Skyfall - Adele (Review)

The world can finally agree on one thing; that they have picked the right singer to carry the theme song of the newest James Bond flick. Not only that, “Skyfall” is a nostalgic tram ride back to the days of glamourpuss-femme fatale sound of Shirley Bassey, the diva originale who is responsible for three of the biggest Bond theme songs in history, “Goldfinger”, “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Moonraker”. Well, in 2012, a true diva may no longer wear her glittery gowns and sky-high wigs but she may simply stand still in the middle of the stage and demand mass adoration with her glorious voice alone. That’s exactly what Adele is capable of. “Skyfall” succeeds in keeping the perfect balance between the signature Adele sound and sexy, sophisticated and stately sound of previous Bond tunes. Adele is well aware that she can neither go over-the-top with her vocals nor under-sing the song. Unlike Madonna’s “Die Another Day”, this orchestra-tinged piano-led ballad does not stray too far from the original Bond anthems from the 60s. It is not only catchy enough to be played on the radios without having any association with the film, but also it will astound the audience when opening credits roll with sexy Bond girls galore on the silver screen. Watch out for the 12-second belted note at the end, not in Miss Bassey’s caliber but precisely executed , the Adele way. “Skyfall” is the ultimate Bond theme song that we’ve been waiting for since Tina Turner’s “Goldeneye”.

Going Dutch ~ The Amsterdam Adventures

I shiver in the morning chill that greets me as I first land on Dutch soil. Overcast grey skies with a constant drizzle of icy rain certainly try but fail to disappoint me. I am after all in the Netherlands’ capital, the city I’ve longed to visit. Rain or shine, I will waste no time to kick start my Dutch adventures.  

Any effort to explore Amsterdam should begin with a boat ride in its famous canals. Over one hundred kilometer stretch of waterways, 1500 bridges and 90 islands are where the city's nickname, Venice of the north comes from. Three main canals, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht were dug up in the early 17^th century for residential purpose and Singelgracht, the fourth outer canal, for water management and defense. I have always been fond of cities bounded by water. Be it river, stream, channel, ocean or bay, they are alluring and inviting as water, with its calming effect, provides comfortable and tranquil atmosphere.

                                                                                                              

                    

              

“No standing there!” yells a grumpy Old Dutch man, our beloved boat driver because I am blocking his side view mirror. As the sky starts clearing up to reveal long-awaited spring time weather after twenty minutes on the boat, I simply cannot sit still. With this fine weather on my side, I must put my Canon hard at work and seize this rare photo opportunity. Both sides of the canal are crammed with earthy-hued Dutch renaissance style houses, showboating under a momentarily bright blue sky, while their blurred reflection in the water glows with the help of spring sunshine, how can I not get carried away? These buildings with iconic crow-stepped gable facades, many of them once belonged to the richest merchants of the Dutch Golden Age stand rigidly side by side as though they were at a beauty pageant providing admirers a glimpse of their glorious past.

NEMO Science Centre fom a distance

Amsterdam magnetizes visitors with its varied architectural styles. The stunning Tuschinski movie theater, with its marble floors, stained glass windows and Art Deco motifs, Oude Kerk or the old church, the city’s oldest building dating back to 1306, Westerkurk (Western Church) which has the gorgeous Renaissance-style church tower and the 350 years old Royal Palace which is still used by Queen Beatrix, not for the residential purpose but to receive important guests, are a few historic architectural highlights not to be missed. The science centre with such cute name, Nemo is an odd-shaped green building situated outside of city central, annually visited by 500,000 science and technology enthusiasts making it the fourth most-visited museum in the Dutch land. From a distance, the structure looks as though a giant sperm whale doing a head lunge, leaping out of water. Many modern buildings like ING house, a futuristic structure which almost resembles a Star War space ship can be found in Zuidas, the business district, not far from the city central.

