#Chinatown July 4th

[chinatownstreetscape]

“The Fourth of the Future” color lithograph on paper by Henry Barkhaus (1865-1886), published in The Wasp, volume 15 (July-December 1885), July 4, 1885, pages 8-9 (from the collection of The Bancroft Library).

Celebrating the 4th: Chinatown's 1890 Coming Out Party

On this July 4, a cartoon inspired by the Chinese America of 1885 is considered both for both its satirical and prophetic qualities. For nearly a century (1856-1935), The Illustrated Wasp, later known simply as The Wasp, was among California's most popular tabloids. It thrived particularly in the late 1870s and early 1880s, especially under the editorship of Ambrose Bierce from 1881 to 1886. As a weekly publication, it covered San Francisco's social, political, and commercial scenes, featuring a mix of local and international news, social commentary, numerous advertisements, and topical humor.

The Wasp’s written content was often complemented and overshadowed by intricate full-page illustrations, many focusing on the contemporary issue of Chinese immigration. These illustrations vividly depicted the discrimination and prejudice faced by the Chinese, highlighting, according Bancroft Library curator Theresa Salazar, the “struggle to survive as individuals and communities as well as the issues that dominated the imagination of their white contemporaries.” Salazar writes about the vivid illustration which appeared in The Wasp on July 4, 1885, as follows:

“The cartoon, published just three years after the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, imagines the Fourth of July parade in San Francisco with racial roles completely reversed. The Palace Hotel is filled with Chinese occupants who look down on the parade, led by an Uncle Sam wearing a formal Chinese ceremonial costume and followed by a large American flag with a dragon supported by a string of Chinese firecrackers. A Chinese policeman beats a white tramp while Chinese boys throw stones at a white businessman. On the corner, the “Chinese Call” newspaper is for sale, an obvious reference to the San Francisco Call, just behind an orientalized Mexican selling tamales. In the building to the right a white barber is giving a haircut beneath a sign reading “M U G K DE YOUNG BARBER,” another obvious reference, to Michael H. De Young, the owner of the San Francisco Chronicle. In the room above, a Caucasian laundry advertises its services as ‘AH SCOTT WASHING AND IRONING.’”

Although Barkhaus’ illustration was patently satirical, some elements would prove to be prescient a century later, such as Chinese policemen, a parade down Market Street (currently part of the main procession for the city's annual Chinese New Year parade), thousands of Chinese American spectators (with more women, unlike 1885) lining the route in front of the Palace Hotel. Even the cartoon's mash-up with Japanese motifs, such as a dragon on a fanciful rendering of a Japanese-style mikoshi borne by loincloth-attired Shinto-esque adherents, would also presage Japanese American participation in future civic festivities.

In pre-1906 San Francisco, the Chinese community in Chinatown would have been well aware of American holidays such as July 4th. Independence Day celebrations appear in the earliest images of pioneer San Francisco.

Fourth of July parade passing in front of Old St. Mary's Church on Dupont Street in 1864. Photographer unknown (from the collection of the San Francisco Public Library). The description on the verso reads: “Day Before Bank Opened--Fourth of July parade 1864 on Dupont Street, now Chinatown’s Grant Avenue, San Francisco. Note Old St. Mary's Church, and sparsely built Telegraph Hill in background. This photo was taken just 1 day before The Bank of California first opened 100 years ago on July 5, 1864.”

Hence, the artist Barkhaus undoubtedly drew on his past observance of Chinese parades and foreshadowed Chinese participation in general July 4th celebrations just five years later.

Most Gorgeous Chinese Pageant Ever Witnessed in San Francisco,” photo feature from The Call Sunday Magazine Section, San Francisco Sunday, July 16, 1890, describing Chinese participation in San Francisco's observance of the July 4 holiday of that year. The photographers are uncredited in this 1890 spread. However, the square center photo of three children is identical to Hortense Schulze’s photo titled “Taking the Air with Sister,” copyright-claimed in 1899.

“Taking the Air with Sister,” 1890. Photograph by Hortense Schulze printed in The Call, July 16, 1890, and reprinted (with claimed copyright 1899) for the “Babies of Chinatown” article written by artist Mary Davison for The Cosmopolitan, An Illustrated Monthly Magazine (vol. 28, no. 6) of April, 1900 (pp. 606-612).

As a feature story and photo spread in The Call newspaper of July 16, 1890, observed, Chinese participation in US Independence Day festivities appeared to have been “tentative” in San Francisco until the last decade of the 19th century. Chinatown was no stranger to elaborate processions through the neighborhood. However, as The Call’s story implies, the lack of participation in mainstream July 4 festivities had reflected hard, learned experience about Chinatown’s uneasy relationship with the rest of the city:

“On previous occasions, when the natives of the Flowery Kingdom were asked to participate in public spectacles – which asking was rare – they took part in a shy, tentative sort of way. Long years of neighboring with the citizens of San Francisco had taught them the lesson that the more they kept to themselves the better off they were. The consequence was, always, when the turned out in parade, they were few in numbers and poor in show. “This year, how different!”

The Call reported that the participation by the Chinese community in the July 4, 1890 celebration was due in large part to the “vision,” intervention, and influence of Chinese Consul General Ho Yow. Significantly, such participation was embraced by the Native Sons of the Golden State (later to be named the Chinese American Citizens Alliance), which organized a Chinese contingent for the parade, channeling the community’s natural capacity for processional logistics and showmanship.

In addition to the photos printed in The Call, images in the collections of the Stanford Libraries and Bancroft Library provide representative samplings of what a typical Chinese contingent carried, and how it appeared, when on the march for parades as Chinatown approached the turn of the century.

Untitled Chinese parade standard-bearers standing in a street in front of white onlookers, probably in San Francisco, c. 1900. Photograph by Hortense Schulze (from an album pending cataloging courtesy of the Manuscripts division of Stanford Libraries). This image is signed and numbered by Schulze in the negative.

Untitled Chinese ceremonial halberd-bearers walking past a gathering of other Chinese (with a mixed group of Chinese and white onlookers across the street and in the left of the frame, probably in San Francisco, c. 1900. Photograph by Hortense Schulze (from an album pending cataloging courtesy of the Manuscripts division of Stanford Libraries). This image is signed and numbered by Schulze in the negative.

Chinese bearing traditional infantry weapons prepare to march in a San Francisco parade. Photographer unknown (from the collection of The Bancroft Library).

Chinese bearing traditional infantry weaponry begin their march in a San Francisco parade. Photographer unknown (from the collection of The Bancroft Library).

Robed Chinese bearing ceremonial pikes prepare to march in a San Francisco parade. Photographer unknown (from the collection of The Bancroft Library).

As The Call reported in 1890, the “kaleidoscopic beauty” and pageantry of the Chinese procession left a lasting impression celebrants and spectators. The lessons learned in the July 4 parade would be reapplied by the Chinese as a tool of civic engagement with the broader community in subsequent years and, most notably, with the public celebrations of Chinese New Years starting in 1953.

As a 1907 photo from Oakland Chinatown indicates, Chinese pioneer communities outside of San Francisco applied their cultural traditions and joined in general American July 4th celebrations.

