AWA Magazine - May/June 2022

A WA Magazine SINGAPORE

MAY · JUNE

All women, All walks of life,

2022

All Nationalities

Secret Singapore:

The Dragon Chamber Hainanese Village Ruins Chinese Cemetary Haunts

Celebrating Women

Asia Honours the Goddess

AWA's Active Group Fun Golf, Tennis, Running

A WA Calendar "Can't Miss" AWA Events

Photos From the AWA Magazine Cover Photoshoot by Christi Elflein

Volunteer Appreciation Lunch and AGM 2022 Goodwood Park Hotel Tuesday, May 10, 11:30am to 1:30pm

Beauty & Fashion: EDEN + ELIE Bubbles and Baubles EDEN+ELI Shophouse Studio Wednesday, May 18, 5:30pm to 8:00pm

Australia and New Zealand Travel Talk Zoom Thursday, May 19, 1.30pm to 3.00pm Lion Dance Masks

Terry and Elena at Thian Hock Keng Temple Terry Young, Shadow Paul, Jen Cormier and Elena Boyce in a Lion Dancers' Truck

Editor's Note Hidden Singapore Issue

For a country that you can bike around in a single day, Singapore hosts a surprising number and variety of hidden gems and secret places. My cherished secret spot (perhaps not so secret after this issue) is Berlayer Creek in Labrador Park. I have the sense I’ve found a secret place the moment I turn away from the ocean and enter the creek path. Almost immediately, the heating sun is forgotten as the shade and sound of the mangrove surrounds me. When the tide is high, I am accompanied by the gentle sounds of waves and sometimes, by fish-eating otters. The mangrove is home to innumerable birds who flit through the trees around me and call to one another. Branches stir as a colony of squirrels and a family of macaques follow their aerial pathways. Some days, members of the model airplane club congregate in the field beside the path and the sounds of chipping golf shots ring from Keppel Club golf course. But I am hidden from view by the trees. For one kilometer, I walk through a tunnel of green. Then abruptly, I turn a corner and find myself at the entrance to the Labrador MRT station. As busy people enter and exit the station, I have the special knowledge that just behind me is a whole other world.

In this issue, we share some of Singapore’s best kept secrets for both AWA newcomers and long-term expats. Have you found Singapore’s Avatar Trees or the hidden ruins of a 1930s Hainanese Village? If you’re seeking some evening adventure, we’ve uncovered The Dragon Chamber and Anouska’s Bar. We also catch up with some not-so-secret AWA groups. Find out what’s happening with Bar Nights, Creative Hands and the Golf Group. In honor of Mother's Day, we wrap this issue up with a look at the often unsung power of the female goddess in Asian religions within Singapore and in the countries that surround us. I hope you’ll check out a few of our favorite hidden gems and perhaps discover some of your own. Happy Reading! Jennifer Williams

Berlayer Creek, Labroador Nature Reserve

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

1

President's Message

American Women's Association Of Singapore Discovering the Gems All Around Us Over the past few years, we have all had to get more creative. From pivoting to home-based learning, remote working and virtual events, we have found ways to make the best out of our situation. Similarly, when it came to traveling, we expanded our horizons from our well-acquainted neighborhoods to explore this Little Red Dot and discover the hidden gems throughout the island. For my family, we have taken this opportunity to visit “faraway” places like Punggol, Sentosa, West Coast Park, and Bedok, and learned to appreciate the jewels located right in our own backyard. In this issue, you will find many tips for lesser-known spots and get insights into these “Secrets of Singapore.” But how about the “Secrets of the AWA”? For example, did you know that the AWA was founded in 1935? (We are older than Singapore itself!) Or that our original name was "Women's Auxiliary of the American Association of Malaya” and that we changed our name to "American Women's Association of Singapore" in 1981? In addition to these interesting nuggets about the organization, how about some fun facts about our members? Did you know that Terry Young, co-chair of AWA Local Tours, helped to oversee her company’s Y2K transition and intently monitored the midnight countdown that year? (Spoiler alert: nothing melted down) Or that Anita Young,

AWA Vice President, lived in Thailand previously, and that is where she originally met our AWA Communications Director and Creative Hands chair Meg Sine? Or that Aarti Sonawala, AWA Special Interest Chair and Holiday Lunch co-chair, is a fourth-generation gemologist? Or that Kristin Bemowski, AWA Corporate Relations Manager and DISH lunch co-chair, is a second-generation AWA member? (She is an alumna of Singapore American School and her mother was an AWA member!) Aside from the little gems about them mentioned above, we also consider the women themselves to be real “AWA gems” for their contributions to our organization. We would like to thank Terry Young for promptly adjusting our local tours pursuant to announced guidelines so that the most members are able to enjoy their learning experience together, Anita Young for actively exploring innovative ways to engage current members and recruit potential ones, Meg Sine for supporting the communications team and raising her hand to lead many of the activities she participates in, Aarti Sonawala for keeping our vast special interest groups connected and our holiday lunch warm, and Kristin Bemowski for maintaining relationships with our corporate partners during these challenging times. As things begin to resume, I look forward to seeing what lies ahead, including the activities that our dedicated AWA volunteers have in store for us. And with all of the gems we have around us, I know that will light the way for lifelong friendships to continue to be forged and new memories to be made. Let’s go! Linda Schindler

AWA Misson Statement The American Women's Association is a sisterhood of women from around the world, who come together to enhance their Singapore experience through fulfilling volunteerrun events and activities. American Women’s Association of Singapore

FAQ’s/Important Information

15 Scotts Road #03-01 Singapore 228218

• The AWA welcomes all nationalities, not just Americans.

General Manager: Sarah Cockerill Main: 6734-4895 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm www.awasingapore.org

2

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

• AWA guest fees apply to Singapore residents. Out of town guests and family members pay the AWA member price. • Guests are entitled to attend two events (in total, not per year) before we ask them to join the AWA to participate. • Register for membership and events on our website:

www.awasingapore.org.

Bulletin Board

the awa board of directors

Sarah and Linda

We Need You!! For the AWA to thrive, we need passionate and, committed volunteers to be board members and chairs of activities and events. As a volunteer-run organization, each volunteer gives freely of her time to provide fun events and activities throughout the year, making AWA a vibrant, active and relevant women’s social organization in Singapore. AWA volunteers also perform critical functions for our organization such as communications, volunteer coordination, marketing, membership and finances. Some of these volunteer positions are great opportunities for non-working professionals to share their knowledge or even learn new skills to advance a career or start a new one. Every year in May, we have our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Volunteer Appreciation event. At this event we thank all our volunteers from the past year for their time, dedication and contribution to continually making AWA a successful organization.

If you have the time and are interested in helping steer this fantastic organization, we would love to hear from you! AWA open volunteering positions are posted on our website and are updated bi-weekly. Available volunteering positions include: AWA Magazine Managing Editor Advertising Manager Workshops Chair Book Group Chair High Tea Chair Something Different Chair DISH Lunch Co-chair Beauty & Fashion Chair Please email our Volunteer Director at volunteerdirector@ awasingapore.org for more information.

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

3

Contents 01 02 03

Editor's Note President's Message Bulletin Board

17

AWA Singapore's Membership Magazine

May June 2022

19 On the Cover AWA Local Tours Group Members Terry Young, Shadow Paul, Elena Boyce and Jen Cormier attend the birthday celebration of the goddess Mazu at Thian Hock Keng Temple Photo by Christi Elflein ­— Christi is publishing her first book this May in partnership with Chinatownology. Her book title is “Great Streets of Singapore’s Chinatown”. Follow her on Instagram @christi.elflein to stay in the know for her 4 Magazine May/June 2022 book AWA launch party. You can purchase her book online at www.christielflein.com.

AWA Group Scoop 19 19 20 21 22 23 31 32 33 35

21

International Women's Choir AWA Bar Night Writers' Block AWA Golf Tennis Running Group Christian Connection Creative Hands Local Tours AWA Group Activities

Bits & Bites of Expat Life 06 08 10 12 13 14 16 17 18 24 26 28 30 34

Finding the Goddess Chinese Cemetary Haunts Wander Woman Watering Holes The Fork and Chopstick Hidden in Plain Sight The AWA Book Review You're Not Alone Really Member Spotlight Singapore Snippets The Singapore Green Plan Farms in the Sky The Lighter Side of Singapore All Nationalities

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Williams editor.awamagazine@gmail.com Staff Managing Editor - Jane Kim Graphic Designer - Suellen Lee Copy Editors - Helena A. Cochrane - Keri Matwick Advertising Katherine McCall advertising@awasingapore.org

Visit us on the internet: www.awasingapore.org Facebook: American Women’s Association of Singapore - AWA

10

Instagram: awaofsingapore Questions, comments and administrative issues, please email us: office@awasingapore.org

Please be advised that any names listed in this publication, the AWA directory or any other material published by AWA are for the exclusive use of AWA members only. Any commercial use is strictly prohibited. The AWA Magazine is published 6 times per year. The American Women’s Association and the AWA Magazine neither endorse nor take responsibility for the opinions expressed herein. Please address all comments and queries to the AWA Magazine Editor. AWA does not endorse or promote any product or service offered through any advertisement that may appear in the AWA Magazine.

