Photo Journal – Monday 16 May 2016

Today started with my fruit smoothie. Flax seeds, chia seeds, bananas, apples, lychee, kiwi, and white grape juice. I think that was it.

Bulleted and ready to drink. Today is my first day putting flax seeds and chia seeds in my smoothie. It added a gelatin texture to the mix.

I had a meeting first thing this morning for a new research project that I will be working on. Good meeting.

My first item will be reading these two papers.

I took a photo of this staircase because I was running up and down it way too much today. Administrative matters took up too much of my time today, but that’s Mondays for ya. Hopefully I actually get work done tomorrow.

My desk. I organized my desk, my to-do list, and my mind so that I can hit the ground running tomorrow. Side note, Bing, has some of the most beautiful desktops.

I collected books I reserved from the library too. This is not even 10% of the stuff I have to read.

After preparing for tomorrow, I left. It was an absolutely beautiful day today. Just beautiful! Look at those trees! Look at the sky!

Green trees, blue skies, white clouds, red buildings. Beautiful!

I had to look up and take this one. Just amazing!

Schwab Building

I love the entry

I bought notebooks. I will use these to write my jottings and thoughts from and for my readings, projects, and papers that I have to work on this summer.

When I got home I opened one of my jars of kaya butter.

Look at that beauty.. Will you marry me? So good.. sooo good..

Photo Journal – Thursday 12 May 2016

Today I worked away from home again, journeying to Arlene’s office, on Broad St.

The weather was an absolute beauty today. Blue skies!

I had to take a photo of the Trump Building. I was watching the news on his meeting with Paul Ryan before leaving the house.

New York Stock Exchange building

I like to look up in New York.

I took this photo as I sat down to work.

Leaving the office walking to the train station

National Museum at the Bowling Green Metro Stop

When I got home I saw this. A couple nights ago I read an article on online wine. I thought I would check it out. The website was the Tasting Room, and there was a $6.95 deal for a box of wines. (UPDATE: DO not purchase wines and this deal from this company. If you do, read every single fine print and word on anything you agree too.) DO NOT sign up for this.

Here are my 6 little bottles of wines. As I write this post, I have not as yet opened any of the bottles. I will be sure to share the experience when I open them. My roommate is away, so I may not be able to share these with her unfortunately :(.

I forgot to mention, my friend went to Singapore a week or two ago, and I asked him to bring me back some kaya butter. I LOOOOOOVE kaya butter!!! It is one of my favorite Singaporean treats. Arlene brought it to the office for me, so soon, I will be in heaven with kaya butter on toast. I thought the package was quite lovely too.

Brown Kaya, and Green Kaya. The brown kaya has caramel in it, while the green kaya has pandan leaves.

Today was another good one. Got work done, spent time outside getting some fresh air and sights. On the way back I went to my cousins and hung out a bit. I was talking with them about my desire to blog again, since I enjoy it so much. Blogging either relaxes me or distracts me. I am not sure which, but they encouraged me to do my Document my Day blogging again since I enjoyed it so much. So I dedicate this blog post and the one before to them.

Let’s see what happens tomorrow. It is supposed to rain. 😥

Bikini Bar – Sentosa Island, Singapore

Now before I begin talking about Bikini Bar, I must show you one of my favorite spots and views on Sentosa Island, Singapore. My weekend spot. Now on to my review of Bikini Bar on the Siloso Beach walk, Sentosa.

The Bikini Bar is located on the beach.

 Entrance area of Bikini Bar. Waitresses are all clad in bikini tops.

The view…

The food – Potato wedges and a lime margarita. Both were good, especially the margarita in that HEAT of the Singapore sun. Whew!!

Lychee margarita

A close-up

Check the view in the background… Beautiful yeah?

Their spicy wings – really delicious! It’s my favorite thing to order there. A nice crisp on the outside, soft tender meat on the inside. The wings are filling.

Strawberry margarita

A close up

A Singapore Sling

I forgot to mention, in Singapore, alcoholic drinks are usually very, very weak (Singapour a friend of mine once said). Drinks are like juice, barely any taste of alcohol. Bikini Bar however is not like that. The alcoholic drinks, are actually alcoholic drinks. Thank you!!

Colors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicely garnished I would say..

More views – relaxing and beautiful! I would always wait for the sunset before leaving…

Bikini Bar is one of my favorite spots in Singapore. I thank Jason – who I think manages the spot – for always making sure his guests are well taken care of.

1. Food – GREAT
2. Service – Good
3. Ambiance – GREAT
4. View – FANTASTIC!! (anything else would be almost impossible)
5. Music – GREAT!

Here’s a ink to the restaurant – http://www.bikinibar.sg

Have a great one!

Thinking Insomniac.

