| | | Cocoa Evenings | | | 可可黄昏 – Page 2 – feisty, whimsical, makeup enthusiast, mobile phone photographer, learning to live life to the fullest

Share Your World – 2015 Week #51

December 31, 2015

In response to Cee’s Photography, Share Your World tag.

I participated in Share Your World – 2015 Week #51 about three days ago but I saved some questions for a later date. Today, I am going to answer those questions that I had saved from early on.

Favorite thing to ~~photograph?~~ Write? Or Cook?

My favourite thing to write? I like writing about ideas, discussing how one thing could be better than another, how one is the key solution, how to put in place a missing piece, etc. In the blogosphere, such form of writing manifests as reviews, such as this one, on the Sephora Kiss Me Lip Balm or, the other one on EOS Lip Balms.

Favourite thing to cook? I love putting together any form of cheese noodles. It could be Monterey Jack Spaghetti, Cheddar Instant Noodles, even Kraft Cheese Vietnamese Kway Teow. And I always make these noodles with a generous serving of seafood – salmon, prawns, scallops, clams, and a healthy dose of broccoli! I am drooling already.

Did you like swinging as a child? Do you still get excited when you see a swing?

Yes! And yes! I literally ran to the swing because I could not contain my excitement, when I saw so many solid steel swings in the park! Swing park is amazing!

I am making a calculated guess that many who consider travel their hobby would enjoy swings a lot. Both are similar in the sense of freedom they give, the opportunity to explore more spaces, and a little thrill they provide each time. Am I right?

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I have had one more holiday gathering. I love how gatherings bring together old friends whom I treasure. Spouses and children of my friends came this time and made the place much more lively.

Some say light fills up space. Some say sound does; be it laughter or noise. I’d say, love fills up space – the non-physical ones too.

I look forward to meeting new people next week. Bless my life that I will meet nice people whom I can connect to well.

Click the banner below to learn more about the Share Your World tag and participate.

Enjoy!

Do you like swinging? Do you like melted cheese on noodles? Or cheese?

[Photo 1: Taken at home, Singapore.

Photo 2: Taken at Botanic Gardens, Singapore, 3 December 2015.]
Share Your World – 2015 Week #51

December 27, 2015

In response to Cee’s Photography, Share Your World tag.

I have enjoyed completing the Share Your World so much because the structure allows people to get closer to each other.

For example, I found out that Cee prefers having clean clothes over bathing, and that this is only imaginable if one lives in dry weather. Whereas, I prefer both clean clothes and a bath because I live in a hot and humid place. I thought that was a new and insightful perspective.

I treasure building strong connections because there are few voices and sometimes no face in the blogosphere. Blogging has not changed that much since its inception, in that, bloggers are writing for interaction as opposed to only wanting others to read.

With that, I will move on to this week’s Share Your World questions.

Favorite thing to photograph? ~~Write? Or Cook?~~

I cannot get enough of photographing sunsets. I have had the good fortune of enjoying some bright sunsets over the vast plains of Australia recently, and I have already shared some them on my Instagram over the past week. Thank you to those who have liked and subscribed to me on Instagram!

I have saved the best sunset for you, my sweet reader! I promised we will watch sunsets together with a cup of cocoa if only I could get the cup over to you.

I saw a kangaroo jumping into the sunset that day. I saw a few more, big and small, jumping away or waiting by the fences. I was so touched by the wildlife.

I have to show the time-lapse of the sunset and night falling to unveil the gorgeous crescent moon.

Ain’t it the perfect moment to hold somebody’s hands and whisper sweet nothings?

What has surprised you about blogging?

I have found self-hosting very helpful and meaningful, and if I daresay, empowering. I enjoy having 24/7 support from WordPress and I love telling people that my website is http://www.cocoaevenings.com. Nothing more, nothing less.

List at least five favorite desserts.

Ice-cream. I suppose spelling out five different flavours will not count but I will spell out the flavours I love anyway. Peppermint Chocolate Chips. Durian. Rum & Raisin. Raspberry Cheesecake. ~~Chilli~~ Belgium Chocholate. Matcha Green Tea.

Cheesecake.

Orange Jelly.

Yam Paste (Asian dessert).