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

5

Finding The Goddess

the Power of the Female in Eastern Traditions by Helena A. Cochrane In Singapore, temples were built in veneration of goddesses by newly arrived immigrants. Praying to the goddesses helped connect them to their homeland. The temples were also a crucial part in establishing a community in the immigrants’ new world. In the mythology and origins of Asian goddesses, some important features are repeated. The goddesses are compassionate and modest, yet brimming with creative power that overtakes gender stereotypes of passivity. China: Guan Yin, goddess of mercy and compassion, is a bodhisattva (a Buddha in training) striving in all ways to find enlightenment, and at times shown as an avatar of (the male) Avalokiteshvara, who in his turn sympathizes with and protects devotees. The impermanence of Guan Yin’s gender adds to her popularity among Buddhists. Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery in Toa Payoh houses an 11 meter-high figure of Guan Yin with multiple (1,000!) powerful nimble hands.

photo caption

Tibet and India's Tara

In both Eastern and Western cultures, religion and mythology recognize the power of the female. In religious arts and literature, women have been revered as mothers, spouses, sisters, aunts or daughters. To some degree, every culture has a ritual or time set aside to venerate the Mother figure: she is the giver of life, the protector, the merciful, and the one who sacrifices herself as a gesture of love. The Christian Virgin Mother Mary is the paragon of selfless and powerful love. In Asia, the devout implore goddesses to intervene on their behalf when troubles surround them. Hindu and Buddhist traditions revere goddesses whose power stems from their primordial feminine, creative, and reproductive abilities. The Buddhist teaching of reincarnation allows transformation of a goddess’s form, or even gender, allowing her to give even greater aid to those who seek her help. The stories featuring these goddesses offer insight into the daily lives and complications that the people of Asia have traditionally faced: seeding and harvesting, birthing and raising children, navigating the open seas and also navigating the daily household transactions in order to survive. China's Guan Yin 6

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

China's Mazu Quingdao

Mazu, goddess of the sea, guides sailors and fishermen in sea navigation. In celebrating Mazu’s birthday on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, fishermen stop all their fishing activities. This respite gives fish time to lay their eggs and provide for the next season’s catch. Thian Hock Keng temple on Telok Ayer St. was built by sailors, who upon arrival went immediately to thank their protector for their safe crossing from China to Singapore. Tibet and India: Tara, the supreme savior and protector in Vajrayana Buddhism, overflows with compassion and mercy for the vulnerable. She was born from a lotus germinated amidst tears of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara’s sadness. Avalokiteshvara welcomed the help of Tara, since he could not relieve all the ills in the world on his own. Tara also has some masculine features. In her legend, she declines rebirth in the male form, indicating that whether the deity is male or female is of no consequence to the enlightened mind. There is a Tara Buddhist Center on Race Course Road. Thailand and Cambodia: Mae Posop, the Rice Mother, reigns over the planting, germination and harvest of rice, and in its preparation

for eating. Mae Prosop’s effigy is made from rice and kept stored with the harvest. This rice figure is added to the seeds sown in the correct season. Mae Prosop’s devotees attend to the Rice Mother’s needs and avoid making her angry by wasting any grains of rice in any stage of its preparation and consumption. Indonesia: Dewi Sri, the deity of the rice harvest and the earth, exudes divine energy. She is equated with the Indian goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. Her supernatural birth initiated an astonishing blossoming into a young woman. Dewi Sri’s great sacrifice was involuntary, though. When jealousies arose among many men who fell in love with the beautiful young Dewi Sri, the village elders decided the best thing to do would be to kill her. From her dead body sprang the many fruits, aromatics, flowers and of course rice, that are the basis of Indonesian food.

Since moving from Philadelphia in 2018, Helena has been active with AWA's Walking with Women, Writers' Group and International Choir as well as with Urban Sketchers of Singapore.

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

7

Chinese Cemetary Haunts The Avatar Trees of Bukit Brown Cemetary

by Meg Sine Bukit Brown is a place in Singapore that perhaps many residents of the Garden City do not know about. It’s a sprawling Chinese cemetery on forested land sandwiched between the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and the Lornie Highway just south of MacRitchie Reservoir. This cemetery operated for half a century between 1922 and 1973. Today, many of the cemetery's ornate stone grave sites are being overtaken by dense vegetation but there are still plenty to see and explore. Here is a snapshot of the history of this unique place and how this deathly quiet landscape hides a secret that is beyond the graves… History of Bukit Brown Cemetery In the early 1900s the land of Bukit Brown was purchased by wealthy entrepreneurs from Xiamen, China, to become a residential area for the poor members of their Chinese clan. This land was located on a hillside named after George Henry Brown. Mr. Brown, who came to Singapore in 1840, opened a trading business and built a home on Mt. Pleasant Road adjacent to the hillside that came to bear his name. See Singapore Infopedia. Bukit Brown: Heritage Property or Critical Land Resource? A large section of this property was purchased by the municipal government in 1918 to serve the need for Chinese burial sites. Bukit Brown is the resting place for many prominent Singaporeans, including the ancestors of Lee Kuan Yew. In 1965, over 230 graves had to be exhumed and transferred to another cemetery due to the construction of the Lornie Highway. In the last 15 years, many redevelopment plans have been advanced by Singapore’s LTA (Land Transport Authority) to use this critical land resource for additional highway construction and housing estates. Bukit Brown Avatar Trees

How to Get to this Secret Place There are several access points to gain entry to Bukit Brown to wander the shaded, gravel roads and pathways on foot or mountain bike. The cemetery’s access road along Kheam Hock Road, on the right side, about halfway up the hill after the PIE underpass, is a good place to start. Walk about half a kilometer until the end of the gravel road. Along the way you will pass grave sites, some decorated with colorful Peranakan tiles, Gurkha guards, and remnants of a kampong inhabited by caretakers. Continue along a muddy path, ducking under vines and walking between tall vegetation on both sides of the path. An Alien Landscape Gravesites guarded by Gurhka statues 8

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

The path leads to an area where the shady forest opens to the drama of a big sky and massive trees with

outstretched branches totally clothed by a canopy of hanging vines. It’s an amazing and captivating landscape that is labeled on Google Maps as the “Avatar Trees of Bukit Brown.”

Chinese cemetary graves

I visited this site with a photographer and her Singaporean friend, Clara, (see the lady in red in the photo) who grew up in Singapore and had never heard of or visited this site. It’s fun to try and capture photos that breathe life-like characteristics into these other-worldly-looking natural organisms. The place feels like a movie set for the planet Pandora and of course must be experienced in person. The Uncertain Future Unfortunately, the last time I visited Bukit Brown last month, there were teams of caretakers with weedwhackers mowing through the undergrowth to uncover graves. Maybe the authorities are getting ready to exhume more graves and move the remains? The noise and raw cuttings were a wake-up call that unique natural landscapes such as this have a finite lifetime in Singapore amid the infrastructure demands of a modern city.

What planet is this?

Meg is AWA's Communications Director. Contact her atcommunicationsdirector@ awasingapore.org Graves decorated with Peranakan tiles AWA Magazine May/June 2022

9

Bangkok, Thailand

Wander Woman

Lauren's Journey to Cross the Globe, One Amazing Experience at a Time by Lauren Raps

Hidden Gems in Some of South East Asia’s Best Destinations Without a doubt, the expat community of Singapore is the best resource for what to do, see and eat in the various cities of Southeast Asia. There are however many hidden gems throughout the region that might not be as well-known as others. For this, Wander Woman turned to her sources at ICS Travel Group for some must-do experiences to be added to your itineraries. Thailand - Bangkok:

See Hanoi’s streets and alleyways in style from the backseat of an open-topped vintage Soviet-era Gaz69 jeep. Vintage Jeep Tour in Hanoi

Probably the most futuristic and architecturally extraordinary building in Bangkok. Formerly known as MahaNakhon, this mixed-use skyscraper in the central business district of Bangkok was opened in December 2016. Thailand`s tallest building features the unconventional appearance of a pixelated ribbon that swirls around the exterior, Thailand's Tallest Building AWA Magazine May/June 2022

Vietnam - Hanoi: Hanoi Urban Adventure by Vintage Jeep

Cocktail Sipping on top of King Power Mahanakhon

10

peeling back its surface layer to expose an inner layer, creating balconies with views of the city. When visiting Mahanakhon, it`s worth considering an upgrade to elevate the experience by gaining access to the 310 meter high outdoor observation deck on level 78 via a hydraulic glass lift. Enjoy a unique glass floor experience by stepping onto the ‘The Glass Tray’ and climb to ‘The Peak’ at 314 meters for a refreshing cocktail and a 360-degree view of Bangkok.

The Gaz69 started life as an army vehicle produced in the city of Gorky from 1953 to 1971. It’s a robust off-road jeep that is said to be indestructible so was adopted by the Vietnamese Army in the 50s and 60s. Climb into the back of this classic open-topped jeep and let your chauffeur navigate his way through the vibrant city streets of Hanoi.

xxxxx

Cambodia: Snaps in Phnom Penh Set out on foot and explore a photogenic local community and discover how the work of street artists has transformed this central urban neighborhood.

