Stuffed Toy Land Blog

A Merlion's Jaunt in Beijing - Part 3

2013-03-01T23:50:00.001+08:00

Waking up to a rainy day, Huang Yen decided to visit the National Musuem of China (中国国家博物馆) instead of the Forbidden City. The Museum is actually free for locals and tourists alike, which he thought was pretty awesome.

Huang Yen's a history buff like his mistress. Some of the exquisite bronze wine vessels from the Shang Dynasty were really cute by today's standards.

Yet another four-legged wine vessel from the Western Zhou period, used for special ceremonies.

Oracle bones, some of the earliest forms of words inscribed on turtle plastrons.

Creepy sanxingdui (三星堆) bronze heads that were excavated in Sichuan. The stylised sculptures have a very different aesthetic from the other Chinese sculptures that we are familiar with.

Intrigued over the mysterious culture that produced the strange heads. HY also thought Sanxindui's stylised figures reminded him very much of manga characters.

Posing with the terracotta horse from the Qin Dynasty. Huang Yen wasn't born when his mistress went to visit the terracotta army in Xian; it's definitely on his bucket list.

Jade Burial Suit

The very pretty polychrome glazed sancai horse

After spending hours at the museum, HY crossed over to the Tiananmen Square for a stroll.

Taking a subway ride back to Wangfujin

Woohoo, HY finally got to taste the Hai Di Lao Steamboat (海底捞). Viva ma la soup base!

The next morning, a helpful (and perpetually hyper) Monkey helped to wake up both Huang Yen and DJJ . It's a sunny day perfect for the Forbidden City!

Huang Yen arrived at the Meridian Gate (午门), the southern gate of the Forbidden City. The little merlion felt quite blessed to witness a rare cerulean blue sky over Beijing.

We loan a hearing aid for the palace tour.

PSYCHED and coffee-deprived, HY entered the palace which housed the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties up till the ousting of Puyi in 1924.

The original Palace was built in 1921 after the Ming Dynasty shifted the capital to Beijing. The 'Gate of Supreme Harmony' was used by the emperor for his morning briefs to his officials.

Huang Yen felt a certain kinship with the Bronzed Lioness (seen fondling a cub).

Throngs of tour groups were starting to file in. Being the kiasu merlion he was, Huang Yen decided to speed things up a little.

The Palace walls and tiles have a consistent colour theme of red and yellow. Yellow tiles symbolises the earth element (centre of the world) and was the designated colour of the emperor, red walls and pillars symbolises auspicious occasions and vitality.

Taking an obligatory tourist shot.

Jostling to the front of the audience hall to peep at the gilded imperial throne.

Pretty colours under the sunlight.

Huang Yen decided to chill out and take in the sights at the imperial garden

Contemplating life.

Old abode for the last emperor of China, Puyi.

The concubine's living quarters. 打入冷宫?

乾清宫, the audience hall for several Qing emperors.

The famous '正大光明' tablet in 乾清宫, which apparently was the hiding place for emperor succession decrees for Emperor Yongzheng (yes, we have read too many wuxia novels not to know this).

Walking along the familiar corridor in the palace.有刺客！Assassins!

By noon it was hard to find any spot within the compounds without tour groups.

Quaint wells were more common within the residences.

The 9 Dragon Wall

An extravagant 3-storey opera stage frequented by Empress Cixi.

A decrepit little building within the residences.

Exiting from the North gate, Huang Yen swam up to Jingshan Hill to get a bird's eye view of the palace compounds. The park is also known as the place where the last Ming emperor Chongzhen hung himself...

Tada!

A long walk to Beihai Lake after leaving Jingshan Hill.

-to be continued

A Merlion's Jaunt in Beijing - Part 2

2012-12-29T16:57:00.001+08:00

It's Sunday, Huang Yen decided to visit the National Centre for the Performing Arts (北京巨蛋) to check out the local performing arts scene

Passing by the Tiananmen Square, with a quick glance at Chairman Mao's portrait The massive crowd is making him dizzy.

Can't get enough of the Mala Hotpot (麻辣香锅) at Wangfujing! Mala's literal translation means 'numbingly spicy'. Just be prepared for some bowel cleansing after the meal.