“Chinese in Parade, Chinatown, Oakland July 4th, 1907.” Courtesy of Ed Clausen Collection. Chinese join in July 4 celebrations a year after more than 4,000 Chinese survivors of San Francisco’s 1906 earthquake and fire found refuge in Oakland, showing a rising spirit of Oakland’s transformed Chinatown.

Although Chinese celebrations were somewhat distinct from the mainstream American observance, fireworks appear to have been a common feature in both Chinese and American festivities. The Chinese community would set off firecrackers and fireworks, symbolizing not just the American independence but also their own cultural heritage, as fireworks are traditionally used in China to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Richard Mark and Thelma Lee pose to light a string of firecrackers in San Francisco Chinatown on July 4, 1934. Photographer unknown (from the collection of the San Francisco Public Library).

July 4 celebrations in Chinatown carried a sense of resilience during an era of exclusion and discrimination. By participating in Independence Day celebrations, the Chinese community asserted its presence and contribution to American society to foster goodwill and improve relations with the broader American public.

During the war years, however, the US Independence Day took secondary importance to events overseas, particularly in 1944 when Chinese communities across the US used early July parades to collect money for war relief in China’s struggle against Japanese aggression.

San Francisco Chinatown observes “Triple Seven” on July 5, 1944, by collecting funds to support China’s war with Japan. Photographer unknown published in the San Francisco Call Bulletin (from the collection of the San Francisco Public Library).

During WW II, China and other diaspora communities commemorated San Ch’i,” or the seventh day of the seventh month of the seventh year of resistance to Imperial Japan.

Overall, the July 4th celebrations in pre-1906 San Francisco Chinatown were a blend of Chinese and American traditions, marked by fireworks and cultural performances. These celebrations were not just about American independence but also intended to express cultural identity and belonging in the face of significant challenges.

[system-of-a-feather]

Hey my sister's favorite bookstore burned down on the 4th of July and they lost their entire inventory. The place is owned by a really sweet Asian lady in Chinatown and they hosted all sorts of really good and fun events. She asked me to pass this on and forward it if anyone is willing to pitch in to help restore it ^^

No pressure regardless, but felt I'd pass it on cause damn that's so unfortunate.

[oldnewyorklandia]

Thomas Frederick Arndt. 4th of July, Little Italy and Chinatown, New York City, 1981.

[goldrushzukka]

tagged by @sokkalore love u baby

rules: list 15 bands/artists you love, and name your favorite song by each. no need to rank, just 15 artists you love and what is THE SONG for you by each. also it doesn't have to be your top fifteen bands. just. 15 you like.

(15 is so many. but we persevere.)

taylor swift - treacherous or cowboy like me do NOT make me choose

carly rae jepsen - talking to yourself (greatest pop song of all time btw)

fall out boy - hum hallelujah

paramore - (one of those) crazy girls

chappell roan - pink pony club

hozier - francesca

bruce springsteen - 4th of july asbury park nj (sandy)

my chemical romance - vampire money

mitski - carry me out

lorde - supercut

charli xcx - yuck

the front bottoms - joanie

olivia rodrigo - ballad of a homeschooled girl

bleachers - chinatown

the mountain goats - jenny

i will tag @prettiestnight @cuntyaries @evermqrenthusiast @torturedpoetdean @parrishesronan

[purplehanfu]

Warrior: Episode 1

notes: Spoilers! It's the 4th of July! (that's not the spoiler) Master list of all recaps

An American show? In my primarily cdrama blog? Sure, why not. The show is Warrior and the first two seasons were on Skinemax Cinemax so you know it has all the non-stop swearing, graphic violence and gratuitous nudity one expects from premium cable. What an unwelcome detour from my usual fare! And that's not even taking into account all the crimes against costuming:

All of this character’s outfits look like things you would wear to seduce Captain Kirk. Everyone else gets to be from 1878, however. More on this phenomenon later.

Read on!

The Story            

It's 1878 and we are on the docks of San Francisco. Debarking from the hold of a ship that has just arrived from China is Ah Sahm- he's a master of martial arts (of course) who speaks perfect English due to having an American grandfather (sure), and has a head of artfully tousled modern hair filled with styling product (everyone else has a queue though). Side note: get used to this inconsistency in character styling. Why has Ah Sahm undertaken this arduous journey? He's here to look for his sister Mai Ling who ran away from an abusive marriage to a despotic warlord. Did I mention she only married him in exchange for her brother's life? Achievement unlocked: tragic backstory.

time to first altercation: 3 minutes 33 seconds

Due to his superior fighting skills Ah Sahm gets sold to the Hop Wei Tong (a tong is secret society that was often the front for organized crime) by Wang Chao whom I adore. 

Loveable sleazeball Wang Chao is consistently the smartest man in the room- loyal to none and profiting from all.

Ah Sahm impresses his new Hop Wei manager with his fighting skills and as a reward gets to go on a work outing to a local brothel where we meet Ah Toy, the madam. 

I hope she has that on her LinkedIn profile!

Ah Sahm immediately asks her and all the ladies there if any of them know his sister. Dude you had weeks on that ship to think up a plan, and this is the best you can come up with?

But Ah Sahm isn't the only one investigating here in Chinatown. We also meet "Big Bill" O'Hara an Irish police officer who was voluntold to be the head of a new task force looking into anti-Chinese crime. The only other member of his task force? Richard Henry Lee, the new recruit from Savannah Georgia. Many of the police, including O'Hara, are union veterans of the civil war. This brings up a certain amount of awkwardness. Richard mentions that even though he was too young to fight, the Civil War destroyed his family:

oof.

Ah Sahm doesn't have to look too hard for Mai Ling; she comes looking for him. Their reunion isn't very sweet- she tells him she's done waiting for others to rescue her and she is now her own #girlboss. 

To that end, she's married the aged head of a rival Tong, the Long Zii. She's the one running the Long Zii's business from the shadows. Oops, maybe Ah Sahm shouldn't have joined the first Tong he ran across. Now the siblings are on opposite sides of a war that's brewing in Chinatown.

It's Dark in Here

Both the subject matter and the actual show. There's quite a lot of graphic violence even outside the choreographed fight scenes. No spitting blood here, we're just straight up hitting people in the face with hammers. 

When all you have is a hammer, anything in the dark might be a nail

The show itself was shot in that murky unlit way that gritty action shows use to say "this is so intense that you don't need to see it". Don't worry, we'll soon be getting an eyeful of other things:

Nudity

Wow! You won't be seeing this on Chinese television anytime soon. 

Or this!

I would like to point out that we see full frontal on the ladies but no action jangling on the men. Another win for the patriarchy, I guess. But things only get nominally better when the clothes go back on:

Costuming

Look, I get it. This is meant to be in the style of an old western, so historical accuracy might not be a top priority. However, it is so jarring to see everyone in a reasonable approximation of 1870's clothing with the exception of a few characters- namely Ah Toy and Mai Ling. Make of that what you will. It really takes the viewer out of the show to have some characters dressed like this:

And to make it worse, these costumes are all wildly unflattering and poorly constructed. Olivia Cheng, the actress who plays Ah Toy is objectively a beautiful woman. Why are they doing this to her? Who wants a dress that pulls focus to your inner thighs? And go back to the picture at the beginning of this review- the thigh slit (very Victorian) on that green gown has wonky seams and the neck piece(?) looks like it’s bolstered with a cardboard insert. Again I ask why. 

