has started quietly uploading the music I am playing while walking to its website. No way to switch it off – and my emails to Nokia went unanswered! Some much for privacy!

I also have different names and passwords to remember – one for ovi.com website one for my Nokia music website and … can’t remember!

I still stuck with Nokia and applied for the latest N97 phone. After all it has a better display, for me to see my maps better, and even a digital compass a saving grace for someone like me who is directionally challenged.

And today when I got my N97, the first thing I want to add to the phone is the Sports tracker tool – oops – Nokia Sports Tracker does not support N97 (or vice versa). Yes, Sports Tracker is beta, but when I upgrade my phone, I am expecting an “upgrade” and not a “downgrade”. There goes the plan to use the new phones to track my walks.

On installation, Noki Ovi Store does not install properly as download failed. However the rest of the components did install correctly. I had to reboot the machine and try again to make it Ovi store work (and it did). Even from the phone Ovi store worked just 2 out of 4 times I tried.

Having said all that, leaving aside Internet/PC integration, the Nokia N97 is a wonderful phone. Looks cool, very customizable (it also comes with a lot of re-learning on how to use a Nokia phone). A 5 mega pixel camera with a lens protector, 32MB memory, slide out keyboard, lots of pre-installed applications including Facebook and Straits Times. Well, if you want technical review, there are hundreds of reviews already online.

The biggest plus for me is that the phone “Comes with Music”. Millions of songs waiting to be (legally) downloaded – that itself is worth the price of the new phone! I have already downloaded hundreds of songs. The collection is amazing – equally amazing is the fact that all the songs downloaded, can be kept even after the free subscription (for one year) is over. I just can’t believe it. And yes, the music plays in one PC also.

And of course the new phone comes with a new power connector tip, ensuring that all the old Nokia power cables are all obsolete! When is this going to end?

In summary - a wonderful phone with a lousy PC/internet integration…

Just one thing, I haven’t made a call with the phone yet. Let me try to find out how to make a call….

Little India

2009-06-05T20:36:00.001+08:00

There are certain things in life which a picture or even a video cannot capture. The sights, smell and sounds of Little India is one of them.

Even after heavy “sterilization”, Little India still give you some clues on what Singapore was like in the earlier days - scenes that are fast disappearing from the Singapore landscape.

The “Little India walk” (my version, in fact most people’s version!), is a walk from Mustafa Shopping mall to Tekka Mall through narrow lanes besides packed shops selling everything Indian (and few non-Indian stuff).

Sights: There are hundreds of shops selling Indian spices, groceries, and a huge collection of saris, wood carvings, bangles, jewellery, books, cheap souvenirs and what not.

Smell: It is filled with scents of Indian food (North and South), spices, vegetables, jasmine garlands and even raw meat!

Sound: Temple chants, street side vendors inviting you to their shops (there are at least 3 “Cheapest Shop in Singapore” in this stretch), people bargaining (increasing this is becoming extinct), sound of Indian music blaring from music shops.

Little India offers so much to visitors and locals to see, hear, smell, taste and experience!

Here is my effort to catch Little India on video. The 9 minute 58 seconds long (youtube.com has a maximum of 10 minutes) Little India walk video is somewhat headache inducing because of the shaking of the hand held video camera.

My Walk Number 101

2009-05-25T17:40:00.001+08:00

And it is also the first (Google) Map on my wlog.

View Walk 101 in a larger map

100 Walks, 584 Kilometres!

2009-05-25T16:06:00.001+08:00

Last weekend I completed my first 100 walks covering an approximate distance of 584 kilometres. Most of the walks were in Singapore – but I had short walks in Bangkok, Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei as well.

Here is a snapshot of my various Singapore walks.

1.8+ Million Word Blog Entry!

2009-05-08T23:33:00.001+08:00

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a minute of video worth?

The answer is 1.8 million words.

i.e. 30 frames (pictures) per second x 60 seconds x 1000 words = 1.8million words!

I purchased a new Creative Vado HD pocket camcorder, to complement my digital camera.

This is the third Video camera I am buying in the last 15 years. With each new purchase the video quality improves, price and size of the video camcorder drops! Vado is very much a pocket camcorder – almost the same size as my Nokia N95 (and one fifth the size of my first video camera). It can record video at 720p resolution and display video on TV at 1080i resolution. It can record High Definition video for 2 hours on the 8GB internal memory. The replaceable battery, that gets charged via the USB connector also lasts exactly for 2 hours!

The first noticeable aspect is that the Vado comes in a very compact package. Not having a bulky package for Vado seems to be an environmentally friendly move – this would have helped reduce the Vado shipping related carbon footprint a lot. And this is the first piece of hardware I ever bought which did not have a bulky power pack – in fact there is no power pack at all! All charging is through the in-built USB. The only wish I have is that the packaging should have included is a wrist strap – after all how much will it cost – 25 cents?

No problems to date on the Vado hardware front – everything is working as promised and as expected. I have shot three dozen short videos – kids (who runs around too fast), grown up’s (who walks too slow), indoors, outdoors, with sunlight, with low light and even a couple of Bollywood movie stars – all of them seems to produce fine videos.

Playing a video from Vado to my LCD TV also worked like a breeze, with the included HDMI cable. The 1080i resolution looked great on the TV screen. I have also (successfully) uploaded a video to youtube.com and tried that feature as well.

My only gripe till this point – the Vado memory should have been a replaceable one. With memory prices dropping, this would have enabled moving up the ladder to a 16, 32 or 64GB over the next couple of years without throwing away the entire Vado unit. I am sure such a product is in the queue – hopefully there is an exchange policy for a newer generation of Vado.

One problem I faced is finding a good video editor that can run on my 2 year old Vista PC. Windows Movie Maker simply “hangs” and Cyberlink Power Director 7 (trial) says “runtime error” and then hangs.

Finally I started using the built in Vado HD software, which I overlooked initially, and it seems to be working fine.

Attached are a couple of different “remixes” of a short clip I shot.

A Walk in Taipei!