 

 

Homemade protein bars

In January (while living in Singapore again) I noticed that every time I had lunch or dinner I would feel bloated, so I had to find out why. A friend of mine posted on Facebook that she was probably gluten intolerant and described her symptons which sounded exactly like mine! Eureka! I spoke with her and did some research. This new knowledge made me very aware of my diet and I began cooking all of my meals. This meant no more meals at hawker centers  for a while. I am a scientist after all and I had to test my variables to test my hypothesis. In the US this would not be anything special, but in Singapore where food and eating is a tourist attraction, this is quite a decision. I not only decided to cook my own food, but I am a designer at heart and I wanted to design my food. Whatever that meant. I started a blog documenting my culinary journey but never got time to post as often as I would have liked (http://theculinaryarchitect.wordpress.com/). After approximately 2 months I realized that I was sensitive to gluten.

Managing two blogs takes time, so in the future if and when I want to share my culinary delights I will do so here on Thinking Insomniac. Today I will share with you my post from February 19th on homemade protein bars since many of my friends always ask how I made it. Enjoy!

——–

Today I wanted to make protein bars. I had peanut butter that I did not even open as yet and wanted to make a healthy snack. I found this website (http://neilarey.com/) which had really fantastic workout routines, I loved the drawings, and saw that Neila Ray also had a recipe for a protein bar. I actually did my own take on it and sort of combines her protein bars recipe with her energy ballz recipe.

My ingredients – Whey protein, raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, peanut butter, oats, dried ginger

Raisins, dried cranberries and dried apricots

Coconut cream

Whey protein and peanut butter added to coconut cream

I then added the oat mixture I had (rolled oats, raisins, pistachio nuts, almonds, and more)… MIX. I didn’t have a mixer, so I used the natural mixer, my hand.

Looking good…

I then flattened the mixture out on a plate and cut it up into bars

I wrapped them in wax paper and placed them all in the refrigerator. I ended up with a lot of them! I think 35 of them.

If I am unable to have breakfast before leaving home on mornings I take one with me and have it to tide me over until lunch. They taste great! And my favorite part is the little surprise of ginger pieces that I get in mine. Mmmmm!!!

From http://theculinaryarchitect.wordpress.com/

This work by Vernelle Noel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Chinatown Facade on Eu Tong Sen – Singapore

This is a sketch of a facade in Chinatown, along Eu Tong Sen in Singapore.

Enjoy!!!!!

This work by Vernelle Noel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Singapore Waterfront & Chinese New Year 2014

My sketch of the Singapore Waterfront… and happy Chinese New Year to my friends and family! Here are some photos of the installations in Chinatown, Singapore below.

Have a great day!

This work byVernelle Noel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

ArtScience Museum @ Marina Bay Sands

Last weekend my friend and I spent the day sketching like I mentioned in my previous post. It took me a while to post this because I needed to get my grey markers for my shadows and shades. I have them now and so my sketches can do what they do.

Designed by Safdie Architects and completed in 2011, the ArtScience Museum of Singapore is a lotus-shaped beauty that hovers on the bay. I remember the first time I came to Singapore. I was in a taxi heading from the airport, eyes peeled and trying to soak in all I possibly could. I saw this strange, white form that I was only able to get glimpses of before it disappeared out of my sight. The cab driver was nice enough to point out sights of Singapore and told me of the lotus building. It is also quite beautiful inside. I will find my pictures from my visit last year and post some of them for you.

“The building form is made up of 10 “fingers” anchored by a unique round base in the middle. The design of each finger reveals different gallery spaces featuring skylights at the “fingertips” that illuminate the dramatically curved interior walls. The Museum’s roof channels rainwater through the central atrium of the building creating a 35-meter water drop into a small, reflecting pool. The rainwater is then recycled for use in the building.”

I took this photo out using the “super vivid” setting on my camera. The colors are definitely vivid if I might say so myself. Here are a few links you can check out too:

• http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Museum/About/
• http://architectism.com/the-new-artscience-museum-in-singapore/
• http://www.archdaily.com/119076/

Stay tuned for more sketches of this location, but what and where should I sketch next? Any suggestions?

Have a great day!

This work byVernelle Noel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Trinidad Carnival: Improving Design through Computation and Digital Technology

Photo taken with theses before handing them over to the Department of Architecture here at MIT

It’s been soooo long! A lot has happened… and it’s been moving very quickly so hold on tight.. 😉

1. I submitted my Masters Thesis to MIT!!!!

My thesis was entitled “Trinidad Carnival: Improving Design through Computation and Digital Technology”. In it I argued that computation could contribute to design in the Trinidad Carnival by (1) addressing the dying art of wire bending, (2) improving design, and (3) fostering a more inclusive design process. The Carnival of Trinidad has spawned more than 70 carnivals globally. It is the most copied, yet most understudied carnival in the world. My thesis fills a gap in current literature by taking a computational and design perspective to this phenomenon.

