Der Höllensturz der Verdammten - Peter Paul Reubens

I wrote this back in 2002 after visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp. A lot has changed since 2002. This year, a watershed election took place and 6 politicians from the ruling party had their places taken over by the Worker’s Party candidates. Nevertheless, I still believe that the government of Singapore is still doing an awesome job (YES! I’m an ardent PAP supporter! I’m going to get some dislikes from the vocal supporters of the other parties. But, who cares?! This is a free media!) Ok, ok, back to the thoughts after visiting the Nazi concentration camp. Zhiwei, stop deviating from the topic!

——

Plagarising a part of the title of a morbid painting shown in the Alte Pinokothek in Munich, I, thus, name this little article so.

The entire name of the painting is “Der Höllensturz der Verdammten!”, literally meaning, the fall to hell of the damned. Painted against a dark background with a red undertone, it depicted a scene from hell. Gruesome creatures, with horns on their backs and heads, sank their sharp teeth into the flesh of the fat succlent flesh of the struggling humans. They used to be the rich and powerful in the human world, but now, they were subjected to horrors that they could never have imagined. As to whether it was for eternity or not, I am not too sure, due to a shallow understanding of the religion.

Arbeit Macht Frei - Find Liberation through Labour

Upon seeing this painting, memories of stories and photographs of the Dachau Nazi concentration camp, that I had visited that morning, flashed across my mind. To the prisoners in the camp, the tortures and ordeals seemed like eternity. In fact, death in itself was a form of release for them, for the living hell, which they were in. What gives a human meaning and hope in life, is a goal. However, they could not see the light at the end of the dark, neverending tunnel and their lives before this dreary reality were just dreams.

“You do not have human rights, are worthless and dirty. You are a pile of shit and will be treated as one!“ — one of the nazi officers (*SS) at the Dachau concentration camp. There, humans were treated as animals. In the camps, the SS were the law there. Every single prisoner’s fate was laid solely in their hands. The tales of the mindless killings, the sadistic punishments drove horror and disbelief into every modern visitor’s heart. Horror stories, one after another, were recounted. It was hard to believe that all these actually existed in the 20th century.

The formation of the Nazi Germany seemed too dramatic to me. The political party, National Socialist German Worker’s Party (NSDAP) wielded the power and the prominent politicians from opposing parties strangely disappeared or died under unexplained circumstances. Every single channel of the media was controlled and used as a tool for propaganda spreading. The amazing thing was every citizen at that time, believed strongly in the policies of the government and fought with their sweat and blood in the war. Any antigovernment element was thrown into concentration camps, overnight, without a trial. Effectively, the Nazis had absolute control of the country.

On the walls, photographs showed the condition of the camp after its liberation by the American troops. One particular photograph caught my eye and would be engraved in my memory forever. Piles and piles of human corpses were lying on top of each other haphazardly. The images of opened eyes, unseeing and unfeeling, limbs sprawled in unnatural positions, tattered and rotting clothes on the decomposed bodies, white faces, thin and scrawny bodies starved to the point of death, replayed themselves over and over again in my mind. According to the description, they found 4 such rooms in the camp, corpses stacked together like firewood.

I am not sure if my description is good enough for you to imagine that scene, but you will have to be there to experience the waves of disgust and sadness sweeping over you. Although I have read about the horrors of the wars, but I could never have imagined the feelings it stirred when I saw them with my own eyes. Perhaps, I have lived in too sheltered a world and these are a lifetime away from me.

It is unimaginable for me to believe that people who lived just a few decades before me were manipulated to the extent of committing crimes without consciences and qualms? George Orwell’s animal farm does not only hold the truth for the Russian politics, but a reality for all times. Human beings remain true to their nature from the day they have been created. This brings me back to the context of Singapore. We are ruled by a one party government. So far, generally, it is doing very well for the country, the right kind of investments (Well, most of the time!) and the ideal type of policies. As it is doing very well, the opposition parties are seldom supported. Coincidentally, all the anti government individuals were ousted from the country, or they might have to spend the best parts of their lives on an island. Of course, the media stand on their own, therefore how is it possible for them to be controlled by the government, bearing in mind that one belongs to the national television corporation and the other the national newspaper. What a lot of competition…. It scares me sometimes to think, how perfect my country is, or is it really so perfect? Have I already been brainwashed by propaganda? This I can never be sure…. But like every normal person out there, I believe in my close to perfect world.

*SS – SchutzStaffel (Protection Squad)

Well, this is the D-day!! After a day of harried packing, we ended up with one huge Samsonite and its baby. Why was it so much easier to pack 10 years ago? Packing involved only 1 pair of jeans, 3 sets of T-shirts, 1 sweater, 2 pairs of socks – well you get the idea. Now it’s 10 pairs of pants… no-no, what if she wets herself and we don’t have time to do laundry, ok, 20 pairs of pants.. that should be enough. 3 sets of sweaters, what if it suddenly turns cold and I wouldn’t want 宝贝 to catch a cold, right, 6 sets of sweaters, in you go!