Below: is this a bathing suit cover up? Are we headed to brunch at the beach?

This red look is giving “Mars Attacks but make it prom night”.

I don’t know what’s going on here but I do know that if you want to see what Ah Toy might have actually been wearing in the 1870′s, you can do no better than Chinese fashion history ramblings by @audreydoeskaren​. I’ve learned a lot there!

In Conclusion

The Good

I had a $2 digital credit from amazon, so this episode was free.

Opening theme song pretty good

Hoon Lee as Wang Chao 

Based on a show idea by Bruce Lee, hopefully his estate benefits from this

The Bad

Andrew Koji not selling it as a hero;  brings all the passion of running Saturday errands to his search for his sister. Nice abs, though.

Tom Weston Jones, who is British, playing a character from the deep south. At times his accent veers dangerously into Foghorn Leghorn territory. But I forgive him because he was Lt. Gore in The Terror.

Everything else outlined above

Bonus Round

We Now Resume Our Regularly Scheduled Programming:

oh thank goodness.

Master List of all recaps

[breakfromwork]

June 6-July 6th, Washington

We wandered downtown Port Angeles on the June 6th, where we posed with one of the dozens of sculptures around town.

On the 7th, we headed up to Deer Park to take a spectacular view of Hurricane ridge we'd been told about... gorgeous as promised.

Gae was preparing for the upcoming Port Angeles Garden Club meeting, creating a hat with a bee on it (Bee in a Bonnet theme), arriving at this colorful display:-)

My buddy Mike came out to PA for a bike ride on the Adventure Trail portion of the Discovery trail... great ride with nice views. Now we just need to cover the remaining 25 miles!

My nephew Zach, his girlfriend Iris, and their new family addition, Joey came to visit on the 16th, where we wandered the Peabody Creek trail that runs by the end of our block.

Zach's Mom and Dad joined in the visit on the 18th, where we caught up since our last visit at Christmas. Three generations!

Gae and I attended the PA Garden Club luncheon on the 19th, for a nice lunch and live entertainment (member presentations).

Gae and I rode the Discovery Trail along the waterfront to check out the areas of her responsibility in her new role at the Garden Club. Thankfully a large volunteer group will spread the load maintaining the trail and garden beds downtown.

The neighbor's girlfriend stopped by with 9 German Shepherd puppies she was selling. I gotta say, timing is everything, as Gae happened to hear them yipping, checked out the noise and added another member to the family. Meet Raina:-) Kind of hard to see between the two white pups.

I got over to Seattle for a round of golf with Andy and Mike on the 29th, followed by a Mariners game on the 30th. The team started well, but was crushed by the end of the game... fun time in spite of the score.

July 2nd I joined our visitors Debb and Kipp for a tide-pooling session out at Salt Creek Rec Area in the perfect weather.

It was a great day for seeing some amazing creatures in the pools, like this purple Sea Urchin.

Gae skipped the tide pooling to join in on a church group hike to Madison Falls, near the Elwa River.

Rob and Ben joined us for the weekend of July 3rd, and were happy to get up to Deer Park to take in the views. Behind them is Port Angeles with the Ediz Hook and the Strait of Juan De Fuca.

We made another trip to Deer Park with Kipp and Deb on the 4th, where the haze from Canadian Fires shortened viewing distances.

We took the Blackball ferry to Victoria on the 6th to visit Butchart Gardens... another flawless day:-)

The gardens were as spectacular as we remembered from our last visit over 30 years ago.

Here's Deb and Kipp in a tunnel of roses.

Gae wanted to ride the carousel, but we limited her to the bronze stationary horse... chalk up another injury free outing!

We headed for Chinatown after the gardens for some food, where we had to travel the narrowest street in Victoria. Built originally to keep the police from approaching illicit business by horse, giving owners and patrons time to hide their dirty laundry. I would HIGHLY recommend the Fan Tan Cafe, and specifically Spicy Lo Wor Won Ton, unbelievable good!

[etes-secrecy-post]

Hi, before I explain my post, I want to say something important.

• What you see my blog has become a major overhaul. And despite the changes, I decided that my 2nd account will be now my artwork blog with a secret twist.

⚠️NEW RULE! (W/ BIGGER TEXT!)⚠️

⚠️ SO PLEASE DO NOT SHARE MY 2nd ACCOUNT TO EVERYONE! THIS SECRECY BLOG OF MINE IS FOR CLOSES FRIENDS ONLY!⚠️

• AND FOR MY CLOSES FRIENDS, DON’T REBLOG IT. INSTEAD, JUST COPY MY LINK AND PASTE IT ON YOUR TUMBLR POST! JUST BE SURE THE IMAGE WILL BE REMOVED AND THE ONLY LEFT WAS THE TEXT.

⚠️ SHARING LINKS, LIKE POSTS, REBLOG POSTS, STEALING MY SNAPSHOT PHOTOS/RECORDED VIDEOS/ARTWORKS (a.k.a. ART THIEVES) OR PLAGIARIZING FROM UNKNOWN TUMBLR STRANGERS WILL IMMEDIATELY BE BLOCKED, RIGHT AWAY!⚠️

😡 WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT EVER LIKED & REBLOG MY SECRET POST! THIS IS FOR MY SECRET FRIENDS ONLY, NOT YOU! 😡

Okay? Capiche? Make sense? Good, now back to the post…↓

Journey to Manila w/ my Paper Dolls [Recorded Jan 8th, 2023]

Hello, my secret friends! Here's what I'm promised. A journey to Manila, featuring my family & my paper dolls. 🙂🌃🇵🇭

If you haven't seen my 1st episode of "Take a Taste" 2023, then please [CLICK ME!].😉

So, without further ado, let's get started:

1st to 5th Image(s): ↑

• This is before we go to "1919 Grand Cafe" for some delicious sweet treats, and also after we ate at the "Delicious Restaurant".

• Before we proceed to another eating established, let's take a look at the "New Binondo Chinatown Arch". ⛩️🇨🇳🏙️ Isn't it pretty, you two? Love the changing colors! 😊💡

Fun fact #1: Did you know, that "Binondo's Chinatown" in Manila was considered the most oldest Chinatown in the world? That's right! It was established in 1594; 182 years before the United States of America declares their independence (July 4th, 1776) 🇺🇸📖🪶, and 304 years before the Philippines (my country) declares our independence (June 12th, 1898) 🇵🇭📖🪶. That's old! 😁 Know about more "Binondo's Chinatown"? Then please [CLICK ME!].

6th to 8th Image(s): ↑

• And this is after we're leaving the "1919 Grand Cafe".

