dementia praecox

I could not tell you how many places of interest we saw; nor how much we actually see of Singapore itself. Yes, I am such fail as a tour guide. However, what I can tell you is... We ate non-stop. Between Hao's amazing appetite; Kuan's good stamina, Neng's ability to fight for the tab and my incredible 'sense of direction', I bring you, "When Cousins Come To Play!"

This is supposed to be the foot note but this is my blog so I can put it where I want it. I hope this complaint actually gets to you Mr. Tan Cher Hao. Not only did I broke doctor's orders and drank like too much, I put my ever-so-flimsy slimming plans (okay maybe a no over-eating, exercise sometimes plan) on hold and threw caution to the winds, joining you in your endless eating spree. I gained 4 freaking kilos because of you; idiot. You'd better be thankful and treat me nicer the next time I visit you, vice versa. Or else!

19 July
That aside, with people to do(?), places to see, let's get on with the show! Them Chers made it to Singapura 19 July with our Shen Shen in toll and I worked a bit as Cindy run her fats away at the Shape Run. Unfortunate for me, there's bread to consider and really I haven't have much dough left. Excited to hear about her adventure, we decided to meet after my family dinner. Hao and Kuan took showers, napped and we had a huge dinner to welcome them here. I left the house for Cindy and we walked around to Marina Square and City Link before walking back to TCC, which is kind of like our usual coffee place. We were just seated when I spotted the four guys near HMV door. Did I tell you they were tall? Formal introduction's aside, we chatted about stuff and had a bit of dessert and drinks; me acting like a true TCC fan and introducing them the good and the to-keep-away(s) on the menu. Neng went HMV and got his Girl Generation new mini album "Tell Me Your Wish". Feeling artsy, we went over to "Durians" for exhibits and the Mr. Merlion, who had an accident with lightning and the three new lighted walkie talkie at sea.Mister Merlion, who went Yun Nam Hair Care to salvage his bald patch.Yun Nam Hair Care works! Did I tell you I love you, Cin? Thanks for being there, you made being the butt of jokes bearable. We went straight for the MRT station after all that camwhoring. Oh and I get to explain to Kuan how it's impossible to miss the ERP 'In Operation' sign. Then it's Braddell Mac for supper. We introduced them the culture of studying in 24 hour operated deli because I saw Pei Xuan studying there and we had a general debate on studying in such diners / coffee houses before getting our butt to order food. Over burgers, fries, nuggets, wings, apple pies, coke, ice teas and ice milos, we discussed about the future prospect of Singapore and Malaysia. Hao's experience in the U.S was really insightful and the talks about the economic downturn and developing countries and China raising up and the big guns just made my head dizzy. Or maybe that's the lag of sleep from trying to complete my shifts before they get here talking. Or the food overdose. I don't even know anymore. Conclusion as 19 turn 20: My stomach wouldn't get any rest as Hao express his enthusiasm for 小锅面，点心，油条 and food in general on our walk home.

20 July
Too much to digest, I read through a couple of reports before felling asleep. Shen Shen and I shared the room while they were here and maybe I should just mention that I am a light sleeper. I woke in time for breakfast and Hao was amazed to see me up before him. We joined Mother and Shen Shen at 太空船巴刹 for breakfast. Hao was disappointed because 小锅面's stall wasn't open. On the menu instead was 萝卜糕，猪肠粉，鱼片汤，斋米粉，甘蔗汁，laksa and nasi lemak. Muffins for take-away. There's this thing about staying in Toa Payoh; when the Sun is up, there's sure food to be found.

