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Car enthusiasts are an emotional bunch. So, I naturally develop feelings for things on wheels, be it four wheels or two. However, I was surprised to discover that I had become attached to my old pair of sneakers, whose soles are so worn that it hurts to wear them. That is the unequivocal signal to retire them. But I must say "Thank you" before bidding them goodbye. The laceless design is convenient, saving time when you need to rush off in the morning Through thick and thin These Adidas Ultraboost sneakers were purchased during a holiday in Taipei over six years ago. Back then, I saw them as shoes to wear on Thursdays and Fridays. The fact that they didn't have laces added to their appeal. Indeed, this was their purpose for the next two years. I wore them sparingly - no more than once a week and not when it was raining when I was about to leave the house. Then COVID came. It put an end to work trips and twice-yearly holidays - these shoes accompanied me on such occasions. But the pandemic was also a blessing, for it allowed me to reset and chase after better health. These sneakers became my workout companion. As my other pair of running shoes wore out, this pair accompanied me on numerous walks, jogs and runs. Kilometre after kilometre, they plodded along with me as I strived to improve my fitness. I went from being haggard after walking two kilometres to being able to easily walk 10 kilometres - with plenty of 'petrol' left in the tank. Walking for two hours straight is now easy. This newfound fitness continues to pay off during holidays. Of course, all this pavement pounding took its toll. Wear patterns emerged as the once-fresh soles became flatter. I washed them whenever they began to smell. They began to lose their 'bounce' as well, with the springiness lessening each month. At the same time, these sneakers continued their service as part of my casual Friday ensemble. Or, if I had to go somewhere where a lot of walking was involved, I would slip them on. When I began pursuing my 2B licence last May, these sneakers were once again called to action. They were my de facto choice of footwear for practical lessons. (I wear proper riding boots now with protective D30 inserts.) I really put these sneakers through hell. Many of my practical lessons occurred during heavy downpours, leaving them and my feet soaking wet. Still, they soldiered on. The 'tread' is worn and flat, and the soles have actually cracked Age sets in Midway through my nine-month journey (which included a two-month wait for the TP test availability, during which I kept spamming circuit reviews), I began to worry that my shoes wouldn't last till the end. I had ceased wearing them on Fridays and had bought another pair for workouts. But they still performed exercise duty from time to time. My concern then was that I did not want to alter my riding footwear. When you're a newbie, you're scared of having to get used to something else. What if your other shoes are slippery, causing you to miss a shift and even fail the test? Well, these sneakers held, and I passed my 2B licence in them. Calling them my 'lucky shoes', I promised I would throw them away right after earning my 2A licence this year. That deadline has long passed. Goodbye and thank you Now that I've written this sole-ful tribute, I am ready to bid these sneakers adieu. My rational side knows that there's no point in keeping shoes I can no longer wear, and that throwing them away frees up space for a replacement pair. But rather than parting with them with a heavy heart, I wish to send them off with a grateful and happy one. To my long-serving sneakers: Thank you for being there for me each time I needed you. Thank you for standing up to the rigours of my lifestyle. Your worn soles are a testament to how far we have travelled. Thank you for being my initial riding companion and getting me through the first riding licence. And for always being there for all other casual occasions. If shoes could tell a story, you would be a diary that chronicled my journey over the last six years. I have worn you till you wore out; it is only fair for you to retire. Life is about choices, and it's also about learning to let go to make room in your life for new experiences. Should Adidas make another pair like this one in a colour I like, I would probably buy it. It won't be the same as my old pair of sneakers, but I'd still be excited to see where they take me over the next few years.