2. While writing my thesis, I was simultaneously a Program Assistant for MIT’s Summer Research Program. This was so rewarding words can’t describe! I miss my interns.

3. I said “see you later” and spent time with some of my many favorite friends, family, and professors. Here’s one of the coolest cats I know, Marty Demaine. See you soon Marty!

4. I bid MIT farewell…Well done MIT, well done! You made me drink water from a fire hose… but it has shaped me into what I am 2 years later..

So my summer thus far has been filled with accomplishments, rewarding activities, and last but my no means least, I left the US to return to Singapore!!! I arrived a few days ago, so… stay tuned for more!

TI

This work by Vernelle Noel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Friday 15th June 2012

Day Two of my Singaploration!

Today is day two of my friend’s visit to Singapore… We haven’t seen each other in a few years and have so much of Singapore to see and so much catching up to do..

I had to go to the Ministry of Manpower this morning to collect my Temporary Employment Pass (TEP) at Clarke Quay. Talk about efficiency! I did not wait very long, but apart from that.. service was definitely top of the line. When service is efficient, be it in a country or place of business, it wins with me all the time! Terrible customer service bothers me a lot..

I took photos as I was on my way back to my bus stop… I have noticed that pedestrians here come second to cars I would say… In the US, I feel like pedestrians come first.. zebra crossings, laws, etc.. In my experience thus far in Singapore, cars turn corners without even wondering if a pedestrian might be crossing.

This pavement is a nice generous one… I don’t usually see wide pavements except in certain areas.. I have  my own thoughts on the reasons for these narrow pavements…

This building under construction continues to interest me…

Note the narrow sidewalk here.. Nicely shaded… Landscaped buffer between streets and pedestrians..

Even elevated crosswalks are landscaped…

I am at my bus stop now.. there is a park to my left.. going to check it out…

Nice!

I spy one bench so far…

In a park this beautiful you would think there would be benches for sitting, and people everywhere, yes?. Not here…

Singapore is blessed with lush vegetation.. and a government that takes their idea of a garden city seriously..

A pavilion of some sort it seems…

I board my bus when it arrives and head back to work…

After work I meet Joe at the Outram MRT and we head out to this evening’s adventure..

Outside the Outram MRT

We decide to go to Clarke Quay.. there’s a lot happening around there.. nice place to sit, eat, drink, people watch, get lost in the environment, and relax..

Boat rides along the river, people.. water… place..

People enjoy sitting on the steps which bank the river relaxing..

It’s Friday and people are out.. TGIF!

We aren’t hungry, but a little peckish (feeling for a snack), so we sit at a restaurant and have a nosh.. The wings were good.. I can’t remember if I ever mentioned this to you all, but napkins at eating establishments (not restaurants), are not the norm here… Maybe it’s their way of reducing trash and littering, but in Singapore, walk with your own napkins…

We talk, soak in the breath-taking scenery, chat, share stories, and time just passes by…

After our snack we take a walk around Clarke Quay…

Then we decide to do a boat ride on the river… There is a lady playing a musical instrument on the boat…

The reflection of the lights look lovely on the water…

That was a restaurant on a boat..

View from the water…

Reverse bungee ride all aglow..

Light show from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel..

Museum..

The Fullerton Hotel…

Marina Bay Sands Hotel… Sorry about the fuzzy photo..

Better!

Singapore’s ArtScience Museum on the left..

Out here the water smells wonderful.. what I mean by that is.. it smells clean..

We are passing below the bridge, which is beautifully lit as you see, and the sound of the instrument the young lady on the boat is playing, is transformed!! It’s deeper, louder.. it’s a noticeable, worthy change.. a great barrel effect..

You can see one of their Merlions here.. spouting water from its mouth..

Louis Vuitton restaurant I think..

When we get back on land.. talking about how great the ride and views were… we walk through Clarke Quay a bit… see what’s up!

Souvenirs of course.. kinda expensive if you ask me…

We’re scoping out what we will be having for dinner… We’re looking at you crabs.. Chilli crab is a signature dish here…

“You lookin’ at me?!” I think he’s really watching me..

Lobsters…

What’s this ugly sucker you ask?…. Geoducks!!! The ugliest thing to eat I have seen… WTH?!!!

We’re now crossing the bridge to the other side of the river… A performer on the bridge.. She was okay..

Geoducks again! But these are giving those on the other side a run for their money.. They should come with a R-rating don’t you think… So improper.. LOL.. Oh, there were fishes too…

Nice wine display…

We check out some restaurants here then decide to go back the other side…

We head here for dinner..