• Here are my last three photos, as we stroll along at the new improved "Jones Bridge" 🌉. Yes, I said it "new improved" because of Mayor of Manila (Isko Moreno) order the officials to renovate the bridge into a nostalgic looking reminiscent of the past, and it amazed us. Don't ya think, you two? 😊 Love the scenery w/ the Philippine iconic structure; the "Manila Central Post Office". ✉️🏛️🇵🇭

Fun Fact #2: The original name of this bridge was "William A. Jones Memorial Bridge", It is named after the United States legislator William Atkinson Jones [CLICK ME! #1], although, Mr. Jones didn't architect the bridge, but rather a Filipino designer named Juan M. Arellano [CLICK ME! #2]. The original style of the "Jones Bridge" was the "Neoclassical arch bridge", from 1919 to 1945, where the latter was bombed by Japanese Army forces during WWII. A year later, they revived the Jones Bridge w/ several alterations until 2019. Which, I've already mentioned before.

Final Overall:

• My entire family are satisfied our stroll & eating delicious food from two establishments, at the same time. We're haven't done this since the pandemic, and we're missing out some great places in Manila (and other parts in my country). Here's hoping, that we planning another bonding, someday. 😊 And don't worry, we're always wearing face mask & arming some sanitation sprays. 😷😉

Well, that’s all for now. More journey moments, coming soon. 😊

And If you haven’t seen my previous episodes of "Take a Taste", then I’ll provide some links down below.↓😉

Take a Taste 2022:

• Popeyes U.S. Spicy Chicken Sandwich [Dec 6, 2021]

• Jollibee Chick'nwich & Crisscut Fries [Dec 21, 2021]: Part 1 [CLICK ME! #1], Part 2 [CLICK ME! #2]

• Mini Stop Chicken Fillet XL Sandwich [Feb 7, 2022]

• Minute Burger Cheese Burger(s) [Mar 1, 2022]

• Pepper Lunch Teriyaki Beef Pepper Rice w/ Egg (& Honey Brown Sauce) [Mar 5, 2022]

• Bacsilog’s Sulit Combo Bacon-Tocino & Samgyup Day’s Pork Herbs [Mar 12, 2022]

• Burger King Whopper w/ Sides & Drink [May 6, 2022]

• Marshmello’s Limited Edition Coca-Cola Zero [Aug 26, 2022]

• Cheesy Burger McDo with Lettuce & Tomatoes Meal [Recorded: Sept 16, 2022]

• Mcdonald’s PH McSpicy & Apple Pie (featuring their World Famous Fries) [Nov 14, 2022]

• Mcdonald’s McCrispy Hamonado Sandwich [Dec 31st, 2022]

Take a Taste 2023:

• Foods from Delicious Restaurant & 1919 Grand Cafe [Jan 8th, 2023]

Tagged: @bryan360, @carmenramcat, @leapant

[lafiametta]

hellooo! so, i love the content you make for olek and ling yi - they're such a lovely couple that absolutely deserve more content, so your musings and fics fill me with joy! - but i do have a preference for your brooklyn!au after all, i watched 1899 bc it started as a period piece! so i wanted to ask what would their first special occasion together! maybe christmas? maybe getting their first place together? i kinda love a young couple, hard on the money, but doing their best to have their first special holiday or occasion together! ♥ and about your modern scenario: how would them have met? tinder-like app or those 'destiny brought us together'?? like a 101 dalmatians love-story lol (btw, would they have a pet? would they adopt one once they decided to move in together??) i have SO many questions for you but for now these will be enough lol thank you for the beautiful work you make for them!

Thank you so much, Anon — I'm glad you've enjoyed everything!

I'll tell you that I also started watching 1899 as a period piece, which is probably why I like writing stories set within the canon (with the occasional foray into a still-very-historical AU setting!). If it ends up going full sci-fi next season, I definitely will still be watching, but I'm not sure I will love it quite the same as the first season.

Within the New York AU, I like to think of the two of them sharing their cultural traditions and celebrations (Olek bringing Ling Yi to Midnight Mass for Christmas, Ling Yi taking Olek into Chinatown during Lunar New Year to see the paper lanterns and the music and festivities), but the special occasions that are individual to them (birthdays, new jobs) or that they share (anniversaries) are more important. Olek always remembers the anniversary of the day they met (October 21) — and of course their wedding anniversary will be a big deal as well... :) For a special occasion, I love the idea of them celebrating their new life in America by doing something quintessentially American, like celebrating July 4th, maybe by taking the streetcar to Coney Island where they could walk on the beach or visit one of the amusement parks.

For the modern AU, they met by chance (although I suspect destiny played a hand in it somehow): Ling Yi came to the United States from Hong Kong to work as a model (although she's also a dancer and an aspiring actress hoping to break into those fields as well). She was on her way back from a casting call when she got stuck in an elevator. The fire department was called, but the first one there — and the person who ended up getting her out — was Olek. He's a mechanic (although he's also done construction and auto repair, as well as mining back in Poland) and happened to be in the building as the emergency call went out. Ling Yi was freezing cold by the time he got her out (the AC was going full blast, and she had only been wearing a slip dress to the casting call), so of course he offered her his jacket — and then she asked for his number.

And, yes, of course they need a pet! That's why Ling Yi is getting Olek a puppy for Christmas... ;)

[chsamuseum]

From Summer of Love to Civic Upheavals: Reflections on My Experience at St. Mary’s Chinese Day School

Mike Kranzke, our homeroom teacher, instructed EST meditation in class. (Courtesy of Raymond Lee from Evelyn Sacks, posted on Facebook, May 31, 2016).

Our Class of ‘76  witnessed and were affected by major societal changes during and after attending St. Mary’s on Stockton St. In 1921, Paulist priests founded the school and invited the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange to run classes. When we first met in 1967, the modernization movement of Vatican II had not completely taken hold: the sisters were wrapped in medieval black-and-white habits, and catechism was rote-taught. By the late 1960s, however, their attire was replaced with modern white blouse and knee-length skirt, and religion class covered a broad range of topics.

The biggest charge was the staffing of lay teachers to replace most of the sisters in the early 1970s. Wendy Dorband taught us Judaic beliefs and customs, including hosting a traditional Passover supper. Michael Kranzke practiced EST and instructed us meditation techniques. He led the Mass choral strumming a guitar to Cat Stevens’ Moonshadow. Don Papa brought youthful vitality and a free-spirited teaching style, encouraging us to discuss and debate current event issues, very much like Mr. (Mark) Thackeray in ‘To Sir with Love’.

Wendy Dorband, our grade 6 homeroom teacher, instructed English, history, geography, as well as sex education and Judaic customs. (Courtesy of Raymond Lee from Evelyn Sacks, posted on Facebook, May 31, 2016).

The counter-culture movement of the late 1960s encouraged teachers and students to question traditional values and attitudes held by mainstream establishment. Wendy covered sex education, including birth control and legal abortion, which were taboo topics prior to Vatican II. In the 1970s, territorial squabbling among the Chinese youth made for headline news and spilled into the classrooms of St. Mary’s and other schools. Perhaps as counterbalance, William Coward, our sixth grade math teacher, played “What the World Needs Now is Love” in class one day! Our cultural-ethnic awareness and identity strengthened after the introduction of Asian-American Studies at SF State, and media exposure and popularity of Bruce Lee films, both in the early 1970s. 

