I had to wait more than a month for the Singapore Armed Forces to reopen its fitness conditioning centres from COVID-19-enforced closures, but finally - I passed my IPPT, or the annual physical fitness test for the army.
That’s a $200 reward for exercising regularly - not bad at all!
Tiak and I visited my dad today. As usual, he made his specialty, yong tau foo soup with noodles:
My dad, who is turning 74 next month, also agreed to be interviewed by me about his life story, for posterity, similar to how the National Archives of Singapore does its oral interviews.
I purchased a voice recorder for the sessions, which will start in two weeks.
I am really looking forward to the sessions.
Today, I took some time to chat with one of Haw Par Villa’s two artisans, Ah Long.
Ah Long is currently repainting this sculpture near the Entrance Archway. He told me he has to spend nine hours a day for three straight weeks to complete the job - provided the weather is good. If it rains, he’ll need even more time, as the rain makes it harder for fresh paint to stick. Considering how Haw Par Villa has over 1,000 sculptures and dioramas, Ah Long’s job is a never-ending one.
It is also a reminder that Haw Par Villa may be 83 years old this year, but it’s never a finished work of art.
It’s a joy watching Ah Long do his work. He’s good at what he does, and what he does is very important for historical and cultural conservation in Singapore. Thank you Ah Long!