Now that I have fully recovered from the trip, I look back fondly at the enjoyable time spent in Japan. One of the things I miss is the camaraderie of friendships forged between my travel mates and I. I miss the joviality along with the amusement generated by my roommate, Joseph, through his positive attitude and sense of humour. Another thing I miss is the companionship and gung-ho spirit.
The weekly series, Japan Hour, is a favourite of mine. It shows various scenic locations and little-known interesting nuggets of things the locals do. Many a times, I would drool over the exquisitely presented dishes. At last I got to really taste and smell these delectable delicacies. Believe me, the dishes taste as good as they appear.
The dishes of Japan are delicately flavoured and less salty as compared to Singapore. The local ingredients are prepared in a much healthier manner compared to Singaporean dishes. The Japanese use healthy methods of cooking. They seldom use methods such as deep-frying. After this trip, my palate has changed to healthier dishes which are cooked with less oil and salt. Now my preference has shifted to the healthier alternative of steamed salmon over old favourites such as fish and chips.
The scenic sights in Japan were a feast for the eyes compared to the concrete jungle of Singapore. The flora and fauna in Japan are unique. Unlike Singapore, their national flower, the cherry blossom, is visible throughout Japan. Why can't Singapore have that too?
There is palpable difference between the schools in the rural and urban areas. In the rural areas, the students are more outgoing and were very enthusiastic in welcoming us. We could feel the warmth of their friendship. Unfortunately for them, they lagged behind their urban counterparts where their studies are concerned. The students in the urban areas seemed rather jaded. I am sure that in Singapore we face different stress levels in different schools. Will students in less stressful environments have a warmer personality?
After a week of uttering words like "Arigato gozaimasu" and "Konnichiwa", I have unconsciously used them in my daily speech upon returning. This trip has also sparked my interest in the Japanese language. Once in a while, I turn to the residential Japanese experts, namely my father and sister, for clarification on certain Japanese words.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Book reviews Part 5
The 5th book that I have finished reading is known as Colossus written by Lesley Howarth. It is not as gripping as the other books that I have read. But it is still exciting enough to keep you reading. The main character is Nathan.
It begins with a storyteller telling two children, Sam and Ali, about a lucky magical trinket which is a small Colossus. A boy called Nathan finds it. With it, Nathan can do things which he could not normally do. For example, he can speak without stuttering. He looses Colossus but, with the help of a boy called Stefan and some luck, he finds it. Nathan, with much encouragement from Stefan, jumps off a diving rock and swims across a bay. He drops Colossus along the way. He returns with his sister, Lennie, to snorkel and look for Colossus. They fail to find Colossus. Later, Nathan goes parascending (funded by Stefan), spots Colossus and retrieves it. After that, Nathan finds that he does not need Colossus any more and throws it back into the forest where he originally found it. Nathan discovers that Stefan is actually the ghost of the old king of the town, Kalamoulos. Kalamoulos fights with his brother, Aretes, for the throne and they decide to take three tests. During the second test, Aretes drowns while swimming across the bay. Stefan sees Nathan as an embodiment of Aretes and asks for forgiveness. Nathan forgives Stefan. Nathan later finds out that he had a twin brother that died upon birth. At the end, the storyteller reveals himself to be Nathan.
Nathan is a character that is caring but moody at times when he is stressed. At first, he lacks confidence but later learns to believe in himself. He does not like adventure to begin with, but in the end, he longs for it. He can also be a bit impulsive at times. Nathan has a great imagination and can recreate scenes in his mind clearly.
The character Lennie is also quite imaginative. She argues with her brother initially but at the end of the book, they patch up and grow closer. She can take care of herself quite well and is slightly a tomboy.
It begins with a storyteller telling two children, Sam and Ali, about a lucky magical trinket which is a small Colossus. A boy called Nathan finds it. With it, Nathan can do things which he could not normally do. For example, he can speak without stuttering. He looses Colossus but, with the help of a boy called Stefan and some luck, he finds it. Nathan, with much encouragement from Stefan, jumps off a diving rock and swims across a bay. He drops Colossus along the way. He returns with his sister, Lennie, to snorkel and look for Colossus. They fail to find Colossus. Later, Nathan goes parascending (funded by Stefan), spots Colossus and retrieves it. After that, Nathan finds that he does not need Colossus any more and throws it back into the forest where he originally found it. Nathan discovers that Stefan is actually the ghost of the old king of the town, Kalamoulos. Kalamoulos fights with his brother, Aretes, for the throne and they decide to take three tests. During the second test, Aretes drowns while swimming across the bay. Stefan sees Nathan as an embodiment of Aretes and asks for forgiveness. Nathan forgives Stefan. Nathan later finds out that he had a twin brother that died upon birth. At the end, the storyteller reveals himself to be Nathan.
Nathan is a character that is caring but moody at times when he is stressed. At first, he lacks confidence but later learns to believe in himself. He does not like adventure to begin with, but in the end, he longs for it. He can also be a bit impulsive at times. Nathan has a great imagination and can recreate scenes in his mind clearly.
The character Lennie is also quite imaginative. She argues with her brother initially but at the end of the book, they patch up and grow closer. She can take care of herself quite well and is slightly a tomboy.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Japan Trip Photos
This is a scenic view of a small village in the countryside. Tranquil setting with a mountain range as a backdrop.
Here is a selection of traditional items. Very artistic.
This is one of the lively and colourful shops along the streets of Japan.
