Korean Origami

Almost every eating place I go in Seoul, serviettes are presented in this unique manner. I appreciate this simple yet effective presentation of this almost essential piece of paper at dining tables. It is better than having them laid on the table where they can get soiled accidentally or get blown away. And, usually, there is only one available at any time (and sometimes none at all). I am sure diners like to have these around when they need them. In this 'Korean' way, there is bountiful supply. It is also hygienic and convenient.

Panorama

Its amazing what my sub-compact camera can do. This the morning scenery from the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort early in the morning (about 7am). It presents a panoramic view of the morning breaking. It was taken sometime in May 2005.

Well, I lie. This panoramic picture is a composite of two pictures which I stitched together using the ACDSee software that came with the camera. Fool you, didn't I? Still, I think it was a good picture.

By the way, all the pictures here were taken by me. So they belong to me. If you want to make use of them, please let me know who you are and your purpose(s) in using them. I am generally generous, and allow you to use them with the proper acknowledgements, but I do not want them to be used for purposes which I think are objectionable (such as in porn sites), not that they are of interest to these publishers in the first place.

Ethan Allen in Korea

Ethan Allen (furnishing) store in South Korea is a stone's throw from Hard Rock Cafe. I once had a hand in setting up the Ethan Allen franchise in Singapore. That must have been 8 years ago. Unfortunately, for various reasons, it never got established.

How was I involved? Well, I was asked to talk to an EA franchise store in San Jose, California when I was in Sacramento on a study course. My mission was to find out about the use of IT in its operations. I did that, but as I mentioned, what I learnt never got applied.

The owners of this franchise EA store in San Jose (a father-son team - I have since forgotten their names) were very hospital and I had a very pleasant visit. I'll always also remember the taxi ride from SF to San Jose and back. Its a quick way of seeing some parts of California within a short time. As usual, I didn't speak much during the journey, although I thought I should - but then I'll miss the scenery.

As the photo shows, the footpath outside this store in Korea is slopping. It reminds me of the many buildings in SF where buildings tend to be built on slopping footpaths. Some of these slopes are quite steep. Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera with me then. It was also the first time I saw the Golden Gate Bridge - all in its glorious red colour - nothing golden coloured about it - or was it the wrong bridge?