2009-05-03T15:56:00.001+08:00

In my view Taiwan, especially Taipei (I haven’t visited any place outside Taipei anyway!), is a very efficient and functional place.

Roads are laid out like grids, most buildings are no architectural wonders – even Taipei 101 is just the tallest building (still) in the world.

For a “walker” Taipei is an ideal place to walk. It is very unlikely one would get lost with even the rudimentary map reading skills – and I did not. Apart from the visit to the Xin Tian Temple and Xin Sheng Park, there are very few interesting aspects I came across during my walk.

Filled with burning incenses Xin Tian temple is a busy temple with hundreds of devotees offering their prayers at any time.

The Xin Sheng park, next to busy streets, seems to provide local residents a much appreciated recreational space and also acts as a green lungs to the city. A few interesting sculptures dot the park.

One thing noticeable thing in Taipei is the large number of entrepreneurial activities by the locals. Even with dozens of multi-national chain stores around, they are still (tens of?) thousands of mom and pop shops in every nook and corner – especially the many that serves (supposed to be) delicious street food.

Neon lit streets in the night seems to be the norm wherever one goes to North Asia – whether it is Shanghai or Hong Kong. It is the same in Taipei as well.

The moment you land to the moment you leave – you will notice the efficiency and the entrepreneurial spirit of the city. No wonder the latest cutting edge mobile phones, laptops and new technology gadgets all come from Taiwan.

Shanghai By Night Video

2009-04-29T20:25:00.001+08:00

My first attempt to upload a video to youtube and then display it on my Wlog.

This is a view of Pudong and Bund in Shanghai at night as described in my previous post.

A Walk in Shanghai!

2009-04-18T21:48:00.001+08:00

Well make it two.

The first experience in Shanghai after landing at the Pudong airport shook me to the core. A taxi driver took me from the airport to Pudong city centre in 30 minutes flat - normally this should have taken 45 minutes to an hour. Sitting in a taxi that cuts across lanes with no regard of incoming traffic at 130 kilometres an hour, and with no seatbelts as well as with the windows open (with very loud wind hitting your ears) and a driver talking on his mobile phone most of the times and with full music blasting is indeed a scary experience. But in the remaining three days in Shanghai I realized this is not a regular experience – most drivers drive reasonably.

In preparation for the World Expo 2010, the entire city of Shanghai is going through a major construction exercise. New roads, railway lines and bridges are being built. Old buildings are being brought down, and in their place huge new structures are coming up. The entire city is being greened. Shanghai is trying to show its sibling city, Beijing (which hosted Olympics), that they can do better. With slightly more than a year left for the Expo, things are going to get more and more interesting.

Another noticeable thing in Shanghai is that the traffic was not as bad as I expected from a major city. Even during peak periods, traffic at Pudong is well managed. Not sure whether this is due to the economic crisis, or is the traffic situation managed very well by authorities.

I managed to walk along the river side at Pudong on one day (which is east of Huangpu River) and the Bund, People’s Garden and Nanjing Lu (which are on the west of Huangpu River). And these are indeed contrasting areas of the city. Pudong, in the east of the river has all the new tall gleaming buildings where as the Bund area has all the late 19^th and early 20^th century buildings (there are still many skyscrapers behind these old buildings).

Pudong:

Pudong literally means “East of the river (Huang)”. My Chinese vocabulary has grown by two words - “Pu” is river and “Dong” is east.

Just two decades back, Pudong was mainly farmland. Now it is land of concrete, steel and glass – including some of the tallest buildings in the world. Many multi-nationals have their office in this area and there are also dozens (or is it hundreds) of four and five star hotels. But unlike many down town areas in other countries, this seems to be less crowded. With it ever growing infrastructure, Pudong can match any city in the world. And yes, Pudong has McDonalds, Starbucks, Hagen Daz ice cream parlours and even Hooters!

There is a touristy (read expensive – RMB50 two way) underground sight seeing tunnel with a variety of flashing lights that connects Pudong to the Bund.

People’s Square:

On the opposite end (of Bund) of Nanjing Lu Pedestrian mall, is People’s Park and People’s Square.

This is the area where City Hall, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Arts Museum and Shanghai Grand Theatre are also situated.

Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall:

This is the most famous shopping street and Pedestrian Mall in whole of China. It starts near People’s square and ends at the Bund. Everyone in here is selling something. With traffic free wide streets, shops with neon lights on both sides, this is an experience of a lifetime. Thousands throng this street each day to see an experience the unbelievable shopping possibilities.

In my view, this is the heart of capitalism in China. Every seller's portfolio includes (fake) Polo T-Shirt, (fake) Rolex, Friendship, Massage, Sexy Massage and Sex Massage, in that order.

As a tourist, you cannot walk a meter without some one trying to sell something to you – no wonder there is an electric buggy ride from one end to the other. If you do not stop it is a 30 to 45 minutes walk – if you stop, this walk can take for ever.

The old man and a vintage car, which is a rare sight in Nanjing Lu. With the large scale immigration, Chinese cities like Shanghai are becoming younger and younger. Much of the younger generation in these cities also talks at least basic English. This wasn’t the case at all during my last visit 4 years back. What a change.

Bund:

Bund means Embankment (a Hindi/Urdu word!) is on the west of the river. This stretch of the river side which faces Pudong is where many of the colonial era European-style buildings are – which in the early 19^th century was the most famous street in Asia!

Extensive renovation is going in this area – and is now very pedestrian unfriendly because of all the diggings and constructions going on. By 2010, this rejuvenated area is expected to be wonderful sight.

On late evenings and weekends the embankment is full of visitors, and 95% of them seem to be locals - I was very surprised there are only few visitors in here. The main (in fact) the only sight is the view of Pudong – as most of the buildings on the side of the Bund are not visible because of the ongoing constructions that are going on.

With the exotic mix old and the new, the two walks were wonderful.

Ending the “Win an Autographed Post Card Competition”

2009-04-17T15:08:00.001+08:00

I am sure – it is not working. I can’t find a winner for the month of March also. So I have decided to end this competition.