Black bean rice porridge (a.k.a orh-bee-bur, another Asian dessert).

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful for the friends that have welcomed me for Christmas party every year. I am grateful for my siblings who are like my friends.

I look forward to a fruitful week of gatherings.

Click the banner below to learn more about the Share Your World tag and participate.

Enjoy!

[Photos: Taken somewhere near Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, 15 December 2015.]

P.S. I have taken the liberty to remove a couple of questions so as to save them for the last week of 2015 and also to keep this post tidy, without too many photos.
One Free Thing To Do Every Christmas

December 25, 2015

I have watched Christmas lights and decorations every year since I learned of their existence some two decades ago.

I have indeed enamoured for decorations beneath the Christmas trees this year. The photo below shows a gorgeous Ferrero-Rocher-like set-up under the tree at Millenia Walk.

And the picture below shows the actual Christmas tree.

I love watching Christmas lights because of the sheer number of lights put up for the season. Lights have a special charm because of the way they are so versatile, in that, they come in so many colours and able to produce so many effects.

I framed the photo of the lights below to look like meteor rain falling. One could imagine that surrealness standing beneath such elaborate decor.

These lights belong to the large Swarovski crystal Christmas tree standing proud and tall outside Ion Orchard this year.

I was so mesmerized by the dazzling Swarovski tree that I went back for a second shot on the same night. I even strongly recommended this tree to some foreign friends who visited a few weeks ago. I think the Swarovski tree will stay in my heart and mind for some time.

Then, there is always a cute little tree somewhere for the children to enjoy, including the child in myself!

The tree below shows none other than The Little Prince; arguably the one true prince for everyone.

I think the greatest appeal of Christmas lights in Singapore is the fact that they are free for all to watch. Well, almost, because one still needs to buy food and drinks as the day goes by unless one packs sandwiches. Singapore stands at the top of the table for Worldwide Cost of Living in 2015, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit.

There is no better way to end this post than with a leisure holiday attitude! Meet the caring Kangaroo from the vast plains of Australia.

On Christmas day, let’s lie down and relax. That’s the way, Kangaroo!

Cheers to a merry Christmas to all of you!

Cocoa

What is the one thing that you do for yourself every Christmas?
Zig Zag Train Wreck From Aboard The Indian Pacific

December 24, 2015

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Oops!”

I was looking forward to enter the Blue Mountains by rail on the Indian Pacific of the Great Southern Rail. I paste my face on the window pane with my eyes peeled. At the same time, I supported my camera against the window with my little finger. My forefinger was resting on the shutter button as I stood by to press it should I see anything out of the ordinary.

The speakers boomed on. The voice that crackled through mentioned something about “zig zag.” The voice was fast and accented, so I did not catch the story of “zig zag.” The speech ended, and I noticed that the Indian Pacific slowed down drastically. All of a sudden, I saw this bunch of brown steel scrunched and squinched on the railway tracks beside.

“What (wreck) was that?” I exclaimed.

Someone told me the wreck was of a train known as “Zig Zag.” Now, there it lays, solemn and irreversible.

I felt very sorry to see that in person – as though the misfortune of others was the point of my rail trip. The sadness lingered and I thought about how such wrecks stand in many parts of the world to serve as reminders of the fragilities of life. I have seen a lot of disasters in documentaries but I still feel different with the real remains.

I went on to see the Blue Mountains as the Indian Pacific picked up speed rapidly and climbed through the greenery.

***

I caught other “Oops!” moments on my rail trip.

There was once I desperately wanted to photograph the front of the train from the angle when it turned and the picture ended up like that below.

I found it hard to photograph properly on the train because the cabin windows were all double-glazed and very scratched. The train also shook a lot throughout.

I really have to thank technology and my wonderful camera for its amazing anti-handshake and highspeed functions for giving the sharp shots, such as the one you see of Zig Zag.

*

Then there was another time I alighted at Broken Hill Station and explored the vicinity. I was so happy to capture the early sunset as below.

I could not review my picture on the spot because of the extreme brightness, so I only saw the blue “stain” on my image long after.

One of the inner lens of camera has a slight scratch that only shows up when I shoot direct sunlight. I am not ready to replace my camera at the moment.

