An extremely overdue post about the Youth Olympics, blini, and pineapple tarts.
Hello flist!
I’m sorry I disappeared off the face of the LJ-verse for so long, it’s 2nd Year and after 4 months of blissful vegetation, a new semester took some getting used to ugh. But anyway, ON TO THE HAPPENINGNESS.
So this was just about the most happening thing that happened to me in the past months:
ASKDJFHKDLEIUFK I FINALLY GOT A PHOTO WITH ONE OF THE RUSSIAN ATHLETES SOBBBBB TAT When the YOG just started out, I kept looking out for any Russians but they were so elusive as are the other apparently-2000 Russians in Singapore where the hell are they srsly stop hiding from me I promise I won’t be creepy
Okay, so here is the long story behind this photo. I went to Suntec with Nee-san and Estelle to show them the international costumes exhibition the National Heritage Board had put up in one of the atriums. While walking over from the train station exit, I espied a crouching figure by the orchids under the huge screens in the convention centre and started hyperventilating because I recognised the colours and the design of the uniform so I grabbed Nee-san and was like LOOK IT’S A RUSSIAN LOOOOKKKKKKK and basically dissolved into a hyperventilating wreck until Estelle suggested I go up to him and ask for a photo and then it went downhill from there:
Me: BUT LOOK AT HIM HE’S SO CUTE TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ORCHIDS I CAN’T JUST DISTURB HIM LIKE THAT NO I SHOULD BE CONTENT WITH ADMIRING FROM AFAR FUCK WHERE ARE MY BINOCULARS TAT
Estelle: JUST GO ASK HIMMMMM
Me: *clings to a signboard* NOOOOUUUUU I CAN’T I REALLY CAN’TTTTTTT TAT
Estelle: FINE I’LL ASK HIM FOR YOU *drags*
Me: OH MY GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD D8
Estelle: *goes up to Random Nice Russian Guy* HI IS IT OKAY IF MY FRIEND HERE TAKES A PHOTO WITH YOU SHE’S OBSESSED WITH RUSSIAN STUFF AND SHE’D REALLY LIKE A PHOTO WITH YOU
Random Nice Russian Guy: *stares in Russianly bewilderment*
Me: ESTELLE I DON’T THINK HE UNDERSTANDS AND EVEN IF HE DOES YOU’RE SPEAKING TOO FAST D8 *apologetically to Random Nice Russian Guy* C-can I take a photo with you? ;A; *gestures vaguely*
Random Nice Russian Guy: *obliges in Russianly bemusement*
-at the end of it all-
Me: S-spasiba... ;A;
Random Nice Russian Guy: *says something that sounded like* Zdorovie.
So yah, adventure to the max. I love their sports uniforms, EVEN THEIR SHOES ARE RUSSIA-THEMED FFFFFF <333 I only wish I knew more Russian so I could’ve properly explained myself to him. Unfortunately, at that time, I didn’t even know how to say “I’m sorry, my friend is mad.” >.>;;;
Here have more YOG happeningness:
Look look! It’s the 1980 Moscow Olympics torch! They had the other Olympic torches on display near the exhibition halls area but because I was shamelessly biased so mesmerised by the Moscow torch, it was the only one I took a photo of.
THE LITHUANIAN PIN AAAAHHHH!!!!! Peishan managed to snag it for me on the last day of the YOG because some Greek guy was selling memorabilia at the Boon Lay station HAHA, THANK YOU PEISHAN I LOVE YOU THE MANYS <333 Sob I feel like I missed out on a really good opportunity to meet people from around the world and find out about their cultures because I didn’t volunteer for the YOG TTATT;;; But what to do, all the training programs and timings were pretty much tailored to the NTU schedule since the campus was the host site for the Olympic Village. The unhappeningness of NUS, it frustrates me so!
In any case, watching some of the YOG events on TV was pretty fun, and being a Hetalia fan never fails to make watching international events/news even more interesting hahaha. Apparently when Belarus competed in an event with Russia in it, the athletes ended up messing up somehow in one way or another: for the modern pentathlon, when the Russian athlete ran past, the Belarusian athlete tripped and fell down; and during rhythmic gymnastics, the Belarusian gymnast accidentally threw her hoop too far, so that messed up her routine. I feel so sorry for them! D: But it’s still kind of amusing on some level because, as Nee-san pointed out, it’s like Belarus always got distracted the moment Russia was around hahaha. And Nii-san is convinced the tripping in the modern pentathlon was part of a “fall and pull his pants down on the way” plan XD But anyway, come on Belarus, you can do it! Train hard for the next YOG! >: She did very well in the hammer throw event though, I think I was both awed and terrified when I watched the athlete because it was so fucking INTENSSSE. Lithuania also had a really kickass athlete in Taekwondo, if I remember correctly, he scored the maximum number of points in a match because he managed to throw his opponent down and keep him on the mat for the rest of the time. L-Liet, why so fierce and cool ;A; this is doing nothing to help my head-canon that you are sekritly seme At the end of YOG, Russia and Ukraine got into the Top 9 for medal count, so I’m very proud of that haha!