A dishevelled HY takes a break in a cafe along Nan Luo Gu Xiang (南锣鼓巷)

His mistress grabbed him before he could proceed to the bar. It was a bit too early for that.


Stalking elderly Beijing men to take pictures

The quiet hutongs are generally more interesting than the tourist-infested ones.

Yandaixiejie (烟袋斜街), another old commercial street next to the Houhai.

The street used to be lined with shops selling tobacco pouches, snuff bottles, antiques and artwork. It's been since converted to a tourist street with souvenir shops and thematic cafes.

Walking along Houhai lake

Peking Duck

At night, Monkey introduced Huang Yen to his Chinese relatives. Huang Yen privately noted that Monkey appeared to be the most well-nourished in the clan, and that he stood out with his dyed fur and flashy leopard leotard. He didn't dare to comment as a pair of psychotic eyes (monkey on top left) was peering at him.

Hindergaard also found his kin in China

And the night went on with much boozing and partying.

Huang Yen made his way to Tiantan (天坛), where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasty used to worship the Heavens.

Getting eaten by mystical creatures at the Circular Mound

The Imperial Vault of Heaven within the Echo Wall

The Hall of Prayers (祈年殿)

Chilling outside the halls

Pretty door knobs

Passing by the Fasting Palace

After a tiring walk from the Temple of Heaven to the Qianmendajie, Huang Yen's mistress was too busy seeking out Starbucks to replenish her caffeine levels to take pictures for him (and also too exhausted). Like the Nanluoguxiang, the hutongs by the side of the main commercial street (with Zara and H&M etc) were more interesting.

A view of the front gates of the old capital city

杀猪菜 (Slaughtered pig vegetables)? Huang Yen really didn't want to know what this was, it sounded too exotic.

Huang Yen ended the day at Sanlitun 1949 enclave, at the Noodle Bar.

Nom nom nom.

Sculptures within the artsy 1949

- to be continued

A Merlion's Jaunt in Beijing - Part 1

2012-11-09T21:43:00.001+08:00

Huang Yen arrived in Beijing for a visit much to the delight of old pals Monkey and Hindergaard. Yet-to-be-named Gingerbread Man joined in the welcoming entourage as Hindergaard pointed out key landmarks of Chaoyang District.

HY giving hugs and kisses all round to his old buddies.

Armed with his trusty Beijing guidebook, HY decided to check out the famous Sanlitun shopping district where the sartorial splendour of BJ is on display.

Happily window-shopping at Alexander Wang and Maison Martin Margiela at Sanlitun Village and admiring the well-clad Beijing Tai-Tais.

Loving the sculptures outside various malls in Beijing.

Chilling at the quaint little Nali Garden

After roaming around Sanlitun, HY wandered to the famed Wangfujing (王府井) pedestrian street, where the frail merlion was flanked by bus-loads of tourists. He was close to trying out the starfish and scorpion skewers but then decided against it as he felt a certain kinship with starfishes.

HY strode past the 'Hotplate Crispy Sparrows' and other street delicacies vendors hastily. There's a saying that the adventurous Chinese eats practically everything that flies, except aeroplanes; everything with four legs, except tables; and everything that swims, except submarines... "In due time.", Huang Yen thought.

Ending off the day at the Middle 8th Yunnan Restaurant with some rice wine served in bamboo shoot.

And off for some much-needed pampering after a day of swimming. Zzz.

Tail massage and scale-polishing.

Baby it's cold outside.

The next day, Huang Yen was woken up by an over-enthusiastic Monkey to go on a field trip to visit a stretch of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu 慕田峪.

WE'RE PSYCHED!! SO PSYCHED TO GO ON AN EXCURSION!

Huang Yen heard from Monkey it's not often to have such clear skies in Beijing.

HY's mistress's limbs were too wobbly during the cable chairlift ride up to the Great Wall to take any decent pictures of Huang Yen.

Earnest-looking Monkey striking a pose against the Mutianyu Great Wall.

"我是一条好汉!"

Meandering passageway on the wall on a relatively quiet stretch.