The Royal Palace at Dam Square

Dam square is the city’s ultimate tourist zone where visitors from all over the world unite. They come here in hope of learning a piece of Dutch history, to feed pigeons or to watch street-artists perform and of course to bear with annoying fellow tourists. While nearby Madam Tussaud wax museum, National Monument, the Royal Palace and the beautiful rectangular-shaped train station, Amsterdam Centraal, keep tourists busy; I enjoy window-shopping in the narrow streets behind the square. (Clogs, Dutch traditional wooden shoes, are adorable!)

Each morning, I wake up to observe locals on bikes passing through the street in front of my hotel. Many on their way to work in their office attire, some to drop off their small children, also on their own little wheels, at the elementary school nearby. There are approximately 1,000,000 bicycles in Amsterdam and the government supports initiatives to reduce the use of private cars. What I admire most about their bicycle culture is that they have always kept this as a tradition rather than a cool retro stunt that has just made a comeback or as part of going green project. Amsterdam has long been a centre of bicycle society and also one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world with most main streets equipped with bike paths.

“You have got to try Herrings!” a Facebook friend suggests. Herrings, a type of forage fish found in the shallow temperate waters of the North Atlantic, are a Dutch delicacy. Traditionally, the fish is grabbed by its tail lowered down slowly into the mouth and eaten in entirety (usually without the head). Many of the roadside herring shops serve it as sandwich with pickles and onions as well. Herring is supposedly very healthy as it lowers cholesterol and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D.  But I guess I will seek these nutrients elsewhere perhaps from a more appetizing thirst-quencher, Heineken, one Dutch specialty that I won’t ever hold back.

Every time, I think of visiting Anne Frank’s house, a museum dedicated to a Jewish victim of the Holocaust, the long queue in front of it shoos me back out. Anne with her family hid from the Nazi prosecution during World War II in the Netherlands and documented a stirring account of her traumatizing experience in her diary which later was published posthumously as “The Diary of a Young Girl”. A big softie that I am and knowing how I usually respond to this dark tragic period of our human history, I head out to a much more cheerful, the museum of Van Gogh, one of my all-time favorite post-impressionists whose name has become synonymous with the country he was born. The most visited museum in the country houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s drawings and paintings including his famous “Sunflowers”, “The Potato Eaters” and “The Yellow House”. Waiting a good 45 minutes in the queue to enter the museum, it is hard to imagine that the artist died poor, deranged and relatively unknown; if only he could see how his works are being celebrated and treasured today.

Rijks Museum at Museum Square

My next stop is Rijksmuseum where I receive my crash course in Dutch history, arts and culture. The elegant museum exhibits timeless art works by the Dutch masters such as Jan Steen, Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer but my mission today is, upon a suggestion of a dear Dutch friend, to view Rembrandt, according to him and quite possibly, the greatest Dutch painter that ever lived. One of Rembrandt’s most well-known paintings is “The Night Watch”, a ginormous goosebumps-maker, prominent for the impeccable use of light, shadow and tiny technical details. This military portrait, also known as “The Company of Frans Banning Cocq and Willem van Ruytenburch” is the main attraction of the museum just like the way Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris. However, my personal favorite is a much smaller, “A Landscape with a Stone Bridge”, a portrayal of light breaking through dark clouds and reflecting on a stone bridge. A magical depiction of a simple nature scene but what striking here is its exquisite composition and the use of monotonous colors to allow the light take centre stage. Always a fan of the less obvious, this lesser-known Rembrandt indeed captures my heart. And then there are more; his powerful portraits of the rich and famous from the 17^th century. Lame and cliché as I may sound, this is why people go to museums; I am provoked, stirred, charmed and humbled by the experience.

“Why would you want to see the windmills?” “There’s really nothing to see!” says a local I am having a chat with at this bar called “Taboo” in the city. Just like the way I desperately search for Tulips to photograph at every possible chance, I would truly be regretful if I did not attempt to see the windmills. After all, they are one of the most omnipresent images of The Netherlands. The windmill technology was developed by the Dutch to aid water shortages and in farming. In the olden days, there were as many as 10,000 mills in the country but only 1000 survive today. It is true that they are indeed eye-catching structures yet they are not museums; apart from photographing them, there’s not much interaction. But I have this beautiful Dutch memory to take home with and of course a bunch of cool shots for Facebook.