APOPO Center

APOPO Hero RATs in Siem Reap Witness how rats are being trained to save lives! The APOPO Visitor Center gives us the chance to discover the history of conflict in Cambodia and the impact of landmines on the local communities. The APOPO scent-detection rats, nicknamed 'HeroRATs', help to rid the world of landmines, returning safe land back to communities for development. Laos – Vientiane: COPE Visitor Center Mural in Phnom Penh

Experience the wildly diverse murals lining the walls of the community, from the intricate work of Cambodia’s first female urban street artist, Lisa Mam, to the large format, pop art style paintings of gesturing hands by Chifumi, a French artist who is also a co-founder and organizer of the annual Cambodian Urban Art Festival.

COPE stands for Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise. It is a locally-run, non-profit organization founded in 1997 to provide survivors of unexploded ordnance with care and support. This includes access to orthodontic and prosthetic devices, quality treatment and rehabilitation services. COPE was also visited by former President Barack Obama in September 2016.

While snapping photos of the talented artist’s concrete canvases, learn more about the community and the locals that call it home. Land Mine Sniffing Rat

President Obama Touring the COPE Center

xxxxxxxxx

Lauren Raps is AWA's Bar Night Chair. She moved to Singapore in January 2021 with her husband and three boys. She is the President and Founder of Travel Prospect, a full service leisure travel planning company.

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

11

Watering Holes

Raise a Glass at Singapore's Best Lounges and Bars by Elizabeth Butcher

Anouska’s Bar: A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight There is something about a good hotel bar whether you are traveling or just out for an evening in the city you call home. As a traveler I want a place that feels unique and assures me it was worth the trip. As a denizen I like the way a good hotel bar feels cosmopolitan yet homey. I enjoy hearing different accents and thinking of my next voyage. Anouska’s Bar is located on the first floor of the smart Duxton Reserve Hotel at 83 Duxton Road is just such a hotel bar.

“It’s time to bring out your inner Bond girl for Ladies Night at Anouska’s, every Wednesday from 5:30pm – 10:30pm. Each lady will enjoy a complimentary welcome glass of cava as well as $15++ signature cocktails all night long.” In addition to the delightful Cava, the following were enjoyed and recommended by the ladies joining me that night: •

Anouska’s Dirty Martini (Tanqueray London Dry Gin | Dry Vermouth House Pickled Green Chilli) “more briny than spicy”;

•

Hong Long Choc (Monkey Shoulder Whisky | Lapsang Souchong Chocolate Liqueur | Bitters) “more bitter than sweet”; and

Hong Long Choc cocktail

•

Anouska's mysterious and charming interior

Anouska’s beguiling back story on the website reads as follows: “An ode to Bond girl turned interior designer Anouska Hempel…There is mystery, romance, theatre and perfection; an utopian whirl of stories to be told and worlds to unfold. The stuff of dreams, a glimpse of beyond – from dignitary to vagabond – a corner for every inch of thought alongside beauty, delight and charm.” Sounds a little precious, I know. But it really is extremely chic and comfortable with cozy spaces, strong drinks, and delicious nibbles. I was lucky enough to get a spot there last month at one of the AWA Bar Nights organized by Lauren Raps. It was a Wednesday, aka Lady’s Night which means:

12

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

Canton Sour Luxardo Amaretto | Monkey Shoulder Whisky Sweet & Sour | Angostura Bitters Black Sesame Seeds | Egg White, “I love whiskey sours and this one did not disappoint,” said AWA Magazine Managing Editor Jane Kim.

For snacks we tried the local delicacy of Spicy Salted Egg Yolk Fish Skin and the international favorite Spicy Chicken Popcorn in Sichuan Spices. Both paired nicely with our drinks.When you have a chance, find a Wednesday and head over to Duxton for the decor, excellent drinks, and perhaps international adventure. Anouska’s Duxton Reserve 83 Duxton Road 089540 www.anouskas.sg

Elizabeth enjoys exploring Singapore from Pulau Ubin to St. John's and all the watering holes in between.

The Fork and Chopstick

Highlighting Off the Beaten Path, Heritage, or Just Plain Fun Chomping Grounds by Jenni & Eric Lee

The Dragon Chamber

(When was the last time you saw Chop Suey on a menu?) Service was efficient, catering to couples, groups, and families with children.

2 Circular Road, S. 049358

You could easily walk past The Dragon Chamber and mistake it for just an outdoor eatery on Circular Road. Look closer and you will notice that the counter in front isn’t really a kitchen… and is that really a drinks fridge in the back? Enter the Dragon Chamber…into a dark passage that leads to an intimidating door with a sliding peephole. No password needed, but definitely a dramatic entrance into the main dining room. The Dragon Chamber is an example of the speakeasy style of bar and restaurant that adds a bit of mystery and adventure to your innovative meal. Saturday Dinner Chomp: The food is fusion Chinese with a Western twist. Firecracker Chicken ($16) was a take on Laziji - popcorn chicken chunks deep fried with Szechuan peppercorn and chili. What is not to like (although this dish should have been several degrees spicier). The accompanying maple glazed youtiou made for a charming tilt of the hat to chicken and waffles. The classic Yang Chow fried rice yielded a satisfying wok hei; and true to Laziji dish form, the Flaming Pineapple Beef ($30) came out blazing! The beef was extremely tender and rich with a sauce of classic sweet & sour flavors. We are also always suckers for Wasabi Prawns ($26), which as a menu item didn’t seem to fit the theme, but they were tasty nonetheless. Overall, the well prepared food evoked the general tropical Asian mishmash familiar to a suburban US kid growing up. Perhaps we’ll return for the crocodile penis soup one day. Ambience/Service/Clientele: Decor is a modern, dark basement with a chic bar on the side and a view of the kitchen - a fun place to add a bit of mystique, especially for out-of-town visitors.

Digest this - the Good the Bad and the Ugly: Reservations need to be done way in advance and held with a credit card, unless you want the 5 or 9 p.m. slot. Entry into the “chamber” provided dramatic flair - what a playful beginning. They limit your dining time so this is not a place to linger over a leisurely meal; and your dishes may be served all at the same time unless you request otherwise. The cocktails (Sake Mojito and Java Royale) were The Dragon Chamber watery. What Others Are Saying: “Food was mostly well-seasoned except for the crocodile which could do with more salt;” “The dragon claw has a rich Chinese herbs aroma;” “Maybe a bit kitschy but in a fun way…” Post-Meal/ Further afield: Head over for cocktails at 28 HongKong Street (hidden bar behind a shophouse facade - ranked among Asia’s 50 best bars!) Or a stroll along the Singapore River will lead you to Flaming Pineapple Beef Tsujiri at Clarke Quay Central for fabulous Japanese soft serve. A little further down is Projector X: Riverside, for dessert or nightcap with a view (and a movie, of course). Happy Chomping! Jenni & Eric Lee live to eat and explore local eateries and bars. Originally from New York, they have lived in Singapore since 2012. AWA Magazine May/June 2022

13

Hidden in Plain Sight

Discovering Singapore's Vibrant Street Art Scene by Jennifer Williams and Isabelle Tadmoury

Jewel Waterfall

Travelling Art at Changi Airport If you have lived in Singapore these past two years, it's been hard to imagine traveling without COVID restrictions. Many of us just didn’t leave the island in 2020 or 2021. If we did, we were faced with two-week quarantine in government-assigned hotels where in most cases windows didn’t open. Then gradually we moved to Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs,) reciprocal quarantine free arrangements with other countries. Only a few flights a

week received this designation and those were typically also the most expensive flights. Every month a new list of countries would be added to the list. Ironically, the countries closest to us were added only towards the end of the VTL lifespan. Today, that’s all a thing of the past. We can travel much more freely and go to whatever country we want. Soon Changi Airport will once again be the hub of travel for the region and likely regain its number one ranking for airports in the world. As all of us start planning vacations and family trips, we wanted to point out some of Changi Airport’s hidden art gems. There’s much more to see at Changi Airport than the duty-free shopping or the departure lounges. When you arrive at the Terminal 1 Departure Hall, ready to take your Singapore Airlines flight, stop and look at the “golden raindrops” that hang at the entrance area. More than 1,000 bronze droplets make up Kinetic Rain. They move in harmony to create abstract art patterns and not-so-abstract shapes. Introduced in 2012, Kinetic Rain symbolizes the one thing most Singaporeans have a love-hate relationship with, the rain. The Kinetic Rain was inspired by Singapore’s tropical weather.

Daisy 14

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

If your departure is from Terminal 3, there are three stunning pieces to see. Don’t miss the amazing green wall. The whole length of the hall has been planted with leafy tropical greenery. Just across from this oasis sits the Daisy by Christian Moeller. Its propeller (surprise! Daisy

is in actual fact a propeller created to resemble a daisy) moves gracefully when it detects movements. Near the Terminal 3 link bridge to Jewel sits a pair of white sculptures that look like vases. The artwork, Flora Inspiration, was commissioned for the opening of the terminal in 2008 from Singapore sculptor, Han Sai Por. Resembling a cluster of seed pods, their corrugated surfaces assume the naturalistic texture of botanical organisms. The art resembles “Han Bai Yu,” a stone indigenous to China’s Yunnan region with close similarities to White Jade.

weather patterns through dynamic lighting. There are also Grains of Thought, an installation of two giant rice grains suspended in mid-air. A reminder of the role that this humble food plays in the region. Singaporean artist Eng Tow is often inspired by nature in her work. Our thoughts for you are...Safe travels everyone!