Trees were just starting to turn red.

Catching his breath climbing up the stairs

The majority of Mutianyu portion of the Great Wall was built in the Ming Dynasty, upon some of the older parts of the wall built during the Southern Northern Dynasty (circa 6th century AD).

Huang Yen soaking in the picturesque view while his mistress was soaking in sweat.

Inscriptions at the top of the mountain - "Loyal to Chairman Mao", probably plastered during the Cultural Revolution.

The general consensus of the extended family of Stuffed Toy Land is that Monkey is one of the most photogenic dudes in the family, despite his vacuous expression and dorky demeanour.

BFFs!!! (Meanwhile, some fellow tourists were laughing by the side as they took this photo)

Generations of men spent their lives defending this piece of land for the past six centuries.. HY wondered how much of this will remain intact in 600 years...

After taking the hilarious luge ride to the foot of the mountain, the driver took HY and Monkey to a quiet little noodle restaurant called Xiaolumian. Some of the stones making up the pavement in the neighbourhood is said to be taken from the great wall over the years.

Les Feuilles Mortes by Laura Fygi

First glance of Autumn Leaves

Monkey and Huang Yen helped themselves to the serving of handmade noodles.

Urged on by Huang Yen, photogenic Monkey posed for some lifestyle shots at the restaurant.

Hopefully the restaurant staff weren't too disturbed by their photo-taking session.

The two buddies passed by the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium and hopped down for a picture.

到此一游

The buddies ended the exhausting day at Wudaoying Hutong (五道营胡同) with some dessert (小彻甜品店双皮奶) .

- to be continued

A Merlion's Jaunt in Beijing - Preview

2012-11-04T18:24:00.000+08:00

Huang Yen (谎言) the Merlion travelled to Beijing to visit Monkey & Hindergaard. Here's a shot of the two buddies on the Great Wall of China.
More pictures coming soon.

Babe in the House

2012-11-04T17:03:00.001+08:00

The House of Himu welcomes a new member!

Ramsay the Ram watches over his newborn mistress!

Ramsay test-riding her new baby sitter

One-month old Baby Mistress is off to a great life with 5 plushies.

Enter the Dragon

2012-01-23T22:22:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since the last update from the house of Michi. The toys are envious of Pookie's vacation! Anyway despite the stuffed-toy-as-a-gift ban, we've gain some new friends over Christmas and New Year.

Sleepy the Care Bear came over for a slumber party on the last day of 2011. Tarzan the Steadfast (the new reindeer with sturdy legs) joins our ever-expanding family.

A fire-breathing dragon joins us to usher in the Chinese New Year. Fok Lung (福龙) is proud of his auspicious, albeit slightly out-dated name. Meanwhile, Teddy Boy signed up for a new job with a talent agency. Turns out he was supposed to greet customers at the new Abercrombie & Fitch outlet in Singapore.

The gang celebrates Chinese New Year together on their mistress's bed. Huat ah!

Huang Yen the puking Merlion tried to buy some vodka from Kopi (bear from Coffee Bean), who decided selling coffee was never going to be as lucrative as selling alcohol.

Booze and Teddy Boy has been hooked on the BBC's modern adaptation of Sherlock and has done some reading on the original works of Sir Conan Doyle. They've adopted some steam-punk fashion for the CNY.

WTD sets up a temporary casino to ~~lure~~ provide high stakes entertainment for the slightly more ~~gullible~~ adventurous members in Stuffed Toy Land. Hock Kee and Tarzan have since been hooked on the jackpot machine. Meanwhile, Fok Lung the dragon looks on in disapproval.

Pookie in Bali - Part 3

2012-01-22T22:41:00.019+08:00

Pookie starts the day with a hearty breakfast.

And he's off again! Watching the countryside roll by from the air-conditioned comfort of the car.

What a hot hot day! Pookie stays in the shade to avoid an unwanted tan.

On the way to Tanah Lot. Pookie is fascinated by a mossy stone basin and the mini lily pads.

Pookie frolicks among the truckload of coconuts before they're devoured by thirsty tourists.