I had a strawberry thing… tasted different.. looked great though.. I like this photo.. Oh, the straw was the biggest straw I ever drank from.. that’s what prompted the photo… You could suck oil from a well with that straw!

This was good!! The green stuff was crunchy, well seasoned and a fantastic break from the fried stuff.. Everything on the plate was good… sometimes a little too much breading, but still great..

This fish was good too… crunchy skin, good sauce addition… It was a wonderful night.. and there’s more in store for tomorrow…

Happy Friday!!!

This work by Vernelle Noel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Thursday 14 June 2012

Sentosa!!

I am excited today! My friend of many years, who has been living in India is coming to visit me.. I can’t wait! We have so much fun talking about stupid stuff, important stuff, and laughing.. I can’t wait to see him!

I always wanted to take a photo of this to share with you because I have never seen this anywhere else.. At many of the pedestrians crossings here there are these signs… Elderly persons or persons with disabilities are given these cards which they can “tap” and get more time to cross the street. I found this such a tangible way of showing how a society cares for its elderly and infirmed..

Even in the buses and trains (public transportation), there are seats assigned for the elderly and women who are pregnant. I have never as yet seen an old person standing while a young person sits on those seats.. people are so quick to giving their seats to the elderly..

Ok.. so my day at work is over and I am heading to meet my friend at his hotel..

Tall residence at Outram Park metro..

I am telling you.. these large, green, and beautiful trees and shaded streets get me everytime!

Singapore.. the Garden City (see below for more)..

A look back..

These drains again.. I like them.. it think because they’re not “just drains” to me but they have a sculptural tome to them..

So I meet my friend, we have some drinks, reminisce, and laugh.. All the while I couldn’t believe I was seeing him in the flesh.. it was as though we saw each other yesterday! I couldn’t shake how cool that was.. I am so happy to share the beauty of Singapore.. He asked me what I wanted to do, I was game for it all… He told me about some place named “Sentosa” here.. I said ok and off we went…

We took the train and went to our destination.. I had no idea!!!!! We disembarked at the Harbourfront Metro stop and searched for where we needed to go.. The mall is HUGE and we had a little confusion finding where we needed to be but found it eventually… My friend “Joe” wanted to do the luge.. the what? I wondered… then he said let’s do the Segway ride through the Eco Park.. Check the long list of adventures at Sentosa above!

We took a cable car ride to the island.. but what’s cool about getting to this cable ride is that to get to the cable cars you walk for a bit.. All I knew is I was in the city with tall buildings. We bought our tickets at the ground floor of this “office building” and were told to take the elevators… In the elevator(s) was a button to press that would take us to the cable cars.. In one voosh! an express elevator we were several floors up in the air.. The efficient combination of business and pleasure with an elevator impressed me.. Giving a piece of what may have been a private building for public access to fun… great idea!

Cable cars in a constant loop picking persons up..

Shots from inside the cable car..

A look back at where we got on the cable car.. The top of an office building!

I have no clue what I am seeing here.. I am just in awe! Standing, going to the left and right of the cable car trying not to shake it to much…

Singapore’s port all aglow.. One of the busiest ports in the world..

Weeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some sort of resort below.. Pools, huts, etc… Wow!

Hard Rock Cafe..

Thank you..

The Tiger Sky Tower

We took a bus to the place with the Eco Park and segway ride..

Look at people!!! I tell you.. no joke.. this place had so many people.. soooooooo many people.. so much joy and excitement in the air..

Joe and I went to a restaurant.. by this time my tummy was calling for something to eat.. So we went to the restaurant SKY atop the building..

Shots from the restaurant…

I don’t know what I seeing there… but they’re aglow too..

The restaurant and bar.. people chilling out, relaxing, and just enjoying it…

Live band playing music.. They were really, really good too!!

This you see here is a must I think.. I hope to go to it before I leave.. This is the Songs of the Sea show… People flock to it! From the restaurant we could see and hear some of the action… and what impressive action it was! OMG!!! I have included some short vids I took below…

Water is spraying out here and it is being used as a screen for these singing and talking characters…. WOW!

Look ting!

Fireworks too of course!

This is not even 5% of how spectacular I am sure actually being at the show is…

Singarich!

Nice eh?!

Spectacular fireworks closing of the show…

After our dinner, which really wasn’t to good (the food was tasteless), we decided to head back to Singapore proper..

We have to walk back to an MRT (metro) because the cable cars are now closed. :-(.. At least we get to see more..

The Merlion – mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, used as a mascot and national personification of Singapore…

We eventually got home.. It was a long but fantastic day for us… tomorrow will be another adventure filled one!!

Click here to read a paper on Singapore the Garden City…

Check this below video too

Sentosa is a MUST DO!

This work by Vernelle Noel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.