This is the entrance to the grounds of the Kiyomizu Temple.
This is one of the shrines in the Kiyomizu Temple.
This is a ceremonial bell in the Kiyomizu Temple. Very picturesque. Puts you in a meditative mood. A sure way to Nirvana....... until they ring the bell and you wake up.
This is a statue of a monk in the Kiyomizu Temple. Looks like Daruma.
This is one of the gates in the Kiyomizu Temple.
Here is a "waterfall" in the Kiyomizu Temple from which people drink for good luck. Drink more, and I may pass my Chinese.
This is a pagoda in the Kiyomizu Temple.
This is a photo of me at scenic pond in the Kiyomizu Temple. So serene.
This is a photo of me with the famous Xing Chang Cheng bullet train. Lucky me, as shortly after this photo was taken, the new generation train has just replaced this first-generation train which has been phased out. Many Japanese people feel very nostalgic about the disappearance of this first-generation train which has served them so well, and without fatal accidents, for decades. There is no such photo opportunity any more.
These are some of the stuff sold in a fish market. Typically Japanese and typically very neat.
The streets of a fish market. Bustles with activities.
The outer walls and moat of Osaka Castle. Brings you back to the good old samurai days.
Me drinking from the sacred well of Osaka Castle. So you see, I am ever so fortunate. Don't I always count my blessings!
The splendour of Osaka Castle. Indescribable!
Time capsule at Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle. Awing at any angle.
Ready to take down the Edo Castle troops with my canon at Osaka Castle.
Cruise Ship at Lake Ashi (Mount Fuji)
Me on Lake Ashi Cruise to view Mount Fuji.
The Owakudani Valley (Boiling Valley) - boiling hot and can be dangerous with poisonous gas
Authentic Tatami Bedroom at Fuji Yamanaka-Ko Hotel (Mount Fuji)
Magnificent Mount Fuji in the wee hours of the morning (heavenly!!)
First View of Mount Fuji's Fifth Station.
Conquering the Fifth Station at Mount Fuji (Victory at last!!)
Gate to Asakusa Kannon Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple)
Guardian God at the Temple - scares evil spirits away.
Lunching at Asakusa Kannon Temple. Delicious!!
Tokyo University Facade - Grand!
Sanshiro Pond in Tokyo University. Don't I look drunk with contentment?
Tokyo University's Fountain - must be the fountain of knowledge.
Tokyo University's Red Gate - breathtaking.
Lego Model of Tokyo University's Red Gate. I feel like a giant!!
University of Tokyo Clock Tower. No excuse for being late for lectures!
Milling around Singapore Embassy in Tokyo looking like busybodies! Nice round-off for the trip.
Here is a selection of traditional items. Very artistic.
This is one of the lively and colourful shops along the streets of Japan.
This is the entrance to the grounds of the Kiyomizu Temple.
This is one of the shrines in the Kiyomizu Temple.
This is a ceremonial bell in the Kiyomizu Temple. Very picturesque. Puts you in a meditative mood. A sure way to Nirvana....... until they ring the bell and you wake up.
This is a statue of a monk in the Kiyomizu Temple. Looks like Daruma.
This is one of the gates in the Kiyomizu Temple.
Here is a "waterfall" in the Kiyomizu Temple from which people drink for good luck. Drink more, and I may pass my Chinese.
This is a pagoda in the Kiyomizu Temple.
This is a photo of me at scenic pond in the Kiyomizu Temple. So serene.
This is a photo of me with the famous Xing Chang Cheng bullet train. Lucky me, as shortly after this photo was taken, the new generation train has just replaced this first-generation train which has been phased out. Many Japanese people feel very nostalgic about the disappearance of this first-generation train which has served them so well, and without fatal accidents, for decades. There is no such photo opportunity any more.
These are some of the stuff sold in a fish market. Typically Japanese and typically very neat.
The streets of a fish market. Bustles with activities.
The outer walls and moat of Osaka Castle. Brings you back to the good old samurai days.
Me drinking from the sacred well of Osaka Castle. So you see, I am ever so fortunate. Don't I always count my blessings!
The splendour of Osaka Castle. Indescribable!
Time capsule at Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle. Awing at any angle.
Ready to take down the Edo Castle troops with my canon at Osaka Castle.
Cruise Ship at Lake Ashi (Mount Fuji)
Me on Lake Ashi Cruise to view Mount Fuji.
The Owakudani Valley (Boiling Valley) - boiling hot and can be dangerous with poisonous gas
Authentic Tatami Bedroom at Fuji Yamanaka-Ko Hotel (Mount Fuji)
Magnificent Mount Fuji in the wee hours of the morning (heavenly!!)
First View of Mount Fuji's Fifth Station.
Conquering the Fifth Station at Mount Fuji (Victory at last!!)
Gate to Asakusa Kannon Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple)
Guardian God at the Temple - scares evil spirits away.
Lunching at Asakusa Kannon Temple. Delicious!!
Tokyo University Facade - Grand!
Sanshiro Pond in Tokyo University. Don't I look drunk with contentment?
Tokyo University's Fountain - must be the fountain of knowledge.
Tokyo University's Red Gate - breathtaking.
Lego Model of Tokyo University's Red Gate. I feel like a giant!!
University of Tokyo Clock Tower. No excuse for being late for lectures!