Finally! First glimpse of Tanah Lot!

Pookie poses for some must-have touristy shots of the scenic beach around Tanah Lot.

On the way back to the car, Pookie notices a familiar yet dubious sign.

The next temple had many little hats on the roof. Pookie wishes he had one of the hats to ward off the sun.

Lunch time! And so Pookie ends his Bali trip... with a yummy local dish - Babi Guling.

Pookie in Bali - Part 2

2012-01-22T20:51:00.017+08:00

Pookie visits the Sacred Temple of the Holy Springs. He looks up in awe at the Temple Guard.

It's required to wear either a sarong and/or sash upon entering the temple. Following the locals, Pookie wears a sash too.

Next stop - Padi fields! Pookie had to be restrained from jumping into the terraces to look for his field mice cousins.

Found a good spot to have lunch overlooking the padi fields!

Leaving the padi fields, Pookie was tired out from the morning's excitement.

Ahhh... candlelight dinner by Jimbaran beach

And a relaxing beer afterwards

Part 3 up next! Pookie's final day in Bali.

Pookie in Bali - Part 1

2012-01-22T19:15:00.018+08:00

Pookie took a short trip to Bali!

Waking up too early for a 7am flight, he had to be coaxed to take some breakfast at the airport.

In sunny Bali! Pookie found his mode of transport acceptable.

Thinking it was going to be a relaxing vacation of beach babes and surfing good times, Pookie didn't expect a 4 am climb up Mt Batur....

Resting at the first chance

But the scenery from the top was worth it! (ahhh.. the sunrise from behind Mt Agung would be prettier without the clouds).

Looking down at Lake Batur...

Pookie commemorates his trek by drinking soda in the good old fashioned way - from glass bottles!

Steam from the crater!

Ah.. it's a treacherous journey down. But Pookie felt safe in his little pouch.

Pookie vows to keep the secret and holiness of Mt Batur.

A visit to the spa after the trek! Pookie was content to lay down and rest.

Stay tuned for Part 2! Pookie visits the sacred temples.

Hello Timothy!

2012-01-22T10:26:00.015+08:00

It's been over a year since Timothy Softpaws joined the happy family in Pasir Ris! For all who doesn't know him, he's certainly been busy at home (well given his size, it's difficult to travel incognito...)

A typical day starts with his morning coffee. Don't talk to him before he's had his first coffee.

He starts cooking breakfast.. and checks for signs of food poisoning.

Seen as a wise plush in the community, he holds regular Meet-The-Plushies sessions.

In this particular session, the Whats had a run in with Crosses. And Garfield shows off his new plushie.

As night time falls, he reads to bedtime stories to other plushies...

And enjoys a cold beer while pondering over the day...

Before he knows it, Xmas is here! Posing proudly with his tree...

And welcome Dragon Year! "Is the decoration straight?" he asks.

Happy CNY, folks!

A Merry Merry Christmas to All!

2011-12-24T12:39:00.000+08:00

A Merry Christmas to all from the gang in Stuffed Toy Land!! It has been an eventful year indeed!

Booze the Moose wants the best things in life. ＾∇＾

Ellie the elephant and some new friends.

Karl Lagerfeld Doll for Sephora (via WWD.com)

2011-11-03T23:14:00.001+08:00

Karl Lagerfeld Creates Capsule Makeup Line for Sephora, Available in Singapore and Europe

Merlion en España

2011-10-26T15:15:00.001+08:00

Huang Yen the dishevelled (and often intoxicated) Merlion travelled to Spain for a short holiday. Here he is at the magnificent La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Backtrack to the start of the trip. Huang Yen began his sightseeing in Madrid.

Here he is at a sculpture of a fallen torero outside Las Ventas (bull-fighting ring), with an angel mourning him.

Hola Madrid!

Puerto del Sol, the heart of Spain.

Some cerveza alemana at one of the Café & Té outlets on the Calle Mayor of Madrid.

Sunrise on a foreign land.

It was one of the hottest Spanish Octobers in decades. But the intense heat suited the tropical merlion just fine.

On the way to Toledo, the capital of Visigoth Spain.