At 11pm, we woke 宝贝up from her sleep, changed her (believe it or not, she had her eyes closed), carried her down to wait for the taxi.

At the Changi Airport, she’s up and going! Wheeee! (mental note : it’s going to be a looooong night) Grandpa and Grandma turned up to send us off. They were going to miss us! (I was sure it was more her than us. Sigh! My princess reign has ended and a new one is on my throne…)

Having been to numerous airports around the world, I proclaim the Changi Airport to be the very very best! Why?! It’s open round the clock! Even at unearthly hours, all the shops are still open! Can you imagine having to spend hours of transit time in a dead airport?! I spent 12 hours at Chiang Kai Shek airport, waiting for my adjourning flight to Vancouver. Believe me, it’s worse than death!!!

Changi Airport has services from massage, shower rooms, free wifi (best of all!!), butterfly park (it was awesome in the day, but all the butterflies were asleep when we were there), a fantastic children’s playground, basically anything and everything!! You will have a lack for NOTHING when you are there. Speaking of being spoilt for choice!!

I have always looked forward to entering the restricted part of the airport. But sometimes family farewells tend to drag. And when family turns up to send you off, it’s not too polite to tell them, “Hey! Actually I want to go shopping in the airport. Erm.. can we go in now??” Sigh…

Johannes Festival in Germany. Now, what does this festival have to do with Singapore?? Frankfurt central was full of food carts, not forgetting the beer stalls, loud music and yes, a lot of jostling people.

Food is really big in my life, and I get hungry all the time. So, I headed to an Indian stall (which looked rather authentic) and stood around its front, waiting for the stallkeeper to take my order. Someone tapped me on my shoulder… A tall cute guy. *slurp* “Hey! The queue is right over here!” He gestured to a few people standing around behind him. Oops. “I am so sorry, I didn’t know that there is a queue.” and I moved to join the supposed queue line. “Nah! I am just kidding, there is no queue. It is ok, I will let you order first.” He grinned. Hmm.. not bad, cute and gentlemanly.

“So where do you come from?” “Singapore. What about you?” “Germany. Hey! Really?! I heard that in Singapore if you jump a queue, you have to pay 20 dollars for a fine! I heard that everyone is fined for everything in Singapore!” His voice was dripping with sarcasm. I didn’t think that his grin was cute anymore.

“For your information, that is totally untrue.” I gave him a polite smile and resolved not to talk to him again. Gosh, I am just wondering, what do people out there in the world think about Singapore and us Singaporeans?!

Well, he was not the only one who thought that way. I have met a couple of Americans and Europeans during my travelling, staying in hostels, in the cafes etc. One common opinion they have of Singapore is that it is totally rigid, the people are governed by some autocratic government, no minds, no free will, living in fear everyday. I just wonder. Why is this so?! Is it because of the media in their countries? So who said that Singapore’s media is full of propaganda and lies?! Well, I do not deny it, but I think this fairly happens in every single country as well.

As for the claims, they are only picking at the surface of it. So much for their self-righteousness. They have questions like, “Oh they cane you for chewing gum?” Obviously because of the much publicised Michael Fay incident many donkey years ago. And yes, they still remember. *roll eyes* “They fine you for spitting?” “They fine you for littering?” Oh please, give me a break.

Yes, they do fine us for all this. And I do admit that there are some rules in Singapore, well, probably more than the European countries and America. But so what? While we throw rubbish into the bins, spit into tissues and not on the floors, you have a deplorable amount of trash and spit and yes, dog poo on your streets. So what are wrong with these rules.

Well, some people who come across this blog will probably think, gosh this person has been thoroughly brainwashed by the Singapore Government. *Laugh* So what? I am proud of being a Singaporean, I don’t make sarcastic and snide remarks about your country, so spare mine! P.S. Some Americans I have met in the youth hostels, nodded, giving me a patronizing look, when they heard that I came from Singapore. Guess what was their next question? “Oh the Singapore which is somewhere in China, right?!” with a smug grin. It says so much about their knowledge of geography. DOH! GIVE ME A BREAK! Glad to say, I have met more Americans who are more knowledgeable.

 Some happened through my own folly, (mostly though), some weird incidences (not sure if I invited those upon myself), some hilarious ones, some dangerous ones (now that I come to think of it, they seemed exciting at that time, but now that I’m older… those were really dangerous acts).

Anyway, they all add up to experiences which mould me into what I am today.  Ah! The heady feeling of excitement of youth.  Now I tend to take fewer risks and am leading a more sedate life.  But I’m glad that I have lived through it, once upon a time!