Milling around Singapore Embassy in Tokyo looking like busybodies! Nice round-off for the trip.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Book reviews Part 4
The fourth book that I have finished reading is known as Brisingr. It is part of the Inheritance cycle (three books is a trilogy, four books becomes a .......cycle, so says the author). It was supposed to be the last book of the trilogy but due to unforeseen circumstances (the author's imagination ran wild), Christopher Paolini extended the story to make it four books. As it is a thick book and due to it being the third book, the story is very well developed. Everything is quite clear if you have read the previous books (which I have). The storyline is quite gripping. It is action packed and full of suspense for what is going to happen next.
The book begins with Eragon, the main character, and his dragon, Saphira, along with his cousin, Roran, journeying to Helgrind to free Roran's fiancée, Katrina, from the grip of the Ra'zac. The Ra'zac are strange nimble creatures the serve as the assassins for Galbatorix, the evil king. The heroes manage to kill all of the Ra'zac but one. Eragon stays behind while Saphira takes Roran and Katrina back to the Varden, the group of rebels united against Galbatorix. Eragon kills the last Ra'zac. He binds Slogan, the father of Katrina, with a spell to make him change his evil nature and sends him to Ellesmera, the kingdom of the Elves. Following that, Eragon, despite being in the midst of Galbatorix's empire, safely returns to the Varden on foot. In the mean time, Nasuada, leader of the Varden, defeats Fadawar, leader of the wandering tribes, in the trial of the long knives and so gains the full support of the tribes. Shortly after Eragon returns, the spellcasters whom the Queen of the Elves, Islanzadi, had sent, arrive to protect Eragon. Eragon somewhat nullifies the curse he had accidentally placed upon a child called Elva. Murtagh, Eragon’s half brother, and Thorn, Murtagh’s dragon, attack Eragon and Saphira. With the help of the Elven spellcasters, Eragon and Saphira successfully drive Murtagh and Thorn away.
Then, Eragon is sent alone by Nasuada to ensure that a dwarven king, who supports the Varden, is elected. Fortunately, Eragon's "brother" Orik is elected the king. But, this was not before Eragon was assaulted by assassins. Orik uncovered the plot behind the assassins' attack and thus manage to claim the throne. Back at the Varden's camp, Roran is sent on a series of missions to prove his mettle. He does quite well and saves most of his men in a mission but is punished in the process due to insubordination. Saphira goes to the dawrven kingdom shortly before the coronation. She mends the star sapphire, the most valuable and historical treasure of the dwarves that was broken in a previous battle. Then, Eragon rides Saphira to Ellesmera to consult his mentor, Oromis, on how to defeat Galbatorix as well as to find a reliable weapon. Rhunon forges Eragon a dragon rider's blade using Eragon's hands. Oromis and his dragon, Galaedr, set off to help the Elves while Eragon and Saphira return to the Vadern. Eragon, Saphira and the Elf, Arya, kill the three powerful spellcasters of the city the Varden were attacking as well as a shade (evil spirit) that the spellcasters summoned. During this time, Oromis and Galaedr are killed by Murtagh and Thorn. This is done when Galbatorix takes over Murtagh's and Thorn's bodies and strike when Oromis is having a spasm.
The main character, Eragon, cannot be swayed in his decisions. This can sometimes lead to disaster due to his rashness. He is also bold. His physique had been improved during a ritual that the Elves performed previously. He hates killing living things after experiencing reading the minds of flora and fauna.
The character, Saphira, provides a counter balance to Eragon's character. She is calm and wise beyond her years. She is slow to anger and but when she is angered, she has a horrible temper. She helps to council Eragon when he is confused.
The book begins with Eragon, the main character, and his dragon, Saphira, along with his cousin, Roran, journeying to Helgrind to free Roran's fiancée, Katrina, from the grip of the Ra'zac. The Ra'zac are strange nimble creatures the serve as the assassins for Galbatorix, the evil king. The heroes manage to kill all of the Ra'zac but one. Eragon stays behind while Saphira takes Roran and Katrina back to the Varden, the group of rebels united against Galbatorix. Eragon kills the last Ra'zac. He binds Slogan, the father of Katrina, with a spell to make him change his evil nature and sends him to Ellesmera, the kingdom of the Elves. Following that, Eragon, despite being in the midst of Galbatorix's empire, safely returns to the Varden on foot. In the mean time, Nasuada, leader of the Varden, defeats Fadawar, leader of the wandering tribes, in the trial of the long knives and so gains the full support of the tribes. Shortly after Eragon returns, the spellcasters whom the Queen of the Elves, Islanzadi, had sent, arrive to protect Eragon. Eragon somewhat nullifies the curse he had accidentally placed upon a child called Elva. Murtagh, Eragon’s half brother, and Thorn, Murtagh’s dragon, attack Eragon and Saphira. With the help of the Elven spellcasters, Eragon and Saphira successfully drive Murtagh and Thorn away.
Then, Eragon is sent alone by Nasuada to ensure that a dwarven king, who supports the Varden, is elected. Fortunately, Eragon's "brother" Orik is elected the king. But, this was not before Eragon was assaulted by assassins. Orik uncovered the plot behind the assassins' attack and thus manage to claim the throne. Back at the Varden's camp, Roran is sent on a series of missions to prove his mettle. He does quite well and saves most of his men in a mission but is punished in the process due to insubordination. Saphira goes to the dawrven kingdom shortly before the coronation. She mends the star sapphire, the most valuable and historical treasure of the dwarves that was broken in a previous battle. Then, Eragon rides Saphira to Ellesmera to consult his mentor, Oromis, on how to defeat Galbatorix as well as to find a reliable weapon. Rhunon forges Eragon a dragon rider's blade using Eragon's hands. Oromis and his dragon, Galaedr, set off to help the Elves while Eragon and Saphira return to the Vadern. Eragon, Saphira and the Elf, Arya, kill the three powerful spellcasters of the city the Varden were attacking as well as a shade (evil spirit) that the spellcasters summoned. During this time, Oromis and Galaedr are killed by Murtagh and Thorn. This is done when Galbatorix takes over Murtagh's and Thorn's bodies and strike when Oromis is having a spasm.