Old city of Toledo

Still pretty jet-lagged.

The Gothic Cathedral of Toledo

Surprising bit of baroque style within the gothic cathedral.

The Roman aquequct in Segovia has stood for nearly 2 millennia.

Some tinto, por favor.

Segovia Cathedral built in the 16th century.

HY popped by Portugal for a couple of nights. Most elderly Portuguese men seems to rock a tweed cap or hat of sorts.

In Lisbon. The Belem Tower at the mouth of the Targus River reminded HY of his stoic big stone cousin guarding the Singapore River at One Fullerton.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument celebrating the great age of Portuguese naval explorers. Small nation with great ambition.

Taking in the sights at the cloister of the Church of Santa Maria at Hieronymites Monastery with the ornate Manueline limestone architecture.

The whole place has an intricate design with inspirations from the Portuguese golden age of maritime exploration.

Cabo de Roca, Portugal.

Looking across the Atlantic Ocean.

Tinto again in Sevilla. The rest of the day was a bit of a blur.

Malaga

The 15M cum #Occupy protests in Malaga. Throughout the trip he has heard the Spanish talking about the economical crisis and unemployment issues.

At El Trillo

Granada

Alhambra Palace

Some sweet Moorish architecture

Palacio de Generalife

Mijas in Málaga

Valencia

Shopping in Barcelona!!!

Barça tickets!

People watching along La Rambla

Watching Champions League.

The beautiful Barcelona City.

He spots La Sagrada Familia!

Gaudi was a genius. It's the first time HY felt something grotesque could be so hauntingly beautiful.

HY reckons he's in the belly of an extinct medieval whale.

Dead tired.

HY reading 'Short History of Spain'.

Huang Yen es muy contenta. He'll like to visit more of Barcelona on his next visit.

Plush Fashion Part 5

2011-09-27T22:54:00.000+08:00

Booze the Moose just came across this Coco Rocha fashion spread featured a year back in Tatler Russia. It's never too late for some plush fashion photography appreciation!

Coco Rocha (Tatler Russia October 2010) by Arthur Elgort

The Good Things In Life

2011-09-27T22:50:00.000+08:00

The gang discussing their favourite albums when their mistress is not around.

Misery Bear & Kate Moss

2011-08-21T16:17:00.000+08:00

Misery Bear is a grumpy, self-destructive. alcoholic animated stuffed toy character with the worst luck in the world. Its short films can seen on BBC Comedy. According to its website, Misery Bear is the 'saddest, loneliest, most suicidal teddy bear in the whole world'. His first book, Misery Bear’s Guide to Love & Heartbreak, will be out in October. What is it with the British and these maniacal depressive characters?

Wallowing in misery.

Always placing his affection on the wrong type

Numbing himself with acts of debauchery

In futile pursuit of happiness

Here's a look at one of the short films, starring Kate Moss.

More MiseryBear episodes can be found here.

La la la la la la ♫♪♫ ~ NooOOOoooo!

2011-08-04T22:03:00.001+08:00

Harrison Ford decapitates Papa Smurf on Conan at 0:37. -_-;

Hot Summer Night

2011-07-17T23:28:00.001+08:00

Moose playing with the front-facing camera on his iPad

Jackpot machines are FUN!

Chillin' with Monkey & Hindergaard

2011-07-03T13:14:00.001+08:00

Hindergaard and Monkey's weekend routine.

Watching BBC while their mistress goes for road runs. Monkey sporting slick, gelled-back hair.

~~Spying on~~ Looking at neighbouring swimming pools.

Listening to music on their iPod.

Angry Bird in China

2011-05-25T18:41:00.001+08:00

Angry bird (愤怒鸟?) in China.

Flipping through the Chinese fashion magazine angrily.

Reading epic Jin Yong novels, with a particular interest in 神雕.

Election Fever

2011-05-02T17:49:00.001+08:00

The toys have been keenly following developments of the Singapore General Elections online. One incumbent MP even visited their house to garner support. However, the loud and incessant blasting of campaign slogans in the neighbourhood every morning have made them pretty disinclined to entertain the politician.

