食叶者

As far as my ailing memory could remember, the last time I visited the tranquil Pulau Ubin should be 12 years ago, during Outward Bound School camp*faint*(does that make me sound freakily aged???!)

Anyway, the place is worth a visit, if you wish to relive/experience(depending on your age) the kampung days. Credits to Uncle Tan and his team for organising this trip for the department. *applause*

The highlight of the trip was visiting Pat's grandpa unintentionally(we stopped only because we saw Pat in the hut) . Pat's grandpa grows plenty of herbs outside his hut and has no intention to move out of the place, it seems. As we gathered around listening to him sharing his knowledge about the therapeutic effects of the different plants, I figured he enjoyed what he has been doing all these years. As he led us to the trees outside the hut, he spontaneously plucked some leaves from one tree and started chewing!!

According to Pat's grandpa, the leaves and flowers of this tree(eh, I forgot the name) is supposed to keep one free from acne, wah. Hence all the girls in the group had our share of leaves and flowers(taste rather bland), haha.

If you decided to drop Pat's grandpa a visit, do look out for the brightly painted yellow tin board outside his hut. (see below) =)

This cycling trip wouldn't be so enjoyable if not for Pat's grandpa's hospitality, as well as Uncle B.T, for the extra "burden". Thanks for being a good "bus driver". =p

Apart from the usual cycling/ strolling/ treading on Chek Jawa(till next time, wonder when that would be), here's some suggestions on ways to spend half a day in Pulau Ubin, away the scorching sun:

How to escape from the heat in Pulau Ubin:

Step 1: Set off from the Singapore island only when the sky looks like this. >>>

Step 2: If you have $$$, rent a van and tour round the island. Bring a handheld fan if you wish.

Step 3: After you are done with the tour, laze around a coffee shop(no worries about the heat with ceiling and wall fans) and spent hours playing card games such as UNO and aeroplane chess (for demonstration, refer to the pics below ).

Step 4: Settle for a seafood dinner, alongside with coconut juice.

题外话:
眼前画面颇有诗意, 真想做首“浪涛滚滚”之类的诗, 只可惜本人才情不高, 对海的欣赏仅限至此。唉。

(所有照片均由PY提供)