The Opera Populaire

Indonesian newspaper Kompas reported that a replica of Admiral Cheng Ho's ship is being built in the West Java city of Semarang as part of a series of celebrations to commemorate the admiral's arrival in the city in the 14th century.

Check out http://pesona1.semarangpesonaasia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=53

Labels: Archipelago affairs

The past week was not good in the least; spent it in a most disgusting state of flu. I suspect it was the turtle soup I ate last week. My nose was alternatively running and blocking, a most uncomfortable sensation. And I saw three doctors and had MCs for a few days. For some reason I don't recover as quickly as I used to. Perhaps I am just getting more impatient with age. But I recently found that Traditional Chinese doctor really works, especially in healing that last bit of flu. Boiling the herbs is a bit of a hassle with all that soaking, waiting and turning up and down the fire. But at least I don't have to use coal, so it's faster. The resulting mixture often tastes revolting, especially after being left overnight and reboiled. But it works *satisfied looking Jenn*

This morning, I woke up a little early and as I lay there, I sensed God's presence stronger than I had felt since the beginning of this year. Isn't it strange that you tend to sense His nearness when you are down, but once your mood has lifted, God kind of fade into the background; not exactly gone, but just in the shadows. Missed His presence, just really missed it so. So I prayed and surrendered the issues I have been struggling with. No clear answer given, but my spirit felt so rested. Yeah, adult life is not always nice, but it is no reason to feel sad, bitter, judgemental or be cynical forevermore. Perhaps someday, in His eternity, it will all make sense somehow.

I haven't felt this way for very long. I have just been busy savouring new life, being sometimes happy, recently very shocked at certain things that happened to me. Now, something suddenly j0lted me back to a certain nostalgic past. Well, I miss those days, more than I can ever say. But life has gone on and it is impossible to turn back time. These days certain future seems to be unfolding for me. Hmm...

Labels: Saya Affairs

Mom's been watching a remake of 上海滩 while recuperating. The remake of the drama that was popular in the 1980s (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bund_(TV_series)) is done in Chinese, unlike the Cantonese original, which starred Chow Yun Fatt. This one was acted by up and coming Chinese actors 黄晓明 and 孙俪, which I think played their parts very well indeed. Huang, with his brooding good looks, also starred as 杨过 in 神雕侠侣 that is currently playing on Channel U. He is now my crush hohoho :)

The storyline is engaging and the actors carried their roles well. The costumes and props were very well-put together. However, a blemish in the drama serial is the portrayal of the Japanese. Understandably, given the plot and the current tension in the relationship between the Chinese and Japanese, real Japanese would not have been asked to help out in the making of the drama. However, I still cannot help but find it rather pathetic to see Chinese attempting their best to portray Japanese, wearing kimonos, performing Japanese dance and uttering an occasional "bakero!" in an emotionally charged scene, in an otherwise great production. Other than that, the serial is a delight to watch.

Watching the serial reminded me of the Christmas party I threw at my house in 2005, with the same theme. Somehow it is difficult to find another theme to rival that, what with its seductive decadence of both poverty and luxury. It will be fun to brain storm for ideas for this year's Christmas party. Bring the ideas on, peeps!

Labels: Review