Sunday, October 23, 2011

Silence of the tombs...

The agenda of the day was to visit the Kampongs( village with the old wooden houses ) - the last existing ones in Singapore as their days are numbered. And so I hailed a cab, to visit Buangkok Kampongs where few families still live the old fashioned way . 50 years ago Kampongs were a common sight in Singapore - more like slums. With time Singapore has turned into a country with sky-crapers, magnificent edifices which makes Kampongs now a historical monument!


When I saw the Kampongs it didn't  fascinate me much as its quite common in Indian villages. Small shabby houses made of wood, prone to decomposition or just mere uncomfortable living.But for Singaporean new generation it's definitely a sight to see. Before the last few Kampongs cease to exist, I had to see them with my own eyes to sink in what Singapore's past looked like. At the whims and fancies of the government the kampong may just vanish someday as soon as the government finds a good use for these lands..Here's a glimpse:






Mr. Poh Keng Ng( Joseph) , my cabbie showed me around and explained about the Government( better skip that part) and said even the cemeteries are no more safe. The burial lands are being claimed by you-know-who to build malls and Condo's irrespective of the public sentiments. The cemetery we visited is called "Lorong Halwa"near Bukit Timah road.I must say this - it took my breathe away. The cemetery looks like an untended garden neglected for years with wild bushes and shrubs. The graves are splattered all over the place also untended. An eerie feeling creeps in yet, the calmness of the place puts you at ease after a while. Of course not a place I would visit after dark. Singapore's past unravels right in front of your eyes while you walk around the graves and makes you wonder about the lives of the deceased.Discrimination doesn't end after death too. While the rich ones have a grand tomb the commoners tombs go ignored.






Joseph after seeing how pleased I was by the visit offered to show me another cemetery , a Japanese one! According to Joseph this cemetery is long forgotten. We headed towards the cemetery and this one was even better. The cemetery is located in Chuan Hoe Avenue, \Off Yio Chu Kang road. The graves of the Japanese prostitutes - poor Japanese girls who were sold off by their families for money to the British colonies a century ago looked serene and at peace.The Japanese soldiers killed during 1942 Japanese invasions are also buried here.Makes one wonder what torments those poor souls must have gone through while they were alive.Joseph says that every year during March, the descendents of the deceased fly from Japan to pay respects to the grave. 




Mr. Joseph Ng






There's more to Singapore than just sky touching buildings , it has a history every resident must know and relish. This visit to the cemetery inspired me to do one more thing- collect pictures of all the helpful taxi drivers and make a hall of fame right here in my blog!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Must watch Sitcoms of all times!



What's the best way to de-stress? Well, watch a comedy show! Nothing like a funny sitcom to crack me up after a long day's work!These are my picks from the mighty ocean of "Funny Sitcoms".


Bewitched- This 60's sitcom has been my all time favourite. The plot of this fantasy themed sitcom is set around Samantha the witch married to a human trying to live a " normal" life .Absolutely Magical! The first season was actually in Black and white! Another confession- Elizabeth Montgomery is the only actress I have truly admired . ( Its always the male actors who attract my attention ahem!)






Friends - The list is incomplete without mentioning this one! Who hasn't watched this sitcom?  Even after the sitcom ended the reruns never ceased to broadcast. Even after watching it a zillion times( you bet! ) and memorizing the punch lines this sitcom still puts a smile on my face.



Seinfeld- This show is practically about nothing. Just 4 friends with their weird idiosyncracies. Kramer being my favourite!




7th Heaven - A family drama. Not belonging to the comedy genre this one has a special place in my heart. Watched this one a couple of years ago while in Singapore ( unemployed days) .Young  Jessica Beal looked so angelic( unlike herself) and the whole cast has a certain unexplainable charm. A complete family must watch! All the little ones grew up to be married and have kids in the sitcom!


Everybody loves Raymond : This one kept me in stitches..For obvious reasons...




The Big Bang Theory - A nerdy comedy show, yet hilarious and entertaining.









Wonder years - A classic comedy drama. You have to see it for yourself!








Frasier - Once again a sitcom with witty one liners.I must confess as a teenager I quite didn't understand the humor, but now find it amusing. A great cast, great performances. Most importantly love the dog!








How I met your mother - A brilliant comedy show which needs no mention yet again! Barnie, I so love you!










My wife and kids - The Kyle family and their outstanding comedy! Wayans stole my heart!










My name is Earl - The Karma themed sitcom is just so hilarious!








The Nanny - A girly show! Story revolves around the widower and his 3 kids and ofcourse the Nanny!









I Dream of jeannie - My personal favourite. Another classic magic- themed sitcom. Captain Nelson- droooool!






Now that the television focus has shifted more towards reality shows it's time to watch the sitcoms from the past!

In my to watch-list:
The Addams Family
That 70's show
Hot in Cleaveland
King of Queens
Outsourced
Hope & Faith and more...

 Escape from the serious crap called 'life'! Watch a Sitcom and smile away your miseries!