We all missed being able to travel during the dark and uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even when Vaccinated Travel Lanes were introduced, few of us were interested. After all, undergoing numerous PCR tests is uncomfortable and being subject to quarantines, especially if you catch COVID, is hardly how anyone wants to spend their holiday. So, a lot of folks became 'tourists in their own country'. And staycations, or staycays for short, became popular. Being cooped up in one's home for too long does that to people. But now that we can freely travel without needing PCR tests and quarantines (and face masks for that matter), some have opined that staycays are no longer relevant. I, however, think otherwise. Here are five reasons why. Photo: Paolo Nicolello, Unsplash 1. It's less of a hassle compared to going overseas. Planning an overseas holiday is complicated. You need to book flights, consider where you'll be staying and figure out an itinerary. That means you'll have to do research (Google and YouTube) to come up with a list of places and activities to do at your destination. This also results in having to figure out the logistics and transportation that go along with said activities. How difficult this will be is subjective. But some form of planning is required. In comparison, a staycay only requires me to plan when to take leave and check out the room rates for the hotel my wife and I wish to stay in. Then, we just pack light. There is no need to wake up early or stay up late to catch a flight. Flying off to another country is fun, but it requires planning, time and effort 2. Forgot something? No worries. One of the advantages of staycationing is convenience - you don't have to go or look far to find say, toiletries or swimwear. There's also no need to exchange currency (or worry about exchange rates and which money changer to go to). I don't have to subscribe to a roaming service either. One thing that worries me before my wife and I fly overseas is whether we've left anything charging. If we're on a staycation, we wouldn't be concerned because hey, if needed, we can return home to check. Not having to worry about such things is why staycations can be more stress-free compared to a holiday overseas. You can still eat well in Singapore - just go to your usual haunts while on a staycation 3. There might be food issues. Trying new food is one of the biggest reasons for exploring other countries. You can really get to know another country's culture by keeping an open mind and sampling their local fare. However, not all of us are fortunate enough to have travel companions with the same mindset. If your family members are the type who 'can only eat local food' or worse, only want to patronise restaurants from global F&B chains, holidaying overseas is probably inconvenient for you. But if you're on a staycation, then your less adventurous family members should have less to complain about, which might result in less stress for you as well. Hotels like Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore can make you feel like you're in an overseas resort, even if you haven't left the country 4. Consider medical concerns. Not everyone is blessed with good health, even for those who work out regularly and watch their diet. Sometimes, genetics just gets the better of you. If you have family members that can't travel due to underlying medical concerns, a staycation is a good alternative. Frankly, being able to find a hotel that gives you the feeling that you're not in Singapore is not easy. But perhaps a getaway to Sentosa (which is not on the 'mainland') might suffice. Although you'd still be in Singapore, staying at a hotel means not having to clean your room or worry about running the air-con 24/7. Not having to think about chores is a stress-reliever, which is what holidays are about. 5. Staycations generally cost less. A three-night stay at a local hotel (provided you haven't booked the Presidential Suite and aren't eating all your meals there) can be cheaper than a six-day holiday overseas, so when I feel like I need a quick break from work, a staycation really does the trick. Well-meaning colleagues always mention that part of the hotel budget could have been used for air tickets. Or that we should have redeemed our miles instead. But these suggestions overlook the fact that going overseas entails other costs as well. These include currency exchange, your hotel, food, and pocket money for shopping. When we're overseas, there's a tendency to want to eat more food and buy more stuff because you might not find the same things back home.

Is there any rumors going on that without turning on your headlight ur car can gain extra few horse? Had notice since months ago that more and more often I would see cars traveling without any headlight at nite. Almost once every every few night will spotted one. Last night when traveling on TPE, I was on the 2nd lane going at abt 100. approaching a car, I signal right, check clear, move out. half way out, suddenly, a high beam flash past my rear mirror, realising it is so near, I immediately cut back into my lane. was a black car without any headlight on. The car itself is black in color. So dark that I cant figure much the model of the car, except it look like a vios or similar size sedan. turning out x'press way heading to home, see another car without headlight, except this time it is a white CRV. Think going to try tonight see if don turn on headlight, will my car go faster!

True, False, Some time maybe

Just today, I almost hit onto another vehicle which made an illegal entry into a no entry area as there is only one-way traffic in the carpark.. It happened at Raffles City.. In fact, for the past few months, almost every once in a while I will see cars doing that.. It's especially prevalent in Raffles City.. But also prevalent at other carparks as well.. On entering the carpark (from Bras Basah Rd entrance) at B2, cars are supposed to make a right turn on the 2nd junction (1st junction is for cars exiting when they travel from B3) followed by a left turn immediately.. Some cars, choose to ignore the no entry sign and go straight in.. Is it a "lazy to go one big round to get to that free lot" attitude? Or is it a simply "bo chap" attitude? I think by taking the short cut, it puts other users' vehicle or pedestrians' lives at risk.. I understand sometimes it is difficult to get a lot and by the time you turn one round to get to that lot, it might already be taken, but I'd rather be safe den sorry.. So what are ur views guys and gals?

