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The words haven’t quite been flowing as of late – almost as if I’m trying extremely hard – struggling, even – to mouth the words; you’d see my lips moving but hear complete silence. Things aren’t making sense, nothing feels right. I’ve been stuck in this creative rut, and it sucks. It’s the worst feeling – to feel stagnant and uninspired to create and do the things that spark a fire in my soul. For months now, I’ve barely picked up my camera or had words flow out of me. I get overwhelmed thinking about the sheer amount of time and effort that I will need to pour into executing a new (but exciting) project – so I just procrastinate and go on a Gilmore Girls marathon (which really isn’t bad at all). So here I am today, sitting in my usual table at my usual café, trying to break out from this slump and bring you the next installation of my Singapore visual diaries.

This particular week I visited Vivienne at Lasalle, and also explored the Jurong East Malls for the first time (I think). But, as per usual, I ate my way through the week, filling up on the food I had missed, visiting cafés and food joints that I really wanted to tick off my list. Pacamara was one of them, and it instantly became one of my favourite places to be and to eat.

I paid a visit to Bugis and Rochor Centre, exploring with my camera in hand. I’m particularly pleased with how my photos taken at Rochor Centre turned out – especially because the colourful buildings will be torn down soon and that was the first and only time I went to see them in person.

I also made a trip down to Marina Bay + Esplanade on Chinese New Year Eve to take some photos. Having lived in Singapore for so long before, I never really took the time to look at the city and it’s architecture through a lens (also partly because I really only realised my passion for photography after moving back to Sydney).

As I finish writing this post (2 months after I first started (oops)), I’m currently in Miri, Malaysia, sitting comfortably at my aunt’s place with the air conditioning on and my laptop propped up on my lap. I’ve spent the past week here in Miri, celebrating the festive season and spending time with family whom I don’t get to see very often. It’s been amazing – SO amazing – and I can’t believe I leave in 5 days. At first I thought 2 weeks was more than enough – too long, in fact – when my mum told me she booked the air tickets, but now I’m reluctant to leave. Even though I don’t do much, or see many people, while I’m here, it’s just nice to be with my cousins, grandma, aunts and uncles (food is good + shopping is cheap too, heh heh).

Before coming to Miri, I’d been in Singapore for 2 weeks, and in 5 days I go back for another 2 weeks before flying back to Sydney. I know what you’re thinking: I haven’t even finished recounting + posting about my trip from a year ago, and now I have this year’s trip to blog about too – I’ll get there eventually!

I hope you’re having the time of your life, wherever you are on this tiny planet of ours x

With love, Emily.

Film photography, Fujifilm Superia 400, Kodak Ektar 100, Singapore, TravelEmily Ung8 February 2017Travel, Film Photography, Film, Fujifilm Superia 400, Kodak Ektar 100, SingaporeComment

#42 – Singapore Diaries part 3

Quite frankly, other than wanting to share the images I captured – to show you Singapore through my eyes – I write these visual diaries mainly for myself. It’s for me to document the things I saw, the places I went to, the people I met and everything in between; for me to relive and reflect on the month and a half that I had so eagerly looked forward to for 2 years; for me to look back, glance at a photo and instantaneously remember what I was doing and feeling in that precise moment. I’d hope to string together words that will help me remember how 20-year-old me was feeling – the realisations 20-year-old me made – while being back in a country which I once made my world; a country I so dearly, dearly miss.

As you’d expect, I spent everyday of this third week catching up with friends – some really close, others whom I didn’t see often, but all whom I had missed.

I ventured out to the NUS campus to spend some quality time with my deer Adeline (that wasn’t a spelling mistake). We met for lunch and then spent the afternoon in her hall room just talking, catching up and enjoying each other’s company again. I still remember how she was so amused by my accent when she came to pick me up from the bus stop and heard the words that were coming out of my mouth for the first time in a long time – so much so she had to take a video of me talking. So, so much has changed since we donned our secondary school uniforms; since we would laugh hysterically till we’d literally drop to the ground. Oh, and how we’d study together at your place, play iPhone tug-of-war, and head to the children’s playground (I still have those embarrassing photos of you pulling ugly faces).

