Above the Equator

  The final exam at SMU wrapped up this morning! The two-hour-long “Advanced Obligations” exam turned out to be easier than I expected — I’d say it was quite manageable. I think I did reasonably well. With that, all the requirements for the LLM program are now complete. All that’s left is to wait for the final grades from my last two courses to be released. Today was also the SOTA (School of the Arts Singapore) Open House. Xara attended the event with great enthusiasm, arriving at 9:00 a.m. and staying until 2:00 p.m. It’s clear she’s genuinely interested in the school. I truly hope she gets the opportunity to be admitted.

  Shirakawa was precisely what I had in mind for Japan’s snow mountain. After seeing only city views in Singapore, it was overwhelming to be surrounded by such breathtaking beauty. I felt deeply grateful for bringing my family here to witness this incredible sight.

Every time I visit a castle in Japan, I am amazed at how completely all the ancient Chinese architecture has been destroyed. If historians were to study how these ancient buildings were destroyed, I would guess that there were three peak periods of destruction: 1 ） after the Mongols invaded China in the 13th century; 2) during the Qing dynasty, many Ming-ear structures were destroyed; and, 3) during the political movements initiated by the CCP in the 20th century. All of the above rulers tried to destroy the roots of Chinese civilization.

  Kanazawa Castle is an essential part of the city’s history. For over 280 years, it was the home of the Maeda family, which governed the Kaga Domain—present-day Ishikawa and Toyama.

  Every morning, I wake up to a view that feels like a living painting, filling me with a calm and joy I didn’t expect. From my balcony, I have a sweeping look at the city, where urban life meets the open sky and sea. Rooftops and greenery blend together in a scene that’s both lively and peaceful. I never thought a cityscape could be this beautiful, but here it is, right in front of me, every day. With my morning coffee in hand, I step out and let my gaze wander. Sunlight washes over the rooftops, glints off the high-rises, and casts a warm glow over everything. The sky, dotted with soft clouds, stretches endlessly, adding depth to the horizon. It’s a reminder of the vastness of the world and the endless possibilities within it. Standing here, it all feels comforting and grounding—a daily ritual that resets my mind and prepares me for the day.

  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...