Unfortunately as of the last Stuffed Toy Land population census, most of them are not Singaporean Citizens (mostly illegal PRs), and are not eligible to vote.

Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals Teddy Bear

2011-04-16T23:27:00.000+08:00

Now now, we love you Jeremy, but this is just hideous.

Jeremy Scott x adidas Originals Teddy Bear Kicks / Tuesday Creative

What the Duck in Siem Reap - Part Four

2011-04-13T20:59:00.003+08:00

Heading off to the last capital city of the Khmer empire.

In awe of the guardians of Angkor Thom.

WTD can't wait to snap some pictures with his non digital SLR. Lo-fi photography is all the rage, yo.

Checking out the bas reliefs depicting ancient Khmer lifestyles, beliefs and political exchange with other contemporary civilisations.

Deciphering the hidden message.

WTD is truly grateful that these stone structures survived all these years, and that the government allows tourists to access most of the areas.

The great temple of Bayon with its famed 4-faced Buddhas.

At Ta Prohm, where trees have managed to grow from within and over the ruins over time. The tree roots are engulfing the temple like some giant octopus' tentacles .

Back to the main temple. Reliefs of the Hindu-Buddhist devata goddesses of Angkor.

Remembering a scene from Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love

At the upper gallery of Angkor Wat's main temple. Pity the top level is closed.

Ending off the tour of the Angkor Wat complex at Phnom Bakheng Temple.

Waiting for the sunset.

Back to the hotel..

And now for some drinks..

Breakfast

Randomly walking around the Old Market

WTD was about to get a heatstroke. He retreated to a cafe for some drinks.

Cooling down at The Blue Pumpkin

Back at the hotel again after a relaxing spa treatment!

He would consider outdoor bathing, but he didn't feel too comfortable with the fact that some residential units overlook the back-garden. (he forgot he was nude anyway)

Away from the mozzies!

Leaving this resilient country. Home sweet home!

What the Duck in Siem Reap - Part Three

2011-03-20T14:57:00.004+08:00

After the trip to the lake, WTD was hoping to get a taste of Amok fish and other local fares. He decided to have his dinner at Viroth Restaurant.

Nice ambience and friendly staff.

Food was great and cheap, but he wished there was sufficient lighting to know what he was eating!

Back at the hotel. For once, WTD felt perhaps his limbs were indeed too short.

He would have stayed in the tent overnight if not for the vicious mosquitoes.

Next morning. WTD woke up early to watch the sunrise over the main Angkor Wat complex (facing west), but it was too cloudy for picture taking..

He was really glad that this structure survived intact over years of colonial rule, war and Khmer Rouge reign in this stricken nation.

First good glimpse of the iconic Angkor Wat central structure.

Exchanging a few pointers with fellow photographers taking pictures of the reflected image of the complex on the lotus pond.

Big wat, small what.

Obligatory tourist shot

Taking in the sights

What the Duck in Siem Reap - Part Two

2011-03-17T22:16:00.004+08:00

Continuing from >>What the Duck in Siem Reap - Part One

But first, WTD found a watering hole to combat the intense heat. Khmer Kitchen

And draft beer is going at around USD $0.50 to $1 per glass here in Siem Reap. What more could a duck ask for.

Passing by lotus fields on the way to Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in the region.

On the boat to catch a glimpse of the water dwellings. Squatter housing on the shallow banks of Tonle Sap. This city duck didn't know what to expect, seeing the sediments/construction work/packed tourist ferries along the inlet kinda dampened his hopes about this little excursion.

A glimpse of the water dwellings on the main lake, which is home to a sizable ethnic Vietnamese/Cambodian population. WTD suddenly felt very at home.

A slice of modernity with some ingenuity. Life seemed tough here but the residents are a resourceful lot.

WTD's plush camera lenses are met with much suspicion

View of Tonle Sap lake and the Cambodian flag

On the way back to the jetty, WTD witnessed some local boys bathing/frolicking (?) with their duck. "That's not how my kind should be treated!" he yelled, pouting. But the Cambodian duck seemed to be pretty much enjoying the treatment in the heat.

A thoughtful WTD after the trip to the lake. (to be continued...)