After breakfast, I was online for facebook while the aunties freshen up for shopping. Precious time needed for my stomach to digest the food intake. When lazy bums Neng and Kuan finally woke, we headed to Orchard since Neng got his friend to slack with us. The link was already open so we followed and it lead us to 鼎泰丰。 I saw Hao looked longingly at the menu at the door and face palmed. Slowly, I diverted his attention and we went to Starbucks for my much needed caffeine. Our plan was to walked down Orchard all the way to Bugis to Sim Lim Square for some gadget hunt. With new malls up, our progress was slow. Speaking of new malls, there's Orchard Central. Me thinks this place is upper crust. Sofas for shoppers that got tired, posh shops, expensive looking furnishing... I also think I've found the only Geláre left in Singapore that's not taken over by E.C. Tuesday's waffles anyone?It's rare that I walked on this side of the road. As we walked towards the entrance of Istana, Hao kept interrupting my concentration on the car that drove into the entrance with questions like, "Is this where the president lives?" There goes my chance of seeing Mr Nathan... if he's in the car. These questions that I've answered every time we pass by the Istana! Once and for all, it is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. Now will you stop asking me this question like for the one hundredth and one time. At P.S, Samsung Omnia 2 launch. Also, Singapore Food Fest, peranakan style. Right between P.S and The Atrium. Spent some time there looking at Neng's next phone-of-choice contestant number two. (Number 1 is Omnia HD) before moving on to The Cathay (not before stopping outside Sakae looking drooling-ly at their sashimi special.) Aston for lunch and what a big lunch it was. Sorry no pictures, too busy eating. We covered much ground after that, moving down Cityhall. Went Peninsula Shopping Center for shoes. People take note, there's a LMTEDT shop in the house, yo. Do drop by for your pair of trusty sneakers anytime. Then it's Funan for games and we got home in time for dinner and “爱也好，恨也好”。 Our family glued to the TV, making the visitors wonder about our pass-time seriously. TV marathon later, we explored Marina Barrage. On the way in the car we sang random songs played on the radio and talked military. Nothing confidential I assure you.

We went down and took a long stroll. The weather was nice and windy, with the undertones of moist and salt from the sea. I took my time taking pictures and enjoying the breeze. We saw a lot of couples, some soloist using the net, groups having picnic-afters; playing cards. I can see in my mind's eye evening sunsets and jogs along the bridge. It was romantic until I caught up with the boys.21 July
We were totally lost driving back. Ended up in Clementi, how bad was that. Late for home anyway, someone suggested supper. 兴旺茶餐厅 it is then. On one end of the libra was sleep, the other my weight. Seeing the way the scales tipped, my heart wept as I threw the virtual scale away. I fear for my waistline. In the house, it was a blissful 5 hours without food. Then Hao woke up. We solve ez-link matters at Toa Payoh Central. That can of worms. Good thing I dragged him to Popular for a while more before BreadTalk tempted the saliva out of him. Though I talked him out of that, we ended up in Bishan 鼎泰丰。 Some times, you just cannot win. 一笼这个，三笼那个，可想而知，又一圈了。 Neng and Kuan slept in and join us late. The breakfast ended like lunch and cost just over $100. I walked out of the place bloated and saw Hao headed straight for BreadTalk. 连吃带打包。Impressive. By the time we reached home to change clothes, he only have a "smart-aleck" left. That was gone in a minute.

Freshly fed, Bugis here we go. Explore and snooped. Walk right into the trap and the slip of tongue caused me another kilo? 南翔馒头店。We saw 蒸笼 abundant and ordered more food. By then, I've already leave my life in the hands of fate. Can you believe the 下午茶's spread? Not to mention after that we went right over the streets for 甜汤。我都饱得快吐了。The dessert store is across the street. Prior engagement with Cin. We are supposed to meet for lunch at Ghim Moh I think, 虾婆河粉 and Mongolian food。Since we cocked up the timing, we met for dinner at The Central Clarke Quay. Lost the sense of direction and arrived half an hour late. Major high was the shoe sale! But damn it! Why they don't have my size? Dinner at Waraku de Pasta. we got a cute waiter and the seats have a really good view of the Singapore River.Ponders over what to eat.Nice night view, bad jittery fingers. Code Blue for Cin means she's going to have an early night, that leaves us to explore... The Clarke Quay Food Street. Featuring traditional Straits Chinese cuisines, peranakan dishes, local delights and lots of beer, we had fun walking around looking at the people enjoying themselves as they chow down. Moving on, since the night is still young; we explored pubs and clubs and everything caught in between. Moving on to a more quiet spot, otaku(s) will love this place called Cosafé @ CHIJMES 01-11. See Neng's smile for prove. Please, please do try out their garlic bread and calamari rings. Total bagus. Also known as the place where I defy doctor's orders. So I am not telling how much we drink... Okay, maybe just one, remember the R.I.P after the series of drinks I've had; making me faint? A milder version, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to: Seven Sins~ Hao and I kept talking about the Bohemian revolution because of Green Fairy in our drink. Gosh, all that absinthe. Alcohol made me talk big and I took pictures with the ultra kawaii waiteress / maid. She don't walk. She bounces. Her name is Apple. We nicknamed her "the bouncing apple".