What Else I Have Been Up To Lately: A Camwhore’s Essay
Some of the traditional costumes on display at Suntec:
Russia! :D Simple, yet handsome and elegant, and they look so comfortable. I love how vibrant the red is hahaha.
This is what the information placard said:
The traditional Russian costume is believed to have begun taking shape during the 12th to 13th centuries and has evolved over the centuries. Traditionally, Russian peasants made costumes with their own fabrics, usually wool, hemp and linen. Several families may combine resources to purchase festive wear, such as wedding costumes, for collective use.
The women’s costume is noted for its straight-cut lines, giving a soft silhouette and emphasising the ladies’ steps. Several layers make up the costume with red being the popular fabric colour. The costume’s form is based on the sarafan, a kind of sleeveless dress consisting of a shirt, dress, belt and apron. The headdress signifies the marital status of the women. Married women wear headdresses covering the entire head while maidens wear open headdresses.
Costumes for men are generally simpler and more uniformed. Shirts fastened on the side, called kosovorotkas, are usually paired with narrow trouser and worn with boots.
Ukraine, another one of my favourites. I really like the Slavic costumes in general, there’s this kind of practical rustic beauty to them, especially with all those elaborate embroidery patterns <3 You can’t see it here, but the guy’s hat is really cute because it’s kinda long and tapered and has a tassel that drapes down the back.
The artistry of Ukrainian culture can be seen in its traditional costumes. Decorative appliqué work, in which pieces of fabric are sewn together to form pictures and patterns, reveal the creativity of Ukrainians.
Symbolism plays an important role in traditional Ukrainian costumes. The arrow-wood with its cluster of red fruit, which are embroidered on the women’s costume, symbolise life and the memories of loved ones and is often associated with Ukraine. The wreath of ribbons is a symbol for marital status- only unmarried women may wear the headdress.
Cultural exchange has also left its legacy in these costumes. The men’s costume consists of a pair of red pants called sharovary. These pants were adapted from the shalwar, or baggy pants, worn in the Middle East and South Asia. In the Ukrainian costume, however, the pants are worn with an embroidered sash and shirt, completed with a Cossack hat.
Alas, they didn’t have any Belarusian costumes on display because Belarus was too busy stalking her brother to bother with trivial things like loaning her costumes to heritage exhibitions.
Another comfy costume, this time from Poland. I love the blouse and the head-wreath thing, it looks vaguely hippie hahaha.
Poland is a country with rich and diverse folklore and traditions. Every region in Poland has its own customs, songs, dances and costumes. Although Polish costumes have absorbed influences from neighbouring cultures, they are highly distinctive and unique to Poland.
Called the strój góralski, this costume is worn by women who live in the mountains of southern Poland. The culture and way of life of the community is reflected in the costume. To help the wearers adapt to the temperate climate, the costume is made up of several layers of wool and velvet to keep the wearers warm.
Embroidered patterns are usually found on the skirt. These patterns often represent mountain flowers and plant found in the surrounding areas. The vest is also richly ornamented with various materials such as beads. The women may spend up to months to embroider and decorate their costumes!
The Hungarian women’s costume! It looks quite badass, I must say. You could totally beat someone to death with a frying pan in this costume.
Folk costumes in Hungary generally share the same characteristics, differing only in decorative details. This folk costume is a typical example of those worn by women in Hungary.
The costume consists of several layers, including a blouse, vest, skirt and apron. The blouse is usually made of light materials such as linen or cambric. The vest is worn over the blouse.
Skirts in Hungarian costumes tend to be full and multi-layered to render a picture of women in robust health and beauty. More than one skirt may be worn at the same time. Luxurious materials such as silk, cashmere, velvet or brocade are used to make skirts worn on festive occasions. An apron is always worn over the skirt. These aprons are generally decorated with embroidery or appliqué.
D’aww, Switz, y so cute.
Traditional costumes in Switzerland are generally called tracht. Every canton or state in Switzerland has its own tracht. Most designs evolved over the centuries from costumes worn by the rural population in Switzerland. Early costumes were mostly made of wool and flax fibres. Materials such as velvet and lace were introduced when the communities became more well to do.