Stroll around cobblestone streets, bike around town like locals, chill out in its leafy green parks, buy fresh produce like fish, flowers and fruits at the street markets or park yourself endlessly at its famous coffee shops along the canals, Amsterdam offers countless options to get busy. Monumental buildings are masterfully preserved unlike many Asia’s capitals where heritage buildings have sadly succumbed to modernization and have been replaced by skyscrapers. No destination is far away in Amsterdam; the outcome of vigilant city planning has benefitted this city and its residents for centuries unlike, for example, Jakarta of Indonesia, the capital of former Dutch colony where unfortunate town planning paralyses the city, the traffic issue being residents’ main daily struggle.

Amsterdam has all the advantages of a big city but it has not lost its small town charm. Visitors  can still imagine the city as it once was; a 12^th century tiny fishing village which sprang into a prosperous European powerhouse during Golden Age and now, one of the most important financial hubs of Europe, not to mention a compelling destination for travelers of all stripes.

Clogs

"Triumphant" ~ Mariah Carey (Single Review)

I don’t think Mariah Carey is back. Not quite yet. With “Triumphant”, her new single, she is merely teasing the audience, to give a glimpse of what is to come in a few months time, her grand entrance. Remember how she released “It’s Like That” from MiMi album and then unleashed the more powerful, “We Belong Together” and took the world by storm? I bet she is pulling that strategy again with her upcoming new album which is expected to be dropped later this year. Plus by the time American Idol in which she will serve as one of the judges, starts airing later this winter, she will use it as a platform to launch the album and generate publicity; I can’t think of a better timing.

Rihanna-GaGa generation kids are already calling this track an old school Rn’B. The truth is, it isn’t, in the true sense of word, old school but it sounds very 2002. Far from being labeled as spanking new or innovative, “Triumphant” is something that she’s been doing for the last ten years but she still does it well. Even for the cover art, she recycles some of her old looks; her hair, a reminder of  #1s album cover, color inspiration drawn from “Emancipation” and “Butterfly” albums and she tops it off with a dated Toni Braxton’s 1996 hole dress. Meek Mill and Rick Ross are listed as featured artists but it’s more like she’s guesting on the two rappers’s record singing the catchy chorus. Nevertheless, she sings in full voice, her golden instrument which only a few in the world possess and her high belted notes towards the end of the song, although they sound a bit screechy and forced which by the way is no longer news since “Charmbracelet” album, will certainly delight her hardcore fans. And her signature window-smashing whistle note can also be heard during the song’s bridge and a few more at the end (treats for Lambily).

Can't fall down stay triumphant keep on living
Stay on your toes
Get off the ropes
Don’t let em ever count you out
Realize all things are possible
In your heart who's the greatest
Reach for the stars
Be all that you are
And make em all fall down

Motivational yet a bit cliché message, appropriately in time for the London Olympics, MC has been writing anthems like this since “Hero” but none of these new materials could come close to her enduring classic. I personally wish there was a clean version with her vocals alone sans rappers. These hip-hop verses, I am afraid, don’t have a global appeal. Let’s be honest; many of us who are not black or don't live in the States can’t really comprehend or relate to what they are saying. “Triumphant” is of course already on heavy rotation as I am die-hard MC fan but I’m not too sure if this track could be her 19^th number one. Fingers crossed for “We Belong Together 2012” 

Here's the audio. Check it out. 

Jakarta in a jiffy!

Jakarta at dusk

High-rise buildings, slow-moving traffic and ever-grey sky – these are the images that come to mind when I think of Jakarta. As the capital and largest city of Indonesia, an archipelago in which over 238million people reside, over 300 ethnic groups with 700 languages spoken, is that all there is???