Han Sai Por, was awarded the 1995 Singapore Cultural Medallion for her contribution to art. Her work is permanently on display in hotels, libraries and train stations across Singapore, as well as parks in Malaysia, Japan, England and the United States. For kids, the best piece of art is the giant Chupa Chups lollipop that sits at the entrance of the security doors. There’s even a Chupa Chups play area at the right side of the Terminal 3 entrance lobby. There are more art installations in Terminal 2 and 4 but we haven’t included those as these terminals remain closed (at least at the time when we wrote this piece). Instead, we want to take you to Jewel. There’s nothing more stunning than the waterfall at the center of this recreational and shopping complex connected to the terminal. Cascading down 40 meters from the dome-shaped roof,the Vortex is the world's tallest indoor waterfall. Surrounded by greenery, this isn’t a bad place to catch your breath before you head to your travel destinations. As you walk to the taxi stand, look up at the Crystal Clouds created by artists Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot. These “hanging clouds of crystals” are 16 ‘clouds’ made up of thousands of shimmering crystals which reflect the

Giant Chupa Chups Lollipop

Isabelle and Jennifer share a love of art, good coffee and exploring Singapore. Both came here in 2019 and are always on the lookout for the next great statue or mural that is just around the corner.

Kinetic Rain

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

15

The A WA Book Review "Books Are a Uniquely Portable Magic"

Stephen King by Isabelle Tadmoury

Singaporean Book Gems There’s no shortage of books about Singapore! The most famous of course is Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan which was turned into a Hollywood blockbuster. It’s also the first modern story with an all-Asian cast and an Asian-American lead in 25 years; the last, The Joy Luck Club, was in 1993. Crazy Rich Asians is a Cinderella story about an Asian-American woman meeting her boy­ friend’s colorful and, yes, crazy-rich family in Singapore. There are even private tours that retrace the various scenes and where they were filmed throughout the city.

17A Keong Saik Road

Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians Series

born Chief Inspector Thomas LeFroy to solve the murders that occur during both the British colony and under the Japanese occupation. Su Lin’s childhood limp allows her to go undetected to investigate in places where others can’t go. These stories about strong female characters make Ovidia Yu one of Singapore's first feminist writers and she continues to write thought-provoking plays and novels on the subject.

While Kevin Kwan is internationally well-known, he is also persona non grata in Singapore, his birthplace. Having moved to the United States at age 11 with his parents, he defaulted on his national service obligation. Although he tried to renounce his Singaporean citizenship, he is currently banned from entering the country he made famous through his books. Interestingly there are quite a few books that recount the transition of the city from the 1930s to present day, from the English classic Tanamera by foreign-correspondent Noel Barber which recounts a love story between an Englishman and a Chinese woman to 17A Keong Saik Road which recounts the life of the daughter of a brothel owner in the red-light district of Chinatown. The most heart-wrenching is probably How We Disappeared about Singaporean “comfort women” during the Japanese occupation. It tells of one woman’s survival and the quest of a child to solve a family mystery. A recent popular series uses indigenous trees as the background for her murder-mysteries. Ovidia Yu’s Frangipani Tree Mystery, the Betel Nut Tree Mystery, The Paperbark Tree Mystery, The Mimosa Tree Mystery and the Cannonball Tree Mystery are a delightful look into Singapore’s past through the eyes of the main character Chen Su Lin. Amateur sleuth Su Lin, works with British16

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

Ovidia Yu's Mystery Books Isabelle is an avid reader and book club member. She’s written a children's picture book "Three World Trade Center was our Home” which is part of the 9/11 Museum. Catch her recommendations in the magazine or on GoodReads.

You're Not Alone...Really

Coping With the Ups and Downs of Being an Expat by Andrea McKenna Brankin

Covid Sparkle: This ‘Hidden Gem’ Can can elevate your mood as well as make you look gem-tastic. Boost Your Mood I recently went on vacation to Thailand and my whole family got Covid after arrival. Worst-nightmare scenario and obviously a total downer. I didn’t have a lot of mood-boosting tools with me, but I did take a look at some bling I had worn on the trip to make myself feel better. I had a Tanzanite jewelry set on, which included some lighter violet-colored new stones and three pear-shaped, darker, indigo-blue colored gems that my husband bought me on our honeymoon in Mexico in 2011. I might’ve been reaching a little on the power of gemstones, but I spent some time looking up the spiritual, physical and energetic properties of Tanzanite. It killed time, if nothing else. There’s myriad information on gemstones and their properties. Tanzanite was introduced to the jewelry market in the 20th Century by Tiffany & Co. Discovered in Tanzania in 1967, it is a relatively rare stone that has a lot of spiritual, emotional and healing properties, according to Crystal Vaults, an online gemstone company that sells stones for meditation, yoga, healing and other spiritual purposes. In terms of managing my moods, Tanzanite packs a sparkly punch. According to Crystal Vaults, “Tanzanite aids in sharing spiritual information and knowledge from a heart-centered perspective, making it an excellent crystal for counselors or others in the position of intellectually interpreting emotional experiences. It also benefits empathetic individuals who form interpretations of emotional information they receive intuitively.’” I would say that, as a bipolar person who writes about mental health and supports advocacy, this resonates with me. I certainly also put a lot of sentimental value on the jewelry itself. “Worn as jewelry, Tanzanite not only stays within one’s auric field and brings one’s consciousness to a permanently higher state, but brings the positive self-awakening qualities to others who see its beauty.” So, that means that it

Drilling down to more emotional healing, Tanzanite can generate an energy of happiness and relief from worries, allowing insight into emotional issues without the need to dwell on them unnecessarily, according to Crystal Vaults. In addition to inspiring one to feel “more compassionate, loving and centered, Tanzanite helps in overcoming experiences of fear and crises, and in re-building trust. It helps solve questions related to the meaning of life, and in coming to terms with oneself” Yes, please. Being stuck, even in beautiful Koh Samui, was still really stressful, as we had no intimation of when we could return home to Singapore. (At the time of this writing, we were still testing positive and had already missed our flights.) Tanzanite also has physical healing properties, which, under my Covid circumstances, was muchneeded, as I was suffering strong symptoms of the worst respiratory infection I’ve ever had, such as stuffy nose, congested head, scorching throat and emerging cough. Crystal Vaults says Tanzanite can strengthen the immune system, detoxify the blood and improve vitality. This surely was in order for handling Covid, and I anxiously awaited this magic to take hold. (That, and Advil, local tangerine juice and a local Thai decongestant of questionable efficacy.) In terms of Covid recovery, there is also some evidence that UV sunlight can help blast away the virus. We were easily on board with this remedy, as we had our own deck, sun loungers and pool. But amidst the sweating and searing, I still took a lot of long looks at the sparkly gems on my finger, wrist, ears and neck and totally hoped for the best. Whatever it takes, shine on, you crazy Tanzanite. I need to get home! Andrea runs the AWA Listen Ladies Group, providing confidential support for members at regular meetings. listenladies@awasingapore.org

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

17

Member Spotlight

Getting to Know Our Members Beyond the Usual Chitchat by Helena A. Cochrane Hilary North Scheler Hilary was on the fence; she was not sure she wanted to uproot her young kids from their comfortable suburban life outside New York City, but her husband John’s work opportunity in Singapore was very appealing. Covid restrictions led to delays and uncertainty, and some reluctance. But then, encouragement from another expat mom with three kids who lived nearby in NYC tipped the scales. Hilary, John and their children Max (8) Amy and Annie (5) arrived in July 2021, coped with quarantine, school placement, work from home, and the entire litany. Hilary says she would do it again. For her kids, this opportunity to live in another country has been terrific. A neuroscientist by training, Hilary may be analyzing this transition from the inside. Hilary North Scheler

done since before having kids. Through that, I meet new people and enjoy the outdoors. Do you have any Singaporean friends? How do you think they have helped you adapt? We’ve made friends in our building, through the kids, and through the American Club. We’re finding Singapore to be a friendly and social place. We have a handful of local friends through the preschool and my husband’s company. They have bent over backwards both to help us feel at home and to find everything we needed when getting settled. What life lesson have you learned during your time in Singapore? My mom was an Army brat who grew up in the Middle East. She encouraged me to take this on, to give this expat experience to my kids. She urged me to take the plunge and do something out of my comfort zone – move 10,000 miles away with three kids during a global pandemic!

What have you enjoyed more about Singapore than you thought you would? What has been the most pleasant surprise? What have you struggled with that you didn’t expect to be challenging? I love the weather! Sometimes it can be a bit too hot, but I love never needing a jacket and being able to plan outdoor activities year round. Coming from the Northeast US, I thought I’d miss the seasons more. Not yet! On the other hand, Covid safeguards have been a big challenge, but then again, I’m really, really bad at following rules. Have you tried something new in Singapore? The weather and having a helper here have allowed me to play tennis and go swimming, which I haven’t otherwise 18

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

John, Hilary, Amy, Max and Annie

What item in your Singapore home makes you feel the most settled? My iPhone! All of my friends and family are just a text message or FaceTime call away, at least in the morning and late at night.