The main character, Eragon, cannot be swayed in his decisions. This can sometimes lead to disaster due to his rashness. He is also bold. His physique had been improved during a ritual that the Elves performed previously. He hates killing living things after experiencing reading the minds of flora and fauna.
The character, Saphira, provides a counter balance to Eragon's character. She is calm and wise beyond her years. She is slow to anger and but when she is angered, she has a horrible temper. She helps to council Eragon when he is confused.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Book reviews Part 3
The third book that I have finished reading is named "The Indigo King". It was written by James A Owen. It is quite an exciting book with many turns of events. Just when you think a problem is solved, you find out that there is more stuff to do. The book keeps you reading it so as to find out what will happen next. The main characters are John, Jack and Chaz.
The story begins with John and Jack meeting with Hugo to inform him that he would become a caretaker of the Imaginarium Geographica which is the great atlas of a world called the Archipelago Dreams. In this world, fantasies and myths are real. When they tell Hugo, he thinks that it must be a joke. They go for a walk in the park to let Hugo digest the information. Suddenly, a door drops out of the sky. Hugo goes through the door and disappears into the past. This starts to cause history to change. John and Jack try to follow but it does not work. Out of the blues, the Animal Rescue Squad, which is made up of badgers, appears to lend a hand. The leader, Uncus, and his son, Fred, closed the open door that Hugo walked through. In an attempt to stop them, Jack and John touch the door and are thrown into the past. After an uneventful encounter with giants, the gang hid from a Wicker Man. Chaz who is the Charles of that time line saves them. Chaz brings them back to his abode, and later, they set off to see the version of their mentor, Bert. After the reunion, the evil ruler of the land, Mordred appears having been informed by Chaz earlier. He performs a ritual and binds all of them. Fortunately, after he leaves to call his minions to take care of them, Uncus uses the silver from a coin to free them. Bert gives them a box that gives you what you need most, called the Serendipity Box. Bert stays behind to try to hold off the minions while the rest of the gang, including Chaz, set sail for Noble's Island, also known as the Sanctuary, the only place not subjected to Mordred's rule.
They are given a warm welcome by a fox called Reynard. They find a device called a Lanterna Magica left by the deceased Jules Verne as a means of going into the past to find Mordred's real name in order to bind him. They use the first of the five slides of the Lanterna Magica which opens a portal, for 24 hours, to ancient Greece. They find the younger version of Mordred telling stories. They meet his teacher and are invited to his house. They find out that "Mordred" has a twin brother. The real names of the twins being Mardoc (false name Mordred) and Myrddyn. Before they return to the Sanctuary, they find out that one of the brothers is the Cartographer of Lost Places. They use the next slide and travel to ancient Alexander. There, the meet Archimedes a mechanical owl made by Pythagoras. They find Ptolemy the king. They discover that Myrddyn tried to steal the Holy Grail but was caught. They free him and find out that he is the Cartographer of Lost Places and that it was actually his brother who tried to steal the Grail. Myrddyn repays them by binding his brother and exiling him. When the travellers return to the Sanctuary, only to find that nothing has changed. They use the third slide to travel to England to find a boy called Thorn and Archimedes. They help Thorn travel to Camelot to compete in the competitions to become king. In the mean time, Hugo meets Hank a time traveller. They become fast friends. Once the number of competitors is reduced to 7, Mordred come to compete. He defeats 6 of them leaving Merlin. After overhearing a discussion between Merlin and Taliesin, the Lawgiver, Hugo finds that Merlin is not all that good. As they are about to fight, Hugo throws a dagger and injures Mordred. Taliesin declares that Mordred lost as his blood was spilt first by Hugo who wears Merlin's colours. Merlin is disqualified for cheating as Hugo threw a dagger at Mordred. Merlin is also revealed to be Myrddyn. Thorn arrives, draws Caliburn and becomes king and in doing so, his name is changed the Arthur.
The gang, now reunited with Hugo, return to the Sanctuary only to find that again nothing had changed. They use the forth slide and travel back to England. They find Arthur and Mordred arguing while enemies are attacking the castle. Mordred accidentally kills Arthur and flees. Chaz discovers that the Holy Grail can resurrect Arthur. They journey to Avalon where Chaz stays behind and becomes the Green Knight to let the Holy Grail, a young lady called Rose, to follow John, Jack and Hugo back to the castle where Arthur died. He is resurrected and calls the dragons using a ritual at Stonehenge but not before meeting up with Merlin who orchestrated the rebellion but who later changes his mind and joins them. The dragons help restore order and Arthur is made king again. Arthur binds and exiles Merlin so Merlin can do some soul searching and find his way again. The gang return to find that the world outside the room with the Lanterna Magica is now an empty void. They use the 5th and last slide and meet a monk called Geoffrey. The new Green Knight shows up and bring the gang, Geoffrey not included, to the Keep of Time. They meet the Cartographer who answers their questions. Fred opens the Serendipty Box to find a key. John, Jack, Uncus and Fred use it to open a door back to their time. John, Jack, Charles and Bert have a talk with their enemy Burton. They discover that it was he who placed the door in the woods. Burton takes his leave and Bert answers Jack's and John's questions. The story ends there.