I’m incredibly proud of all you’ve achieved and everything you continue to strive for – you’re doing amazing things, and I have no doubt you’ll be an inspiring teacher and touch the lives of each person and student you cross paths with. Love you deer Ade, and looking forward to when I next see you x

Oh, and happy 21st birthday love ♡

While I was on the NUS campus, I dropped by Sheares hall and got to see Charline, Zhangyi, Crystal and Xiaowei. It was so lovely to see you girls – each from a different chapter of my life; and the reaction I got from my surprise visit was absolutely priceless ♡

The following day I had also travelled to NUS to meet Yaole, Gwyneth and Enping for lunch on campus + reminisce good ol’ secondary school days.

That week I had also met Belinda for lunch at a vegetarian café in Clarke Quay, after which we took a little stroll along the river, talking about anything and everything, filling each other in on all the life events and details we had missed out on. I’ve really missed being able to sit across the table from my closest friends, to share stories and tell jokes while in their safe and comfortable presence – it was a great relief and a nice change from seeing their faces and hearing their voices through my laptop. Somewhere in between time differences, clashing schedules and a huge dose of heartbreak, it feels as though we’ve still been growing and maturing together despite being miles and miles apart.

Later that day, it was Pearlyn’s turn to put up with my photo-taking requests and waiting for my camera to eat first before we could. I dragged her to Boufé Boutique Café – which was admittedly a little hard to get to (especially because it was pouring with rain on our way there). I had seen photos online and really wanted to visit this very pretty café – and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

The outdoor patio was absolutely gorgeous and so dreamy, I just had to linger a while longer to capture the space that felt like magic. I’m such a sucker for fairy lights – wouldn’t you agree that they’re the prettiest kind of room décor ever?

You can also click here to see the flatlay I took of our scrummy food before it got devoured.

I didn’t take any photos for the remainder of that week, although I probably had my camera with me all the time.

Went for a round of pool followed by dinner at Chomp Chomp and waffles + ice cream at Oblong on Friday night with Marcus, Wei Jie and Jordan; dinner and karaoke with the guys till the wee hours on Saturday night; prata brunch with Team Esperanza followed by a day out with my girls Vivienne and YeeNah on Sunday; and a little shopping for my brother on Monday.

It was a magical and memorable week; a week that reminded me what home truly feels like.

PLACES & EATS – PART 3

Cash Studio Karaoke

The Roti Prata House @ Upper Thomson

Bugis Street

Chomp Chomp Food Centre @ Serangoon Gardens

Oblong

ThaiPan

It’s been taking me a while to write + get blog posts up with all this busyness and everything that’s going on, but hopefully I’ll have all of my Singapore + Malaysia visual diaries up by the end of the year (still so much backlog!). I hope it's been somewhat enjoyable/interesting to read so far!

See you back here soon! xx

With love, Emily.

Film photography, Fujifilm Superia 400, Singapore, TravelEmily Ung17 November 2016Film, Film Photography, Fujifilm Superia 400, Singapore, TravelComment

#40 – Singapore Diaries part 2.

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Hello there – and welcome back to the second part of my Singapore visual diary (you can read part 1 here).

It’s currently winter here in Sydney (well it’s spring now, but I wrote this months ago) – think gloomy days, heavy rain and strong winds – and I’m really missing the warmer climate in Singapore, where I could leave home in denim shorts and a thin, flowy top. And that was exactly what I wore to Lola’s café for a lunch date with 5 guys (ayyy) (you can see my outfit in my reflection if you look close enough) (probably not).

I was running late that morning (as usual) and luckily Chaihao came to my rescue by coming to give me a ride. It’s honestly so good that a handful of my friends now have their license and cars to drive us around (Y). Thanks, by the way. Anyway, we still arrived late and the rest of them were waiting for us.