Did you live in a large city or in the country before you came to Singapore? What do you think of living in the city? We feel at ease in a big city but we love escaping to the parks and nature reserves here. I appreciate the vegetation in Singapore... around the city, in everyone’s homes, and in the phenomenal gardens. Any decorating we’ve done in our apartment is with many plants. I’ll miss this greenery so much whenever we go back home. What do you miss from home and can't find here? Deodorant? When I ran out of what I brought, I only found a weird organic spray and an aloe vera crystal. Husband had to bring some back for me from his last trip home!

Have you unpacked all the boxes from your move? We didn’t bring any! We flew with just duffel bags. It’s been so nice to have no stuff and no clutter- just the basics. What is your favorite Singapore holiday to celebrate? We embraced Chinese New Year. The kids enjoyed making tiger lanterns and exploring Chinatown amidst the festivities. Since moving from Philadelphia in 2018, Helena has been active with AWA's Walking with Women, Writers' Group and International Choir as well as with Urban Sketchers of Singapore.

International Women's Choir Passion for Music and Song

We are a small group with a great big heart! As things open up, we continue to practice at Adelphi House studio 03-33, where the piano is in tune and we are too. Working on a repertoire of regional folk songs, some pop tunes and some music to lift our spirits. If you are interested, we would love to have your voice join ours. Auditions are given so that your range can be determined, all abilities and experience levels welcome. Please email Intlchoir@awasingapore.org

A WA Bar Night Girls' Night Out

Whether you are looking to make new friends or just need a girl’s night out, Bar Night is the perfect event for you! Held semi-monthly, Bar Night takes us to Singapore’s best watering holes, especially those with great Happy Hour deals or Lady’s Night offers. In March, two groups of five went to Anouska's at the Duxton Reserve Hotel to enjoy Chinese cocktails, such as the trademark Escape to Kaifeng (chrysanthemum cordial with Tanqueray) and yuzu martinis. New friends were made and contact information exchanged, and of course, we all left refreshed! If you are interested in hosting a Bar Night, please reach out to barnights@awasingapore.org and we can add it to the calendar. Cheers!

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

19

Writers' Block

A Contribution From Our AWA Writers' Group Members by Helena A. Cochrane

Mango Season

So juicy! All the way from Thailand! Very good price!

At the market stall, face lit, she urges me to purchase.

Intimacy

I survey a mound of green-into-red fruits

In the slanted morning sunlight, momentous occasions fade

My hand alights on one more red than the others.

This one will burst open on my dinner table tonight.

Unbounded mango season regenerates the offering of fruits every month. Though I see now, with my own seasoning,

they’ve come from nearer now and farther then, Honey Gold, Alphonso, Manila.

Hot breezes catch the trees’ crown in a sway

behind intimate moments That I could have forgotten were it not for the spark Lit as I help my mother wash today. Needs met for me as I thought I deserved. Where tears and dirt, hurt and want snagged me on my path, deft comfort, reassurance, and skill picked me up, set me right, moved me forward.

As the girls’ hair escapes their casual ties

My sister fixed my hair, grandmother sewed my dress, brother repaired a bicycle tire

The girls’ wavering bamboo pole pulls them down.

Mother brushed dry skin from my sundrenched face on an August afternoon, and I was presentable in the evening.

Fruits scuttle green among green leaves up high until, Auntie sits sentry in her chair, arms gnarled around the harvest bag. Witness to this ingenious scheme, I laugh, and applaud their success. Then stammer as they hand me two of their treasures. Complimentary sunshine fallen into my hands.

Through a chain of sweltering days, the mangoes harness the sun’s rays,

Synthesis of gold and light swims unyielding amidst its leafy nest To yield this sublime sweetness.

Gentle crescent around which to fold my palm.

My turn now to attend to the details, hygiene for the white hair and mottled skin, presentability comprised by comfort. She sits quietly, and guards her unease while the water warms as I, Guarding her eyes from the lather, taking time with the rinse, make the effort towards ease, economy, gratitude. In all the years since childhood, of marriage and mothering, I had not somehow noted: these rituals of care for the body ingrain as love and respect for the soul it holds. Intimacy takes a new turn in the soapy, warm stillness.

Durable hull that itself cools and soothes.

Nature, not so pompous as to declare perfection. Though mangoes make us a best offer.

Two poems by Helena A. Cochrane The AWA Writers’ Group meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month. For more information, send an email to writers@awasingapore.org

20

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

A WA Golf

Friendly golf rounds by Chue Peng Pavie As the easing of the restrictions continues, our golfers continue to participate and shine in Singapore islandwide events. Whether it is at the recent Ameritrade's A Day-on-theCourse event at Singapore Island Country Club, the International Women's Day event at Laguna National or at the Singapore Chinese Golf Association's monthly event, we are proud to have two star players among us: Roselie Bautista, two-time Ladies Nett Champion (within a six-month period), and Lily Giddens, winner of the longest drive award. It's always fun when we are able to get out to golf! To join, contact us at 18holegolf@awasingapore.org.

Fun at the Tee

Ladies First at Laguna National

Golf at Laguna National

Roselie Bautista, Ladies Nett Champion AWA Magazine May/June 2022

21

Tennis

Fun, Friendship and Fair Play by Becca Meurer Off-The-Beaten-Path Tennis Courts Rain in Singapore dampening your tennis spirit? Don’t despair, head over to the tennis courts at Winchester Tennis Arena. Tucked away in Alexandra Park, these littleknown courts are open to bookings by the public at a fee of $25 an hour. A booking at these courts can also come in handy when the sun is just too hot to bear any more.

•

Assessments Coordinator Natalie Vulakh, one of our longest-standing committee members, ran Team Tennis (Advanced) for many years. Her historical knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport have been invaluable.

We also welcome new Committee members: Marline Fraticelli, Anita Young and Whitney Smith (Tournaments); Paige Jenkinson (Clinics); and Soledad Taylor (Team Tennis-Advanced). The AWA Tennis Committee is a fun and active group. If you have enjoyed any of our many offerings and want to give back to the tennis community please join us. Contact Paige Okun at tennischair@awasingapore.org. We’ve always got more tennis in the pipeline, and just as Spring Social Singles, Social Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Discover Tennis Clinics are winding down, the previously postponed Doubles Cup, our most competitive tournament, is coming to you the week of May 9, and look out for Doubles Challenge in the next few months. So much tennis excitement in the Spring air! Here’s what’s coming up for AWA Tennis AWA Doubles Cup

Tennis Off-The-Beaten-Path

Ever heard of Jurong Tennis Centre? Somehow when public courts at Farrer Park, Kallang and St. Wilfred are booked, these public courts are available for booking on the ActiveSG platform. Also of note, Jurong Tennis Centre is now home to Singapore’s first fully permeable, in-situ tennis hard court. The flooring of the recently repaved court will allow players to return to play soon after rain. Tennis Committee Changes The AWA Tennis Committee wishes a very sad and fond farewell to several of our committee members: •

Committee Co-Chair Becca Meurer’s organisation skills, clear thinking, and calm demeanor kept us on track during Covid limits and pivots.

•

Tournament & Mixed Doubles Coordinator Jane Kim’s spreadsheet prowess and multitasking ensured our Burch Tournament (now AWA Doubles Plate) and Mixed Doubles ran smoothly.

•

Clinics Coordinator Suzanne Murphy’s flexibility and forethought allowed our Discover Tennis Clinics participants to play within Covid limits and expanded our clinics for the first time to Advanced-level players.

Our Advanced tennis tournament was postponed in November due to COVID restrictions. We are now holding the tournament on the week of May 9, on the courts of our sponsor, Savitar Tennis Centre. Registration opens April 4 and is $170/pair. Watch the tennis webpage, Facebook page and newsletter for more details! Doubles Challenge Doubles Challenge is back in August! Grab your favorite doubles partner and watch the tennis page on the AWA website for more details and signup. Discover Tennis Clinics for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced players Our tennis clinics, offered with our partner Savitar Tennis Centre, are always a popular and sold out activity! Clinics are offered in six-week sessions for Beginner, Intermediate

Tennis Clinic Fun 22

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

and Advanced level players, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. While our current session is just winding down, look out for new sessions for June-August. Sub List: Can’t commit to a whole season of the above-mentioned? Then sign up to be a sub. It’s free! Coordinators will reach out to you when players are looking for a one-off sub. Note that our sub list refreshes every calendar year so be sure to sign up annually. Tennis Assessments: the key to participating in AWA tennis activities and events. You are required to have an up-to-date assessment (within the past two years). AWA Tennis Assessments are now run by Savitar Tennis Centre on a monthly basis.

Stay in the loop To sign up for AWA Tennis, check out the AWA Tennis web page under “Sports” and sign up for our monthly newsletter. Why not join our closed Facebook group as well (AWA Tennis)? Becca is co-chair of the Tennis Committee. She and her family have lived in Singapore since 2019. She opened her art gallery, LatinArtSingapore, in 2021 and holds regular art exhibitions in her home.

