SINGAPORE GARDEN FESTIVAL

The Singapore Garden Festival is now on till tomorrow. Held once every two years, it showcases world-class gardens and concept gardens from various countries.

The one that has the crowds in raptures features an underwater city in the aftermath of climate change which has annihilated human civilisation. From afar you would think it's submerged in water, but on closer inspection you'll realise that the illusion is caused by the water and lighting on the ceiling of the display. Very smart. No wonder it not only won a gold medal but also an overall winner medal.

QUITTING

I've already decided to quit as my job as a teacher in a Singapore secondary school. I feel tied down, and regret that I don't have the time to stand and stare and smell the roses.

My last day is this Thursday.

In future blogs I'll tell you more about Singapore.

LAKE TOBA

My first visit to Lake Toba in northern Sumatra was in the 70s. At the time it was a popular tourist spot. I remember the tourist guide warning us not to ask for the price of anything for once a negotiatiion has started you have to buy. You may haggle but eventually you have to buy or risk a verbal assault.

These days Lake Toba is deserted with only a sprinkling of tourists. Even the touts have found it not worthwhile to hang around and waste their time.

Built in anticipation of a tourist boom, many hotels and guesthouses are empty or abandoned.

Now that US has lifted its travel advisory against travelling to Indonesia, things might turn around. For the sake of the Batak (the majority ethnic race), I hope tourists will return to Lake Toba.

The natural beauty is stunning. I stayed for 6 relaxing days.

The Brastagi Highlands

After much agonising, I've decided to revisit the Brastagi Highlands and Lake Toba. A friend asked me whether it was safe, and I said No problem. He is apprehensive after having read about a westerner who was robbed in Bukit Tinggi since he'd be heading there soon.

In life sometimes we have to have a bit of courage to venture into the unknown. Humans easily succumb to their primal fears it seems. And then we'll never be able to get out of the box wherein we've imprisoned ourselves.