The optimism experienced in our final year at St. Mary’s was reinforced by the patriotism and pride of the Bicentennial celebration. That feel-good afterglow was short-lived. The Golden Dragon massacre the next year was a cataclysmic financial and psychological blow to Chinatown. Concurrently, the International Hotel protests lay bare the economic disparity and injustice many immigrants living in or near Chinatown endured, which continue unabated today. In the forthcoming years, ethnically-motivated mistreatment and violence, such as the Vincent Chin slaying in 1982, have become bellwethers of race relations in SF and other American locales.

At our 2016 reunion, teachers seated (left to right): Mary Tan (homeroom 8th grade), Johanna Pendleton (homeroom 3rd and 4th grades), Michael Kranzke (homeroom 7th grade), and Don Papa. (Courtesy of Raymond Lee from Corinne Cho-Beaulieu, posted on Facebook, July 9, 2016).

At our 40th class reunion in 2016, my classmates and I expressed sadness and frustration over the gradual erosion of the Chinatown neighbourhood, including the eventual shuttering of our alma mater due to revenue shortfalls. Ironically, a few years earlier, the school had moved into newly built facilities at the very site of the demolished International Hotel. The pandemic lockdown and retail closures have, once again, drawn attention to the plight of the most vulnerable in Chinatown, whose children and grandchildren our school once taught and supported. The community void will take all our collective determination and effort to fill.

Written by CHSA community member, Raymond Lee. Lee was born, raised, and educated in San Francisco. Raymond and his wife reside in Winnipeg, Canada, and Saint-Denis, France. He is currently employed at the Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba.

[winghelm]

info & bio ( w.i.p. )

SECRET IDENTITY: 鄭詩言 [ Zhèng Shīyán ] CODE NAME: Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America BIRTHDATE: 4th July, 1922 BIRTHPLACE: New York City, New York

Born in Chinatown to parents that owned nothing, Shīyán’s already frail health suffered further as he grew in the midst of the Great Depression.

As a boy, Shīyán wanted to become an artist someday, and took every opportunity he could to submit his drawings and paintings to different Chinatown competitions. (He’d won a ribbon once, and he considers it his crowning boyhood moment.)

His father taught him basic wushu in the hopes it would make him physically stronger. Shīyán wasn’t especially invested in it, but his father’s discipline ingrained itself into him enough that he began training on his own.

This was especially important after his father died in the Depression, and even more so when his mother followed suit. Pulling himself up by his bootstraps, Shīyán did his best to survive under the circumstances he was given, even if the world was horrifically cruel to him outside Chinatown.

Caught by the news of the Chinese-Japanese war and the spread of Nazi Germany’s influence in Europe, Shīyán signed up to be part of an American Volunteer Group intending to go to China under Claire Chennault‘s leadership. Given Chennault’s connection to Chiang Kai-Shek and the group’s emphasis on volunteer work, he believed he had a fair chance even with his race and his blatant lack of a birth certificate, but found himself rejected for his health anyway.

Still, he continued to sign up only to be rejected again, and again, and again. It was at his last rejection, however, that he was recognised by a U.S. General on the premises-- one who was curious about the one Chinese man amongst the white volunteers, and one who offered him a place in Project Rebirth.

As the third official test subject (with the other two being failures), Shīyán was convinced he was chosen because he was expendable. Though the doctor working on him never said as much, the whispers around the labs were enough. Still, if it would lead to being accepted by widespread American society, perhaps it was worth the gamble.

Despite finishing his tasks and tests to the best of his ability, Shīyán felt he’d die from the experiment in the end. When he came out successful as the world’s first super soldier instead, however-- and when the doctor working on him was brutally killed right after-- the U.S. Government chose to use him for their covert war efforts, giving him the code name Captain America.

The moment the Red Skull became a costumed symbol of Nazi Germany, Shīyán in turn changed from an undercover soldier to a costumed hero and star of propaganda films, himself. With the U.S.’ impression of East Asians tainted by Pearl Harbour, however, the government chose to give him a new name-- Steve Rogers-- and a rule to never remove his helmet.

The rest, as they say, is history.

[thebestintoronto]

48 hours in. . . Toronto, an insider guide to Canada's spirited first city

Canada's multicultural fusion

Canada's biggest city, the 4th biggest in North America, is regularly rated among the most effective areas to live in the world. Investing also a few days here makes it very easy to see why. Cosmopolitan and also cultured, fun as well as fun-loving, with an icing of unpredictability simply to make points fascinating, Toronto takes pride in being the dynamic, innovative and also risk-free amount of all its components.

The city's roots show in myriad ways, with greater than 200 cultures stood for on the streets. (The truth that there are 3 Chinatowns as well as 2 Little Italys speaks volumes.) This is among the reasons the cooking scene is such a big deal-- there are much more ingredients in the pantry to pull from. With four first-rate sporting activities teams, a spirited arts scene and a vibrant beachfront with its very own flight terminal, Toronto makes both a gratifying end destination and an excellent pitstop.

Warm right now ...

Doug Wallace, our citizen specialist, supplies his top tips on the best things to do and also puts to eat and drink this period.

Consume

Canada's initial Eataly (55 Bloor St. W.; 00 1 437 374 0250) has opened up in the ManuLife Centre to much excitement and also more than a couple of crowds. Spanning 50,000 square feet over 3 levels, the Italian marketplace brings the preference of Italy home to Yorkville's Mink Mile. Locate takeaway counters, dining establishments, regional as well as Italian components, food preparation courses as well as more. - The best dining establishments in Toronto

Do

Not just does Resort X Toronto (111 Princes' Blvd., 4th flooring; 00 1 647 943 9300) have a gigantic 90,000-square-foot gym with 4 interior tennis courts and also 9 squash courts, but it now likewise has Canada's first Guerlain Day spa. Get pampered via customised body therapies and facials in 10 areas, plus pre- and post-stay lounges with views of the lake. - The very best things to do in Toronto

Drink

Don't let the false front of Vatican Gift Store (1047 Gerrard St. E.; 00 1 416 462 2682) mislead you: the makeshift gift store opens speakeasy-style to expose a low-lit Gothic secluded administering European and regional brews, clever (as well as solid) mixed drinks as well as thin-crust, hand-tossed Neopolitan pizzas. Stock up on votive candles on your way out. - The most effective night life in Toronto

48 hours in ... Toronto

The first day

MORNING

Even if you're not staying at the Delta Resort Toronto, begin your day with a vibrant coffee and also a morning meal sandwich at SOCO to Go (75 Lower Simcoe St; 00 1 416 637 5465), the hotel's 24-hour grab-and-go counter and also café in the southeast corner of the structure.

Your 2nd quit of the day is nearby: Ripley's Fish tank of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd; 00 1 647 351 3474) opens at 9am, which is when the displays will be the least crowded. After having a look at the jellyfish wall surface and seeing stingrays skyrocket over your head in the undersea gallery, function your means over to the Hockey Hall of Popularity (30 Yonge St; 00 1 416 360 7765) to look into the interactive video games as well as well-known souvenirs.

MID-DAY

There's absolutely nothing even more Canadian than a peameal bacon sandwich (a kind of unsmoked back bacon). Discover one for lunch at Carousel Bakery, right near the front door in the St. Lawrence Market (93 Front St. E.; 00 1 416 392 7219). If bacon is not your thing, head to the reduced level to consider greater than a dozen hot-food stalls. The marketplace has been a culinary hub of the city given that 1803, which in Canada-years resembles 2 centuries.