Called the Kühermutz, this costume for men is usually worn by highlanders in the canton of Bern. The costume features a black velvet jacket trimmed with red braid. This is worn over an embroidered white shirt and completed with a hat.
This costume for women is called werktagstracht, translated literally as “work day clothes”. The costume consists of a bodice and an apron. Linen is usually used for these clothes, which are meant for everyday wear.
Costumes from Portugal, if I remember the placard correctly. Alas, I forgot to take down what the placard said >.>;;
Children’s costumes from Norway, they look so HUAH!!
I also recently attended a blini-making workshop! Katya, the Russian lady who was teaching the workshop, even brought her own samovar and decorative cups <3 Fillings for that day were sour cream mixed with strawberry and raspberry jam, mmm...
And then, yet another cook-off, only of a smaller scale than the previous one because we wanted to make pineapple tarts and blini for Teatime at the Union State on the day that Nii-san came back from her trip to London. We ended up finishing at 10pm, masters of time management that we are, so it became Supper at the Union State. The tarts and blini turned out pretty good though, I must say :T Prepared sweet and savoury fillings this time because Nii-san doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth, so apart from sour cream with strawberry and raspberry jam, we got ham, luncheon meat, brie and blue cheese, and mushrooms.
Regarding the happeningness that is to come, I’m participating in the 2011 Sketchbook Project! Not that I’m terribly confident in my artistic abilities >.>;; But still, it is a good opportunity to Do Something with my life which doesn’t involve surfing stupid gif sites and looking at hungover owls and Joseph Decreux memes. My theme is “Capture the flag” because I am a warmonger like that, stfu don’t judge me, but I promise I won’t turn it into one big Hetalia fanart spree, don’t worry. At the end of it all, I will most likely scan the pages before mailing them in to Arthouse, so I suppose that could be part of my productivity challenge hahaha;;;
So yes, that is my extremely big post in an attempt to make up for months of absence, next post I will finally get down to the remaining meme questions I have yet to answer. Anyway, HOW HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN? I hope your lives have been more happening than mine ;^;
I’m sorry I disappeared off the face of the LJ-verse for so long, it’s 2nd Year and after 4 months of blissful vegetation, a new semester took some getting used to ugh. But anyway, ON TO THE HAPPENINGNESS.
So this was just about the most happening thing that happened to me in the past months:
ASKDJFHKDLEIUFK I FINALLY GOT A PHOTO WITH ONE OF THE RUSSIAN ATHLETES SOBBBBB TAT When the YOG just started out, I kept looking out for any Russians but they were so elusive as are the other apparently-2000 Russians in Singapore where the hell are they srsly stop hiding from me I promise I won’t be creepy
Okay, so here is the long story behind this photo. I went to Suntec with Nee-san and Estelle to show them the international costumes exhibition the National Heritage Board had put up in one of the atriums. While walking over from the train station exit, I espied a crouching figure by the orchids under the huge screens in the convention centre and started hyperventilating because I recognised the colours and the design of the uniform so I grabbed Nee-san and was like LOOK IT’S A RUSSIAN LOOOOKKKKKKK and basically dissolved into a hyperventilating wreck until Estelle suggested I go up to him and ask for a photo and then it went downhill from there:
Me: BUT LOOK AT HIM HE’S SO CUTE TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ORCHIDS I CAN’T JUST DISTURB HIM LIKE THAT NO I SHOULD BE CONTENT WITH ADMIRING FROM AFAR FUCK WHERE ARE MY BINOCULARS TAT
Estelle: JUST GO ASK HIMMMMM
Me: *clings to a signboard* NOOOOUUUUU I CAN’T I REALLY CAN’TTTTTTT TAT
Estelle: FINE I’LL ASK HIM FOR YOU *drags*
Me: OH MY GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD D8
Estelle: *goes up to Random Nice Russian Guy* HI IS IT OKAY IF MY FRIEND HERE TAKES A PHOTO WITH YOU SHE’S OBSESSED WITH RUSSIAN STUFF AND SHE’D REALLY LIKE A PHOTO WITH YOU
Random Nice Russian Guy: *stares in Russianly bewilderment*
Me: ESTELLE I DON’T THINK HE UNDERSTANDS AND EVEN IF HE DOES YOU’RE SPEAKING TOO FAST D8 *apologetically to Random Nice Russian Guy* C-can I take a photo with you? ;A; *gestures vaguely*
Random Nice Russian Guy: *obliges in Russianly bemusement*
-at the end of it all-
Me: S-spasiba... ;A;
Random Nice Russian Guy: *says something that sounded like* Zdorovie.