The character John is cautious and yet slightly overconfident at the start of the book. He is the Caretaker Principia. I find that the reason why this title is bestowed upon him is not clear. He is also a caring father. His daughter gave him a beautiful watch that hardly works and yet he only uses that watch as his daughter cried when she saw him carrying another watch. He has a somewhat inquisitive mind. He was also trusting toward Chaz despite his betrayal. He also keeps the group together. He is compassionate and level headed
Jack is quite inquisitive. But, he was not so trusting towards Chaz in the beginning. He is level headed. He is quite brave when he talks with the giants. He is protective towards his friends. He defended the badgers when Chaz wanted to cook them in a stew.
Chaz is quite rude at the beginning. He even betrays his companions to Mordred. Slowly but steadily, a change comes over him as the story unfolds. He becomes a trusted friend. He is apt at learning languages. In the end, He sacrifices himself and stays behind on Avalon so that Rose, the Holy Grail, can leave Avalon.
The story begins with John and Jack meeting with Hugo to inform him that he would become a caretaker of the Imaginarium Geographica which is the great atlas of a world called the Archipelago Dreams. In this world, fantasies and myths are real. When they tell Hugo, he thinks that it must be a joke. They go for a walk in the park to let Hugo digest the information. Suddenly, a door drops out of the sky. Hugo goes through the door and disappears into the past. This starts to cause history to change. John and Jack try to follow but it does not work. Out of the blues, the Animal Rescue Squad, which is made up of badgers, appears to lend a hand. The leader, Uncus, and his son, Fred, closed the open door that Hugo walked through. In an attempt to stop them, Jack and John touch the door and are thrown into the past. After an uneventful encounter with giants, the gang hid from a Wicker Man. Chaz who is the Charles of that time line saves them. Chaz brings them back to his abode, and later, they set off to see the version of their mentor, Bert. After the reunion, the evil ruler of the land, Mordred appears having been informed by Chaz earlier. He performs a ritual and binds all of them. Fortunately, after he leaves to call his minions to take care of them, Uncus uses the silver from a coin to free them. Bert gives them a box that gives you what you need most, called the Serendipity Box. Bert stays behind to try to hold off the minions while the rest of the gang, including Chaz, set sail for Noble's Island, also known as the Sanctuary, the only place not subjected to Mordred's rule.
They are given a warm welcome by a fox called Reynard. They find a device called a Lanterna Magica left by the deceased Jules Verne as a means of going into the past to find Mordred's real name in order to bind him. They use the first of the five slides of the Lanterna Magica which opens a portal, for 24 hours, to ancient Greece. They find the younger version of Mordred telling stories. They meet his teacher and are invited to his house. They find out that "Mordred" has a twin brother. The real names of the twins being Mardoc (false name Mordred) and Myrddyn. Before they return to the Sanctuary, they find out that one of the brothers is the Cartographer of Lost Places. They use the next slide and travel to ancient Alexander. There, the meet Archimedes a mechanical owl made by Pythagoras. They find Ptolemy the king. They discover that Myrddyn tried to steal the Holy Grail but was caught. They free him and find out that he is the Cartographer of Lost Places and that it was actually his brother who tried to steal the Grail. Myrddyn repays them by binding his brother and exiling him. When the travellers return to the Sanctuary, only to find that nothing has changed. They use the third slide to travel to England to find a boy called Thorn and Archimedes. They help Thorn travel to Camelot to compete in the competitions to become king. In the mean time, Hugo meets Hank a time traveller. They become fast friends. Once the number of competitors is reduced to 7, Mordred come to compete. He defeats 6 of them leaving Merlin. After overhearing a discussion between Merlin and Taliesin, the Lawgiver, Hugo finds that Merlin is not all that good. As they are about to fight, Hugo throws a dagger and injures Mordred. Taliesin declares that Mordred lost as his blood was spilt first by Hugo who wears Merlin's colours. Merlin is disqualified for cheating as Hugo threw a dagger at Mordred. Merlin is also revealed to be Myrddyn. Thorn arrives, draws Caliburn and becomes king and in doing so, his name is changed the Arthur.
The gang, now reunited with Hugo, return to the Sanctuary only to find that again nothing had changed. They use the forth slide and travel back to England. They find Arthur and Mordred arguing while enemies are attacking the castle. Mordred accidentally kills Arthur and flees. Chaz discovers that the Holy Grail can resurrect Arthur. They journey to Avalon where Chaz stays behind and becomes the Green Knight to let the Holy Grail, a young lady called Rose, to follow John, Jack and Hugo back to the castle where Arthur died. He is resurrected and calls the dragons using a ritual at Stonehenge but not before meeting up with Merlin who orchestrated the rebellion but who later changes his mind and joins them. The dragons help restore order and Arthur is made king again. Arthur binds and exiles Merlin so Merlin can do some soul searching and find his way again. The gang return to find that the world outside the room with the Lanterna Magica is now an empty void. They use the 5th and last slide and meet a monk called Geoffrey. The new Green Knight shows up and bring the gang, Geoffrey not included, to the Keep of Time. They meet the Cartographer who answers their questions. Fred opens the Serendipty Box to find a key. John, Jack, Uncus and Fred use it to open a door back to their time. John, Jack, Charles and Bert have a talk with their enemy Burton. They discover that it was he who placed the door in the woods. Burton takes his leave and Bert answers Jack's and John's questions. The story ends there.