You guys probably don’t know this, but before I walk in to see you (or even the night before when I joined y’all for supper), I am filled with nervous excitement and I must admit that I smile uncontrollably. Actually, even when I’m sitting down amongst you guys, I can’t help but smile. Again, it’s that surreal feeling of being reunited, being surrounded by warmth and comfort and love. It’s very much still the same, except now you guys talk about army life and I’m more clueless than I already am. Even though half of the time I’m just listening in on the conversation, and I don’t play basketball like a pro (anymore) (but let’s be honest, I was never that good), I don’t know how our friendship holds together, but I’m just thankful it does. I miss being in school with you guys, studying with you guys, playing basketball with you guys, playing pool with you guys, going for food with you guys. I miss my 17th birthday when you guys showed up at mine to play pool, but also came bearing surprise gifts and earl grey ice cream from Udders (except David who was giving me the cold shoulder HAHAHA).

Oh, but David, I was so happy to see you at Val’s party (I’m glad my accent was of some entertainment value). Quite frankly I felt very out of place, but sitting down and talking to you made it so much better. Funnily, I actually missed your crude swearing – I missed hearing your voice. Thank you for sending me home, for filling me in about your life on the long bus ride, for being the same caring, comfortable, easy-going and humorous guy. So much love for you ♡

I don’t say this enough, but thank you guys for accepting me, for including me, for treating me equally but constantly looking out for me at the same time, for making me feel special, for making fun of me, for being spontaneous, for reminding me that I always have people to fall back on regardless of the circumstance. I know I’m sometimes a massive burden, so thank you for bearing with me and being patient with me (and my photo-taking). I love you all so much (the whole group) – big, big love. Thank you for also buying me lunch at Lola’s, heh.

We drove to Queensway after lunch and walked around looking for my white champion keds (to no avail), before stopping for some food. I finally had some muah chee! Ah, soft little pillows of peanut heaven – love those things.

I met Fish&Co. for dinner that night (yes, that’s what we called our clique), followed by dessert at Wimbly Lu – quite average in my opinion, but the ambience was nice.

I made time this week to spend an afternoon at my old study hideout. I ordered pasta for lunch and a Vanilla Ceylon tea latte as I would have usually, took some flatlays (of course), sat down to dig in and planned out study units for uni + did some writing + people watching. It was really nice to be back, to reminiscence a time when I was a lot happier and actually enjoyed studying (more than I do now).

Later in the week the family visited my dad’s workplace and had a mini lunch party with everyone in the office. We ordered in some pizza and a sushi platter, and it was the first time I’ve come across a Starbucks traveller carton of coffee! It’s close to 3 litres and it’s so massive – loved, loved, loved it. Went shopping for my brother’s clothes afterwards because I’m actually his personal shopper (yay).

That night I also went wandering around Chinatown with my mother and her friend (aka my friend Zhimun’s mother). By this time it was the second week I had been back and being late January meant that Chinese New Year was just around the corner! The streets and malls in Singapore are brightly decked out in lights and decorations to set the joyous atmosphere for festivities and ringing in the New Year – this has by far been one of the biggest differences in contrast to life in Sydney. Since moving back to Sydney I’ve missed the bustling atmosphere come Chinese New Year – I’ve missed getting public holidays and seeing everyone dressed up for visiting. So being able to come back and spend time with family and loved ones this year was really special – most of which I spent in Malaysia (more of that later on)!

Chinatown is incredibly crowded around this time. Market stalls are lined up along blocked off roads and streets, the sound of singing and dancing fills the air, along with stall owners and salespeople shouting and using microphones or loudhailers to grab your attention (can’t forget them). You’re squeezing through the crowd, inching along among a wave of people, and it’s like you’re seeing red. Although it’s always crowded wherever you are in Singapore, it’s places and times like these that excite you about the festive period, when you get busy buying things in preparation to celebrate the New Year. My mother and I love going out and taking a look, even if we don’t end up buying anything – but I never leave without a couple of photos.

The next day, on Saturday the 23rd of January, was the 21st birthday of my dear friends Vivienne and Yeenah. While Yeenah took a short getaway with some friends, I attended Vivienne’s birthday party (already the second 21st party I had been to since coming back). Being physically able to be there to celebrate my friends’ birthdays has made me feel really lucky, because I’ve realised how rare that opportunity was – it wasn’t perfect timing, but so amazing that I could be there for her 21st. Love you both so much xx.