In truth, Jakarta is quite a challenging city for any type of traveler. Due to lack of effective urban public transport and unfortunate town planning, this metropolis is crippled by daily transportation problems. Getting stuck in traffic for hours bother you very much but you simply cannot get out and start walking because roads are not well connected and pedestrian-friendly. Only a small percentage of locals speak fluent English therefore, even simple things such as asking directions, ordering food and taking taxis become arduous and unpleasant. Besides, apart from numerous shopping malls and a few monuments, tourist options are somewhat limited for a capital city.

Having said that, there are indeed a few things I could recommend for first-time visitors or those who are on a short business trip wishing to catch a glimpse of leisurely Jakarta. Because I believe Jakarta, offers a little more than polluted air, gigantic shopping malls and 101 different types of motor and non-motorized vehicles. As a frequent traveler to Jakarta, these are a few of my favorite things.

Old town, Batavia

Batavia Cafe 

Indonesia gained her independence from the Dutch in 1942 and subsequently the city’s name was changed from the colonial name, Batavia to Jakarta. Old town (also known as ‘Kota’), 30 minutes taxi ride north west from the city centre, is  where colonial buildings, the legacy from the Dutch era dating back as early as 16^th century,  can be found, still standing yet poorly maintained. I like coming here on a Saturday, have my dim-sum lunch at the historic Café Batavia and stroll around to observe actions on the streets. Many young people come out in force, relaxed and in good spirits, enjoying themselves and their hard-earned weekend. Some, with their cameras, practice photography while some can be seen riding on colorfully-decorated rental bicycles. Any square or piazza in the world would be incomplete without street performers. Here as well, Fatahillah square serves as an exhibition space for some interesting street activities such as BMX stunts, Fire-breathing acts and even a whipping performance, effectively entertaining wide-eyed children and tourists alike. What used to be the office of the Governor General of VOC is now Jakarta History Museum, although it has been currently closed down for renovation. I was lucky enough to visit but sad to see this elegant building crumbling down when it was still open to public. Thanks to the funding of the Dutch government, conservation activities are now being carried out and it is expected to reopen in 2014. The nearby, “Wayang museum” which houses shadow puppets, from various territories in Indonesia and also other countries, can be a point of interest as well.  

Jakarta History Museum

A cultural promenade

Istiqlal Mosque

Being the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, it is only fitting that Jakarta has the largest mosque in South East Asia namely, Istiqlal Mosque. The Arabic word, Istiqlal means Independence. Yes, you guessed it right! The purpose of this massive religious structure is to commemorate Indonesia’s freedom from the Netherlands at long last in 1945. The marble and stainless steel building was built in 1961 under the supervision of Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president and inaugurated by his successor, Suharto. Recently graced by the visit of The Obamas, this humongous mosque should be visited on a Friday afternoon to witness a sea of devout Muslims praying together creating an uplifting yet peaceful atmosphere.

Istiqlal Mosque

One could easily spend half a day having a stroll around this area as Merdeka Palace, the neo-gothic style Jakarta cathedral and the National Monument are also close by. To rest your exhausted feet after the wander and indulge in some icy treats, Ragusa ice-cream shop, operating since 1932, is the place to be. Situated in an old Dutch building, here you sit on their ancient furniture, admire the black and white photos mounted on the walls detailing the history of the shop and eat with the locals. Although some odd names such as Spaghetti ice-cream are given to some of their creations, their hand-made gelato, in reality, does not mess around with pasta, noodles or anything foreign. It does occasionally mixes with fruits on some classic items like Banana Split or Tutti Frutti.

Ragusa Ice-cream Shop

Malls, Malls, Malls
Malling in Jakarta can be fun if done in moderation. It not only kills time but also allows you to escape from the harsh reality. Poverty that you see out on the streets of Jakarta does not belong in these air-conditioned designer-branded malls. Acknowledged as ‘the shopping town’, the area where two gargantuan malls, Plaza Indonesia and Grand Indonesia, occupy, offers one-stop shopping from airplanes to needles. (Well, maybe not airplanes but you figure!)  As for me, I love mall food; not only scrumptious Javanese cuisines also tasty treats from other islands such as Manado and Sumatra can be enjoyed at anytime of the day. You are spoiled even further for choice with wide variety of Japanese, Italian, Chinese and Korean delights; all inexpensive, clean, convenient and delicious. Once you are tired of widow-shopping, you can either feed your feet to the fish at one of the fish spas, (if that’s your kind of relaxation!) or catch a movie at the cinemas. There is always one Indonesian horror movie and a few Hollywood blockbusters like “Spiderman” showing.