The character John is cautious and yet slightly overconfident at the start of the book. He is the Caretaker Principia. I find that the reason why this title is bestowed upon him is not clear. He is also a caring father. His daughter gave him a beautiful watch that hardly works and yet he only uses that watch as his daughter cried when she saw him carrying another watch. He has a somewhat inquisitive mind. He was also trusting toward Chaz despite his betrayal. He also keeps the group together. He is compassionate and level headed
Jack is quite inquisitive. But, he was not so trusting towards Chaz in the beginning. He is level headed. He is quite brave when he talks with the giants. He is protective towards his friends. He defended the badgers when Chaz wanted to cook them in a stew.
Chaz is quite rude at the beginning. He even betrays his companions to Mordred. Slowly but steadily, a change comes over him as the story unfolds. He becomes a trusted friend. He is apt at learning languages. In the end, He sacrifices himself and stays behind on Avalon so that Rose, the Holy Grail, can leave Avalon.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Book reviews Part 2
The 2nd book that I have finished reading is known as "The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III". It was written by Robert Stanek. It is quite entertaining. Despite not being action packed, it has been written in such a way that it captivates me enough to read on. Mr Stanek can paint scenes quite well. Seeing as this book is already quite entertaining despite not being action packed, I am looking forward to reading his other books and have high expectations of them. The story told in this book can be followed despite not reading the other books although there may be a bit of confusion. The main characters are Adrina, the third and youngest daughter of King Andrew, and Vilmos, a human mage in training.
The story begins with Adrina returning home to Imtal while being escorted by the Klaive's Keep Knights. The rest of the trip home is uneventful other than a harmless confrontation. In the mean time, Emal, Son of the King's Knights, Captain Ansh Brodst and his father's company are ambushed while escorting the elves Seth and Galan. The two elves are nearly killed and quite a number of the men were slaughtered. Elsewhere, Vilmos and his mentor, Xith, journey to an inn where they receive a vision from a crystal ball. They decide to journey to their destination, the Under-Earth with greater haste. Emal and a few other captains are charged with the duty of rebuilding the garrison that was destroyed in the battle. Vilmos wanders off in Xith's absence and befriends a stranger who reveals his name to be S'tryil. S'tryil brings Vilmos to watch competitions where people fight for the glory of becoming the personal guards of Lord Geoffrey. Xith reappears shortly and drags Vilmos off. The Under-Earth is actually a barren desert and the plants that can survive are sickly. Back in Imtal, Adrina is attacked. She kills the leader of the assassins by throwing two daggers but not before her two guards are killed. Fortunately, the assassins retreat.
Back in the Under-Earth, Vilmos and Xith are attacked and the two are separated. In the mean time, Adrina and Emel look for the item the leader of the assassins had used to silence Adrina's call for the guards. They find a magical orb. Seth manages to recover enough to heal Galan who is at death's doorstep. Back in the Under-Earth, a bunch of hooded figures and an armoured warrior fight over Vilmos. Emal leaves for the territories to do some souls searching. Vilmos awakes to find himself in the inn of Edward the armoured figure who reveals himself to be a half troll and half giant. After that, Galan reveals the magical orb to be Dnyarr's orb. Edward teaches Vilmos how to play King's Mate, a board game. Vilmos proves to be an apt learner. After Seth and Galan recover somewhat, they talk to the council of the Kingdom Alliance. The elves try to get the aid of the Alliance in a war but the council does not want to be involved. In the mean time, Vilmos and Edward are attacked by Hunter Beasts. Edward sacrifices himself for Vilmos to escape. Vilmos manages to escape only to fall in to the Hunter Beast's trap. Xith's spirit comes to alert Vilmos that he had fallen into an illusion trap. Back in Imtal, the Seth and Galan fail again to persuade the council to aid the elves. Romance builds between the couple. During the third and last meeting, Seth uses his powers to let the Queen of the elves, known as the Queen Mother, to speak through him. After persuading the council, Seth nearly dies from the effort. Galan uses all her power and sacrifices herself so that Seth may live. This served to hardened the resolve of the council to help the elves. Adrina nearly commits suicide but is saved by Emal. And that concludes the story.
Adrina is the kind of character who supports her friends. This can be seen when she appoints Myrialas housemistress when she finds the previous housemaster bullying her. She also shows her concern for Seth and Galan when they were grievously wounded. When Emel decides to go to the dangerous territories to do some soul searching, Adrina tries to persuade him against it. Another trait Adrina has is that if she is determined to do something, she will do it to the end. For example, she fights with the council to give Seth and Galan more time to recover before the meeting. Also, when she was looking for the magical orb that the leader of the assassins dropped, she was not discouraged by Emel trying to stop her. But she can be a bit emotional. This is shown when she wants to jump off the castle wall and fly like a bird to escape from all the stress.
The character Vilmos displays doubt and uncertainty towards magic. After receiving the vision from Xith's magic orb, he insists that magic destroys and is evil. But, Xith manages to persuade him that it depends on the welder's motives. Vilmos also displays great power when his friends are in danger. When Xith is thought to have been slain by his attackers, Vilmos kills all the attackers easily. His mind though is still that of a child. This can be seen when he pleads with Xith to let him see a real brawl despite them being in a dangerous place.