Hi there, will be travelling from Seoul to Busan on the 13th Sept - 15th & it happen to be a P.Holiday. I've make the reservation for the Korail Pass but i realise all KTX seats have been fully booked. So i can only opt for the standing tickets provided it's still available. So may i ask what if even standing tickets also no available, will i be prevent from boarding the train? Please help thanks x 2

Posted in Switzerland 20:54 hrs from Zermatt Alpen Resort Hotel. Pic 1 : Checked-in at 23:00hrs via SQ346 Switzerland Zurich bound at Changi Airport T3 Row6 Pic 2 : Boarding SQ346 at 00:40 hrs through Gate 10 Pic 3 : Boeing Jumbo Jet A380-800 Air Bus Take-off at 01:45 hrs 15 minutes delayed schedule 01:30 due to busy flight traffics Pic 4 : SQ346 Bird eye view of Switzerland Zurich Swiss Cottage, SQ346 flight touch down at 07:15 hrs Zurich time ( Actual flight time 12hrs 30 minutes, Switzerland time is 7 hrs behind Singapore GMT+8 ) Pic 5/6/7 : Mercedes Benz ML350 SUV driving to W.Germany visiting Rhine Water Fall and Black Forest Pic 8/9 : Driving from Switzerland Zurich to W.Germany border crossing, immigration and custom clearance is swift and easy by just showing International Passport together with Air Tickets and custom declaration pre-signed form Pic 10 : W.Germany Nuclear Energy Plant Pic 11 : W.Germany Rhine water fall

Was travelling home on the expressway, both kids are sleeping at the back so I only travelled at around 80km/h (lane 3). At one point, I was tailgated by a bus (imagine looking into your rearview mirror, and the whole back windscreen is blocked - you can only see the bus and its headlight, not even the sky). It is freaking SCARY and i seriously felt very threatened. If I needed to brake, I'm pretty sure it's gonna crash into me. So, I was glad when it finally buay tahan my slowness and went to lane 2 (around 8sec in video), and immediately the bike that was travelling there siam the imminent barrage.. It continued to chiong until it finally decided to go onto lane 1 (around 31sec in video). It's a Malaysian coach.. And I'm pretty sure that it's travelling at 100km/h or more. Is there a speed limit for all these buses? Not sure how you guys feel by watching the video, but for me, I really think it's an accident waiting to happen. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT0MuO37yE4

Traveling to US soon.... do I need to apply for ESTA? Who checks this and when does it get checked? Last time I sent my friend off, there were a bunch of police officers "interrogating" each traveler - what are they asking and is this where they check the visas or ESTA? Thanks in advance for any tips...

Plan to stay at Swissotel Sydney for 4 nites in Nov. From Sydney, is it possible to get local tour day trips to places like Blue Mountain, Gold Coast, Movie World and SeaWorld? thanks

STOMPer Ave said the her dad almost got into an accident when a car suddenly came speeding against the flow of traffic on the CTE today morning (May 6), at 5.45am. Said the STOMPer: "My father almost could not react to the oncoming car travelling on the same lane at the wrong direction! "This shocking scene took place this morning, at 5.45am at CTE expressway. " http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sg...fic_on_cte.html How can this be possible? Drunk driving?

Anyone know where to get those heavy duty trunk for travelling? Air travelling use. Preferable with wheels for convenience. Need to carry some machinery around the region for demonstartion purpose. Pelikan case are way too expensive for my budget. Looking for other brands and design. http://www.wayfair.com/Seward-Trunk-Colleg...25-STK1041.html trunk.bmp Something like the above or similar.

Got tailgate and high beam early in the morning at MCP for travelling at 20kph with 3 more ramps to go, what is the rush when I will still meet you at the exit of the MCP or alley, so many cars are exiting at the same time... IRRC, MCP have a speed limit of 15kph and there are alot of ppl walking towards their car.

Going to take the train next week to KL before it stops in Jul with my family. As this is our first holiday trip to Malaysia on a train, we aren't sure what to expect. Any kind souls would like to share experience of taking train please? Information like can eat and drink in the cabin or not? 8 hrs from Tanjong pager to KL and with young children eat and drink is important The cabin got toilet? Sounds silly but I really don't know Can jalan jalan during stops at various train station? Appreciate all sharing of experience and information

As above subject. Thank You.