Running Group

Kilometers of Friendship and Fun by Keri Matwick The AWA Running group pushed themselves to the max these past two months. Besides regularly meeting four times a week, the women participated in endurance races. Here are the highlights: In the Great Singaporean Whatever Race, five teams competed in the annual relay event created by the brilliant and ever creative Bernie Tretta. In teams of five, the members alternated running race legs to complete the hilly 25km course from Bukit Timah Park to West Coast Park. There were challenges along the way that could help the team win, such as taking a photo of a dog in a stroller (extra points for cats!), eating donuts, or taking selfies with tigers.

the pull-up challenge and Rum Runners who gave the best Tik Tok with Hawaiian leis and hula dancing. Scrambled Legs had the best name, don’t you agree? The 30th Miami Marathon was a rewarding and memorable reunion for current member Keri Matwick and former member Marangeli Wouda. Joining them in the race were Kelsi, Keri’s sister, and Tito, Marangeli’s husband. Ocean views, palm trees, and diamond-studded medals made the 26.2 miles that much sweeter. In spirit of this issue’s theme on “Singapore’s Hidden Gems,” a few of our running group favorite runs + coffee/ breakfast combinations are: Botanic Gardens + De Paolo Gastronomia-Bukit Timah; Marina Bay Sands loop +

Miami Marathon - Kelsi, Tito, Marangeli, Keri

Common Man Coffee Roasters; Green Corridor from King Albert MRT to Plain Vanilla at Neil Road or Jimmy Monkey. The ladies said farewell to long-time group member Ellie Doyle and wish her a wonderful new start in the UK. Join in the camaraderie: Tuesdays, at the Botanic Gardens, three different times, 7am, 7:30am, and 8am, 5KM; Wednesdays, 7:30am, Iron Strength; Thursdays, varying locations, 7:30am, 8-10KM; and Saturdays, varying locations, 7am or 7:30am, 10-15KM. The Great Singaporean Whatever Race

The Coast Busters, led by team captain Yvonne Suttles, just edged out the Nameless Beaumonts for the big win. Coming next were the Singapore Tigers who rocked on

Keri is a linguist and teaches writing at Nanyang Technological University. Active in the AWA Running Club and Java Junkies, Keri enjoys running and meeting up friends at cafés. AWA Magazine May/June 2022

23

Singapore Snippets

Discovering Items of Interest on the Red Dot by Marta Ferrer Lubeck

The Hidden Village Reclaimed by the Forest Not far from the fast-paced lanes of Upper Thomson Road lie the ruins of what used to be a vibrant Hainanese village. The village was established in the 1930s to accommodate new immigrants from Hainan, China. The inhabitants yearned for a life away from poverty, and they built farms and small businesses that grew and prospered over time.

Jungle Reclaiming Abondoned House

The village ruins are located inside the 50-hectare Thomson Nature Park. During its heyday, the village used to be accessible via two main roads that are no longer functional but are still demarcated by street signs: Lorong Pelita and Jalan Belang. Today, the main entrance is accessible from Upper Thomson Road. There are a few

Rambutan trees. The Ruins and Figs trail takes the visitor around many of the village’s ruins. You may be surprised to find a dilapidated kitchen counter in the open with teacups, saucers, and jugs! Kampung Family Stories In addition to Mr. Han Wai Toon’s story, signposts throughout the park feature some of the families that

Macque Family

lived in the village. Mr. Foo had no formal education and migrated from Hainan to Singapore, where he worked as a bartender and waiter. In 1957 he was able to buy a piece of land as a means of livelihood and to raise a family. The family of 2 adults and 9 children moved to House 21 on Jalan Belang. There they kept a farm and residence. Han’s Café chain traces its humble beginnings to the Hainanese village, home of the Han family. One of the Han brothers was a very talented baker, and that inspired his brother Han Choon Fook to open a small bakery on Upper Thomson Road. The bakery was very prosperous, and the family opened more branches throughout the island. Today, the Han’s chain comprises 25 establishments in Singapore.

Abandoned House

trails that help the visitor navigate the 3.8 km walking circuit, and they provide a good sense of what life was like in the kampung or village. The Rambutan trail, for example, highlights the story of Mr. Han Wai Toon, an immigrant from Hainan who planted as many as 400 24

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

As the Hainanese village grew, immigrants from other ethnic backgrounds moved to the village as well. By the 1960s, there were about 100 residents of different ethnic backgrounds. The Fox family, of Eurasian ethnicity, owned a two-story house. The head of the family used to drive a mobile library that would bring new books—and knowledge—to the village children. In the 1980s, the village inhabitants were moved to public housing and the village was abandoned to allow for nearby development works.

Steps to Mr. Han Wai Toon's Farmhouse

Nature and Biodiversity NParks opened Thomson Nature Park in October 2019 to provide more green spaces for Singaporeans and to complement other existing buffer parks to the Central

Catchment Nature Reserve. The park provides a forest habitat to numerous wildlife, including the critically endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur, of which about 60 remain in Singapore today. The trail network includes the Macaque and Langur Trails, and the Stream & Ferns Trail, all of which allow the visitor to explore the rich biodiversity of the park as well as to appreciate the ruins of the village that existed here some three decades ago. How to Get There and Some Tips Thomson Nature Park is a three-minute walk from Aft Tagore Dr bus stop on Upper Thomson Road. There is a carpark in the main entrance, and there are two walking entry points from Old Upper Thomson Road. After all the walking and exploring, you can enjoy delicious roti pratas at Casuarina Curry, a local favorite located on Casuarina Road off Upper Thomson.

Marta moved to Singapore with her husband and two children in July 2020. She loves to explore Singapore with the AWA walking, hiking and photography groups. Ceramic detail AWA Magazine May/June 2022

25

The Singapore Green Plan Your 101 to Sustainability, the Singapore Way

by Claire Langrée Saf within a ten-minute walk of a park. One million more trees across the Little Red Dot, to be planted by 2030 to absorb another 78,000 tons of CO2, providing cleaner air, and cooler shade. Energy Reset

xxxxxxxx

While the space for large-scale renewable energy projects is not readily available, Singapore strives to become more energy efficient. By quadrupling its solar energy deployment, solar energy deployed will be five times that of today by 2030. Beyond HDB towns, Singapore will green 80% of all buildings over the next decade and plans to fully embrace electric vehicles (EVs). Combined, all these efforts will reduce energy consumption by more than 8 million megawatt hours per year, reducing domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 3 million tons per year by 2030. Green Energy

What is sustainability? According to the Brundtland Commission's report, sustainable development, the processes used to pursue sustainability, means "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs."

Singapore wants to play active and important roles in fulfilling two international goals The International Civil Aviation Organization’s aspirational goals of 2% annual fuel efficiency improvement from now to 2050 and carbon neutral growth from 2020

The concept is often broken into three core concepts or "pillars": economic, environmental, and social.

The International Maritime Organization’s target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels, and to phase out such GHG emissions in this century.

The Singapore GreenPlan 2030 Explained

Green economy

Why a green plan?

Tackling climate change is a key competitive advantage, and will present new opportunities for growth and job creation.

•

The Singapore Green Plan 2030, or the Green Plan, is a whole-of-nation movement to advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development.

•

Every nation has a plan to reach the COP 26

What Does the Green Plan Seek To Achieve? The Green Plan charts ambitious and concrete targets over the next 10 years, strengthening Singapore’s commitments under the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement, and positioning Singapore to achieve its long-term net zero emissions aspiration as soon as viable. Key Programs There are five key programmes of the Green Plan: City in Nature, Energy Reset, Green Economy, Resilient Future, Sustainable Living. City in Nature Singapore will set aside 50% more land – around 200 hectares – for nature parks. Every household will live 26

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

Singapore will install 60,000 charge points by 2030

Singapore's first floating solar farm (Straits Times, Mar 24, 2021)

Among the 2030 targets are:

Resilient Future

•

Jurong Island to be a sustainable energy and chemicals park

•

Singapore as a sustainable tourism destination

•

Singapore as a leading center for green finance and services to facilitate Asia’s transition to a low-carbon and sustainable future

By increasing greenery and piloting the use of cool paint on building facades, Singapore aims to moderate the rise in urban heat. As a food loving nation, Singapore has to make its food supply more resilient and have announced its 30-by-30 target – to meet 30% of nutritional needs through locally produced food by 2030.

•

Singapore as a leading regional center for developing new sustainability solutions

Sustainable Living Living in a circular economy, with a high rate of recycling, means that precious resources can be used many times over. Singapore is looking at turning incineration bottom ash into NEWS and for use in construction, which will contribute to its target to reduce waste to landfill by 30% by 2030. Singapore is also looking at ways to raise trips taken on mass public transport from 64% to 75% by 2030 with the support of the Eco Stewardship Programme involving students from Primary to Pre-University levels to genuinely understand sustainability and climate change challenges. Lastly, Singapore aims to reduce the amount of waste to landfill per capita per day by 20% and its household water consumption to 130 litres per capita per day.