The story begins with Adrina returning home to Imtal while being escorted by the Klaive's Keep Knights. The rest of the trip home is uneventful other than a harmless confrontation. In the mean time, Emal, Son of the King's Knights, Captain Ansh Brodst and his father's company are ambushed while escorting the elves Seth and Galan. The two elves are nearly killed and quite a number of the men were slaughtered. Elsewhere, Vilmos and his mentor, Xith, journey to an inn where they receive a vision from a crystal ball. They decide to journey to their destination, the Under-Earth with greater haste. Emal and a few other captains are charged with the duty of rebuilding the garrison that was destroyed in the battle. Vilmos wanders off in Xith's absence and befriends a stranger who reveals his name to be S'tryil. S'tryil brings Vilmos to watch competitions where people fight for the glory of becoming the personal guards of Lord Geoffrey. Xith reappears shortly and drags Vilmos off. The Under-Earth is actually a barren desert and the plants that can survive are sickly. Back in Imtal, Adrina is attacked. She kills the leader of the assassins by throwing two daggers but not before her two guards are killed. Fortunately, the assassins retreat.
Back in the Under-Earth, Vilmos and Xith are attacked and the two are separated. In the mean time, Adrina and Emel look for the item the leader of the assassins had used to silence Adrina's call for the guards. They find a magical orb. Seth manages to recover enough to heal Galan who is at death's doorstep. Back in the Under-Earth, a bunch of hooded figures and an armoured warrior fight over Vilmos. Emal leaves for the territories to do some souls searching. Vilmos awakes to find himself in the inn of Edward the armoured figure who reveals himself to be a half troll and half giant. After that, Galan reveals the magical orb to be Dnyarr's orb. Edward teaches Vilmos how to play King's Mate, a board game. Vilmos proves to be an apt learner. After Seth and Galan recover somewhat, they talk to the council of the Kingdom Alliance. The elves try to get the aid of the Alliance in a war but the council does not want to be involved. In the mean time, Vilmos and Edward are attacked by Hunter Beasts. Edward sacrifices himself for Vilmos to escape. Vilmos manages to escape only to fall in to the Hunter Beast's trap. Xith's spirit comes to alert Vilmos that he had fallen into an illusion trap. Back in Imtal, the Seth and Galan fail again to persuade the council to aid the elves. Romance builds between the couple. During the third and last meeting, Seth uses his powers to let the Queen of the elves, known as the Queen Mother, to speak through him. After persuading the council, Seth nearly dies from the effort. Galan uses all her power and sacrifices herself so that Seth may live. This served to hardened the resolve of the council to help the elves. Adrina nearly commits suicide but is saved by Emal. And that concludes the story.
Adrina is the kind of character who supports her friends. This can be seen when she appoints Myrialas housemistress when she finds the previous housemaster bullying her. She also shows her concern for Seth and Galan when they were grievously wounded. When Emel decides to go to the dangerous territories to do some soul searching, Adrina tries to persuade him against it. Another trait Adrina has is that if she is determined to do something, she will do it to the end. For example, she fights with the council to give Seth and Galan more time to recover before the meeting. Also, when she was looking for the magical orb that the leader of the assassins dropped, she was not discouraged by Emel trying to stop her. But she can be a bit emotional. This is shown when she wants to jump off the castle wall and fly like a bird to escape from all the stress.
The character Vilmos displays doubt and uncertainty towards magic. After receiving the vision from Xith's magic orb, he insists that magic destroys and is evil. But, Xith manages to persuade him that it depends on the welder's motives. Vilmos also displays great power when his friends are in danger. When Xith is thought to have been slain by his attackers, Vilmos kills all the attackers easily. His mind though is still that of a child. This can be seen when he pleads with Xith to let him see a real brawl despite them being in a dangerous place.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Book reviews Part 1
The book that I have read is entitled "The Tin Princess". It was written by Philip Pullman. The book describes a political struggle between Germany and Austria over nickel in the mines of the small country of Raskavia. The book is very intriguing. There is never a dull moment. The main characters are Becky, a translator, Jim, a detective and Adelaide, wife of Prince Rudolf of Raskavia. The book intrigues because, with the background in a fictional country of Razkavia, there are plots against the throne, mad princes locked away in dark grottos and assassinations.
The story begins with Prince Rudolf, who is going incognito at the time due to his secret marriage with Adelaide, hiring Becky as Adelaide's language tutor over the phone. Upon meeting Becky, Adelaide reveals her husband's identity and they become fast friends. Not long after, Prince Rudolf returns and a time bomb in his carriage goes off. Fortunately, the prince gets away unscratched. He sends Jim, who had been secretly watching over Adelaide at the time, to catch the culprits. Not long after, the crown prince of Raskavia is murdered and Count Thalgau is sent to get Prince Rudolf to return. Soon, the elderly king of Raskavia passes away and Rudolf is crowned king. There is a ritual where the new king has to bear the flag of Raskavia to the Rock where a famous battle took place. Rudolf is shot dead and Adelaide carries the flag to the Rock and is crowned the ruler. After gaining the support of the people, she has to contend with Austria and Germany which had sent their negotiators to persuade her to relinquish more nickel. Through flattery and other means, she subtly sways the negotiators to accept her terms in the form of a treaty.
