Trishaw Uncle a Nostalgic Charm of Albert Court Village Hotel Singapore

Growing up in Asia, many of us live in cities where the traditional trishaw continues to be a popular means of transport. I can’t recall the trishaw being a part of my life growing up in post Japanese occupation in Brunei but I recall seeing some really old examples that were used to sell Tau Foo Fah (Soy Bean Pudding) from door to door. My first trishaw ride in recent memory was when my peers and I explored the Penang Heritage Trails in Malaysia on beautifully decorated trishaws. Of course, you don’t have to visit Penang to board one of these; I had a 30 minutes ride while I was in Singapore with Debbie Too (featured in the pictures below) and Rano Iskandar on an official mission.

“Trishaw Uncle” is a term of endearment for the trishaw riders who in the yesteryears comprised mainly labourers who formed the early backbone of Singapore’s labour force. To acknowledge their contribution and to pay tribute to them, “Trishaw Uncle” has been chosen as the name for the company which will helm the management and operations of the Albert Mall Trishaw Park.

Our host and my trishaw seat mate Alex settling arrangements with the Trishaw Uncle peddlers before leaving the hotel.

It’s a hot day and Debbie opts to have the soft retractable shade pull over her. I had mine down so I could photograph Debbie and Rano behind me.

This photo is one of my favourites from this set and the General Manager of Albert Court Village Hotel likes it enough to share it online. Expect to see appearance of this image on official hotel media.

Given another opportunity to photograph the rides, I would mount a remotely triggered flash to light up the passengers to lift heavy shadows in the original photo.

Picture of me and Alex (left) captured by Rano while leaving Albert Court Village Hotel compound – the perks of having the top down versus the limited view of Debbie’s dress.

In line with Singapore Tourism Board’s “YourSingapore” campaign, our aim is to provide visitors different, personalised ways of discovering the island and having an integrated experience of Singapore. The trishaws are a perfect mode of transport to explore ethnic zones like Little India and Kampong Glam, with their rich and vibrant history, culture and heritage waiting to be discovered in the intimate streets and inner alleys.”

Our ride on the streets of Singapore crossed path with the HiPPO tour bus more than once including a second time when it cut into a lane in front of us – quite thrilling.

Slow and easy does it. In a country that prides itself of rapid economic progress, it’s a relaxing change to take things slow for a change including how long it has taken me to post these pictures – 3 weeks!

“The trishaw is an important heritage icon in Singapore and has been affectionately used and showcased at important events like Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Chingay, National Day. To celebrate the resilient spirit of trishaw riders and preserve the heritage of this old mode of transport, we are delighted to introduce refreshing new ideas to Albert Mall Trishaw Park so that trishaws and trishaw riders can continue their contribution in offering unique trishaw ride experiences.”

Debbie’s trishaw is equipped with a sound system and we were entertained with selections of golden oldies some of which just made us smile.

Returning to Albert Court Village Hotel after completing a round trip on a relaxing trishaw ride. I miss the hotel’s colonial charm not forgetting also the great all-day breakfast at Kookaburra Restaurant.

Delicious Beef Pot Pie and Award Winning Mushroom Soup at Privé Waterfront Bakery Cafe

Located on Singapore’s only private island – Keppel Island, Privé is a multi-concept F&B lifestyle venue encompassing a Waterfront Bar, a Bakery Café and a modern New York-style restaurant. The Chicken Pot Pie I recently posted on Facebook turned out to be Beef Pot Pie (with puffy pastry, shin, tendons, mushrooms, carrots, onions and celery) after I verified it against my blog post. No harm done, it’s still an unforgettably great looking, great tasting pot pie that’s worth a second mention.

View or download a copy of Privé Bakery Café menu (PDF)

“The casual waterfront Bakery Cafe is best known for its award-winning brunch menu as well as its irresistible milkshakes, burgers and cakes. Casual and kid-friendly, this is a place for family lunches, girly chats or corporate brainstorming.” — Privé on Facebook

Bubbling water a subtle reminder you're at the waterfront Marina @ Keppel Bay

Patrons enjoying a casual, relaxing morning at PRIVÉ Bakery Cafe.

PRIVÉ’S SIGNATURE MUSHROOM SOUP | This award-winning soup blends the earthy flavours of seasonal mushrooms with a hint of truffle oil. Served with crusty garlic bread

Beef Pot Pie with puffy pastry, shin, tendons, mushrooms, carrots, onions and celery.

I caught this moments before Melo made the entire pot pie disappear into his pot 😉

Beef Stew with mashed potatoes, shin tomatoes, tendons, mushrooms, carrots, onions and celery.

Though just lunch time, a good 8 hours before ZoukOut was to start, I ordered a double-shot espresso for a bit of boost. Now, you all RAW proponent - who says I don't shoot RAW?

Little India Singapore: Images of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is a Hindu temple located in the middle of Little India in the southern part of Singapore. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple was built to cater for hundreds of Indians who had come to live in a foreign land. Having a temple in their midst must  have helped  these  pioneers  feel  more  at home  as  it provided an  important avenue   for  them to  recreate in Singapore what they had been familiar within their country of origin.  The  choice  of Sri Veeramakaliamman  as  the chief deity of the temple is  significant.  Referred as a powerful  goddess   and  Destroyer of Evil, her presence answered an important need of the early migrants  – the need to feel secure in a new land. The building is constructed in the style of South Indian Tamil temples common in Tamil Nadu as opposed to the style of Northeastern Indian Kali temples in Bengal, where Her worship is extremely widespread but the style of temple construction differs considerably.

Official website of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Right time right place right direction - looking up - a heavenly moment at Sri Veeramakaliamman temple at Serangoon Road in Little India. Click on image to view likes and comments on Facebook.

The Bell, known in Sanskrit as the Ghanta/Ghanti is used in all poojas for invoking the Gods. The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness.

A significance of ringing the bell is that they help drown any inauspicious noises and comments that might disturb the worshipers in their devotional ardor (dedication), concentration and inner peace.

“I ring this bell indicating the invocation of divinity, So that virtuous and noble forces enter (my home and heart); And the demonic and evil forces from within and without, depart.”

Mother Kali is another divine form of Shakthi to destroy all evil and protect the Good. Loving and most merciful. Mother Kali gives her devotees whatever they want. In this avatar she appears seated with 8 hands to destroy the evil and protect the Good.

The best days to offer prayers are Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, Ashtami Navami , Dasami, Sathurdasi, Pournami, Amavasai, Maham Pooram - Tamil New years day, Adi Pooram , Adi Perukku , Navarathiri , Masi Mahotsava