Plan in action :

Day 1 -Touched down at Perth Airport, picked up the car, Fremantle market. Had Lunch then drove all the way to the Pump Hill Farm at Pemberton.

Day 2 – Pump Hill Farm. Hayride, fed the animals and then it was drizzling all the way. Sigh…. While the time away between the farm and Pemberton Town.

Day 3 – Pump Hill Farm. Very relaxed day (because, it’s drizzling AGAIN!). lavender Berry Cottage.

Day 4 - Pump Hill Farm. Sand Dunes and forests.

Day 5 – Pump Hill Farm. Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants.

Day 6 – Margaret River. Cape LeeUwin lighthouse. Jewel Cave.

Day 7 – Margaret River.

Day 8 – Margaret River then to the Airport.  Back in Singapore… Sigh… When’s my next holiday??!!

We didn’t stay at the awesome Chandlers Beach Villa because they didn’t receive my reservation.  I was so busy with work just before the trip (you know how they work you to death before and after the trip so that you will not think of the another holiday!!??) that I assumed that they received it. Sigh.. I found it strange the they didn’t send me a confirmation.  So I emailed them and TO MY HORROR! they didn’t receive it and had no room for the 2nd night!! Not only that, it was the long weekend and everywhere was booked up!! Out of desperation, I seeked help on facebook (yes! Old Mark Zuckerberg’s vision was – instead of googling, to screech for help in facebook and you will be saved!) and true enough, friends who have been there posted recommendations.  Special thanks to Wenjie for recommending the Margaret River Forest accommodation.  Pictures of it will be coming up.  So at least the whole family did not need to spend the night in the car…

The original itinerary had huge chunks chopped off because of the rainy weather and we simply wanted to *“nua”. I have learnt not to rush for the touchdown places as though it’s a scavenger hunt, but to take time off to admire the clouds, walk in the rain (literally), smell the flowers, sprawl in a chair at a cafe, digest my food and enjoy the companionship.

Experiences – that’s what travelling is all about and not collect pictures of “I’ve been here” at the various hot spots.

*nua – relax

This was my most recent trip to Melbourne city and the surrounding areas – Mt. Dandenung, Mornington Peninsula.  The first few days was an organised tour, which I viewed as rather disastrous as they brought us to the most uninteresting places (I suspect it was to while time away).  Not only that, it had a terribly planned schedule which made us miss the fairy penguins waddling up the shore and a tour of the chocolate factory.  I have no idea which tour agency it is, or I would have named them here! Yes I would have!  The next 3 days were an extension from the original trip (why only 3 days? so that we can all go back to work and not idle our days away. )

As soon as we touched down, we were brought to the Fitzroy Garden in Melbourne city. We were here really early (overnight flight) so they brought us urban folks to a Garden.  Considering that it was winter, as expected, it was decidedly bare.  Frankly, there wasn’t much to see.  But since we were there, I may as well snap some photos, right??  Given a choice, I wouldn’t have planned this into my own itinerary. 

Fitzroy Garden Grounds

A 30 mins walk would have been enough to take in the greenery, little cottage and an absolutely non-impressive pond with just 2 ducks.  The tour guide was coo-ing over the pond and I simply didn’t see anything fantastic about the algae lined water body and the 2 residents of it.

Fitzroy Garden Post

Still, it was possible to take some decent photos with the beautiful blue sky, which was rather rare and quaint little pieces along the path.  Check out the little cute, golden fist at the bottom of the post box.  Ah!! The details that delight!

Cooks' CottageCaptain Cooks' Cottage! Ship Ahoy!A Walk in the Park

Falungong Enthusiasts!

This was a photo I caught while I was on the bus.  It passed by a row of Falungong believers who were actively publicising their religion.  For all that I have read about them in the newspapers, this was the closest I have ever been to them.

Well the prelude to this grand plan was actually to wrangle a date for the trip! Believe me! It’s harder than climbing Mt Everest! But, I did it! Through cajoling, blackmailing, threatening, you name it, I’ve done it.  Great! So now the date is finally fixed!! 22-29 Oct 2011!

My usual style is to reserve the air tickets, book the car and well, just WHACK! I love the adventure and uncertainty of it all!! However, the idea of sleeping in the car with a 2 year-old toddler (because of lack of accomodation) simply doesn’t appeal to me. So I just have to book ahead! That’s so unlike me, but travelling with a toddler is already quite an adventure because there will be a lot of unexpected surprises…

Anyway, I want it to be a relaxing trip and not having to worry about changing hotel rooms every night and also, a very interesting trip for Y(who else, but my 2 year old precious girl).  Therefore a stay on the farm, it shall be!