I will think about something new in the coming days. In the meanwhile I have promised myself to keep the Wlog frequently updated to make it more worthwhile for the readers.

Coast to Coast Walk - Booked!

2009-03-15T08:47:00.001+08:00

After much debate (mostly with myself) I have finally decided on my Coast to Coast walk dates. It will be a 14 day walk starting on 06th to 19th of August 2009. Add a couple of days in the front and back for the to and fro travel via London.

The flights have already been booked - thanks to the Singapore airlines frequent flyer points. But there are hefty surcharges - I wonder what are these anyway in these times of very low fuel prices? Surcharges simply looks like a way to promise free air miles to customers and then make them pay more money to use the "free" air miles. Anyway I have to say Singapore Airlines and its loyalty program is in a much better shape - airline miles in some carriers are worth nothing after they filed for bankruptcy!

The accommodation booking for the Coast to Coast Walk has already started. I have narrowed down to Sherpavan for accommodation booking and the daily baggage transfer. Hope the nice folks at Sherpavan will find some nice cosy accommodation for 15 days (14 day walk + 1 extra day at start point). I have indicated my preference as a mix and match of accommodations - Farm Houses, Pubs (hurray), and Bed and Breakfast places. This would be a wonderful chance to explore a variety of country side accommodations. But in reality, after a long day of walk (on some days up to 35 kilometres) one just needs a simple and clean place to stay.

Now there are no excuses - there is less than 5 months to prepare! Full steam ahead.

Review of A Northern Coast to Coast Walk by Terry Marsh

2009-03-07T17:59:00.001+08:00

A Northern Cost to Coast Walk by Terry Marsh

One is good, two is better.

I finished reading the second book on the Coast to Coast walk.

This book, is diametrically opposite to Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk book. Colour photos instead of black and white drawing, plain facts instead of facts mixed with dry humour, simplicity instead of enlightening experience (as simple as talking a route through the valley, instead of the hilltop) and printed like any standard book instead of hand written notes. To be exact this is a "practical book" with standard Ordnance Survey maps. The water proof plastic cover should come in handy in the wet English weather. However I will never know which book was more helpful during the walk until I walk!

One unique thing is that this book explains walking from west to east and vice versa. Following Wainwright's advice, most of the other books and article I read and browsed through only talks about the west to east walk making sure the sun and wind are hitting your back instead of your face. But I feel alternate views are always good for the non conformists.

The author, Terry Marsh, is introduced as a writer and photographer since 1980. And indeed he is a good photographer seeing all the nice pictures in the book. The appendices include some useful addresses, reference books and the like.

The usual full disclosures apply.

Autographed Post Card Competition - February 2009

2009-03-01T15:16:00.001+08:00

Unfortunately there is no winner this month as none qualified the conditions set - i.e. (1) Be a subscriber and (2) Post at least one comment.

Any thoughts on how to change the competition welcome. What about a free give away of the Coast to Coast walk book each quarter?

Review of "A Coast to Coast Walk" by Alfred Wainwright

2009-02-26T20:20:00.001+08:00

Coast to Coast Walk: A Pictorial Guide (Wainwright Pictorial Guides)

As promised earlier here is a review of one of the Coast to Coast books.

Let me start with some interesting experience I had purchasing this book.

I, based in Singapore, ordered this book from amazon.com in the US as I couldn’t find a copy of this book in Singapore. Alfred Wainwright's A Coast to Coast Walk was published in London, UK. The book was couriered from the US, travelled to Germany, Dubai, Bangkok and finally reached Singapore. When I open the book it says “Printed and bound in Singapore” Welcome to the world of globalisation!

And about the book – It is simply a classic! Almost 40 years after it is written, it is till such a great read.

In 1970's Alfred Wainwright (fondly called as "AW") came up with the idea of a Coast to Coast Walk - walking from the west to the east of England. According to him, the route he designed is one of the many Cast to Coast Walks and he encourages his readers to experiment. And many have done so.

It is such a unique book; anyone who plans to do a Coast to Coast Walk (in fact any one who loves walking) should read this book. Most interesting is the section "Some Personal Notes" with Wainwright’s writes about long distance walking, the various long distance walking routes in England, how he devised (a) Cost to Coast Walk, the good and the bad of long distance walking and walkers. It ends by saying

"I finished the Pennine Way with relief, the Coast to Coast Walk with regret. That's the difference".

Nothing like getting direct advice from the inventor of the Coast to Coast Walk (and tried not to patent it!)!

The book with handwritten text and pictures drawn by Wainwright, is unique (I have never seen another book of this sort) though some times cause excessive eye strain. Read a page, take a break, and then read another…

Though originally written in the 1970’s, it has been updated to reflect the changes landscapes go through. New villages and roads have come up. Old walkways have disappeared. Looks like all these changes are updated in the book. Having said that I am yet to do the Coast to Coast walk – so I am never sure.

A final piece….

I have learned one thing the hard way. If you are based in Asia, check prices of books and DVD’s (especially originating from UK) at both Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. The UK Amazon in many cases seems to be much cheaper – sometimes up to 50% off. One reason could be due to the decline of UK Pounds. The other one is probably because goods tend to be cheaper in “home markets”. After comparison of prices, all my new orders of DVD’s and Books on Coast to Coast walk has gone to amazon.co.uk and I have saved a lot of Singapore dollars!

_________________________________________________

Full disclosure: I have registered as an Amazon.com associate (not yet Amazon.co.uk associate) and if you purchase these books from Amazon clicking the links above I earn an associate fee. All fees earned from the above two links (if any!), will be given away to charities.

The Lost Railway Line

2009-02-24T20:12:00.001+08:00

For many, an abandoned railway line in Singapore sounds quiet an unlikely thing. When I stumbled upon such a railway track I too was really surprised. I don't remember hearing about such a railway line ever.

The line starts near Clementi (at least that's where I found the start) and runs all the way to Jurong East – and goes over a bridge – which is still intact!

