Journey Around the World: June 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

Water issue. Crucial Issue.



I have always been amazed at Singapore's ability to overcome our constrains, especially in the area of water and space constrains. I felt so proud when reading papers regarding Singapore being almost self-sufficient in our water supply in 2060.

Here are some interesting facts:
- We have 2 water agreement with Malaysia. One just expired and will not be renewed. Another will expire in 2061.
-NeWater and desalinated water now meet 40% of our water consumption. We plan to double it to 80% in 2060. (i.e 1 year before the water agreement with Malaysia expires!)
- 90% of Singapore will become a catchment area with 17 reservoirs, extensive network of drains and canals by next year.
-Water from desalination requires alot of energy and it cost 100times more than buying water from across the causeway(Malaysia)!
- Each individual currently consume ~ 155L of water daily!
-Research to cut down desalination's energy consumption will be carried out.

" Water is a critical resource without which the city cannot survive-let alone grow."

This reminded me of the conversation with Michael in Nic's Kitchen. "Germany has so much water. Maybe every German should send Singapore 1L of water every year!"

82.1 Million Germans- 82.1 Million L of water. This amount of water is sufficient for 1.4 Million of Singapore's population for one year.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Deutsche Welle-My Munich!


Here is the final product of the one-day filming at Munich. I was really shy in front of the camera. Dunno why. I would rather talk to stranger than to a camera. All comments made were spontaneous-some lame, some with errors... it was funny.. not knowing what to expect, wondering what to say etc... Hope you enjoy the video ;) Nic and I had a great laugh when we heard and saw ourselves for the first time.. our voices sounded strange and we felt that we look weird on tv somehow..

PS: I din know that my voice actually sound so low to others!

Catch me on German TV-Travel Magazine: My Munich ;)

English Version: http://www.dw-world.de/popups/popup_single_mediaplayer/0,,5680740_type_video_struct_9822_contentId_5636884,00.html


German Version: http://www.dw-world.de/popups/popup_single_mediaplayer/0,,5679464_type_video_struct_9820_contentId_5636888,00.html

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/0,2692,9820,00.html
Justify Full

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Cook the day away

Manage to pick up my favourite hobby when I am here in Munich again- Cooking and Baking! I have so much time to cook and it is really fun! I look forward to it everyday. Especially when there is someone to finish all the food! Thanks Nic=)

Here just a glimpse of some stuff=) :



1. Thai Green Curry Fried Rice with Egg 2. Cream Spaghetti with Salmon and Olives



3. Stir Fry Spaghetti with assorted Veg 4.Tortellini with Grilled Zukini


5. Baked Cream Pasta with Crispy Paprika/Pepper Grilled Chicken


6. Assorted Veg Fried Rice with Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken



7. Wholewheat Thin Crust Pizza with Mozzarella, Paprika, Mushrooms and Basil
(Self-made crust+pizza sauce!)



8. Wholewheat Biscotti with Almonds, Dark Chocolate Chips and Milk Chocolate.

The word Biscotti originates from the medieval Latin word biscoctus, meaning "twice-cooked/baked": it defined oven baked goods that were baked twice, so they were very dry and could be stored for long periods of time. The Biscotti that I made was indeed baked twice, cooled and individually wrapped to give friends=)



9. Apple Strudel with Apple+Peaches



10. Honey Coated Muesli with Nuts, dried Fruits and Chocolate(Milk+Dark)



11. Self-made Sushi for our Picnic in Munich. Tuna, Egg, Zukini, Paprika, Smoked Salmon, Turkey breast and Rucola(my favourite Salad!)


Rucola, my fav Salad, which has a nutty after taste. I am trying to get buy the seed and grow them in Singapore! Would love to have a WHOLE Field of Rucola! haha... Yummy!



12. Panini with French Baguette, Cheese, eggs, Grilled Zukini and grilled Tomatoes.



13. Fried Rice with freshly baked potatoe slices 14. Pasta topped with molten fresh mozzarella


15. Pan grilled sides with stir fried pasta 16. Teriyaki grilled platter-Paprika, Spring Onions, Zucchini, Chicken and mushrooms


17. Noodles with turkey breast, goat cheese and stuffed tomato


18. Semi Vegetarian Meal(expect the drumplets) 19. Stri Fried Tortellini with Salami+Wurst


20. Farewell Dinner with nic's neighbours. Mixed of molten cheese on baked bread! Typical swiss;)

End of Food Journey..

Marbach, Stuttgart

Nic's dad stayed at Marbach in Stuttgart and we went to the Markt to get flowers for his sis and nic's cousin before heading to their place for lunch. I think it is very important to bring something along when you go to a friend's place etc.. This is something that is lacking in Asian's Culture.

We havnt got any pictures of the extended family coz Nic left the battery of his Nikon at Munich and my super handphone camera ran out of battery after these 3shots. Will get them from his dad or cousin when the time comes I guess ;)




The pretty Flower Market!



Self selected assortment of Flowers for his Sister ;) Aww...


Nic's dad, nic, Carmen(Nic's cousin) and me=) Was a nice LONG CHAT and LONG LUNCH! Typical German afternoon ;)


Carmen and her husband at the back. In front from left to right: nic's aunt, aunt's husband (Whose has the same name as nic's dad! Helmut!), Nic's dad. Nice people!