And then, Sunday! Sunday I went on a one-on-one date with Chaihao (AHAHAHAH). He came to pick me up and we went back to one of our old study spots: AMK library – not to study, but to have pasta for lunch (only we would do that ayyy). I actually really liked the pasta they served at the library café. It wasn’t restaurant quality, or anything like what you’d get at regular cafés, but it was yummy. Heh. So that’s where we had lunch! It reminded me so much of Secondary school days and studying for the ‘O’ levels – the younger and carefree days. We later drove to somewhere in Toa Payoh because Chaihao had something he wanted to buy, but when we rock up at the industrial looking place in search for a warehouse, it wasn’t there (AHAHAHAH). At least I got some photos.

The next best thing was to go for ice cream, because ice cream is always a good idea. He took me to creamier and we ordered a waffle with Thai milk tea and earl grey lavender ice cream to share. Oh my, it tasted amazing; so, so, so good. The waffle was crispy on the outside, still warm and fluffy on the inside; and the flavours of Thai milk tea and early grey lavender really shone through. I loved every mouthful. Definitely a place you must visit if you ever find yourself in Singapore!

{ Chaihao, I’m so glad we got to spend a day together, I honestly enjoyed every second. No doubt some things have changed, but you still feel the same. I cherish the memories we’ve made together, even though there are so many of them. I remember we met in secondary 3 (or was it 4) when we were both getting class tees done, going to Queensway together a couple of times (thanks for carrying the shirts), and things just starting from there. Next thing I remember we’re always studying together and eating, a lot (wow). Thank you for being my study buddy, for always pushing me to do more, for encouraging me to work hard, for being so easy-going, for being patient and always accommodating me, for amusing me with your lame humour, for being my spontaneous friend, for being a confidant and someone whom I could always turn to. I remember the both of us aiming to go to VJC and NJC after Secondary school, and I know that plan didn’t work out, but I’m so thankful we found ourselves in Nanyang. Schoolmates for another year, and I’m so glad you were there. You know you’re amazing, and that’s why you have so many friends who I’m sure see what a loyal and dependable person you are. I might not be the first person you turn to, but even if everyone turns your back on you, I will be here with open arms. With lots of love, your forever friend, Emily. }

Later that night, we met up with the rest of the guys for a massive Japanese buffet feast in celebration of David’s 21st birthday. Always a great time with them, something I missed and still continue to. Sending you guys more love (if you’re reading this) xx. We also had impromptu dinner and ice cream the very next day (wow, how clingy).

***

So, I realised that I’ve mentioned a bunch of places I visited while in Singapore, and I thought it would be a good idea to list them down at the end of each post. Me being me, I made a long list of places/cafés I wanted to go to, but I didn’t manage to tick them all off – I’ll put a list of the places I didn’t get to maybe in the last part. Since I previously lived there for 8 years, I also didn’t really go to all the touristy places on this trip – but I’ll list some tourist attractions/places that I think are worth visiting in the last part of the diaries as well. And just an extra bit of information: the way I’ve organised these diaries is by week – so part 1 covered my first week, and part 2 now talks about my second week in Singapore, so on and so forth. So without further ado,

PLACES & EATS – PART 2

Queensway Shopping Centre

Wimbly Lu

Greenwich V

Chinatown

I've updated part 1 with the places I visited, and you can check that out here.

I hope this will be helpful information and could act as a guide of places to visit and eat at in Singapore (hawker food is a must!) – if my posts give you wanderlust and you ever find yourself in my second home.

Till the next one, xx.

With love, Emily.

Film photography, Fujifilm Superia 400, Singapore, TravelEmily Ung29 September 2016Fujifilm Superia 400, Film, Film Photography, Singapore, TravelComment

#35 – Singapore Diaries part 1.

Every little thing I missed – and more – all in 43 days.

And finally, the long awaited visual diary of my summer holiday to Singapore and Malaysia – well, at least I’ve been waiting. Heh.

So during my break from university lectures and tedious readings and assignments and exams, and after a disgustingly disappointing semester, I worked for more dough and spent lavishly on my trip to Singapore and Malaysia.