Here are some photos of that railway line and the bridge.

After the walk, I came back and did some research. Interesting to see that many have walked the same route and there is good information available online. So let me not repeat the words already spoken in the web, instead let me provide the links.

http://goodmorningyesterday.blogspot.com/2008/05/ulu-pandan-heritage-trail-9-lost.html

http://sgblogs.com/entry/tracks-trail-bridge-river-pandan/227544

I have a suggestion – as a part of the upcoming Jurong/Lakeside revamp, this line should be developed into a children’s railway line. They will enjoy it a lot. After all the land, an old line etc. is already there. It will be very cost effective as well.

A Two Thousand Thanks!

2009-02-22T18:08:00.001+08:00

Towards 22'nd of January my blog received its thousandth visitor.

Now, less than a month later, the blog now had it's two thousandth visitor!

Thanks a lot!

Bukit Batok Nature Park

2009-02-17T21:23:00.001+08:00

East is blue and west is green. That's how I always thought about Singapore.

My personal observation (though not justifiable with statistical data) is that the west (in fact north west) part of Singapore is much greener and has a lot more natural parks (and forests). On the east of Singapore are the nice beaches - reclaimed or not - all the way from Changi in the north to Marina Bay and Sentosa in the south. Yes, west has its own beach, the West Coast Park - however I think it is more of a park and less of a beach (as the water is somewhat muddy).

And of course in the centre of Singapore we have the "green lungs of Singapore" which is evident from the Google satellite maps.

Bukit Batok Nature Park, which I frequently visit, is one of the nice parks in the west. There is a "lake", a garden, children’s play area, resting areas, walking tracks and some hill climbing tracks. The "lake" is an old disused quarry - but the word "lake" always seems to improve neighbouring property prices - so like most, I also call it as a "lake". The steep hills surrounding the lake create unique bio diversity. There are only very few animals - mostly monkeys - but there are a lots of fish and other creatures like tortoise in and around the lake.

The foot paths of these hill climbing tracks, partially destroyed in the last year's rain, are now newly laid out.

This park is very popular on late evenings, especially on weekends with hundreds of joggers, climbers and walkers and lots of children.

Through the climbing track originating in the park one can reach the top at a place formerly called as Syonan Chureito, which once had a Japanese Shinto shrine and war memorial. Today nothing of the shrine remains, except 121 concrete steps that once led to the shrine. The Mediacorp transmission tower occupies the site of the shrine. On the steps now there is also a plaque named Bukit Batok Memorial, explaining the details of the Japanese occupation of Singapore.

From various points of this track, one can enjoy a good view of the lake and at the end, from the steps of the Bukit Batok Memorial there is also a unique view of the Singapore city centre and CBD which is probably 20 kilometres away.

Also nearby is a area filled with coconut trees, which stands out!

Through Park Connector Networks, this park is connected to Bukit Batok Town Park as well as Bukit Timah Hill Reserve.

A Walk in Bangkok

2009-02-11T21:50:00.001+08:00

My first feeling was that of astonishment. For an airport that was besieged by tens of thousands of protestors, the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport looked pristine. Even the city and streets looked much cleaner than from my last visit, apart from the occasional mysterious “BNE was here” posters (I wonder what it is!).

It looked business as usual – with no signs of political instability anywhere or even concern about it. In summary things looked too normal including the infamous Bangkok Traffic!

Erawan Shrine

One of two evenings I was there, I went for a couple of hour long walk. I started walking with no specific route in mind – from Erawan shrine next to Ratchadamri BTS sky train, closer to where I was staying, and in the direction of Chao Pharaya river.

The streets and footpaths in Bangkok are not pedestrian friendly. Footpaths are full of potholes and most surfaces are uneven. In many places you have to use some sky bridges to cross the road which makes walking even short distances tiring. The traffic is also very chaotic and even walking on the footpaths in some cases are risky. However that is the end of all the negatives.

Looking at the bustling street life and a variety of experiences on the streets - vendors selling street food, hundreds of discount stores, nice street side temples and even nicer Thai people, one tends to forget about all the negatives. Every minute of the walk is enjoyable and very memorable. Though Bangkok is full of tourists most seems to skip the streets in favour of Tuk Tuk and Taxis. They don’t know what they are missing!

Tuk Tuk's

Finally I reached one of the tributaries of the Chao Phraya river. It looked like a quiet stretch. If not as much as Amsterdam or Venice, the canals forms a major lifeline in Bangkok with boats and river side houses. Just imagine getting in front of your hours on a boat every day – how cool is that! However the water looks stagnant and sort of greenish.

River side living

Walking along the river tributary I reached the Bangkok Railway station. For the first time I also realized there is an underground railway network in Bangkok as one of the underground stations is near to the main railway station.

Bangkok Railway Station

The gold lined Bangkok Railway station is a spectacle by itself. Thriving with hundreds, even thousands of passengers the high domed train station has to be seen to experience its uniqueness.

As it was getting darker by the minute I went for a quick stroll near the river, climbed up a bridge that crosses the river to have a good view.

Chao Phraya river

As always street markets, notably selling food was all over the place in and around the river. Finally I got on to the Sky Train at Taksin station and got back to the city centre.

I also wanted to walk in the Lumpini Park – but that has to wait for the next visit.

For some strange reason my Nokia N95 GPS did not work during the day of this walk. However next day it all seems to be fine. I am puzzled!

Time Travel - Part II

2009-02-07T19:39:00.001+08:00

Earlier I talked about my time travel experience. I recently found out that experience extends further as you go along the railway track all the way to Woodlands. I have attached a few shots at the Rail Mall area in Upper Bukit Timah Road below.

January 2009 Winner (and Looser)!

2009-01-31T19:04:00.001+08:00

Winner:

rainfield61 is the winner of the Autographed Post Card Competition for the month of January 2009.

I thank you for your active participation and feedback.

An email is on its way with the details.

Looser:

And that would be me! Instead of the promised 200 kilometres I just walked 126 kilometres this month. I would like to blame it on my hectic work schedule and then the one week holiday (and too much food). :)

The only bright spot is the four and a half hour 25+ kilometre walk I did earlier this week.