22 July
For a moment I was in the toilet and heard the usual puking and thumps. When I came out we had a show put on. There's this drunk guy and his girlfriend who took a trishaw ride and he took the horn from the uncle and started pressing the horn at him. Just ask either one of us who saw it to describe it to you. It was freaking funny. After that, we want to make sure we don't look too drunk so we walked down near Park Lane to have 豆花。 The walk made Hao realize just how much food he haven't tried. Anyway, 豆花 and talks of being old. -_-"" Kuan and Hao amazed that it cost less than $10 to get home via taxi even with surcharge. Hao was totally gone after he went to toilet. The rest of us shamelessly stayed in Sheng's room to chit-chat until he only have a two hour nap before going to school. Neng kept nodding off. Finally sleep claimed me and it was late when Hao and Kuan wakes. Neng was still asleep so we headed to market for 小锅面 and the Cher's so called 一口包。 Slacking and taking our own sweet time, we went shoe hunting and everyone was happy with their purchases. We even saw Auntie Roy along the way. Funan game hunt failed so Illuma for dinner. The maids at Cosafé way cuter. But we have fun with the fresh ordering experience.Hmm... I wonder where this leads to.The chief that is cool with his cooking utensils throwing act.We even caught a glimpse of the Japanese Fencing Team in Singapore for Youth Olympics. We are all impressed by their mask wearing skills. Like really respect. Hao wants to learn from Neng the art of catching soft toys and he paid a lot of school fees that night and got nothing. We went home after a long time at arcade as I fought valiantly over the urge that is 'Eternal Wheel' and watch them installing Jubeat, my second obsession. Neng will be off early tomorrow and I wonder will I go crazy?

23 July
We spent 23rd July at home mostly. Kuan slept all the way till noon and there wasn't much to do and I sleep too little to be of use. We explored Ang Mo Kio and I got Hao to try the curry spaghetti @ Nebo. Of course Hao try out at the machines. We saw 3 machines 'Jackpot', we were in awe. School fees paid off. Hao caught this little thing. We join Dad at Lorong 8 for 炒果条。Then, usual TV and internet. Sleep comes easier that night.

24 July
Internet. Hao have some business outside and he settles while Kuan slept the day away. I forgot how the day went but we did not travel far. Whatever.

25 July
There wasn't much, just Hao clearing his stuff and all that, we went 鼎泰丰 again. Add this two to the list we ate the other time: and arcade for some toy catching action. Hao kept missing and Kuan got fed up. I milled around playing games and when I got back to the machine, I find Hao still attempting to catch something. I told him to try other stuff as Kuan came back and he went to the machine Hao tried on. Proves Hao was all kinds of fail cause, "Tan Cher Hao you suck wey~" rang out. Here comes Kuan sashaying over with a toy in his hand. When the coins are all out, we got this: Then, we went home, pick up the suitcases and I see them off.

I have a nap and then showered to join the ladies for Korean Hot Stone. Freaking nice and near to home. Then settlers. After our usual 'Betrayal at House on the Hill' we tried a new game called Dracula.The character I use: Mina Harker We met Andrew there and he looked at me and "Ah!" Seriously, can you remember that I have the member card like before you pay!?! Too bad. LOL The game was so fun we went back for more the very next night after dinner at T.C.C. Speaking of which the new menu will be out soon! 尽请期待！

P.S: I had hell writing this up. If I get any facts wrong, it's because all of these are blurred up and I have a few more entries to write and its 4:46am. I'll just end here then. Till the next entry...

Labels: Being Geek-ish, Explore, Foodies, Meet-ups, News 5 Tonight, Theatrics