go walk-walk

Hi, if you came here because you were intrigued by my display of my blog address on MSN, well, thanks for your interest. actually, i don't know why i'm being such an attention whore. guess i didn't wanna write this post without anybody not reading it bah. can leave a comment to say hi?

Anyway, just to put for all posterity what I did on 10/2/06 (Fri)

it was my free day and instead of taking an afternoon nap (like i always do when i have some free time on my hands), i actually dragged myself down to cineleisure to secure tickets to a documentary on French Deaf that is showcased as part of M1 fringe festival.

Thing is, i couldn't be bothered to remember the title of this documentary. so, it took me some time before the counter staff could understand which movie tickets i was trying to buy. it was actually quite funny

when the counter gal let me choose my seating, i kinda felt dismayed that there were only 2 rows occupied. Movie showing in 2 weeks' time and such a poor response?! shouldn't the Deaf community and volunteer advocates swarm the theatre by now?

but actually no matter lar, i don't need glowing viewership to justify my choice and time. so, wanna watch then watch lor.

though as a typical guy with commitment phobia (heh), i kinda hesitated as i bought the ticket. huh, 3.13pm sat afternoon ownself watch an obscure movie--a bit sad right? shouldn't i try to coerce friends to watch this with me? anyway, maybe my life would spice up and i won't have time to watch anyway.

it's nice to heck care your doubts and make a commitment to yourself sometimes. so, that's that.

and then, i slowly jalan jalan to douby ghout and passed by YMCA. went inside to look look see see and lo and behold! they actually offer thai courses.

to cut a long story short, i signed up for Basic Thai classes on the spot, spontaneously. cool sia. i was so hyped up that i smsed some friends to inform them of my spontaneity. haha

it's nice to want something badly enough that you would go for it, despite impending thoughts of busy-ness and weariness and crappiness (once practicuum starts, it's gonna be hell, i think. trying to steel myself for it).

then, i walked over to the photographers' gallery and viewed a geisha photography exhibition. wa, some of the geisha photos look like mannequins like that. so surreal, their poses and expressions. hmm, like their real selves are inscrutable like that.

he also got other photos, like chrysanthemum gate ah, lantern ah, baskets ah. can't help feeling a little jealous--wa, this kind of everything items i also know how to shoot lar. like that can also sell for $280?!

but those photos were really quite arresting and poetic. that's why i remember them long enough to be able to write them down on this entry, heh. i especially liked one shot of himeji castle (hey, i visited there, you know!)--it was shot at a sharp angle, almost jutting up to the sky, kinda an interesting perspective to take.

then i went to another exhibition at Art House in Old Parliament House. it's the odyssey of a photojournalist, with solid credentials. i feel very awed by his rich life experiences and by his ability to empathise with his subjects. i ached for my ignorance, for my having to stay and earn a livelihood instead of just wandering to explore the world, for my fear that i would stay this ignorant and never get to come across these people, these events, these sentiments for myself

a stunning photo of an african woman cupping her face with her hands, her wrinkles in full glory. it touched me deep, that one.

a hilarious photo of a chicken family with the Taj Mahal as the backdrop. such unique combination! it's one-in-a-million piece

it's nice to feel that time is on your side and you leisurely walk through the photos, trying to be discerning and pick up things you're sure the photographer has intended but less cultured people would have missed. and to absorb what you can from the photos.

so, why do i feel compelled to post this entry after such a looooong hiatus?

because i was alone but not lonely

because i did things to fuel my interest in sign language, Thai and photography, things that are outside the context of NIE and teaching. something else that nurtures me

because it felt good to be spontaneous.

because i think i really love Singapore. okay, you can butcher me for being brainwashed from countless YEPs but the strange thing is, even though i feel obsessed about getting out of the country, i look at the urban landscape and marvel at how trees are strategically placed alongside buildings. i don't know why exactly but i am gradually feeling a kinship towards Singapore like never before.

when will be the next time i would feel these good vibes again? LOL