Time Travel!

2009-01-28T17:27:00.001+08:00

Is time travel possible? Can you go back in time to find how Singapore was 30 - 40 years back? I am not asking you to look at old photos in a museum, but be there physically. Yes it possible!

One such place is the Bukit Timah Railway Station.

The word “Railway Station” is a misnomer – no train stops here (at least officially). But yes, there is a very real railway station, few rail tracks, a full time person manning the station, and then… nothing much.

The Bukit Timah Railway Station is off the Bukit Timah/ Dunearn Road, closer to the Bukit Timah Plaza end, just next to the McDonalds (what a landmark!). It is easy to spot – just look at the very unusual bridge over the Bukit Timah road.

Though posh condominiums line up on both sides, the middle stretch the track passes and its surrounding looks as if it is forgotten by time.

Strangely taking photos of the station is prohibited!

I checked with the station master (there is only one staff there – so I am assuming he is the station master) and he refused permission to take photographs of the station, but kindly permitted to take photos of the rest. I really do not think apart from a very old two room building there is anything unusual or secretive about the place to have a no photography board.

There are also nearby stretches that looked as if it is from another time.

And finally this is what I managed to capture at the end of the walk. The kind Chinese gentleman agreed to be photographed with his vintage car.

For a few hours, it was time travel.

Books on Coast to Coast Walks

2009-01-26T15:10:00.001+08:00

I still haven't forgotten my long term goals.

After unsuccessfully searching for books on Coast to Coast Walks in Singapore, I have just placed an order for the following books with Amazon.com.

Coast to Coast Walk: A Pictorial Guide (Wainwright Pictorial Guides)

A Northern Coast to Coast Walk: From St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay (Skills for Success Series)

Once I get these books in hand I will write a short review of my thoughts on these books.

Full disclosure: I have registered as an Amazon associate and if you purchase these books from Amazon clicking the links I earn an associate fee. All fees earned from the above two links (if any!), will be given away to charities.

Park Connector Network

2009-01-24T15:13:00.001+08:00

Across an expressway, below an elevated MRT line, by the side of a canal, in between housing blocks – the Singapore Park Connector network is an intricate series of walkways and cycling routes across Singapore.

During my walks I have tried out some of the park connectors – Jurong, Jurong West, Bukit Batok, Chou Chu Kang and Ulu Pandan.

It is a wonderful idea allowing some great walks, especially in the late evening. The Park Connector network is growing rapidly - 300 kilometres of Park Connectors are expected to be completed by 2015. I am sure by then it will connect any two points in Singapore!

The only annoyance is that at certain parts of the Park Connector the walking and cycling routes (which is generally side by side) merges. It can be outright dangerous – especially if you are walking on such a stretch with your headphones on unaware of the cyclist speeding just behind you.

The Ulu Ulu, Ulu Pandan Park Connector

A Thousand Thanks

2009-01-22T20:05:00.001+08:00

According to Google Analytics my two month old blog just received its thousandth unique visitor.

They came from all over the world - from 77 countries/ territories.

Most visitors are from South East Asia and the US.

Thanks to all who came and visited my blog! This is very encouraging for a newbie blogger.

Tree Climbing Fish!

2009-01-18T20:48:00.001+08:00

On a cloudy and gloomy evening I reached Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. This was my third visit in over 13 years.

The first visit in 1995 was a very exciting one (so I vaguely remember). First time in my life I saw a fish climb up a tree. Who would have believed such a thing is possible until you see it with your own eyes. In one of the tourist books I picked up at the airport I saw the mention of Sungei Buloh and I thought that is something I should go and see. During that visit the prawn farms were active, buildings you see across causeway weren’t tall or crowded, it was the high tide with all mangroves plants and trees partially submerged and the place is called Sungei Buloh Nature Park (now Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve). It was so long ago, I only remember parts of that visit.

The second visit was in 2007 and I remember it vividly. Along with my family and my then two year old son we were walking down one of the tracks and we were roughly a kilometre away from the entrance.

My son slipped, fell down and hit his head in a rock and started bleeding profusely. Not knowing what to so I had to carry him and run to the entrance (Tip 1: Emergency phone numbers are displayed at various points and electrical buggies are there – note them). In the meanwhile I will also trying to call different numbers and none was working. It was the most frightening day of my life. Later I realized that my phone has connected to the Malaysian network! (Tip 2: Change your mobile setting from automatic to manual. Malaysian telecom signal seems to be stronger than Singapore one in Sungei Buloh). Anyway it all ended okay. His bleeding stopped on the way to the hospital and he was all okay with only a slight scar on his head.

Every time after that, whenever I think of visiting Sungei Buloh I do not get a very pleasant feeling. Anyway finally I bit the bullet and decided to go there again, but alone.

A nice "welcome sign" that does not instil high confidence

So on a cloudy and gloomy evening I reached Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Due to the weather and being closer to 5:00 PM (Tip 3: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve closes at 7:00 PM) there was only a very small crowd. (Tip 4: Free entry on Weekdays; other days it is S$ 1!)

As I walked deeper and deeper into the reserve, it was getting very lonely. At many stretches for kilometres I wasn’t able to see anyone – that’s sort of scary – but sort of a different fear than what I felt during my Bukit Timah to MacRitchie walk.

The mangrove boardwalk over the specially laid out tracks can give you a detailed view of the mangroves.

Mangrove boardwalk

Things have changed a lot and with the low tide, the whole place looks different. The water is muddy, roots of trees and plants are exposed. The mudskipper fishes were no longer climbing trees. There were just resting out in the mud!

And of course there were hundreds of mangrove crabs all around and looked colourful as usual.

With the air filled with the noise of hundreds (or thousands) of crickets chirping, you feel you are hundreds (or thousands) of miles away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. It is extremely sad very few come here to enjoy nature (including me). Such a lovely place, so unlike the rest of Singapore.

Deserted walks

A fresh water pond!