Which one of my photos captured the “Oops!” moment for you? Also, feel free to respond with a link to your photo if you have an “Oops!” momment to share.

[Photo 1: Somewhere near Blue Mountains, Australia, 16 December 2015.

Photo 2: Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, 15 December 2015.]

P.S. The Man in Seat Sixty-One will give you a comprehensive guide on train travel.
The Unwanted Often Flock Together

December 23, 2015

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Gathering.”

Krista spoke a lot about gatherings as something happy and enjoyable. However, gatherings often happen in times of adversity, such as during a funeral, escaping from war, and discussing a political issue.

I will push the limits of what gathering onto inanimate objects.

The unwanted often flock together.

P.S. I will most likely post an optimistic photo of a gathering later.

[Photo: Taken somewhere near Adelaide, Australia, 15 December 2015.]
Five Things You Might Overlook Before Travel

December 23, 2015
Passport, travel insurance, and foreign currency? Checked.

Medication, hygiene essentials, and perhaps makeup? Checked.

Camera, handphone, and chargers? Checked.

Undergarments and enough change of clothes? Checked.

Have I missed out anything?

Maybe? Yes!

I have the habit of doing the following five key things before I wheel my suitcase out of the house:
1. Cut my fingernails and toenails.
2. Remove my nail polish.
3. Clean my tongue.
4. Epilate.
5. Clean my toilet bowls.
Bonus: Eat up or throw away food that will expire while I am away.

I do these five tasks before travelling because they will keep me fresh and happy during my holiday. Also, the benefits of these jobs can usually last throughout my trip, so I do not have to pack them into my suitcase or fret the small stuff while enjoying my holiday.

The benefits of completing these five tasks before travel are listed below in reversed psychology.

First, I do not want to deal with chipped or torn nails on my trip. Long nails get torn accidentally more often than not, and torn nails are painful. I also do not want long nails to hinder typing on a touchscreen phone.

Second, I dislike seeing worn-out nail polish on my fingers, and I know that the nail polish will somehow tear when I travel.

Third, I hate bad breath coming out of my mouth. If I clean my tongue right before my tour, there will not be a detectable smell coming from my mouth for at least a week.

Fourth, I do not bring deodorant on trips to save weight and space in my luggage so epilating helps remove hair that allows bacteria to thrive. The bacteria thriving in stray hairs with perspiration gives off odour.

Last, I also make a point to clean my toilet bowls right before leaving the house because I like returning to a sweet home. I think this habit of mine would sound strange to many of you. This habit is probably part of my obsessive-compulsive tendencies rather than something you must do before travel.

Bonus: No harm double-checking for expiring food because no one wants to return home to foul smells from a loaf of mouldy bread or rotten eggs, et cetera.

Males in Singapore will also need to declare their vacation online if they can still be activated to serve the military.

What is one thing that you do not pack for travel but must do before taking off?
SL-Week 25: Macro – Tea at Antoinette

December 23, 2015

In response to Sylvain LANDRY, SL-Week 25: Macro.

Beautiful food will bring a curious hungry person closer.

Let the yolk flow!

Perfectly poached eggs top with shimmering hollandaise sauce is mouth-watering anytime.

Complete the meal with over-the-top Antoinette (earl grey tea) cake, macarons, and tea from a European style tea set.

Sweet macarons make a sweet evening.

A good pot of tea shall fill your senses with fragrance.

The dim lights set a romantic ambience for your greatest enjoyment.

Read the history of the iconic French Queen, Marie Antoinette, to understand why Antoinette was chosen as the name for this cafe.

More information about Antoinette cafe and its food prices are on the Antoinette website.

Disclaimer: I paid for the meal. I am not affiliated with or compensated by Antoinette cafe.

A Little Bit About Myself

I was obsessed with macros some nine years ago when I picked up my first intermediate automatic camera because that camera came with amazing macro and anti-shake functions. I was able to capture sharp images of objects as close as 4 cm from my camera lens. I took macros of everything I came across until I switched to a more compact camera that I am still using. I figured that the best camera is the one that I take with me and not the one with the best specifications. Consequently, I also capture fewer macros.
SL-WEEK 24: Machines – The Large Hadron Collider

December 22, 2015

In response to Sylvain LANDRY, SL-Week 24: Machines.