Claire moved to Singapore in 2014, with her husband and two daughters. Here she turned to her lifelong passion and trained as a sustainability professional. She now has a local/global sustainability network. Claire runs, reads and photographs with AWA. Pickering Hotel exemplifies greening of building facades AWA Magazine May/June 2022

27

Farms in the Sky Singapore's Rooftop Gardens

by Suellen Lee In 2019, the Singapore government announced its “30 by 30” goal to meet 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs locally and sustainably by 2030. We are already familiar with Singapore as a “City in a Garden,” but do we realize that a growing portion of our produce is actually locally grown? Combining Singapore’s “30 by 30” goal with its Garden City reputation has given rise to an unexpected hidden gem in this bustling islandcity: rooftop edible gardens that provide not just respite and relaxation, but also supply fresh produce for grocery stores and many farm-to-table restaurants. While most rooftop farms operate outside the public’s eye, you can find their produce on RedMart (e.g. comcrop.com), or order directly from rooftop farms like Citiponics (www. citiponics.com). Thankfully there are a few “sky farms” that are also gardens and are open to the public to check out.

https://www.ediblegardencity.com/ for more about their farm-to-table projects!), has an educational mission as well, and if you happen to have a green thumb, this is a great place to see varieties of fruits and vegetables that grow well in the tropics. There are over 50 edible plants grown here - see if you can learn to identify dragonfruit, lemongrass, pandan, Brazilian spinach, Thai watercress, and the butterfly pea flower (which is blue in color and is a natural source of blue food dye!). Check out their hydroponic systems and how they add nutrients to the water they feed their plants using water from fish tanks.

Funan Urban Farm

Urban Farm at Funan Mall In the center of Singapore, just steps from the City Hall MRT, sits Funan Mall - a redesigned, recently opened mall dedicated to inspiring play, learning, and creativity through innovation and technology. Besides being home to the WeWork coworking space and the Wild Rice theater company, Funan is also home to the 5000 sq ft Urban Farm found on the seventh floor rooftop where you can find shaded benches and swings amidst trellises of passionfruit, bottle gourd, long beans and shrubs of eggplant and lavender, under the shade of kaffir lime trees, among other citruses. The Urban Farm, run by Edible Garden City (check out 28

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

Repurposed Planters

Then, if you’d like to try some of their produce, try the farm-totable Japanese restaurant, Noka, located next to the farm on the seventh floor! OUE Downtown Gallery, 5th floor (look for Lobby A!)

Surprise, it's a hanging bottle gourd

This is a quiet and definitely hidden gem that took a bit of sleuthing to find! If you are in the middle of downtown, maybe near Tanjong Pagar or Telok Ayer, and want a bit of real quiet, and are willing to go on a bit of a hunt, this could be your go-to relaxation

Rooftop view of Funan's Urban Farm

It's all edible on the rooftop of OUE Downtown Gallery 5th floor

spot. To get here, you must first find Lift Lobby A to get to the fifth floor, where the closest entrance/exit to Lift Lobby A is The Autobus Cafe on the ground floor of the OUE Downtown Gallery (which serves healthy meals like customized protein bowls!). Bring a book or listen to a podcast with your beverage of choice while surrounded by sweet potato vines, sawtooth coriander, butterfly ginger, rosemary and basil, or under trees bearing fruit like jackfruit.

OUE Downtown Gallery's "secret garden" oasis

Romantic swingset on the rooftop of Funan Mall

Suellen moved from San Francisco, California to Singapore in 2019 with her husband, three sons, and geriatric cat. She runs, sometimes writes, and is a California licensed Clinical Psychologist.

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

29

The Lighter Side of Singapore In Pursuit of Everyday Joys

Magical Mini Museums of Singapore There are some nifty little museums around Singapore that are definitely worth checking out. One common theme of the three that I’ve chosen is the deep passion the curators have for their collections. Their zealousness is indeed infectious and you will come away with not only a greater understanding of their unique pieces, but also a deep appreciation as well. Vintage Camera Museum Next time you’re galavanting around Kampong Glam, check out the Vintage Camera Museum. You can’t miss it as the museum is a giant white camera-shaped building. You’ll discover a collection of over 1000 amazing antique cameras including rare finds like a Japanese Machine Gun Camera, a huge six-meter Mammoth Camera and James Bond-style spy cameras. Our guide even showed us light-weight reconnaissance cameras that were attached to pigeons, the original drone cameras! Be prepared to spend about a full hour here marveling over the cameras and historic photographs on display. Marta and I enjoyed the fond memories of the first cameras we used as kids and also goofing around with the interactive Click Art portion of the museum.

by Sandy Harford

charming display of over 40 music boxes. My husband, Rob, and I were lucky enough to have a private tour by the collector himself, Mr. Mr Naoto Orui. He took us back in time to when music boxes were prominent symbols of 19th and 20th century European culture. Brought up by his grandfather in Nagoya, Mr Orui was surrounded by rare antiques and cuckoo clocks which created a desire to find out how things tick. Scouring flea markets in Germany and Switzerland, he started collecting and restoring music boxes. Incredibly ornate music boxes would stand on first class train platforms in London where you would throw a coin in to hear the magical notes of the William Tell Overture. Alas, Mr. Edison came along with his gramophone which ushered in a brand new era and end to music boxes. Thankfully, there are passionate people around, like Mr Orui, who have preserved these lovely treasures to share with us. www.singaporemusicalboxmuseum.org

www.vintagecamerasmuseumsg.com

Beatles Display at the Musical Box Museum

Vintage Camera Museum

Singapore Musical Box Museum This delightful museum is housed in a beautiful UNESCO former Chinese girls school right next to one of Singapore’s oldest temples. Upstairs from the Peranakan cafe is a Marta "greeting" LKY at Camera Click Art 30

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

MINT Museum of Toys On our way to happy hour at Raffle’s Hotel Courtyard, which is fabulous BTW, Rob and I popped into the newly reopened MINT Museum of Toys. We had the whole quirky museum to ourselves and enjoyed examining the vast array of rarities from over 40 countries. Displayed on four levels, the toys date from the 1840s to 1970s with thematic areas such as Outer Space, Characters, Childhood Favorites and Collectables. I was nostalgic over the vintage Barbies (and Ken), Beatle’s bobbleheads and space robots as I was a huge space nut when I was a kid. The vintage Chinese one-of-a-kind Door of Hope Dolls collection of everyday people including farmers, policemen and mourning figurines are beautifully handcrafted. They offer a glimpse into a tumultuous period of Chinese history. As the museum grows, I’m hoping that more interactive exhibits can be included as well as multi media presentations to liven the place up and make it more playful. www.emint.com There are loads more whimsical museums and curio shops around the Red Dot including the Singapore Philatelic Museum, Katong Antique House and Ant Museum. Some AWA friends joke that when you go to the Ant Museum, you have definitely done everything in Singapore.

Barbie Display at the MINT Museum of Toys

Sandy moved to Singapore from California in Feb 2021. She has joined just about every AWA activity available. Professionally, Sandy does the marketing for Amazing Adventures Travel.

Christian Connection Christian Fellowship

One gem I enjoy is a Christian bookstore in Little India called Cru Singapore Media Ministry. Once you find the somewhat hidden entrance at 18 Verdun Road, take the lift up to the second floor and you’ll find the showroom! Cru Singapore is worth seeking out and the prices and promotions are significant. Become a member for free and get 15% off everything all the time! It’s very cute inside, and the staff are always helpful in finding specific items I’m looking for. I go there to browse, purchase gifts, books and Bibles for all ages. It’s close to Mustafa Centre

by Barbara Winkler

on Syed Alwi Road, so I usually make it a day and go for lunch. I love butter chicken, naan, and palak paneer and the leftovers taste great over rice!

After your lunch, begin your hunt at Mustafa. Wear comfortable shoes so you can walk up and down the stairs on the store's many levels. (Don’t expect to find everything on your list!) www.mm.cru.org.sg

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

31

Creative Hands Stay Calm and Use Paper

by Meg Sine Having a hobby is a great way to relieve stress. Sharing that hobby with like-minded friends is even better. Creative Hands is that kind of hobby group within AWA. When I joined this group four years ago, I was looking for friends who enjoyed quilting as much as I did. Since then, I have also learned new hobby skills such as crochet, embroidery and beading from other members who share their skills and inspirations. We do projects together and alone. Our latest group project involves Foundation Paper Piecing. This is not to be confused with another paper technique called English Paper Piecing which uses paper templates in geometric shapes such as hexagons, diamonds, or triangles. Each template is covered with fabric and the templates are then sewn together to produce a mosaic design. After the templates for English Paper Piecing are sewn together on all sides, the paper templates are removed. Foundation Paper Piecing involves sewing pieces of fabric to paper that is marked with a numerical pattern, not unlike filling in a color by number painting. It’s a popular technique used by experienced quilters to sew designs with an emphasis on precision. After the foundation paper design is completed, the paper is torn away. For example, see how small the pieces of fabric are in the dragonfly wings photo.

Creative Hands Showing Their Creativity

“In the Garden,” a stunning design featuring geometric shapes and rainbow colors. Each month the pattern club emails us patterns for two squares. After six months, we’ll each have patterns for 12 squares to complete a quilt of about 75 inches square. In addition to sharing and encouraging each other within our Creative Hands group, we can also join a Facebook group for the Quiet Play pattern club.