Finally after 2 hours when I am near the entrance there are busloads (literally) of tourists. They came in two buses, took photographs very closer to the entrance and then went back. But they too get to see nature in its full glory – hundreds of birds like this.

Once I got out of the reserve, I felt a little too early to go back home and decided to walk a while. To the deserted Neo Teo Crescent (and surprised to see a Crocodile farm there) and then went past the BBC transmission towers and then crossed the Kranji dam.

Deserted roads on a weekend

Looking at this board I think there are other walks also possible in Kranji. One day I should try that out.

Fishing in Kranji Dam

Across Kranji dam facing the sea (and Malaysia), there are scores of foreign workers sitting in groups, some having snacks, some having a drink and some enjoying the beach. As the sun is slowly setting one of the groups was singing a song, a haunting melody, in Bangla (I think it is Bangla) and the only words I recognized was “Singapore”. I wonder what they had to sing about Singapore. I hope it is something nice….

Subscribe and Win Autographed Post Cards

2009-01-17T15:11:00.001+08:00

It is old fashioned. I admit it.

Subscribe to my blog posts and post at least one comment each month and be eligible for my "Autographed Post Card" competition for the month. One post card to be won every month from January 2009 until June 2009. I will choose the winner based on the most constructive comments.

And of course, my decision is final! :)

One Hot Park!

2009-01-13T20:19:00.001+08:00

HortPark website describes itself as a "one-stop gardening hub that brings together gardening-related, recreational, educational, research and retail activities under one big canopy in a park setting". And indeed it is.

During my earlier Southern Ridges walk I strolled through HortPark. I thought HortPark was an interesting concept and I wanted to come back to spend some quality time there. And I did so last weekend along with my family.

Nestled between two other parks, Kent Ridge park the Alexandra Techno"park", and some "black and white" bungalows, this new park is a must see place for nature and garden lovers. But it is also different - some commercial element is there - so it is unlike any other gardens or parks you have seen.

Apart from these two categories of people, the other set of people who are enjoying the spot, at least when I was there, are wedding photographers. There are some very attractive spots for marriage photography there and these wedding photographers are having a jolly good time.

Another group of people who will enjoy these premises, but were present far a few in between, are kids. There are an enormous variety of play grounds, children's gardens, slides, climbs and what not to keep a child busy for hours!

And some other visitor worth mentioning...

Having worked in the area for a few years I can say that this place is not very accessible. With few buses plying the nearby route and with no MRT nearby, you will have to rely on taxi's, if you are not driving.

As a relatively new place, some amount of construction is going on - but nothing major to stop enjoying the premises, especially considering the fact that there is no admission fees (who says nothing is free in Singapore?).

As a true Singaporean establishment there is a small café and a full fledged restaurant in HortPark. There is also a Terrarium exhibition going on - and a dozen or so terrariums of wide variety displayed. To complete the offering there is a (plant) nursery as well - selling plants as well as all other garden related items.

An collection of photos taken at the HortPark is also exhibited at the entrance. And what more, free Internet via Wireless@SG is also available. A couple of people oblivious of the beautiful and peaceful surroundings are happily typing away in their PDA's (like some of us, who behaves the same, some times).

Overall an enjoyable concept and a nice place for an early morning or late afternoon visit.

Monitor Lizard in Chinese and Japanese Gardens

2009-01-12T19:56:00.001+08:00

A contributor to Stomp has seen the same (?) monitor lizard as in my previous post.

Chinese and Japanese Gardens

2009-01-08T21:10:00.001+08:00

One of the interesting aspect of going for relaxed walks with no time lines and no marked routes is that you come across things that you never thought is even possible. You can pause, see the sight in all its glorious detail, analyse it (or wonder what was happening!) and let the sight sink in for ever.

Chinese and Japanese gardens is an intriguing place. It is right next to many HDB precincts, but it is a world apart in these gardens.

A decade back when there was an entrance fee (I vaguely remember it to be S$ 7) it was a crowded place. Now the entrance fee is gone, but looks like even fewer people go in to these gardens. When I went there for a walk, it was eerily quiet with only a handful of people.

As you can see only a few of the above photos have any human beings in it. How nice!

At the end of the walk in the gardens this is what I saw - a monitor lizard - coolly walking around. Is it Galapagos islands or is it Singapore - I wonder!

It is a Shrimp!

2009-01-04T22:20:00.001+08:00

Recently I have been noticing an unusual level of activities in Little Guilin “Lake” near the Bukit Gombak MRT station. A large number of people are fishing (and I think it is fishing in the "lake" is illegal).

But what I found curious was many were not using the usual fishing rod. A small thread, a hook and on the hook is a piece is bread. Dip it into water and in seconds lift it up – and there is a shrimp at the end of the thread!

How in the world is it possible to have shrimps in Little Guilin? There seems to be a lot looking at the catch. A kind "fisherman" arranged this shot for me.

I wonder where the grand parent shrimp came from!

First Month Review

2009-01-02T20:03:00.001+08:00

Nokia’s advertisements say that “It's what computers have become”. How true. My N95 crashed twice like a computer during my last walk and the Nokia Sportstracker website considers my single walk a three!

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/user/profile.do?u=masug

In the first month, I had 15 walks and have covered a total distance 153 kilometres. For the Coast to Coast Walk, I have to walk twice the distance in half the number of walks (days). Still, personally I consider it as a great start considering the fact that (1) most of my walks are during weekends (2) my relative newness to long distance walks and (3) I managed to go for a holiday to Kerala, India (but did not walk much).

I am also setting a target of 200 kilometres for the month of January 2009. Hopefully it won't be like my last years New Year resolutions (what was it anyway?) :)

I conclude my New Year's first post by attaching some photos from my Kerala trip. It is a beautiful place - similar to Bali, but much better. However it is not very touristy - but tourist facilities are still minimum.

House boat in Astamudi Lake

Today's catch?

A toddy (coconut liquor) shop at the sea shore.

A cold bath on a warm day!

Rubber plantations.