If travelling on a highway at 70km/h on the 2nd lane consider a road hog? I usually drive about 80-90 on the expressway keeping to the road limit. Then sometimes when going up a gradient the car will drop speed cos I usually maintain my pressure on the throttle so as to maintain fuel efficiency. But alot of time there is away an impatient driver behind me flash me high beam and tailgate me. Why can't they just overtake me on the 1st lane since they have alot of money to burn on petrol. Just want to get some feedback, no flaming please.

Date - today Time - just now Background - feeling down, thus travel leisurely along KJE towards BKE. Was cruising @ 80km/h in centre lane with a M'sia Wira, 2 vans in front. No way to speed up unless overtake. Right lane was clear. Incident - Think was not far after coming into KJE from PIE, did not notice where it came from but the moment I noticed there was a grey Sienta (SFE9***X) right behind me (mind you I was in centre lane). I can only see 1/2 of his headlamp, the next moment the driver HI-BEAM me ... I was puzzled, thought could it be someone I know ? The Sienta overtook me, while at side I looked at the driver, he gesture me with a "WTF" hand-signal & face ... I was like "huh ?" ... if it was an accidental triggering of hi-beam, his expression won't be like this right ? ... I took the right lane behind him and flashed, hand signalling "why?", he tapped brake before moved on. I was really down today, thus I cut back to centre lane and continue my journey. Question - What could I have done wrong ? Drove a far less superior car than a Sienta ? Drove too slowly where cars are in front ? Should I cut to left lane to let it pass me ? If this dear Sienta driver frequent this forum, please clear my doubt.

Recently my fren complain to me the distance and time he needs to travel to his new workplace, from Serangoon North to Pandan Road. He was retrenched two mths back and found a new job in a job fair after numerous applications. He is in his mid-40s. His previous work place was in Loyang and travel to work using CTE-TPE. New job is at Pandan and he uses CTE-AYE to get to work. He complain to me that he needs at least 1.5 - 2hrs to get back home daily thus reaching home sometimes 8+pm which he felt not worth it + need to pay ERP. He thinking of quiting due to the travelling time and look for another job near his place. I stay in the north and work in the south, to me, travel time of 1 to 1.5hrs is normal. I told him to tahan 1st as this is his new job after being retrenched and the economy is not doing so well. But not sure how long more he can tahan.

21st Mar 2009, about 3pm, TP WRX 75 slow crawl on ECP lane 1, at least from Tampinese to Ford Road exit at 80-90km/h with no car in front, but many cars LL follow behind, including me. As had been illustrated by our well respected TP, travelling at 80-90km/h on lane 1 is perfectly alright, please don

Yes, I am travelling again, this time to Turkey. Took a SQ flight again, and the following pictures are from Dubai to Istanbul sector, plane do not fly direct to IST, but with a stop over at Dubai. Here's the airport, pictures taken while waiting in line to reboard flight.... The cabin I was in, you guess what class.... Parked next to the SQ plane is a Emirates Air plane.... While plane was taxi-ing towards runway, snap a picture of the Terminal Some night shots of Dubai... After settling down to cruise altitude, breakfast was served.... Table setting... Fruits to start the meal... Cereal with yogurt....well, I mix the cornflakes with yogurt...yummy.. Main course, which I chose prawn dumplings...... After meal, tried getting some sleep, but saw that the sun is rising, I love sunrise.... Well... I am trying to stretch to have some sleep....

as above... Do u buy alot of memory cards ? Need to know wat is the best way to store them . Thanks !

hi bros, Engine oil is about 10% lesser on the dipstick as opposed to just serviced when its just slightly below the F dot This is normal / acceptable? Serviced at 9.8k now 18k...intend to go service at 20k. so another 2k more about 1 month for me that is. Thanks!

This could be totally irrelevant but really need advise as am a new car driver and not familiar with roads. Real stressful on the roads man

Guys, Just wanna check which shampoo is good and strong enough but will not strip off wax? Currently using the Polygaze car wash but find it not so good, do give me your recommendations, thanks.

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