The Story Behind the Singapore $1 Coin

First time I heard the story about this coin is the reason why it is hexagonal. For the purpose of Fengshui. Mr Lee KY consulted a fengshui expert in 1990 as to how to bring prosperity to the country (in that context) and was told that every Singaporean must carry a "pakua" with them at all time.  It will be a tall order as not all are believers.  So there came this brilliant idea of making the $1 coin into the shape of a "pakau". Now everyone who lives in Singapore will have at one time or the other have a "pakua" with them. Old man is happy.

Now in 1997 Singapore hit a bad patch in the economy and here comes the fengshui expert again; the back of the coin (1990) shows a sad face -- thus

And a new coin was minted..............thus

Now Singapore is smiling again......their dollar is strong and its a "smiley"

I being a believer of fengshui (though not fanatically - I only stick to the logical ones), I had been carrying a Spore $1 myself for many years too, so this new knowledge prompted me to take a closer look at my own coin....phews its a "smiley" face one luckily!!

BUT upon closer look (look may deceive), it is actually a round coin made to look like its hexagonal; so now are we being mislead?   Is it not feasible to make a hexagon-shaped coin?  Does the "made to look" as good as real shape?   I leave this to the great old man...he is the smarter one!!

Jail House Rock

This is not planned but look how we attire ourselves to the gardens!!!

This is better still..............

the Jail House Rock Band with our leader attired in black

 or 

are we just a new breed of freedom fighters!?!?! 

We do have our fun out in the sun

and occassionally such photos do kick start our laughters.

Now you know for sure how fun filled are mornings are !!

And this is not all....... after the walk, its fruit galore at Ah Kok's fruit stall

and.....

"drum roll please" ..... 

we go for a sumptous breakfast - the highlight of our day!!

(photos courtesy from LO)

A White Tree?

Found a tree wrapped all white on Elizabeth Street ..with flowers at the base... one would think someone died here.....

 

But .......

 read the message on the tree...........it claims that the 30-year old plane tree has been senselessly poisoned to death.....its talking about tree vandalism....

More supporters came ......

more soft toys, photo frames, wreaths and messages posted on the poor dead tree!!

Different between Mist & Haze

This is definitely haze...............

 And this is mist.......

Playing Tourist in Melbourne

After spending one and a half hours on the Melbourne free tourist bus,

 my dear friend Suan and I ended up at the Brunetti at Swanston Street for a cuppa....

with rum n raisin cheese cake to go.....

See who came to join us for coffee or rather for a pinch of our food?

This bus ride was different.  In addition to the recorded history lessons we gained, the bus driver; a 40+ mother narrated the current affairs of Melbourne in between the recordings....updating us continuously.  She is brilliant and believe it or not she graduated from the Melbourne U....with an almost master degree.....

My Morning Walk

One need motivation to start a walk even though we know that walking is good for our health.....

so here goes... 

with a temperature of 9 degrees celcius...

today I took a walk in the gardens!

I am back to my favourite gardens ...

My starting point.... a long and straight road...

Uphill climb.... good for the hamstring.....

No end in sight ... its easier with the cool weather; one does not get too tired; at least not sweaty and hot...

I made it, finally the vantage point.....believe it or not, it just took me 10 minutes to complete the perimeter of the garden.... max out :).  So with my "bad" right leg, I managed to walk 3 rounds which equates to just 30 minutes of brisk walking.  Found a bench in the shade, took a 5-minute breather (time of deep breathing and healing thoughts).

Look where I ended up in...........I spend 1 hour 30 minutes browsing...........

And upon passing "Stringbean Alley" where the cafe served the most "yummy" coffee....

the place is cool with artificial turf and one sits on a wooden stool......

Love this place!!  My total walking time: 2 hours!!!

Penanglish

  

We read so much about Singlish (Singapore English), Manglish (Malaysian English).  Now we have a programme in Astro (Malaysian tv service provider) on the subject "Oh, my English".  And this is how we Penangites communicate with each othere in our so "perfect" English.....a typical family conversation with the child speaking not more than 2 words....

Mum to daughter:  "Can you help me finish the house chores please?"

Daughter (not too willing)  : "Can gua"

Mum to daughter:  "After that you can go shop for the dress you always wanted"

Daughter (now more energy) : "Can meh?"

Mum to daughter:  "Of course you can but the chores have to be finished"

Daughter (now excited): "Can Can"