I had stayed on a farm when I was a mere slip of a girl on one of the trips with my parents.  It was at New Zealand.  I loved it! And for city kids like moi, and many others, a farm is amazing!! I once stayed at my ancestral village in China and my cousins (many times removed) was amused by my brother and I, scrutinising the fields and animals in close distance.  My mum remarked to them,”Sorry ah! City kids! Have never seen animals outside the zoo! *Mountain Tortoise!” (Gah! That was embarrassing!)  Therefore, a farm stay should appeal greatly to her.  Besides, we get to pick eggs!! I have never picked eggs before! Yay!! The simple joys of life!

I have been to Western Australia twice (yes, the book air ticket and car and just whack kind of trips).  I love the Margaret River area! After surfing a few sites, I have settled on a farm in Pemberton. Pump Hill Farm Cottages. There were raving reviews about this place! I hope I will be able to write a WOW review about it when I’m back! It makes a great base to explore the beautiful karri tree woods of Pemberton. 

Think of – mudbrick cottages, cosy log fires, in the woods, hay rides, pick the eggs (i personally think this is a highlight for me. hehe), feed all the animals, beautiful twinkling stars in the pitch black sky (i still remember very vividly the trip I made with Sharon.  We stayed in a log cabin and when we sat at the porch, over our heads were millions and millions of sparkling stars!) Sigh.. paradise…

That will take up 5 days of the trip.  The rest of the trip, we will be staying at Chandler Smiths Beach Villas. I can write a raving review about this now! Sharon and I stumbled across this beautiful place on our 1st trip to Western Australia, a few years back.  We were planning to stay just for the night and we ended up extending one more night and had to drive like a Grand Prix driver back to Perth Airport to catch our flight home.  Indulgence! 

We came across it very late at night and it was absolutely pitch black.  We kind of liked the shape of the chalet and booked it as we were too tired to continue our search.  The next morning when we woke up, we had a pleasant surprise!! Lying on the bed, we could see the magnificant sea waves rolling onto the pristine white beach! Our living room was actually facing the grand ocean! And we didn’t know about it when we moved in the night before. You can just sit in the living room and watch the waves all day! After that, many people have stayed at this place through my recommendation.  During this trip, I will take some beautiful photos and post them here!

Places that I’m going to visit :

Freemantle – we are arriving on Saturday morning! A great day to while the morning away at the market!

Pemberton area – 5 days of farmstay! Exploring the awesome treetop walk.  I don’t think I will have the chance to climb the famous Gloucester Tree again.  Not with a toddler.  The last time we didn’t have the chance to do it because it was raining. Seems like I need to make another trip just to climb the humongous tree! Maybe some caving? We did some caving during our last trip in the non commercialised caves.  We were just given miner’s helmet with light and a map! It was really an experience.  But I’m not sure if it’s suitable for a toddler, well, we shall see if she’s brave enough to venture in.

Margaret River area – drive around and NUA! (meaning doing nothing and relaxing!)

So stay tuned for the upcoming trip! I hope I have access to the internet while I’m there!

*Mountain Tortoise = People who have not travelled out of the mountains, ignoramus! (>.<)

Sounds like a great plan to me!! \-.-/

I’m also starting a new category – Places that I want to visit! Taking down notes as I go along to prepare for the impending trips.  These information may be taken off newspaper articles, magazine articles, friends’ blogs or simply here and there.

It took me a good 35mins! That included lugging my luggage up and down the stairs and over the rubble (the town knew that I’m coming so they decided to tear out the pavements and repaved them with nice cobblestones. They must have thought I needed more exercise and gave me the chance to haul my luggage up and down and over the rubble!)

Darn! I should have taken the bus!!! =.=

Therefore I headed to the information center, dragging my luggage along, behind me.

The lady (she wasn’t too friendly) at the counter gave me a simple map of the town, adequate enough for my use. I asked for directions to my hotel she said I could either walk for 20 mins or wait for a bus for 10 mins and the trip would take 15 mins. I peered at the map and decided that it didn’t look too far. Therefore, walk it shall be.

She redirected me to the counter outside for bus enquiries.

I patiently queued behind a couple and waited for my turn. When it’s my turn I asked for the bus schedule for buses going to Loket the next day. Gosh! The bus lady made the map lady look like an angel. She muttered some stuff in Czech (I assume) and punched the keyboard (I think she hates it) with such force that I thought the keys were going to be dislodged. She wrote down the timings and thrust it towards me with a frown. “may I have the return trip schedule too?”. At that she threw her hands in the air, waved them at me and rolled her eyes. Then she grumbled and punched the keyboard. (I wanted to tell her that she’s the epitome of good nature and she’s really made my day. But I figured that my smart ass quip probably wouldn’t sit too well with her so I decided to hold my tongue for the sake of my return journey from Loket). After she gave me the slip I decided to leave, pronto.

Hmmm… Maybe the ventilation at the station wasn’t too good that’s why everyone’s so riled up??

I shan’t let them spoil my holiday!!

Pic of the Karlovy Vary train station and information center.