The buckyball on display in the Singapore Science Center. There were many other exhibits as well, however I was too engrossed trying them out. Heng Wei recommended this place, and Amy was free that weekend, and that's how we ended up there. Most of the exhibits are interactive ones, which makes learning science an easier experience. I still get amazed by the section where they showcase a myriad of optical illusions. Some were common but presented in a different way, while some really knocks us off.
Notice the whirlpool created in the tub? This is one of the many water features right outside of the Singapore Science Center.
Took quite some photos but only two turn out very well, sigh... That's why these photos have to share this space with another blog and is uploaded with other photos I took on another day trip. This time I went to the central Singapore, namely Clark Quay and Chinatown. I parked in a multistorey carpark about ten minutes walk away from Clark Quay and took a relaxing stroll down the road.
This is a different experience of Clark Quay, as most would throng this place at night. Clark Quay in the day looks quiet and slow-moving, in contrary to its exciting night buzz.
Day or night, this is a place of great contrast, with its brightly-coloured colonial buildings, merging the past and the future. I tried something new this time, just sitting at one place and waiting for the right opportunity to click on the camera. Previously, I would have been snapping away while moving from one place to another. The feeling is different, sitting down in the shades, looking around, feeling the breeze, waiting for the right moment. The anticipation was fun, as you see events unfolding. I sat there for quite a while, though only left that place with a couple of shots, but with a great experience.
A stroll down the main street brought me to the Buddha Relic Temple. This is a serence place to be. Though photography is permitted in the main hall of worship, I didn't take any. I actually wanted to take photos of people deep in prayers, but decided against it. I wouldn't like being photographed myself while I am praying. Instead took the following photos outside of the temple and then went in to visit for a shortly after.
Did not get to see the tooth relic though, we were only allowed to look at the chamber where it is kept. It only sees light twice a year, once during Chinese New Year and another time during Wesak Day (which sees Buddhist celebrating Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Death).
I took a walk to the town, looking for laundromat shop, as the hotel is charging cutthroat price for the laundry. There are lots of statues, fountains and churches around the town. The weather is cold, around 8 degC with constant drizzling. Daytime is shorter during winter, so I'll have to take the opportunity to put my camera to work :)
I went out with the 55-200mm lens, there are pros and cons about it. I have to move really far from buildings to get a full shot, however, I can get candid shots without making others uncomfortable about it. Now this is kinda cute, a pigeon sleeping on its perch on the second floow balcony. Never seen pigeons do this before, must be because of the winter cold.
I'd only have time to explore some places as it starts to drizzle more later in the afternoon. Managed to visit one Church thought. This is one of the many statues around the Church of San Juan En Real. For the next stop, I will try to make a trip to San Salvador Cathedral, where "the Other Shroud" is kept. Look online for "sudarium" and you'll find out that this is the piece of cloth which was believed to be used to cover Jesus Christ's face after his death from crucifixion. Like the Buddha's tooth relic, it is only shown on certain days of the year. This cathedral is now on my must-see-list.
The two angels and cross at the pinnacle of the Church of San Juan En Real. I had to stand in the middle of the pedestrian walkway to get this symmetrical shot, and then go dashing back to the side to avoid the human traffic.