Local Hindu temple.

Village walkway.

Bukit Gombak Trail: Gone Forever? Update

2008-12-21T11:16:00.001+08:00

After my last post I managed to walk around Greenwood Park and Bukit Gombak Trail.

The long defunct Greenwood park, is now totally covered bushes and mostly hidden.

Here is the Bukit Gombak Trail closure notice.

Things look bleak for both the trail and park – but “Little Guilin” (aptly named so for its likeness to the actual Guilin in China) looks beautiful as ever.

Bukit Gombak Trail: Gone Forever?

2008-12-20T16:21:00.001+08:00

Today I thought I will blog about some sights which I captured a while back during my walks, which Singaporeans may never be able to see again.

Bukit Gombak trail extended from the Bukit Gombak Stadium next to Bukit Gombak MRT, uphill (Bukit Batok Town Park) and came out at the other end at Chu Lin Road, then on to Jalan Remaja, Hillview Avenue, Bukit Batok East Avenue 2 and finally back to Bukit Gombak. The last 4 are my own additions to make a circular track back to the starting point. One might not want to climb back and return to Bukit Gombak after going in one direction – it is too strenuous.

Unfortunately during last year’s heavy rain many parts of the trial collapsed and now an information board have setup which says “The trial is now permanently closed”. How sad!

I used to enjoy this trail – as it was never crowded and from the top of the hill you could have some great views.

Here are some pictures from the now defunct Bukit Gombak Trail and some nearby areas.

At the starting point of this trial is Little Guilin. A very quiet and enjoyable spot. This place is full of very "romantic" couples and some illegal (I guess) fishermen.

Here is one of the local residents. I wonder what else is hidden in there.

This is something I found in the trail when I took a slight deviation. Looks like this carved stone a part of a temple ruin.

This a stretch of the very deserted Bukit Gombak trail.

One of the magnificent views from the top – Guilin View Condominium reflected on the Guilin “Lake”.

And this is Chu Lin road at the other end. With just landed houses and some child care centres this is a quiet part of Singapore.

An encounter at Jalan Remaja.

A very unique plant at Hillview Avenue.

There is also another nature park near Bukit Batok West Avenue which is now closed – the Greenwood park. Some of photos below are from there. Here are few shots from the hillside park which I took ages back!

An old well!

A green snake!!

And I never went there again. :)

Note: The above pictures were taken over a period of many years and some of them are 5+ years old.

Bukit Timah to MacRitchie

2008-12-15T19:55:00.001+08:00

Well almost!

The plan was to walk from Bukit Timah to MacRitchie Reservoir Park. The route I decided to take is - Bukit Timah Nature reserve - Kampong Trial - Rifle Range Road - MacRitchie Trial - Tree Top Walk - MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Everything went fine except the last phase. I lost directions (again!) went a few rounds and finally after 23 kilometres of walk ended up much further north - near Lower Pierce Reservoir!

The start at Kampong trail itself was not auspicious. Just 200 meters into the trial a snake cross the path in a hurry just a meter or so from where I was standing. With hair on my neck standing up, it looked as if it crawled over my foot. The next snake was just before I reached Riffle range road. The snake was at least 10 meters away (but again at that moment it looked too close).

For a person whose closest interaction with wildlife in recent times is eating fried chicken at KFC, this came in as a big shock.

The main challenge of the Kampong trail is that at many places the trial is too narrow and overgrown plants (looks like few people take this route) almost hide the track.

You never know what you will be stepping on. The rest of the trail was well "developed".

Apart from the snakes and (which I believe to be) a monitor lizard the only other animal that was abundant is monkeys in Riffle Range Road. They are so used to the place, they literally own it. Some stood right in the middle of the road - cars had to take a detour not to hit them! Birds were plenty and there were a few bird watchers as well.

Once you enter the MacRitchie trial things are well organized (and I cannot believe I still got lost!). Well marked trials which are wide enough drive a car through in most places, abundant maps, few rest places all prim and proper.

I wonder why most of the streams in the forest area are red in colour. Is it red algae or something else?

The Treetop walk starts with a serious climb from the Ranger Station. It is a one way circular trial. At the entrance of the treetop walk there is even a person sitting there to ensure no one walks back.

The Treetop walk gives you a magnificent view of lakes and the forest canopy. It sorts of sways a little bit as well.

One the other end there is some climbing down to do - but well laid out steps are there.

And finally you reach MacRitchie Trial (pink one) and then back to Ranger Station. The whole walk from the nearest cark park (Venus loop carpark) should be close to 10 kilometres and with some serious climbing and steps, it is not for the weak or disabled. The one way route makes it difficult to change your mind half way as well.

The next part is the fun part. I walked round and round (as you can see in this map), but did not find my way to MacRitchie. I ended up at the entrance of Singapore Island Country Club and a kind security person gave me directions and advice to get back into the trial. I still didn’t make it to MacRitchie. I ended up taking a deserted track and finally ended up in this neighbourhood.

Some tips before winding up:

1) Avoid Kampong trail; if not walk with someone else. There are snakes - some are big and long - and crawling too close for comfort. I am not experienced enough to determine whether they are poisonous or not.

2) It will be easier to walk from MacRitchie to Bukit Timah than vice versa. This is because Treetop Walk is a one way route. If you do the Bukit Timah to MacRitchie walk you will walk an "extra mile". Do so only if you love to walk!

3) When you have lost your way in the middle of a lonely jungle trial even a good GPS (even a Nokia N95) is not good enough. Try talking to people (if you manage to find one).

Coast to Coast - Walking distances

2008-12-14T10:02:00.001+08:00

Approximate walking distances each day for the "Coast to Coast" walk covering the whole distance in 14 days.