But before I go on about my 20/10 holiday, here’s a little background:

My family moved from Sydney to Singapore when I was 10 years old. I finished primary school; started formally studying my mother tongue; went to Secondary school; played basketball; scored an ‘A2’ for Higher Chinese in the ‘O’ Level Examinations; continued on to Junior College; I was touch rugby captain; and went to Vietnam for a volunteering trip as Community Director of my team. But that’s just skimming over major events through my education. The 8 years I spent growing up in Singapore were the best years of my life – it’s shaped the woman I am today and instilled in me values and qualities that I feel I could never have gained anywhere else. Those 8 years were priceless; rich in experience, struggles and challenges. Most importantly, I’ve had the luck and privilege of meeting lifelong friends that I thank God for everyday that they choose to stay and stick by me.

Sadly, my time there was cut short and, as you could imagine, I was anything but willing to leave. I’d been looking forward to this trip for 2 years – since the last time I visited – and the day finally came for me to return to the little red dot I call my second home.

Stepping foot on Singapore soil reminded me once more how homely this place was to me – and how dearly I missed this second home of mine. Boy, did I forget how humid it is in Singapore – I never used to complain about it as much when I was living there, but this was next level humidity.

My flight landed earlier than scheduled and so when I came out of the arrival hall, I watched as my friend Vivienne arrived at the airport unaware of my early touchdown. She was on her tiptoes, eagerly peering through the glass and anticipating my arrival. She always brings with her 2 large takeaway cups of my all-time favourite bubble tea from Koi – one for me, and one for my brother. I sneak up behind her and she gets the biggest surprise; and as I give her the biggest hug, I realise just how long it’s been since we last saw each other. I take the first sip of my drink and I immediately go, “this is what I’ve missed.”

Returning to a place that holds so many of my memories allowed me to reminisce and revisit the experiences I missed – although a little different from the past. It has also allowed me to create new memories and make some realisations along the way – which I’ll be sharing over the course of these part-by-part visual diaries.

An oddly familiar displacement:

It’s an incredibly surreal feeling being back in Singapore. It’s not completely foreign, but I’m having to relearn and adjust (I forgot how humid it is here). Having two places to call home and be strongly attached to is quite confusing at times – but I’m looking forward to the next month and a half and making the most of the time I have with my loved ones.

Catching up with friends was my number one priority – and so that’s what I did. From the night I arrived till the day I left, I made sure I had my schedule filled so I could see as many people as possible, and spend as much time with them as I could. If I could be outside – or anywhere at all – with my friends, that’s where I would have been – which meant I virtually spent very little time at home. Of course I was tired, but at the same time I was happily tired. I’d like to think that I savoured every minute, treasuring the little time my friends and I shared having fun and catching up. We didn’t have to go anywhere fancy or do anything special. I was more than happy to just grab some food, sit and talk – in fact, that’s all I really wanted to do. You see: being miles away from my closest friends has made it hard for us to always be connected and constantly in the loop with each other’s lives. Video calls and messages don’t come anywhere near physical presence and face-to-face interaction. I always wish I had them here with me – to help and to hold me, and to share my happiness with and be my company.

It was a very surreal feeling to be back – at times I couldn’t really believe I was where I was; at times it hadn’t felt like I had been away for the past 2 years. Everything was second nature to me. The familiarity was definitely there. And it felt good, but still very surreal.

I still remember my trip to Singapore over 2 years ago: when I first saw my friends again and couldn’t help but cry (cc: Yunwei), or start to well up inside. I’d feel overwhelmingly excited and a little bit nervous to see them again, and then I realise quite subconsciously just how much I miss these people. We would just be sitting around a table having lunch, or walking around shops, or taking the bus together, but I would always be momentarily drawn away by my thoughts. It would dawn on me that I wouldn’t share a meal with them, or go shopping with them, or talk to them in person for some indefinite period of time, and I’d go quiet and teary again.

This past week I’ve realised this:

That sometimes you don’t know how much you’ve missed someone until time and distance separates you – and when you finally reunite, there’s a surge of overwhelming emotion and you can’t help but hug them tight a few more times.

It was a really real and genuine moment. I was doing some shopping in the city and I catch a glimpse of my friend whom I have yet to see since getting back. When I realise it’s him, I tap him on the shoulder and hug him so tightly. I started crying. When I let go, I had to hug him again, and again. I missed him tremendously. His name is Chaihao and it was his 21st birthday yesterday. Happy birthday again, love you xx