The Creative Hands FPP project is a quilt design by Quiet Play Designs. To purchase the pattern, our group bought a subscription to Quiet Play’s pattern club called

English Paper Piercing Hexagons Quilt Design

Meg is AWA's Communications Director. Contact her at communicationsdirector@ awasingapore.org Dragonflies on White Background 32

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

Local Tours Designers' Tour May 25, 2022

unique "I can take home some " ts. uc Singapore prod "Inspiring stories!"

apore’s designers Come meet three of Sing lry. Young and jewe and re for textiles, homewa sm for Singapore’s passionate, with lots of enthusia e designers are thes , heritage, places and cultures s background. ines bus no have mostly self-taught and rmination, they With their talent, grit and dete successful in ome overcame initial obstacles to bec for their wing follo lthy hea a their own rights, gaining utiful bea from ging Ran s. year nt products in rece ucts prod e thes to quirky and definitely original, ry histo and ure cult ial represent Singapore’s multirac rs igne des the from r Hea . way in a fun and colorful the take and ney themselves about their design jour at the same time. ping shop e som do to nity ortu opp MRT station. This tour ends at Holland Village (at own cost) after There will be a refreshment stop meeting the first designer.

Vesak Day Bud dhist Temple Tou May 12, 2022 r

Vesak Day is one of the most signifi cant Buddhist ho devotion and pray lidays. A day of er, it is considered three times more religious holidays sacred than other as it marks the bi rth, enlightenmen ultimate bliss and t and attainment peace by Buddha of . The tour will take you to various Bu ddhist temples ar and includes spec ound Singapore, ial access to certa in areas not usua public. One of lly open to the the most promine nt Buddhist tem Muni Buddha Ga ples is The Saky ya Temple on Race a Course Rd., often Temple of 1,000 referred to as the Lights. Learn abou t Thai influences and décor and ad in the architecture mire a 15-meter hig h statue of Buddha a seemingly endl , surrounded by ess chain of light s. Close by, you intricate carvings will be awed by th on the beams an e d elaborate figur Leong San See Bu ines on the roof ddhist Temple. at We will continue to Singapore’s bi ggest nunnery, Th in Ang Mo Kio. Th e Tse Tho Aum e temple’s name means ‘Self-Relia Tho Aum also co nce Temple.’ Tse ntains a cremator ium for Buddhists. center that provid Next is a one-sto es everything ne p eded to organize Chinese, Hindu or a funeral - be it Christian! On on e str and shops selling eet, you will find funeral parlors religious funeral offerings and coffi with a visit to Th ns! The tour ends e Maha Sasana Ra msi Burmese Budd Balestier. It is th hist Temple near e oldest Theravad a institution and Buddhist temple the only Burmese outside of Myanm ar built in the tra architectural style. ditional Burmese In it you will find on e of the largest pu statues of the Bu re white marble ddha.

" Singapore holds so ma ny different branches of Buddhism." "The craftsmanship of the figurines are exquisite." "I can feel the solemnit y of this religious festival."

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

33

All Nationalities

Celebrating What Makes Us Unique and What Brings Us Together by Jennifer Williams Singapore has many unique offerings to discover. Sustainable urban wood craftshop Arthur Zaaro and bakery Simply Bread are two of my favorites. Arthur Zaaro I first stumbled upon Arthur Zaaro when I was searching for a birthday gift to surprise my husband (who is notoriously difficult to surprise!). The company creates a variety of furniture and lighting from Singapore wood, but I was here for their cutting boards. My husband loves to barbecue and Arthur Zaaro creates the most distinctive boards in a very unique way. Using only sustainablyharvested, urban-grown wood from Singapore, the solid piece boards are stamped with the company’s name and the fact that they are grown and made in Singapore. I chose to custom engrave my husband’s board for a personalized birthday gift that for once he didn’t expect.

Simply Bread

Arthur Zaaro Cutting Board 34

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

Bakery Bread

Another hidden gem is Simply Bread. This unassuming bakery is easy to walk past amidst the cafes and shops at Cluny Court. But, if you go upstairs, you’ll see the shop at the end of the hallway with a cabinet of the day’s bread. The typical line up of locals is a good clue that the place is worth a stop. My family’s favorite is the rustic white loaf, which is usually so warm from the oven that the staff has to inform me that the bread can’t be sliced because it will fall apart. If my timing is just right, I will also smell cinnamon and just hope that a loaf of the best cinnamon raisin bread I’ve ever purchased is still available. I begrudgingly share a few slices with my family. Usually. If you have the time, don’t be put off by the stark white appearance of the dining area. The breakfast and lunch sandwiches make up for anything the cafe loses in ambience.

A WA Group Activities Be In The Know

Social & Special Interest Groups

After Ni Hao – Mandarin conversation every Thursday at 10am. Hyesung Laffey & Manju Banka, afternihao@awasingapore.org

Member Talks — Monthly talks given by AWA member experts on a variety of topics. Movie Lunch – Monthly lunch followed by a movie in Orchard Road area. movielunch@awasingapore.org

Arts & Culture – Monthly talks focusing on Asian arts & culture. Rosalie Kwok, artsandculture@awasingapore.org

Photography – Meets once a month to have fun practicing and improving our photography. All levels are welcome. Carol Hamcke-Onstwedder & Londa Matthieu,

Lauren Raps, barnights@awasingapore.org

photography@awasingapore.org

Bar Nights – Ladies’ nights, couples’ nights each month.

Beauty & Fashion – From fashion talks to workshops, there’s no age limit to brilliant beauty & unlimited style. beautyfashion@awasingapore.org Book Groups – Morning, afternoon & evening books groups, held monthly. bookgroups@awasingapore.org

Cancer Support Group – Meets the third week of the month, with a focus on mutual support and information sharing. Rosa Liu, cancersupport@awasingapore.org

Christian Connection – Provides information and resources to help you connect with local Christian community groups. Barbara Winkler, christianconnect@awasingapore.org

Coffee & Friends – Meets at various cafes around town. Join us on Fridays from 10:30 am -12:30 pm. Sign up required. Peggy Kershaw, coffee@awasingapore.org Couples’ Bridge – Meets monthly on a Saturday evening. Spouses are welcome. Currently suspended. Amy Starling, couplesbridge@awasingapore.org

Creative Hands – Bring your handiwork project to work on and share with other creative women every 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday. Meg Sine, crafters@awasingapore.org

DISH – Monthly lunches at a variety of interesting venues. Kristin Bemowski, dish@awasingapore.org

Duplicate Bridge (at home) – American Standard five-card major rules every Monday. You don’t need a partner to join. Amy Starling & Sock-Yan Sim, duplicatebridge@awasingapore.org High Tea – Enjoy monthly teas at Singapore’s top hotels and interesting venues. hightea@awasingapore.org International Choir – Practices on Wednesdays 10-noon in person for fully vaccinated members, at Adelphia House on Coleman St. Performances recorded and presented by video. Auditions only to assess range, intlchoir@awasingapore.org

Java Junkies – Join the search for the perfect cup of java on 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 2pm. Liza Rowan, javajunkies@awasingapore.org Listen Ladies – A compassionate group of ladies who support one another with biweekly Thursday zoom calls from 5-6pm. Andrea McKenna Brankin, listenladies@awasingapore.org Local Tours –Professionally guided tours of Singapore. Terry Young, localtours@awasingapore.org

Long Term Members — For women who have lived in Singapore eight years or more. Mary Rajkumar, noexit@awasingapore.org

Playgroup – For moms with kids under age three. Meets every Friday morning at a member's home plus a monthly "Moms Night Out". Morgan Steinman, playgroups@awasingapore.org Workshops – Expand your mind and learn something new about yourself, about Singapore or about the world. Leezibet Heinzraiden, workshops@awasingapore.org Writers’ Group – Beginner and published writers discuss their work the 2nd & 4th Thursday of every month. Mandakini Arora & Elissa Viornery, writers@awasingapore.org

Sports

Golf – The 18-hole group plays on Wednesday. 9-hole golf on hold indefinitelty. Lily Giddens & Peng Pavie, 18holegolf@awasingapore.org Hiking – Meets at MacRitchie Reservoir every 1st & 3rd Thursday morning. Marlene Han & Leanne Porter, hiking@awasingapore.org Running – Group runs for all levels on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at locations around Singapore. Bernie Tretta & Caroline Beaumont, running@awasingapore.org Tennis – A variety of singles and doubles play including tournaments, and team tennis for players of all levels. Paige Okun & Rebecca Meuer, tennischair@awasingapore.org

Walking – Walk all over this amazing island. Mondays are 10K, Wednesdays are 5K. Andrea McKenna Brankin & Mercedes Bainbridge, walking@awasingapore.org

Community Service

Community Service – Connecting AWA members to volunteer opportunities with AWA’s featured organizations and more. Ashley Fagan, commservice@awasingapore.org

Ronald McDonald House Charities – Support the families of children at Singapore’s National University Hospital. On hold due to COVID. Qian Marquard, rmhc@awasingapore.org Food From The Heart – Help pack and/or distribute food bags to families in Singapore who cannot afford to feed themselves. Janet Stride, ffth@awasingapore.org Willing Hearts – Monthly shifts to prepare food for the less fortunate. Fiona Layfield, willinghearts@awasingapore.org kidsREAD – Help local children develop a love of reading. Currently suspended due to COVID. kidsread@awa.singapore.org

Mahjong - International style in a low stress, friendly atmosphere. Training and games at various locations. Vishali Midha, mahjong@ awasingapore.org

AWA Magazine May/June 2022

35