A Fragrance Tale of Coffee in Tanjong Pagar

Around the 50s, Mr Teck's father migrated from China to Singapore. He plys his trade selling coffee in Tanjong Pagar. Mr Teck recalled that back then Tanjong Pagar area was not as beautiful as it is now. Back then, the area was not well-developed, there are no shopping center, tall building or market.  Push-carts/Stalls line both side of the streets and lighting are not as developed as now, usage of 1/2 light bulbs (no LED light)

Mr Teck remember that back then life was tough. There is no water supply to all the stalls and his dad has to push the push cart to a public water point to stock up on water every morning. His whole family would help out at the stall. Mr Teck would ride a bike every morning to purchase coffee beans for roasting. He would place at least 15 kg of coffee beans on his bike and cycle back to the stall.

Back then, things are very cheap. A cup of drink would cost 1 cent and a bowl of noodle would cost 10 cents. Cost of running a business is also very cheap then, his Dad paid few dollars monthly for rent and licensing.

Mr Teck work hard and play hard. He recalls going to the ex-Yan Kit Swimming pool regularly to swim with his friends. Back then, Yan Kit Swimming pool is the go to recreational place and is usually very crowded. He would also catch spiders and play marbles during his free time. Mr Teck loves Mid-autumn festival because there will be Lion Dance troupe going around the Kampong to perform. According to tradition, the Lion Dance and beating of drum is to "Beat Out the Cloud" for a full moon. Mr Teck and his friends loves following the Lion Dance around.

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Things that matter in life

Each individual is an unique entity. That's why consiciously or subconsciously, we try hard to differentiate and established an identity.

On saying that, it's not wrong, nor a sin to differentiate. To rebel is man nature. To love and live each day with burning passion is what defines youth.

However with the passing of each days. We lost our sight to our final goals. It takes years to build Rome and many can't just take a step back to envision the end product. 

We seek the beeline to a next better position, losing track of supposed route. The next better progression  e.g. career progression might possibly be taking a step forward but 2 steps backward. 

Each progression could justify our action and even judging others by their career, status, wealth, travel experience or even by their networks.

We seek to be different but yet we seek similarity. Often forgetting that irony and what true friendship means.

Time is not forgiving. It does not wait. There is a limit to one youth. People may eventually move on to the next true friend. Everyone eventually have to go. 

Had we forsaken our passion or dreams for money and vanity. Are we still or ourselves.  Would we be walking around each day in passion or souless like a zombie

Friends and family would wait for you but how long can they do so.

The grand limtus test would be at each milestone of your mortality. When you hit 30,40,50....etc

Burnout? It is normal, fret not

It is normal to feel burnout at times. We are all human!  This article helps.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/when-you-feel-empty-what-it-means-what-to-do-2/

Is bali safe to go to?

When people speak of going toIndonesia, some may that it is dangerous because of robbery; the robbers will hurt even if they gotten your money.

That part I am not sure, so if you encounter any, do leave your experience in the comments.

What I do feel is that it is generally safe to go because all countries have it fair share of crimes. Even for Singapore, where it is safe to hangout till late hours without fear of getting robbed or raped, there are still places where there are higher risks.

I have compiled a few things to expect and avoid when you go to bali.

1. Traffic is unregulated; there are no traffic lights and in some alleys, there are no directional signs so please beware when crossing the road or if you are riding a bike or motorcycle.

But fret not, the locals drive slowly and they are pretty skillful. That explains why there are few accidents even if traffic is not regulated; I encountered one

2. People ride on the pavement with their motorcycle, so don't be surprised to see motorcycle going on the pavement.

3. Some area are really really dark. There are people who are afraid of the dark, so my advice is to bring a torch or make sure your phone is fully charged to illuminate your way around.
Some area of the beach are dark and some alley are pretty dark and deserted. These alley are places where you will not want to linger in for long for your safety

4. Big big dogs! Trust me, there are lots of stray dogs around the area and they are really big. Fret not, the dogs are pretty docile and will not react as long as you do not mess with them. Dogs lovers rejoice, those afraid of dogs, despair

5. The sun is really hot there and no there is very few air con area besides the shop itself. So get ready your sun block even while shopping

6. Retailers in main tourist area are generally pretty honest. They do not mark up the price and let you bargain till it reaches the retail value. So unless the price is ridiculously high, let's give others a chance to make a living too, don't bargain so much.

7. Be prepared to pay for things you won't be expect to pay. Things like visiting a nature scenery have 2 type of entrance fees, car and per pax admission fee.

Usage of toilet require "contribution of maintenance fee" unless you buy their stuffs. The good news is that it don't cause that much.

Lastly, some officials may approach you for fees to clear your "charges", like parking on the pavement.

What do the local in bali do for a living

Based on my observation and tour to bali, I often think of what does the local do for a living since I seldom see customer around their shop.

I noticed that the people in bali depend on the 4 things for a living

1. Craftmanship of statues, furniture, handicraft and household ornaments
2. Tourism business is one of the main jobs for the locals. They work from tour guide, driver or even open retails ship selling food shirts or ornanments that cater specifically for tourists.
3. Agriculture, growing of padi and some coconut
4. Motorcycle dealer

Shopping in seminyak

For those expecting to bask in an air con environment in seminyak, you are in the shock of your life.

This area of bali is not very accessible to vehicle except for motocycle if you consider renting one.

There is only 1 shopping center; seminyak village which is pretty small compared to shopping malls in city area.

All around of shop houses selling
- clothing
- novelty products
-swim wear
-hand made craft
- polo
- eatery
- pub
- mini mart
- cafe
- dvd shops

At that point which I went, shops are capitalising on the Halloween festival.

Bali culture and history

Today is my 2nd day in bali!😃
Love this place and have experience lots of new things about their culture.

For starters, bali is predominantly made up of Hindu and is a small state compromising of 5 millions people.

Am staying at seminyak and I realised that the building there is mainly 2 storey high with a rare few that are 3 storey high.

Nearer the beach area, you have to be careful of motorists as they will drive on the pavement or narrow street.

Don't be surprised to see 2 vehicles being stuck in a one way street as both are traveling in opposite direction.

As a whole, around this area,there are lots of drinking place and tourists. It is generally safe to walk about in the day and in the main beach alley at night.

For those who are afraid of the dark, the beach is very dark in some area. Do remember to bring at torch.