This is your life.
Do what you love and do it often.
If you don't like something, change it.
If you don't like your job, quit!
If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV.
Stop over-analyzing, life is simple.
Open your mind and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Travel often, getting lost will help you find yourself.
All emotions are beautiful.
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is. Share your inspiring dream with them.
Life is about the people you meet. And the things you create with them.
So go out and start creating.
Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.
Today, we visited Bukit Brown Cemetery (BBC) on our bikes again. Though this time unlike our previous ride, instead of just riding through, we got to know more about the history and ecosystem surrounding it.
The dedicated group behind the Save Bukit Brown Cemetery - the roots of our nation Facebook page conducted a guided tour around BBC and it was through it that we realized there's more to BBC than just the tombs. There's heritage, history and a natural ecosystem that dates as far back as the 1840s.
A big group gathered.
We were fortunate to have the good people at Nature Society of Singapore walk us through.
George Henry Brown, after which BBC was named after, first bought the huge plot of land after he arrived in Singapore in the 1840s. There was a hill around the area that he found to be so pleasant, that he named it Mount Pleasant.
Some of you may have heard of the nickname Kopi Hill, which translates to Coffee Hill. Word has it that George Henry Brown tried to grow coffee on the hill but did not succeed.
Since then, the area has grown to become a home to many flora and fauna.
This tree itself is a fine example of a natural ecosystem.
We learnt how BBC is now a natural habitat and home for the endangered Straw-headed Bul Bul . These songbirds communicate with each other via singing. Slowing down and listening, we heard the sound of Bul Buls singing in the background. We are not bird watchers/listeners but it was pure joy.
And there was the sound of the Asian Koel . If you listened carefully, you'll notice a "Ko-el" sound coming from the surrounding trees. That's the Asian Koel, another resident bird.
The common argument is that the dead should make way for the living. The question now really is if there are really no alternative sites for urban redevelopment? And it's not just about the tombs. There's a thriving green community at BBC. To think that this home could be taken away from them to aid urbanization (new 8 lane road we heard) in a couple of years time really saddens us.
Just by looking around us, we could feel nature at its best and in Singapore, being the urban jungle it is, that can be a rare sight.
Riding alone the main track, we came across this noticeable tomb, with Sikh guards protecting it. It was like a blast to the past. Such was the detail of the statue that they were armed with a rifle and accompanied by a loyal watch dog.
The sticks with red markings are indications of the tombs being marked for exhumation.
It was a pity that we couldn't trek up the hills as we were on our bikes. Though in that short span of time, we had already learnt so much.
This is just a sneak preview to what lies within BBC, there is so much more that we haven't covered.
The writing's pretty much on the wall and it really saddens us that BBC, so filled with heritage and a natural habitat for so many species of flora and fauna will be gone in a few years time.
While it's still around, we urge you to re-visit it for the days of this pleasant treasure are unfortunately numbered.
Looking back, 2011 has been a wonderful year. We are thankful for the many good things that have happened.
We rediscovered our passion for cycling and it's slowly but surely changing our lives for the better. We got to know a new group of cycling kakis turned friends that we meet every weekend. We are now exercising regularly.
On a personal note, life's adventure will take us to another continent as we set our goals to achieve our aspirations by doing what we love and loving what we do. 2012 will be an exciting year for both of us as we look forward with suspenseful anticipation.
We spent the last hours of 2011 at Novena Church, lending our voices as part of the choir for New Year's Eve mass. We gave thanks and sang our hearts out. To the tunes of Auld Lang Syne and Feliz Navidad, we welcomed the New Year at the stroke of midnight.
Barely 4 hours later, we were up and about making our way to Casuarina Car Park for our first ride of the new year.
First ride of the new year on the LCSG calendar was Monkey Alley@Upper Pierce Reservoir
Why we should never feed monkeys, as cute as they may be.
Unfortunately, we didn't see many monkeys. There were one or two. We last heard that most of the resident monkeys were suffering hangovers from countdown parties. Others were on holiday.
From Casuarina, we rode towards Upper Pierce Reservoir > Mandai > Zoo > Mandai > Upper Thomson Road. Lots of slopes, lots of fun (wicked manner). The weather was very kind. Looks like we're getting the sun back after weeks of rain.
Along Upper Thomson, we dropped by AnPang Yong Tau Foo for brunch. There are 2 stalls. We ordered from the Yellow one (928 AnPang Yong Tau Foo) and it is GOOD stuff.
What better way to start the New year than at Church and then doing what we love, cycling.
Here at Pedal Inn, Gwyn and I wish each and everyone love, peace, joy and good health! Have a blessed year ahead!
images credited to Taiwoon
The ride was smooth until we got stopped in our tracks...
Exploring the city, via duck or bike.
We reached the River Hongbao along the floating platform. The exhibit is quite different from previous years. More emphasis on the food stalls this time round.
Initially, we had some doubts over bringing our bikes through. Then, we realized we do get away with quite a bit on our Bromptons - just fold and push!
From Marina, we made our way to Chinatown. Many stalls were closed though there were still quite a few that were open for business. We grabbed a bite at Da Dong Dian Xin.
Came across the dragon along Eu Tong Sen. Interesting eyes.
Made our way to Rochor Beancurd @ Selegie. Very surprised that it was open. Grabbed a quick bite and we were on our way home.
It was a simple but very nice impromptu ride. Great way to kickstart the new year! Huat ah!
