Sembawang
Sembawang is the northernmost point of Singapore and is actually the nearest point to Malaysia. It has a rich history and colonial architecture still remain there today. Although it has a suburban residential area, there are military, industrial and recreational facilities there. It once hosted a major British naval base (sine 1938) and still has port facilities handling regular shipping traffic there today. It was previously where all our vehicles came through from car carriers.
It was once the site of Nee Soon rubber estate. In 1968, the naval base was handed over to the Singapore Government who converted it into a commercial dockyard as Sembawang Shipyard. There was a time where nobody wanted to live there when allocation for HDB flats were given but today it is bustling with activities - as good as if not better than many elsewhere since all highways were connected. There are many interesting things to discover at Sembawang and the peripheral areas in terms of places and food.
Haven't been there for awhile and a few golf fixtures were cancelled but finally we got there. This was because Sembawang Country Club refurbished the entire course and we have not been there. They say good things come to those who wait.
Looking at this picture, I could tell other folks that I was in another country at a resort on holiday. Maybe only the regulars here would know.
When we sat down for lunch, this was how the sky looked. You could see how beautiful the grass and the landscape look.
Its a hilly course. Some called it "Commando".
Newly minted and manicured.
Some greens were not good, probably due to the rainy season.
We lasted several holes. As you can see, it looked like the end of days. Threatening. A golfer's nightmare.
We returned to the clubhouse for some beer. The course was opened later. Here you see one of our champions hitting across a water hazard.
It still looked threatening at times but no more siren.
We played on till it was dark and the lights came on. Indeed a rare occasion. You must be crazy to do that.
Sembawang Country Club has this penchant for oldies but goodies. First when all returned to club house during lightning threat. They make announcement using a mike at the cafeteria. Like karaoke.
Then at the showers, "4711 Cologne". My grandmother used to use them and "Brylcreem". I really felt my age.
We were a little late due to the delays. Friends suggested to come here. Parking was a problem. We came to an end part of the road that would not block anyone. We were at the "You Huak" Restaurant. It was full...
There was a long queue but it was moving. We were hungry and I had to get some food back home. We missed something very important. We didn't know it until we saw a flashing light on a motorbike and so we took a walk back to our cars. It was too late. 2 cars fined $100!
We ate slowly as the bee hoon became so expensive. Perhaps the most costly ever eaten. But let me tell you this, it is the best seafood bee hoon I have tried. It came with very strong "wok hei" on the vermicelli and a solid gravy and fresh seafood. Of course they have other zi char food but this bee hoon is a "signature" dish. Do not miss it.
2013 was not a good year. The Year of the Snake is largely forgettable for most people as businesses and work became very tough. You may have been working 3 times harder to get a third of the results.
While we are hoping the Snake year would very soon slither away and welcome the galloping Horse, I saw a beautiful snake at the NSRCC Changi golf course recently.
It is long and colourful - green with some red but it does not have a diamond shaped head so perhaps it is not venomous. I bade farewell to it. The last time I saw a snake this year was on the eighth floor of a shopping centre car park. I shall be see horses soon.
Tribute To Quah Kim Siak (RIP)
You cannot mention Sembawang without realising the the famous Quah soccer family that came from the old Naval Base. Kim Beng was the pioneer who started it followed by Kim Swee, Kim Choon, Kim Siak, Kim Lye and Kim Song. Wait, I haven't finished yet. Even the Quah sisters donned national colours - Teresa, Doreen and Rosa.
I have only read about the older Quah brothers and got glimpses only of Kim Siak who was playing for Singapore Chinese and Tampines Rovers at the time. Kim Siak was known for his astute and supreme reading of the game. I saw Kim Lye in action for awhile but most of what I saw was during Kim Song's era.
Some of you may have read in the papers of Kim Siak's passing. My deepest condolences to the Quah family for losing one of their members. Singapore shall not forget.
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