In the mean time, Jim discovers the original crown prince, Leopold, who was long thought deceased but had actually been imprisoned. He was apparently shifted due to his captors wanting to use him to seize the throne. Unfortunately, the long years of seclusion had driven him mad. After securing the aid of Leopold's wife, Carmen Ruiz, Jim and his gang of students try to spring Leopold from his cell. But, their plans are foiled and Jim is captured. Around the same time, Adelaide discovers that her food is poisoned through the death of her kitten. The chamberlain captures her and Becky, and attempts to stage a coup. Fortunately, the trio are held in the same building and Jim manages to spring all of them. They meet up with the students and they take the historical flag of Raskavia to show that Raskavia is still free. While escaping on a train, it crashes due to sabotage and Becky is injured. They make it to the Rock. Otto von Schwartberg, Rudolf's cousin, along with Count Thalgu and some men, come to offer their aid. During their imprisonment, the Germans had invaded and had tracked Adelaide's gang to the Rock. A bloody battle ensues. In the end, the trio are sent to hospital victorious. But they soon find out that Adelaide has been painted in bad light by the press and that Bleichroder, Prince Bismark's banker, had overturned the treaty to outflank the German parliament in a struggle. The author failed to introduce Price Bismark properly - this is a weakness or an oversight.
The hero, Jim Taylor, is a strange combination of a gambler and private detective who loves excitement, danger and violence.
The heroine is 22-year-old Adelaide who is beautiful, tough and illiterate, and who is secretly married to Prince Rudolf of Razkavia. When Adelaide becomes Queen, she does the job surprisingly well. With enemies plotting against her, Jim and Becky have their hands full as they try to stay ahead of the schemers.
Philip Pullman's fluent and descriptive story-telling and his wealth of the details bring the period to life. The story concocted by him is a good read and held my attention to the end in an admirable fashion. I would recommend it for people of all ages who would enjoy this classic story which cleverly weaves mystery, romance, bravery and adventure in a complicated yet believable plot. The story champions the trait of emotional toughness in the face of no easy choices and no safe paths. All of us can learn a bit about life from this make-believe tiny kingdom of Raskavia caught up in the empire building of Germany and Austria before World War I. Perhaps, the greatest lesson is that it tells the painful truth that good does not always triumph over evil but good people can still act courageously and honourably. I am touched.
The story begins with Prince Rudolf, who is going incognito at the time due to his secret marriage with Adelaide, hiring Becky as Adelaide's language tutor over the phone. Upon meeting Becky, Adelaide reveals her husband's identity and they become fast friends. Not long after, Prince Rudolf returns and a time bomb in his carriage goes off. Fortunately, the prince gets away unscratched. He sends Jim, who had been secretly watching over Adelaide at the time, to catch the culprits. Not long after, the crown prince of Raskavia is murdered and Count Thalgau is sent to get Prince Rudolf to return. Soon, the elderly king of Raskavia passes away and Rudolf is crowned king. There is a ritual where the new king has to bear the flag of Raskavia to the Rock where a famous battle took place. Rudolf is shot dead and Adelaide carries the flag to the Rock and is crowned the ruler. After gaining the support of the people, she has to contend with Austria and Germany which had sent their negotiators to persuade her to relinquish more nickel. Through flattery and other means, she subtly sways the negotiators to accept her terms in the form of a treaty.
In the mean time, Jim discovers the original crown prince, Leopold, who was long thought deceased but had actually been imprisoned. He was apparently shifted due to his captors wanting to use him to seize the throne. Unfortunately, the long years of seclusion had driven him mad. After securing the aid of Leopold's wife, Carmen Ruiz, Jim and his gang of students try to spring Leopold from his cell. But, their plans are foiled and Jim is captured. Around the same time, Adelaide discovers that her food is poisoned through the death of her kitten. The chamberlain captures her and Becky, and attempts to stage a coup. Fortunately, the trio are held in the same building and Jim manages to spring all of them. They meet up with the students and they take the historical flag of Raskavia to show that Raskavia is still free. While escaping on a train, it crashes due to sabotage and Becky is injured. They make it to the Rock. Otto von Schwartberg, Rudolf's cousin, along with Count Thalgu and some men, come to offer their aid. During their imprisonment, the Germans had invaded and had tracked Adelaide's gang to the Rock. A bloody battle ensues. In the end, the trio are sent to hospital victorious. But they soon find out that Adelaide has been painted in bad light by the press and that Bleichroder, Prince Bismark's banker, had overturned the treaty to outflank the German parliament in a struggle. The author failed to introduce Price Bismark properly - this is a weakness or an oversight.
The hero, Jim Taylor, is a strange combination of a gambler and private detective who loves excitement, danger and violence.
The heroine is 22-year-old Adelaide who is beautiful, tough and illiterate, and who is secretly married to Prince Rudolf of Razkavia. When Adelaide becomes Queen, she does the job surprisingly well. With enemies plotting against her, Jim and Becky have their hands full as they try to stay ahead of the schemers.
Philip Pullman's fluent and descriptive story-telling and his wealth of the details bring the period to life. The story concocted by him is a good read and held my attention to the end in an admirable fashion. I would recommend it for people of all ages who would enjoy this classic story which cleverly weaves mystery, romance, bravery and adventure in a complicated yet believable plot. The story champions the trait of emotional toughness in the face of no easy choices and no safe paths. All of us can learn a bit about life from this make-believe tiny kingdom of Raskavia caught up in the empire building of Germany and Austria before World War I. Perhaps, the greatest lesson is that it tells the painful truth that good does not always triumph over evil but good people can still act courageously and honourably. I am touched.
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