Landry asked for machines that could be unbelievable and frightening. I think that would be The Large Hadron Collider.

I saw The Eye of Sauron when I faced this machine. I stood rooted to the spot in the museum trying to grapple with the number of electrical circuit components held on this thing. I wondered why the parts of the machine must be assembled to look like an eye. I wondered how this tool fitted into an even larger one to make Hadron Collider work. I wondered what mysteries this machine could unravel about the universe.

I am still wondering. Still impressed. Still frightened. Still in disbelief. Still confused. Still puzzled. Anything could happen.

***

The machine shown in my photo is only part of the large Hadron Collider. The machine has a diameter of about 1 metre although it seems small sitting in my photo frame.

[Photo: Taken at The Large Hadron Collider exhibit in ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, 17 November 2015.]
Share Your World – 2015 Week #49

December 9, 2015

In response to Cee’s Photography, Share Your World tag.

What would be your ideal birthday present, and why?

Going out with my family/loved ones/friends. The perfect birthday gift is to be happy. When I was young, I went out with my family every weekend, so I associate spending a day out with meaningful people as happiness.

What color would you like your bedroom to be?

Any shade of pink. I am thankful that my room already has pink walls the way I want it.

Would you prefer snowy winters, or not, and why?

Probably snowy? I do not know because I do not know what is winter in the context of a season that recurs every year for as long as I live.

I live in a country 1 degree North of the equator, and I experience rainy summer all year round. Right now, the sky is pouring on my windows, ~~and it is noisy~~. Tomorrow morning, the sun will bake the earth once again.

I have experience three weeks of winter without snow in Beijing, China, before. The temperature there was between -10 degrees Celsius to +6 degrees Celsius. I wished it snowed while I was there on holiday. Hence, I chose snowy winter.

Would you rather go a week without bathing, but be able to change your clothes, or a week without a change of clothes, but be able to bathe?

Good question. I am thinking. Probably the latter.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I am grateful to have spent a day with my family at the Botanic Gardens. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family in the week coming up.

Click the banner below to learn more about the Share Your World tag and participate.

Enjoy!

[Photo: Taken in the Orchid Gardens @ Botanic Gardens, Singapore, 3 December, 2015.]
SL-WEEK 23: Narrow – Travel

December 8, 2015

In response to Sylvain LANDRY, SL-Week 23: Narrow.

I am most impressed with the way Landry injects meaning to the word “narrow” with the interpretation,

“It must feel the weight.”

I have never thought of “narrow” as a feeling before.

Inspired by Landry’s unique and insightful perspective of “narrow,” I ransacked my stash of photographs like never before. At the back of my mind, I kept running over the thought – feel the weight.

***

First, join me as I slide down the cave river. You have to lie down all the way, on your back, shoulders touching the bottom of the boat.

Great! We passed the entrance.

Now comes the section of the cave that truly could make you feel a little claustrophobic.

Look up! The sharp rock edges are piercing the darkness all around. You will get scratched or caught by the daunting cave with a little slip.

Lie down.

We made it through, and it was open-air and wide open seas peppered with rocks now and then.

***

Second, join me on an adventure the most beautiful terraced fields of rice padi in Bali.

I always respect the rice plant for being able to stand up so tall and so straight in spite of its slender body.

If I were Alice in Wonderland, would I risk going down that long and narrow path between the rows of rice padi?

Would I meet the pocketwatch-rabbit? Or the Cheshire cat?

How about those poker card-men?

Maybe…

*

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A farm dog?

***

I very much wanted to walk in the padi field like the dog, but I restrained myself for I would ruin the farmers’ work because I am much heavier than the dog.

But I was curious to see what goes on down there, so I did a bit of a trapeze down the narrow bunds separating each square of the field.

Once there, I squatted down and twisted my arms in a strange fashion so as to hold my camera steady for that “Alice in Wonderland” shot while still struggling to balance on the soft and muddy bund.

What are the awkward things people would do to get the desired photograph?

[Photos 1 & 2: Taken at an island offshore from Phuket, Thailand, December 2011.]

[Photos 3 & 4: Taken at Bali, Indonesia, 24 December 2014.]