For the last time...

On 29th Jun 11, I took the train from Tanjong Pagar for the last time. The first time I took the train was probably when I was 8 years old. And it was always to Kluang, because that is near my mum's home town. However, similar to all, we switched to express bus once they became more common.

Back then, it was hardly a pleasant experience, the trains were often late, dirty, worn off, with cushions bursting out from the seats and rain splashing in broken windows. My recent trip in March was a much better experience.

When I reached the train station yesterday at 6+, I almost wanted to turn back home. A long queue had built up and the ticket office did not open till almost 7am (though it was supposed to open at 6.30am).

But my mum persisted, saying that we may as well queue since we are here.

the queue for 8am departure

Our train was supposed to depart at 7.15am, but while queuing for tickets, I hear from some that the train had been rescheduled to 8.15am. Sounds familiar.

Will they keep these wall paintings?

8.15am came and the grilled door did not open. After walking through the 'customs', it was 8.40am.
It was a long wait. At around 9.15am, we finally board the train, but it was followed with more waiting in the hot and stuffy train as the train only moved at 9.45am. The journey wasn't smooth, it seemed that there were some technical faults and it was 1 hour later that we reach JB. We quickly scrambled off the train although we had paid for the fare to Kluang.




It was an unforgetable journey, and I believe I had relived my childhood.

Coffee or Tea. 25 Jun 11

I've passed by Restore on a number of occassions but did not step in for food and drinks until yesterday.

Post-modern chairs hanging on walls are a striking sight of this cafe cum furniture shop. Old furniture like chairs, cabinets, dressing tables, etc. are given new life through restoration work.

Love the retro fabrics that looks so cheerful

When I stepped into the cafe, the Japanese lady owner was giving instructions to a guy, seemingly to re-upholster some pieces. More lovely pieces should be on their way.

patrons gazing at the chairs while having coffee

My friend had previously told me that tea is good, but it was a rainy day and I'm in the mood for cappunccino. Unfortunately, the cappunccino is not that nice.

But the berries waffles are great, soft, fluffy and buttery; when eaten with maple syrup and slightly sour berries with fresh cream, the taste is just perfect. Understand that these are made by the Japanese lady boss.

I'll certainly come back for bagel and tea next time.

Check out their website at http://restoreliving.blogspot.com/.

Coffee or Tea. 17 Jun 11

Arteastiq is another tea place that I've long been thinking of visiting.

Overseeing the busy streets of Orchard, we sat on the colorful chairs, picking from an array of tea, which ranges from floral/ fruit/ Chinese/ Japanese tea to alcoholic tea, dessert tea, etc.

I picked the pear tea while my friend chose pomelo tea.

A slice of pear in the petite tea cup

The taste of pear dominates the tea, which is quite mild but nevertheless, it is a delightful drink. I could hardly taste the flavour of tea from my friend's pomelo tea, but the strong fragrance of pomelo, tasting slightly sweet and sour, makes this a refreshing drink.

Each tea is accompanied with a sweet biscuit. This tastes as sweet as it looks (which means it is too sweet for me).

Colorful designer chairs, china blue pillars, and an interior flushed with sunlight from the tall windows gave this place a relaxed atmosphere.

A combination of contemporary and classic

Where would you like to go?

via {a place for twiggs}

I came back from Nepal not so long ago, but I'm already feeling restless for another trip.

Before and after reno

We took the opportunity to get rid of a huge cabinet and some miscellaneous item. The floor was changed and the walls and ceilings repainted. My brother picked the floor, I picked the paint while my mum guarded the old furniture from disposal by us. Would have preferred to get rid of the huge pc desk, crumbling tv rack and replace the sofas with a smaller 3 seater.

The most memorable experience is the painful process of moving the furnitures and items from room to room so that each step can be performed on each room. Could you imagine doing this for 3 weeks!?