Underneath the stars

Jakarta is at her best when the sun goes down, glittering night-lights switched on and trendy Jakartans come out to play. My favorite hangouts include “The Social House” at Grand Indonesia Mall for casual dining, newly-opened “Skye” at Manara BCA building, Jakarta’s first sky bar, reminiscent of Bangkok’s Labua rooftop bar at State Tower, to view how this concrete jungle transforms into an impressive neon-lit metropolis and of course “DragonFly” for people-watching and booty-shaking alongside the in-crowd aka fashionistas. Forget about pollution as you can no longer see it after 7, replace the sight of open sewer and slums with girls in Louboutins and distract yourself with pounding electro beats; Jakarta can be quite glamorous at night.

Despite the challenges they face every day, be it the mad traffic or the lack of leisure activities, Jakartans, both locals and expats, living in the city have learned to live, if not made peace with it somehow. Many of my expat friends speak fluent Bahasa Indonesian, have learned to drive (or be driven) to office though shortcuts and back lanes and are brave enough to hop onto ojeks (local motorcycle taxis) when traffic gets rough. And, to be honest, what’s traffic anyway when you have a smart-phone? Catch up on news, do your mails or rant about it on Facebook through status update while being stuck in traffic. It’s 2012, people! The smart phones nowadays will get you the attention, sympathy or whatever that you are seeking in a crisis situation like this which I believe can be a good consolation or at least a form of entertainment.

Well, now that reminds me why some Jakartans I know cannot be separated from their Blackberrys. 

Jakarta Cathedral

Wayang Museum

"Snow White and the Huntsman" (Movie Review)

Despite my initial cynicism, this re-imagined fairy tale is quite entertaining for a number of reasons. Since Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly in “Devil Wears Prada”, no other evil queen looks as glamorous and spiteful as Theron’s Ravenna. A memorable female villain performance in recent years, the winner of Best Villain trophy at the MTV movie awards is already picked.  “Mirror Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” one of the most idiotic lines ever for any actor to deliver, but Theron effortlessly mouths it with vulnerability and a slight touch of madness.

Kristen Stewart’s Snow White is complex but determined, not entirely innocent but somewhat ditzy; a bit like her Bella Swan character in “Twilight”. (They always give her two hot guys and put her in deep dark forests. I’d be confused too if I were her). But this Snow White has a let’s-save-the-world modern day attitude, gives inspiring speech that moves people and can kick ass when necessary too.

Always the supporting act, the seven dwarves are once again upstaged but this time by battle scenes (who would have thought?) and two male leads. Eye-candy, Chris Hemsworth, as Eric The Huntsman, nails in much-needed macho-ness by singing Bass but William, Snow White’s childhood friend, played by Sam Claflin, is poorly developed, never quite reaches its potential (if there is any!) and therefore the ending feels abrupt and perplexing.

Although efforts are made to keep it as current as possible (in 3D, the casting of Kristen Stewart, the theme song sung by “Florence and the machine” etc), they cannot simply avoid the use of cliché medieval style setting, a deep-low narrating voice and tired fairytale dialogues, “He’s blessing her. She will heal the land. She is the one!” (Hold my hair, while I puke!) But I looked around in the theatre and half the audience was children so I guess it works. CGI effects are thrown in (a gotta-be-there monster and a few forced sword-fight scenes), for the sake of those who accompany their wives, girlfriends and kids. Thanks to technology nowadays, the cinematography is stunning and pleasing for those who are into photography like myself. And the epic final rhymes-with-rich fight scene is wicked, I must say. Overall, “Snow White and the Huntsman” is a decent update of a timeless classic tale. Brothers Grimm would have been delighted if not proud.