Day 1	St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge	22.5 km
Day 2	Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite	22.5 km
Day 3	Rosthwaite to Grasmere	14.5 km
Day 4	Grasmere to Patterdale	13.0 km
Day 5	Patterdale to Shap	26.0 km
Day 6	Shap to Kirkby Stephen	32.5 km
Day 7	Kirkby Stephen to Keld	19.5 km
Day 8	Keld to Reeth	17.5 km
Day 9	Reeth to Richmond	16.5 km
Day 10	Richmond to Ingleby Cross	35.5 km
Day 11	Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top	20.0 km
Day 12	Clay Bank Top to Glaisdale	29.0 km
Day 13	Glaisdale to Littlebeck	13.0 km
Day 14	Littlebeck to Robin Hoods Bay	18.0 km
Total	Coast to Coast walk	300 km

Add a "free day" in the middle (activities for the day include laundry, foot massage etc. :) ) and travel to St. Bees and return from Robin Hoods Bay - one needs 18 to 20 days to do this walk.

Southern Ridges

2008-12-09T16:19:00.001+08:00

And today I walked the "Southern Ridges". Starting at Harbour Front and all the way to Clementi - approximately 20 km in 4.5 hours.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=559707

It definitely is not the usual walk. With ups and downs, (almost) real forests, lonely roads and some stunning bridges it was a "real walk".

I could have done it in 3.5 hours and 18 km - but unfortunately I lost my direction a couple of times. The maps enabled N95 phone is a saviour (once you know that you have lost your way).

The start point is Harbour Front MRT station exit D.

The first phase is a steep climb - all the way up to Mount Faber.

On the way there are some very interesting and old colonial buildings. Things I never knew still existed in Singapore. One of them even had a (somewhat dirty) swimming pool.

After Jewel Box there is an interesting church - Danish Seaman's Church at 10 Pender Road.

And this is where I lost my way for the first time during this walk. Throughout the trial directions are written on the walking track - which is very nice. But because of this I did not see a big board that said take right here - and that too a real big and brightly coloured board! Instead I walked through a road which has no pedestrian walkway for about a kilometre downhill and then once I realized the mistake (realized I am heading to an expressway) all the way back uphill. Need to improve my navigation skills.

Then comes the Henderson Waves bridge. 75 meters above the sea level (N95 says 84 - not sure whom to trust!) it is one of the most unusual architecture icons you can see in Singapore.

After the bridge passing the old Alkaff Mansion comes Forest Walk.

Here you have an option to come back to earth

or continue to Alexandra Arch Bridge.

Then comes the "Hot Park", the gardening hub of Singapore. Never been there before - looks a wonderful place, especially for kids as the place has a lot of playgrounds. There are also many glasshouses - but all seemed to be closed.

A long walk and some climb later it is Canopy Walk at Kent Ridge.

From the Canopy walk you can see some some very unusual views of Singapore.

Reflections at Bukit Chandu is next ($2 entrance fee). After such a long walk a short break at the air conditioned environment at Bukit Chandu is a relief from the heat and humidity. Watched a 20 minute show there which had some great sound effects.

And now back to civilization to Science Park I. Felt strange walking there - not many people "hike" in Science Parks.

And then to NUH where there is a lot of (MRT) related constructions are going on.

And then to NUS

And finally 4+ hours later at Clementi!!

And winding up with the most "unusual shot of the day" - A car park with a battle tank!

It is raining

2008-12-08T08:47:00.001+08:00

I am waiting for the rain to stop - so that I can start walking. If weather gets worse I will have to walk on a treadmill!

In the meanwhile I found a nice website about a person who walked from south to north of Great Britain. He has a nice e-book also there about this walk.

http://www.landsendjohnogroats.info/

And later that day....

I walked 15km in the rain!

Planning

2008-12-06T14:47:00.001+08:00

Always have a plan. At least you then know how much behind you are.

When:

So when do I do my coast to coast walk? Looking at other things in life which I have to do (like doing my job!) a good time would be between August and September 2009 or April – May 2010. Wow – what a long term planner am I!

Why is year end a bad time for this walk – it will be very cold and there would be some snow too (?) and days would be very short. Less time to enjoy - that’s not fun.

Why is mid-year a bad time for this walk – too many people walking. If I want to walk among lots of people I can do that in Raffles Place itself.

Why not April – May 2009 – There are other major things in life happening (which I will explain later). I also think I won’t be physically ready in another 4 months. I also must try a couple of short “long walks” before I attempt this – say a 50K walk over a weekend. This needs time to prepare.

Expanding Horizons:

It is strange I cannot find any good books of trekking, walking and hiking in any of the book stores in Singapore. I tried MPH, Borders etc. with no luck. As I couldn’t find any good books in the bookstores, I have downloaded (my first investment US$ 4.20 – I plan to keep track all my expenditures about this walk diligently) a chapter of “Walking in Britain” from the lonely planet website (Finding the whole book in the library for free later that day – Priceless!). I have also taken a few other books about trekking from the library and I am going through it now.

On a separate note...

I have covered 50Km over the past 5 walks.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/user/profile.do?u=masug

What a great idea!

2008-11-30T20:58:00.001+08:00

But have you seen yourself in a mirror?

I was reading the Lonely Planet Story earlier this month. It is a very interesting read and pretty inspirational for someone who loves to travel. I too should do something. But of course it cannot be a lifetime of travelling around. Something practical (but not the usual stuff), something that does not take more than two weeks (too risky to keep away from the office in this economic climate), something worth remembering (but no broken bones, no gun shot wounds and no frost bite). What could it be?

Why not a “coast to coast walk”?

“Cost to Coast” walk is a 308 kilometre walk across England starting at St Bees in Cumbria – the west coast of England, and ending at North Sea coast at Robin Hood's Bay - the east coast of England and can be done in two weeks (I guess by a healthy person!).

300 kilometre walk – I think time for some self evaluation. First – time to look at the mirror and take a deep breath. Dragging this 75kg body over 300 km - Ooomh - that is a risky move.

I like walking (and I hate running). I think could do 10 km in 2 hours. Needs to test out. Carried along my Nokia N95 and used the Sports tracker Beta software – Nokia says I walked 9.3 km (1:45) on Saturday and 12 km (1:53) on Sunday.

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=546829

A long way to go – but it is a good start!!