After that, a 10-minute stroll south to the water's side will land your toes in the sand at the synthetic Sugar Coastline (Lower Jarvis St. and Queen's Quay E). Sit under the cotton-candy pink umbrellas and also enjoy the tankers get here in the harbour prior to continuing to the historic Distillery Area (55 Mill St.). Take a great, slow-moving poke regarding this pedestrian-only cultural territory of shops, present stores, clothes stores and also galleries. SOMA is the most effective bean-to-bar chocolatier in the area.

LATE

Pre-cocktails, take a little stroll via Yorkville Area (Cumberland Ave. at Bellair St.), in search of stars shopping or ordering cappucinos in their baseball caps and sunglasses. Duck into either The Oxley (121 Yorkville Ave.; 00 1 647 348 1300) for pints on the (much quieter) 2nd flooring or opt for martinis at d|bar in the Four Seasons (60 Yorkville Ave.; 00 1 416 964 0411).

Supper reservations tonight are at Constantine (15 Charles. St. E.; 00 1 647 475 4436), a little piece of Italian-Mediterranean paradise in the back of Anndore Home. Just move up front to the cocktail bar for a nightcap or stroll a brief block east to the Gay Town for a drag show at Woody's (467 Church St.; 00 1 416 972 0887).

- The most effective dining establishments in Toronto

Day 2

MORNING

The most effective time to get your photo taken in the "O" of the Toronto indicator at City Hall (100 Queen St. W. at Bay St.) remains in the morning prior to any individual else is around. Get a quick chai latte initially at Bannock (401 Bay St.; 00 1 416 861 6996).

Post photoshoot, it's a 15-minute walk to a healthy breakfast at Karine's (109 McCaul St.; 00 1 416 591 0863), a little food court serving morning meal staples with a side of Center Eastern, along with vegan and gluten-free, treats. Satisfied, you can then do a deep-dive right into the long-term collection (or exploring exhibits) nearby at the age-old Art Gallery of Ontario (317 Dundas St. W.; 00 1 416 979 6648).

AFTERNOON

On via Chinatown currently to the bohemian neighbourhood of Kensington Market (Kensington Ave. as well as Dundas. St. W.) to take a look at its indie society, vintage garments shops as well as art rooms. While you're there, put into a piled-high hamburger at Ozzy's Hamburgers (66 1/2 Nassau St.; 00 1 416 862 7983)-- have the Mustang Sally.

Stroll it off by heading back down to Queen St. W. and also shopping your means westward-- both sides of the street, mind you-- completely to Trinity Bellwoods Park (790 Queen St. W. at Strachan Ave.). Must-stops in the process must consist of: Frank as well as Oak for men's and also ladies's clothing and also possibly a quick haircut (735 Queen St. W.; 00 1 647 930 8711), Zane for the developer jewelry and desirable bags (753 Queen St. W.; 00 1 647 352 9263) and the shoe heaven that is Heel Kid (773 Queen St. W.; 00 1 416 362 4335).

LATE

Supper is also westward this evening, but first, choose of fresh margaritas or tequila shots at Reposado (136 Ossington St.; 00 1 416 532 6474) or a couple of Rust and also Bone cocktails at The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W.; 00 1 416 531 5042), whose bartenders virtually created the craft mixed drink scene in Toronto

Then for a little taste of Argentina at Tanto (74 Ossington Ave.; 00 1 416 546 3022). Fill out on the innovative little plates-- such as the spicy beef empanada with paprika aioli or smoked squid covered with pancetta as well as scorched almond salsa-- then just share one primary.

Later, take your pick of the area's live songs areas: a burlesque program at the saucy Painted Lady (218 Ossington Ave.), classic blues or people at The Dakota Pub (249 Ossington Ave.; 00 1 416 850 4579) or an indie band at The Fort (1197 Dundas St. W.; 00 1 416 519 9439).

- The very best night life in Toronto.

When to go ...

Might to October is the best time to visit Toronto, while the sun is out, the dining establishment patio areas are jumping, as well as everyone gets on the street after a lengthy winter season cooped inside. June, July and also August are usually hot and humid, 30 levels seems like 40 levels. On summertime weekend breaks, residents go out of community to their homes, leaving the city streets (and dining establishment chairs) to you. Summer season is additionally when most of the city's festivals are slated, focusing on food as well as beverage, arts and also theater, multiculturalism, songs as well as movie. The excellent climate just doesn't just transform itself off come August 31, either: In September, kids go back to college, grownups return to organisation as well as you have the sidewalks, stores and destinations to on your own.

Know prior to you go ...

Necessary information

Vacationer board info: 00 1 416 203 2500; seetorontonow.com Emergency situation fire and ambulance: 911 Emergency police: 911 British Consular Office: 777 Bay St., Collection 2800; 00 1 416 593 1290.

The essentials.

Flight time: Fly from London to Toronto in 7 hours. Currency: Canadian dollar. International dialling code: +1.

Local laws and etiquette.

- Canadians are notoriously courteous, conscientious as well as unstuffy, normally expecting the very same of others.

- Like elsewhere in North America, it is customary to tip 15-20 per cent for service in restaurants and bars. Ditto the cab driver, massage specialist, tourist guide and hairstylist. For hotel housekeeping team, budget plan CAD$ 3-$ 5 (₤ 1.80- ₤ 3) per day.

- The Toronto Transit System of trains, streetcars and buses-- while flawed-- is safe and also simple. The train trains stop at 1:30 am. Some streetcar and buses run overnight. Visit ttc.ca.

- Taxis abound and you can flag them down on the street or call one of the dozen business. Fares are approximately CAD$ 4 (₤ 2) per mile. Uber and Lyft vehicle drivers, while a lot more numerous as well as additionally less costly, are normally much less aware of the midtown streets, so cross your fingers.

- If you're driving yourself, know that you can make a right turn on a traffic signal and you can make a U-turn in the middle of the street, unless there are signs mentioning or else.

- Toronto is a two-kiss sort of location, however that is booked for people you know. A firm handshake is fine for brand-new associates.

- You can get cannabis legally. You have to smoke or vape it outside or in somebody's private residence. Check out ontario.ca/ cannabis for more details.

The post “ 48 hours in. . . Toronto, an insider guide to Canada's spirited first city “ was seen first on The Telegraph

Naturopathic Toronto Doctor - Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND

[howimetyourfather]

Cruel Summer

July 10, 2022

On July 4th, I went on a second date with Li. 

It was also a double date with his friends, who were BOTH very tall.

It was also the first time I had ever had an orgasm with a guy. 

Yep, despite being with Dustin, Aaron, and Kevin for the length of time we had: none of them had gotten me off. 

Li was patient. Kind. Fun. Catered to everything that I needed/wanted in a partner. He listened, which isn’t/shouldn’t be a rare thing for your sexual and romantic partners. 

We hooked up before heading out to Roosevelt Island for food and for the fireworks.  I don’t know why but he feels very safe. Maybe it’s because I don’t feel intimidated by him or that he really tries his best to care for me. 

Again, at this point we had only met once before.  

We shared a chocolate ganache together before heading out.  

