Word

The Word. Figuratively and Literally.

This photo reminds me of a story told by Plato that I came across: Thoth had invented writing and proudly offers it as a gift to the Pharaoh, declaring it "an elixir of memory and wisdom". But Pharaoh was horrified and told him: "This invention will induce forgetfulness in the souls of those who learned it, because they will not need to exercise their memories, being able to rely on what is written... rather than, from within, their own unaided powers to call things to mind. So it is not a remedy for memory, but for reminding, that you have discovered. And as for wisdom, you are equipping your pupils with only a semblance of it, not with truth."

Goodness

One, maybe two, of the Five.

After a long night of work followed by potterin about the house, its really refreshing waking up to a nice breakfast. I try to sleep in on weekends but most of the time I can't seem to. Its a delightful change to have a leisurely breakfast whilst watching everything else around you humming away at work, the birds, the insects and the dog. Simple contrasts, simple pleasures.

Drop

The day was spent
watching
a raindrop bent
on fighting
Its nature.

Tea

Above it all. There's always time for tea.

In Iran, everything starts with a cup of tea or two. Like all beginnings with tea, one cannot help but wonder if the events of the past few days in Iran could be something akin to the Boston Tea Party. The yearning for democracy, freedom and the power to determine one's own future can be suppressed but not eliminated. But in deciding what shape democracy should take, one cannot discard Aristotle's question: Whether 'democratic behaviour' means the behaviour that democracies like or the behaviour that will preserve a democracy?

Tired

You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost.

Lately I feel like I've been running on empty. And I have a feeling there is more to it than just simply having a bad day. I used to chime that "alone is not loneliness" but I seem to find myself getting tired of this mantra. I think I've been alone at sea for too long. I need a safe harbor, where I can rest, refuel and offload. Harbormaster, when can I berth?

Three

Nadia, Hamide & Mahtab.

It is hard not to feel for a place after its people have treated you so warmly. Today's report says that at least 10 people were killed in Tehran after clashes with the police. Most of the protesters are young university students, just like Nadia Hamide & Mahtab who are pursuing a degree in Architecture at Tehran University. We spoke briefly about how culture and history has shaped architecture. I mentioned architects like Le Corbusier, Van der Rohe and Zaha Hadid which drew a blank. They asked me to spell out these names so they could search them out on the internet when they next visit a coffee-net and in shallah if their sites were not blocked. Young, curious and sincere. That is how I would describe Nadia, Hamide & Mahtab. But I could very well be describing the 10 that were killed in Tehran today. What a shame.

Ticket

To a better life.

Khamenei has said his piece
and still the people persist.
Will there be a back down
or end with a crack down?

SK

Join the dots or follow the lines
lights will guide you home.
And I'm no longer homesick
cos I now know wheres home.
Not everything goes to waste
and lonely may be said in haste.
Not all roads are dead ends
for on the Fix it all depends.

Farda

Lest we forget.

It is difficult not to feel for a place, after its people have treated me so warmly, fed and shepherded me. I really think that for the ongoing protests in Iran, there is more than just stability in the middle east and constant oil prices at stake. What is also on the line are the hopes and future of the young people of Iran. If there is no change this time round, the young of Iran, including this little girl queuing up for bread, will have to wait another generation to experience what we in Singapore take for granted. Another generation lost is one too many. Everyone deserves a better tomorrow. Especially the youth.

Vote

The vote that counts.

It has been 8 months since I left Iran. I have been following the Iranian Presidential elections and the ensuing riots rather closely on the net. The recent images of bloodshed and riots in the famous landmarks of Tehran like Azadi Square and Valiasr avenue, places where I had strolled by and wandered through, brought back fond memories and a huge serving of sorrow. I have never been a supporter of Ahmadinejad but unfortunately my vote does not count. And from the outcome of the elections, perhaps the votes of so many Iranians that I met during my visit do not count too. I wonder how long the hardliners can continue to suppress the call for reform. Violence is not the solution and I hope that today's blood shed will become tomorrow's hope.

Belem

Where it all began

Belem is home to probably the best and most original egg tarts. The guidebook describes the tarts from Pasteis de Belem as "the eggiest, lightest, crispiest tarts, served warm with a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar. The recipe is secret, but these tarts taste like they've been made by angels." And if you need further proof. Apart from tarts, Belem is also home to a few monumental sights like the Mosterio Dos Jeronimos, Torre De Belem and a free modern art museum. More photos here

Lisbon

Two in the Alfama, trying to blend in

My favorite part of Lisbon is the Alfama. I love getting lost in the alleyways, ducking into the shadows to escape the sun, the sound and smells of the lively neighborhood as dinner is prepared and the kids play along in the narrow streets. Plus I'm sure the steep hills did my heart some good. I've never really been a big city person. But Lisbon despite its status as capital city has somehow managed to retain its small town vibe. Oh yes and the Fado. How can one forget such melancholy. More photos here

3

3 hours in transit at Charles de Gaulle.
A crappy restaurant but wonderful company.
Probably the best transit I've ever had.

Its been four years since I packed my bags.
And its been three years since we last met.
I think its time to go back.

Tivoli

Origami, folded and shaped. Conform.

we are only
aspects
of a single being

and no matter
who I love, or who I am
loved by, we are but

folded back into
the same
origami sea.

~ Cyril Wong

Watcher

A window watcher
waits. Time passes so slowly
when you are watching

Context

Pleasures of the Possibilities
Transcends The
Pain of the Past

Vault

Vaults of Faults

I work all day, and get half-drunk at night.
Waking at four to soundless dark, I stare.
In time the curtain-edges will grow light.
Till then I see what's really always there:
Unresting death, a whole day nearer now,
Making all thought impossible but how
And where and when I shall myself die.
Arid interrogation: yet the dread
Of dying, and being dead,
Flashes afresh to hold and horrify.

~Philip Larkin, Aubade