Above the Equator

  A fancy Japanese restaurant that does not sell sake.

Nasi Bakar is a traditional Indonesian dish that translates to "grilled rice." This culinary delight typically consists of seasoned rice mixed with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat (chicken, fish, or seafood), and spices. The rice is then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled or baked, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor while retaining moisture from the banana leaves. The preparation of Nasi Bakar usually involves cooking the rice with herbs and spices to enhance its flavor. Once cooked, it is combined with the chosen fillings, wrapped securely in banana leaves, and then either grilled over an open flame or baked in an oven. This method of cooking not only adds a unique flavor but also creates an appealing presentation. Nasi Bakar is often enjoyed as a snack or a main dish and is popular in various regions of Indonesia. The versatility of the ingredients allows for many variations, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. It is typically served with...

Nasi padang is a Minangkabau dish of steamed rice served with various choices of pre-cooked dishes originating from West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is named after the city of Padang, capital of the West Sumatra province. A miniature banquet of meats, fish, vegetables, and spicy sambals eaten with plain white rice, it is Sumatra's most famous export and the Minangkabau people's primary contribution to Indonesian cuisine.

  What a coincidence! After I bought two batik shirts and found a seat at Bali Timbungan Sarinah, I heard somebody call my name. It was the professor who led this SMU event in Jakarta and Bandung! He recommended this Bali grilled fish, which is delicious. I can see the Professor enjoys this dish very much, too! From Wikipedia: “ Ikan bakar literally means ‘grilled fish’ in Indonesian and Malay. Ikan bakar differs from other grilled fish dishes in that it often contains flavorings like bumbu, kecap manis, sambal, and is covered in a banana leaf and cooked on a charcoal fire.”

  My first lunch in Jakarta was sop buntut, namely oxtail soup. This dish was well-spiced and delicious!

It always feels good to be back to school. Even though we can put millions of books into a small Kindle, the existence of libraries reminds us that education and knowledge are the primary driving forces to lead a society out of ignorance and bias. 

I took this phone near Li Ka Shing Library, Singapore Management University. This is the heart of Singapore, where you can find a blend of modern architecture, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. I always feel inspired when I am surrounded by young students.

I love taking photos around SMU, my university in downtown Singapore. The outlines of the university buildings are interesting, and the colors of the pictures are always vivid and exhilarating. I took this backlight photo this afternoon using my iPhone 12. Those leaves made me notice that the trees on the campus are genuinely different.

  East Coast Park (ECP). This photo was taken by my elder daughter using her iPhone SE. ECP is where my family can find natural beauty, recreational activities, and a serene environment. I love watching those big ships waiting to come into the Singapore port. Sometimes, you can see magical lights and shadows just like this.

  The Tranquil Beauty of a Seascape: Reflections on Nature's Masterpiece Nature has an unparalleled ability to captivate and inspire, often leaving us in awe of its grandeur and subtle beauty. The photograph at hand, depicting a serene seascape at either dawn or dusk, is a testament to this natural splendor. With its soft interplay of colors, dramatic clouds, and calm waters, this image invites us to pause and reflect on the profound tranquility and majesty of the natural world. The Gentle Awakening of the Sky The sky in the photograph is a mesmerizing palette of soft pastels, transitioning from the cool blues of the night to the warm, golden hues of the impending sunrise or sunset. This gentle awakening of the sky symbolizes the beginning of a new day or the peaceful conclusion of one. The subtle gradient of colors, from deep blues to warm oranges and pinks, creates a soothing and harmonious visual experience. It evokes a sense of calm and serenity, reminding us of the cyclical na...

The word “involution” in China nowadays describes overworking or over-competition that results in less or no results. The background is rampant homogeneous competition in mainland China. Lacking home-originated creativity, everyone has to rely on lower prices, minor product feature improvements, and nearly the same marketing strategy. It’s a very pathetic situation. Also, “involution” can refer to too many overqualified young graduates from prestigious universities competing for an underpaid job. You can often hear scores of postgraduates from Peking or Tsinghua competing for a teaching job in a middle school. What a waste.