He wore a fanny pack (“dad”-pack) to Roosevelt Island, which was great because I didn’t have to carry my chapstick or wallet. 

He also helped put sunblock on my back after seeing I had burnt a bit already from hanging out with your Aunt Allie. Although, I protested because it was going to be past 6pm by the time we got there so there’d be no sun, he still did it.  It smelled like coconut.  

While waiting for our subway, he took my sunglasses and cleaned them off with his glasses cloth. It’s the little gestures, that while might seem bare minimum… Add up to a lot.  

I was worried he wouldn’t want to hold my hand in public. I know I wanted to but was scared maybe it wasn’t appropriate. I know Kevin didn’t want to hold hands really, unless we were absolutely sure we were alone. Aaron just didn’t want people to know we were together. 

All of those micro-rejections feel horrible.  

But we held hands on the subway and traded small talk about our glasses/vision.  When we got to Roosevelt Island, he tried to hold my hand as friends would. 

My palm in front and our fingers not interlaced. I corrected this and placed his palm first with interlaced fingers. He asked me why and I told him so he could lead the way and that interlaced fingers feels more connected. Like the energy flows between us. To this, he said he understood and would only hold my hand the way I liked.  

Because if he wanted to, he would.  

We met his friends, they were really nice. His guy friend from college, Ray, had nice things to say about Li. But his girlfriend, Yueh, was STUNNING!!! SHE WAS SO TALL. 

I got the chicken pot pie which was very tasty. I would definitely go again. 

Li wasn’t kidding when he said he had a second stomach for food. We all stopped at food trucks after dinner and got more food.  The fireworks were really nice and after Li had finished his second meal, he wrapped his arm over my shoulder and I leaned against him. 

It was nice.  

After the show, we headed into the subway and the whole time, Li was still wrapped over my shoulder. I think I really like physical touch.

I stayed the night as his place. His apartment is only a ten minute walk from my office so it made sense not to travel back to Chinatown or Staten Island.  

His place actually has a lot of self-care essentials that an adult male should have. Face wash, shampoo AND conditioner, face moisturizer AND body lotion. 

It was nice to actually have all these things in the ready. His whole night time routine is at least an hour. But he kissed me goodnight and we fell asleep… 

Tried to anyway. 

I was worried about snoring but this MOFO ALSO SNORES.  

Sleeping in a bed with someone, overnight, really made me appreciate the luxury of my own bed.

I know it’s only been two dates with Li. Positive ones no less. 

But it feels quiet. 

I’m used to the raging storms of emotions that come with the high and lows of attraction. 

I don’t know him enough to know if I like him and I think that’s a fair assessment of the situation. How can I possibly know whether I like someone when they’ve had a whole life before me?

Perhaps these feelings of a slow burn is natural. Healthy?  

He’s also the first guy who doesn’t text me all day or “love bomb” me, where I’m all consumed by his being. 

In fact we’ve gone a day or two without texting. Usually I would double text a guy. Because life is too short. SEND that text. 

But that might have come from a place of seeking validation. 

While I would love to continue to get to know Li, I need to embrace the slow process of getting to know somebody new. 

The old Isabella would’ve wanted to dive heart first into love. But taking a head first approach and really evaluating whether I want a person as a life partner and eventual father of my kids, has really changed my perspective, self-worth, and idea of love.

I love Taylor Swift’s song, ‘Cruel Summer’

She talks about a summer love, with no rules, but still that feeling of love. 

“And I screamed for whatever it's worth "I love you, " ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?” 

Who knows right? Would I be okay if Li never talked to me again?

Yeah. But I’d be a little blindsided. 

Who knows wtf is going to happen.

Love, 

Me

[mariolandavid]

Stop Recap #1: Singapore

In these stop recap posts I hope to give you a brief idea of what we got up to during a stop of our world trip, and review our food, accommodation and any activities.

Days we spent in Singapore: 5, from the 6th to the 10th of July, 2022

Accomodation: Ibis Budget Clarke Quay

Review: We really liked staying here due to it's great location and it's rooftop pool - we got upgraded to a room with a window (lucky us!) upon arrival. It's got fast wifi, plenty of storage, and is based very close to all the attractions you're likely to want to visit. We went a bit rogue and mostly walked everywhere (there was a lot of sweat and complaining, due to the heat), but the buses and the MRT (tube) were moments away if we wanted.

Day 1: Arrive in Singapore

We bought one sim card between us at Changi airport so we could have data everywhere and not have to rely on Wifi. This also allowed us to download and set up Grab and GoJek, two ride -hailing apps that seemed to require a local number to work.

After a quick taxi ride and the flurry of unpacking somewhere new, we decided that the pool would be the best way to freshen up after a 24 hour travel day.

Turns out most hotels in Singapore have a rooftop pool: if yours' doesn't have one, switch. It was blissful to swim in the warm summer air, surrounded by beautiful sky scrapers and a glorious sunset.

We made a rookie move this first day: trying to go for dinner at 9pm. My spanish soul was raging. Not much was open at this time: not the hawker market in Chinatown in our doorstep, not even the KBBQ joint in a western mall! After some walking around we were able to find an open stall selling noodles and laksa - and with that, we settled for dinner before bed time.

As you might have seen in my Instagram, I made the grave mistake of adding a sauce/dressing to my noodles. The 'saucing' as you might say. Well this saucing was in fact chili sauce that made me cry. At first it was slow, and just a little bit hot... and then I wasn't sure if I was sweating, crying, or both. "But it'll be good for your sinuses!" shut up.

Day 2:

Our first full day in Singapore. Despite a substantial amount of sleeping pills, I had not slept well and spent quite a lot of this day exhausted and complaining about the heat. Sorry David!

It was a full on tourist day, both in terms of food and activities: we had Kaya Toast for breakfast at Toast Box (delicious coffee and cheap food) and Hainese Chicken for elevenses at Maxwell food centre.

We clocked 24,552 steps, visiting the Buddah Tooth Relic Temple (go to the 4th floor for a fabulous roof garden, and for the 3rd floor for some silent mediation surrounded by the most gold you've seen in your life), and the Thian Hock Keng. This last temple was in a more historic area, with signs everywhere about the founding of Singapore and how the city-state got to be. They went sort of like: this English man called Raffles arrived here in 1819 and decided this was an English colony. Sorta?

Suitable full from our double breakfast, we soldiered on to look at the waterfront. There it was: Marina Bay Sands, one of the most famous hotels in the world. A quick browse and a gawp at the SD$30 per person price made us realise that the sky line in Singapore looks a lot nicer with MBS in it, and that going up to it's observation deck wasn't worth it.... who wants those pictures anyway?

Turns out, we do, because we went up the world's tallest Microbrewery (TM) called Level 33, which has some amazing views and tasty beers. This sit and a refresh was needed after we'd torn through quite a lot of Din Thai Fung's menu a few moments ago. Quite a lot of the walking and eating and browsing was, thankfully, underground and/or air conditioned, for Singapore is aware that is bloody hot and humid, and offers thousands of malls and walkways and subterranean shops for people to cool down and get to their destination.

