OMG! The last time I ran was 13 Sep 2009! More than 1 month of not getting into those running gear. Sigh, new job no time so busy feel lazy tired not motivated carpark too crowded wife wants go swimming need to go shop for clothes visit MIL go gardening.

There. never ending excuses.

We booked a last second trip (the first one to Sabah was abandoned because of the haze that developed suddenly) to Perth and the South West and in 2 working days, we were on a morning 4hours 50 mins Qantas Flight to Perth.

The coastal regions of the South West of WA (Western Australia) are simply breathtaking! We drove down the coastline from Busselton to Albany. Some of the places could only be assessed through dirt track and we drove our rental car (Camry 2.4) slowly.

Will be uploading more pics and stories soon.

Nice technique. Unfortunately no time this week to do some practice in the pool as I was busy putting together a last second trip to Perth and the South West.

Pointers for me to remember:

1) ** High elbows!
2) Thumbs enter water first; palms slice into water
3) Don't lift the head up but follow turn with arm

Eggs with tomatoes lightly grilled with herbs. Pears with papayas. Healthy no?

After some persuasive talk from Benedict, we decided to buy a CANON DSLR camera. Went to John316 shop in Funan and parted S$1900 for a 50D.

Crown Pigeon (100mm macro lens)


Yesterday on the Hari Raya Puasa holiday, went to Jurong Birdpark with Benedict and Vincent to try out the cameras.

Engaged a coach to correct some of my deficiencies and mistakes in the front crawl. I learnt swimming when I was 13-14 years old, and have somehow lost the ability to swim smoothly and efficiently in adult life. So I have decided to make sure I continue to learn and improve on my strokes.

The front crawl is an important stroke and there are differences between normal pool swimming and open sea swimming (for triathlons).

Areas to watch:

1) Turn from the waist instead of just the shoulders! (no wonder my shoulders are often stiff and sore)

2) Relax the forearms more

3) Resist temptation to lift the head up when breathing

You do not need to leave Singapore to experience the atmosphere of a Chinese establishment. I am referring to Geylang, the district famous for its streetwalkers and red lanterns.

Yesterday, we decided to check out this area for authentic Chinese food after a swim. Driving there is not recommended because parking is very limited. Managed to squeeze into a parallel lot between a merc S-class saloon and a van after 3 tries! (actually it was my wife who took over the wheel on the last try).

We crossed the road from Lorong 25 and saw this "Shandong eatery". On walking closer, we saw that the place was packed with Chinese people! Most of them were in the construction trade and were enjoying a beer and some duck.

We were the only locals in the eatery and conversations were all in rapid fire mandarin with various accents. We felt like tourists in China!

Luckily, the menu came with photos, and we selected 3 dishes: Pork with garlic sprouts, butter lettuce with deep fried dace and salted black beans, tomatoes with eggs which cost $7, $7, $5 respectively. We were expecting the portions to be small; so were really surprised when each dish was sufficient for at least 3 people!

As we glanced around the people eating, we saw that they were ordering the mantou instead of rice. We should have done that!




Tomato with eggs. This is a frequently consumed dish in the northern regions like Bei-jing but very rarely offered in southern/Guangdong/Hong Kong eateries. Very delicious!


The service was fast (staff only speak mandarin), the cutlery were clean; portions were large and prices affordable. No wonder it is such a hit with the Chinese people!

Rating: 8/10

They even have free birthday cakes for 6 diners or more as can be seen on the sticker next to our table (no signs in English in this eatery).
We would be back to try the real 山东菜 next time!

Went macritchie for a run today at 9am. Decided to do a fast pace as usual. Started off quite well, fluid action in the legs. Good. But at the second slope after the return leg, I was feeling quite flat and even had to fight a mental challenge to walk!

Oh well, managed to resist that and finished 4KM in 23 mins.

I wondered whether this is due to insufficient rest. Last evening went for swim and muscles still have that no glycogen/energy feel.