11 Questions, 11 Answers

Oooh. There's a Liebster Award going around, and I'm honored to have bookjunkie pass it on to me. However, an imp never totally abides by the rules, so I'm going to break most of the rules of this Award, and simply do only the 11 questions posed by bookjunkie.

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1. What is the best trip you have ever made that you would recommend to others? Which country did you visit?

It's a tough choice. The best trips I've made are those truly of cultural immersion, soul-searching and reflection, and invariably always involve some form of climbing or trekking. These trips spanned different countries across continents. No one continent outweighs the other. If I've to pick one, at this moment, I'm remembering a magnificent backpacking trip in those days without constant internet access on the Trans-Siberian train from Moscow to Mongolia to Beijing; then continued that journey to follow the Silk Road through Karakoram and to the eventual destination, tumultuous Kabul.

The trip was so epic that after that, I've never gone backpacking or attempt to pass so many countries in one journey again. 

2. If you could choose, where would you have liked to be born?

Singapore, 2012. Exciting changes abound. I love my country, truly. For generations, it has been protected from natural disasters. For years, it has been the centre of an economic boom. Sure, it has no natural resources, agricultural value or gorgeous mountains and lakes, or four seasons. But I'll trade that for stability of all kinds. And if I want those beautiful views, I'll leave town to see them, regularly. For all its worth, the political system will have to evolve, develop and change as the nation grows. We're only 47 years old. Have faith. We'll reach political maturity, but not in our lifetime. Perhaps two generations from now.

3. What is your dream vocation?

Serving. Serving the old folks whom I've always known I'll (am) eventually dedicate a large part of time to. Serving my friends whose companionship has been such a joy and a privilege. Serving the projects that I truly believe in. In service to them/to these, to God and to my conscience. 

4. What blog or website do you read daily without fail?

Well. I devour websites like a caffeine addict. If I'm awake, I'm online. For humor's sake, I like the insanely cheesy Cracked.com and the indefatigable The Onion.

5. What book are you reading now?

I've a huge stack to go through. I eat books for meals. So many new books have been launched at the recent Singapore Writers Festival. Even though I've missed almost all of it, the friends and partner have kindly bought me plenty of books. Heh. I've just finished all 5 volumes of Troy Chin's 'The Resident Tourist'. Now onto Suratman Markasan's 'Penghulu'. I'm concurrently reading both versions of it, the original in Bahasa Melayu (at a painfully slow speed, and gotta flip a dictionary, but I must persevere), and Solehah Ishak's translation in English.

6. Do you play an instrument?

Hahaha. Yes. A couple. But I harbor no liking for them even though I can play these instruments with a degree of competence. I prefer to listen to those who are more talented. My true passion lies in dance, something that I've done for years, and I still dance. 

7. What did you like best about your childhood?

Being banned from snacking, eating fast food and watching any sort of television programs. It allowed space for so many other activities. Like climbing trees, rolling in the grass and mud, and catching guppies in the longkangs. So much so that watching tv serials and movies is the lowest on my to-do list. Now, I rarely crave for desserts, sweets or chips. Chocolate, once in a while, the dark 70% cacao sort.

8. What is your biggest regret?

None, even with the benefit of hindsight. I live life the way I want to. I've done that as a child, and will continue to do so. I'll live with the consequences of my decisions, the joy and the happiness, as well as the demons and skeletons in the cupboards. I live today, so that if I should die tomorrow, I die with minimal regrets, leaving my estate and will in order.

9. Name 5 of your favourite foods?

(i) Egg, in any form; (ii) sushi and sashimi; (iii) aglio olio pasta, except as fettuccine, pappardelle, shell and farfalle; (iv) chwee kueh with sambal; (v) tom yam seafood soup.

10. Name your favourite celebrity.

So many. Musicians mainly. Dancers and choreographers. Immensely in awe of Hofesh Shechter. Yet nothing. It's a blank here. There isn't a favorite. And because I'm not particularly interested in Hollywood or West End or Broadway, even if I know their names, I don't feel at all affectionate towards any. Never been a fangirl or fanboy of any sort. There's nothing they've done that impacted my life. No movie, dance, or theatre show ever has that sort of monumental influence. The best there can be, is inspiration. Like Dave Grohl. In other realms, Neil Gaiman, and Amanda Palmer, separately, and not because they're currently married.

Okay okay, fine. My favorite celebrity for the now is Misery Bear. Have you seen his new video? It's titled, "How Pudsey Got His Bandana". So cute!!! *cue squeals* Although the bits of Geri Halliwell are errmmm...questionable.

11. What is the most important value to you?

Passion. Passion drives everything. Passion makes the mundane meaningful. Passion makes the everyday exciting. Passion reminds one that being alive, is a celebration. Passion makes art. Everyone must have passion for something, something other than the daily motions of going through living the day. If there's no passion for anything in a human's life, then what is the value of life? What is life worth? 

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Like I said, I'm breaking the rules. Of course you're very welcome to hop in to join in the 11 11s. 

The other 11 11s:

bookjunkie
yulingxpress 
yann
miss ene
eveeleva
lady j
fernoftheforest

[This list might be lengthened]