We'd booked a boat tour at sunset (by this point, 7pm, I was falling asleep), and made our way to the quay when we got a text from one of David's best friends, Paddy (or Patrick), who was in town and keen for a beer or two that evening. My dream evening of a swim, a shower, and a sleep suitably smashed to pieces, we commenced to drink right as soon as we got off the tour boat. Couldn't start anywhere else than in Lau Pau Sat, the famed food centre where it's impossible to decide what to eat, there's just so much choice! That's definitely of my favourite things about Singapore - due to it's location and it's history, there's a vast array and variety of food available at all times. You will never go hungry!

In between drinks and funny anecdotes, we toasted to Boris Johnson's resignation. What an odd world to be in.

My favourite drunk food? Instant noodles with the hotel room kettle eaten with our glorious portable cutlery sets.

Day 3: Little India

The next day, we woke a little later (wonder why?), and made our way to Little India on foot. Before coming to Singapore, I'd been advised by a close friend that "no one really walks in Singapore as it's so hot". Given we did a 35 minute walk in the midday heat, I'm going to recommend you heed his advice and save your steps for the first thing in the morning, or last thing in the evening. Everyone has a sheen of sweat all day and it's not terribly pleasant.

On the way to Little India, we took a detour through the Long Bar's Singapore Sling. Raffles Hotel looked quite empty, but the bar was full of patrons who were enjoying an early morning cocktail. Hair of the dog anyone?

Little India felt vastly different to Chinatown and the Central Business Area, where our hotel was. No skyscrapers could be seen, roads were narrower, and there was no pavement to speak of. Forget this "air conditioned mall" living, and get to explore a very different neighbourhood in Singapore. We sneaked our way around temples and avoided getting run over multiple times, to finally end up at Komala Villas, a famed vegetarian restaurant.

For lunch that day we eschewed the rice sets (we've been having a lot of rice), and went for a Rawi Dosa and an Onion Dosa. As you can see by the pictures these were huge, and most importantly, cheap and delicious. We recommend 100% - no wonder there's queues!

We ambled down to Arab street after that, taking photos of the cool grafitti in Haji Lane and of the beautiful mosque. The golden dome sparkled in the afternoon sun, and suitable cultured-up, we headed to Atlas bar.

Atlas is one of the most famous bars in the world, with an impressive selection of gins and a gorgeous interior to match. We were discussing what to order in advance to minimise parting with too much of our money (the two drinks at Raffles were the most expensive thing we'd had at Singapore so far, including multiple meals) when... we were not allowed in because we were wearing shorts post 5pm. It was 5.10pm. Ah well! We got some cool pictures by loitering around a little too much, before heading back to the hotel to have a dip via a short walk around Fort Canning to see the lighthouse and admire the views.

In the evening we met up from a friend from university, Sanam, who had moved to Singapore at the end of 2019. Awkward timing aside, we caught up over a couple of pints at the only English pub in Singapore (#pintsontour), and had a fantastic night time tour of the city. We learnt all about expat life, what areas people really lived in, and how it was like during lockdown. It really is a lot more fulfilling of an trip when you manage to hear what the country is like from someone first hand. I also had my first chocolate ice cream and promptly spilt most of it down my pink trousers - this is why walking in the heat is bad for you.

Day 4: Gardens by the bay

The next day we met up with Paddy again to spend the whole day exploring the beautiful Gardens by the Bay. After a food centre breakfast (of course), we once again walked (ugh) to the gardens and were positively exhausted by the time we made it there at 10am. The entrance is free, so you really have no excuse to not go - and even if it wasn't free, you'd be mad to skip it.

Gardens by the bay really highlights the lush and plentiful nature of Singapore's location. It makes you realise that it's absolutely crazy that they built a city in such a landscape: the flowers are varied and colourful, the trees and shrubs exist in their thousands, and the whole place exhudes an air of calm and serenity that is a welcome break from all the city living.

We climbed up the Super Trees (not actually trees), which are those huge, red, tree like (not trees), mossy structures that most of us have seen in movies/tiktoks/travel videos/magazines. Walking around them is as cool as you imagine, and the experience is enhanced by the feats of engineering and botany that created these gardens. Truly, the amount of gardeners and plant keepers here must be wild.

There's also two 'greenhouse style' experiences inside the Gardens which are paid for separately. Out of these, we chose the Cloud Forest, which came recommended. You walk in and you feel the mist of a waterfall as they explain to you that they've recreated the climate in different altitutes to be able to showcase how the flora changes depending on the distance from sea level. I mean, come on!

The rest of the day passed without many further highlights. We had another delicious food court lunch, we visited Paddy's hotel and luxuriated in corporate travel goals, and hailed a cab to our hotel when we realised I was having an allergic reaction. Reader, I'm allergic to most things.

In the evening we packed up our things, booked our hotels in Thailand, and had our last delicious dinner in a Chinatown Hawker Centre. I had beef pepper with rice, and David had salted egg chicken which tasted... salty.

Bye bye Singapore!

Like I said on Instagram, Singapore truly was the best first stop in this multi country journey. There are sights to see and spots to visit, but as it's such a small place you can take it easy whilst you deal with heat exhaustion and jet lag. As you've read, we really packed our days and did not walk less than 20k steps any single day. The whole city is impeccably clean, and the tap water is drinktable. The food (from cheap eats to the best of the best) is remarkable across the board. I would absolutely visit again, but maybe next time with a bigger budget!

[chinatownstreetscape]

“Governor Stanford on Balcony,” July 4, 1862.  Elevated view looking northeast across Dupont Street toward Old St. Mary's Church.  Photographer Unknown (Martin Behrman Negative Collection / Courtesy of the Golden Gate NRA, Park Archives)  

Caught on Camera:  When Stanford came to Chinatown for July 4

Independence Day flags bedeck a building from which Governor Leland Stanford addresses cavalry troops on July 4, 1862, on the border of San Francisco’s Chinatown.  The location betwixt and between Chinatown and the city center was perhaps fitting.  

Stanford University professor Gordon Chang recounts that Leland Stanford’s attitude toward the Chinese was “tense, ambivalent, and complex.”  As his employees, Stanford the capitalist considered the Chinese intelligent, hardworking and loyal servants.  Stanford the politician embraced hatred of the Chinese as a matter of political expediency.   In a message to the California legislature a mere six months prior to his July 4 appearance, then-Governor Stanford said:

“To my mind it is clear, that the settlement among us of an inferior race is to be discouraged by every legitimate means. Asia, with her numberless millions, sends to our shores the dregs of her population. Large numbers of this class are already here; and, unless we do something early to check their immigration, the question, which of the two tides of immigration, meeting upon the shores of the Pacific, shall be turned back, will be forced upon our consideration, when far more difficult than now of disposal. There can be no doubt but that the presence among us of numbers of degraded and distinct people must exercise a deleterious influence upon the superior race, and to a certain extent, repel desirable immigration.”

“North on Stockton St. -- 4 July 1862.”  Photograph by Carleton Watkins (from the Martin Behrman collection at the GGNRA).  The 4th of July parade proceeding south on Stockton Street and then-Governor Stanford delivered a speech on Dupont Street near California Street.  Nob Hill can be seen at upper right.

Within a couple years, Leland Stanford’s own Central Pacific Railroad Company would be hiring the same despised Chinese labor to complete the western part of the first transcontinental railroad in North America.