If you think I broke the law, why not call the police?

Have you ever been told that you are not allowed to take photos of the facade of a condominium? Well, it happened to me last evening.

I ate too much and decided to go for a walk to work off some calories in the evening. I walked past a condominium with a nice water feature at the entrance. I took out my phone to take a photo of the water feature and suddenly felt a strong beam of white light in my eyes.

Then, I heard someone shouting but I couldn't make out the words. I looked around and saw a fat, Indian lady wearing a security guard uniform in the guard house which was set probably about 20 meters from the entrance. She was shouting something at me and waving a strong light in my direction.

I cupped one of my ears and said loudly, "I can't hear you!"

She walked out of the guard house and came closer. I had the presence of mind not to walk towards her. I wouldn't want to be accused of trespassing on private property, after all. I remained standing on the public pavement. When she was closer to me, she spoke in an authoritative voice, "No photo taking of condo allowed!"

That gave me a shock largely because it was such an outlandish demand. I have never been stopped by anyone from taking photos of a building's facade in Singapore before. Anyway, I recovered quickly and asked her where was the sign to say photo taking was prohibited? She said there was no sign but she was telling me that I was not allowed to take photos.

I told her that the demand was unreasonable and that it would never stand in a court of law. If I felt like it, I could take as many photos as I liked. I was standing on public land taking photo of the condo's facade. I did not trespass on private property.

Then, she warned me that the condo CCTV was recording the encounter. That got to me and I told her that she could call the police, if she felt like it, since she obviously thought I did something wrong. I think she got a surprise when I said that. She challenged me to call the police instead, turned around and walked away.

怪事每年有, 今年特别多!

As I was walking away, I wondered what kind of MCST would issue such an order since I supposed the guards were following instructions? Maybe, I should call my realtor and arrange for a viewing of some of the units which have been put up for sale or rental. A quick check online revealed quite a few units available.

Would the guards stop me from taking photos of the grounds, the facade or even the guardhouse then? I wonder.

Related post:
Can't think of any... -.-"

For good food or car washes, Singaporeans love to queue!

I don't like wasting time in long queues. Someone could tell me that a restaurant served great food and that I should try but I would give it a miss if I were to see a long queue of people waiting to get a table. Wait 30 minutes to an hour to get a table? Mental!

I was in the lift and a couple was talking:

H: The queue was so long. At least 10 cars in front of me. Queue till the road outside.

W: So many cars?

H: Yah. Chinese New Year's eve. Every year is like that. I waited almost 50 minutes to have the car washed.

W: How much?

H: $8.  (Seeing AK in the lift. H smiled and asked.) You got your car washed?

AK: Yes, I washed it myself. 

H: Wah! You have the time to do it?

AK: Haha... Took me 30 minutes. The shampoo and sponge cost me $6.50. Good for at least 20 washes. Way cheaper than going to a car wash too...

I think I said too much. The husband's smile faded but luckily the lift reached their floor and they got off then. I hope I did not step on someone's foot.

Actually, I see rather long queues at car washes all the time. It is not just during festive seasons.

Wait 30 minutes to an hour to pay people to do something that I could easily do? Definitely mental!

GONG XI FA CAI (to the people washing cars too)!

Related posts:
1. Laugh with AK!
2. AK polishes his car!
3. If we are not rich, don't act rich.

Laugh with AK and have a happy Chinese New Year!

As promised, here are some photos taken in the evening of 13 February 2015 (Friday):

I think the flu bug this year is especially virulent!
Remember your mask. Don't leave home without it!
Hey, who is the other fellow seated next to Sean? O_o

AK demonstrating Chinese Kung Fu from Foshan.
What? You don't recognise the famous dragon claw?
Not the left hand. The right hand! -.-"

Group photo with Sean, Ivan, Leong, Paul et. al.
I think everyone had fun that evening.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! :)

福星高照!

AK wishes all readers a very happy and prosperous Chinese New Year! Huat ah!

Lucky number: 8854.

Related post:
Eat bread with ink slowly.