So yah, adventure to the max. I love their sports uniforms, EVEN THEIR SHOES ARE RUSSIA-THEMED FFFFFF <333 I only wish I knew more Russian so I could’ve properly explained myself to him. Unfortunately, at that time, I didn’t even know how to say “I’m sorry, my friend is mad.” >.>;;;
Here have more YOG happeningness:
Look look! It’s the 1980 Moscow Olympics torch! They had the other Olympic torches on display near the exhibition halls area but because I was shamelessly biased so mesmerised by the Moscow torch, it was the only one I took a photo of.
THE LITHUANIAN PIN AAAAHHHH!!!!! Peishan managed to snag it for me on the last day of the YOG because some Greek guy was selling memorabilia at the Boon Lay station HAHA, THANK YOU PEISHAN I LOVE YOU THE MANYS <333 Sob I feel like I missed out on a really good opportunity to meet people from around the world and find out about their cultures because I didn’t volunteer for the YOG TTATT;;; But what to do, all the training programs and timings were pretty much tailored to the NTU schedule since the campus was the host site for the Olympic Village. The unhappeningness of NUS, it frustrates me so!
In any case, watching some of the YOG events on TV was pretty fun, and being a Hetalia fan never fails to make watching international events/news even more interesting hahaha. Apparently when Belarus competed in an event with Russia in it, the athletes ended up messing up somehow in one way or another: for the modern pentathlon, when the Russian athlete ran past, the Belarusian athlete tripped and fell down; and during rhythmic gymnastics, the Belarusian gymnast accidentally threw her hoop too far, so that messed up her routine. I feel so sorry for them! D: But it’s still kind of amusing on some level because, as Nee-san pointed out, it’s like Belarus always got distracted the moment Russia was around hahaha. And Nii-san is convinced the tripping in the modern pentathlon was part of a “fall and pull his pants down on the way” plan XD But anyway, come on Belarus, you can do it! Train hard for the next YOG! >: She did very well in the hammer throw event though, I think I was both awed and terrified when I watched the athlete because it was so fucking INTENSSSE. Lithuania also had a really kickass athlete in Taekwondo, if I remember correctly, he scored the maximum number of points in a match because he managed to throw his opponent down and keep him on the mat for the rest of the time. L-Liet, why so fierce and cool ;A; this is doing nothing to help my head-canon that you are sekritly seme At the end of YOG, Russia and Ukraine got into the Top 9 for medal count, so I’m very proud of that haha!
What Else I Have Been Up To Lately: A Camwhore’s Essay
Some of the traditional costumes on display at Suntec:
Russia! :D Simple, yet handsome and elegant, and they look so comfortable. I love how vibrant the red is hahaha.
This is what the information placard said:
The traditional Russian costume is believed to have begun taking shape during the 12th to 13th centuries and has evolved over the centuries. Traditionally, Russian peasants made costumes with their own fabrics, usually wool, hemp and linen. Several families may combine resources to purchase festive wear, such as wedding costumes, for collective use.
The women’s costume is noted for its straight-cut lines, giving a soft silhouette and emphasising the ladies’ steps. Several layers make up the costume with red being the popular fabric colour. The costume’s form is based on the sarafan, a kind of sleeveless dress consisting of a shirt, dress, belt and apron. The headdress signifies the marital status of the women. Married women wear headdresses covering the entire head while maidens wear open headdresses.
Costumes for men are generally simpler and more uniformed. Shirts fastened on the side, called kosovorotkas, are usually paired with narrow trouser and worn with boots.
Ukraine, another one of my favourites. I really like the Slavic costumes in general, there’s this kind of practical rustic beauty to them, especially with all those elaborate embroidery patterns <3 You can’t see it here, but the guy’s hat is really cute because it’s kinda long and tapered and has a tassel that drapes down the back.
The artistry of Ukrainian culture can be seen in its traditional costumes. Decorative appliqué work, in which pieces of fabric are sewn together to form pictures and patterns, reveal the creativity of Ukrainians.
Symbolism plays an important role in traditional Ukrainian costumes. The arrow-wood with its cluster of red fruit, which are embroidered on the women’s costume, symbolise life and the memories of loved ones and is often associated with Ukraine. The wreath of ribbons is a symbol for marital status- only unmarried women may wear the headdress.
Cultural exchange has also left its legacy in these costumes. The men’s costume consists of a pair of red pants called sharovary. These pants were adapted from the shalwar, or baggy pants, worn in the Middle East and South Asia. In the Ukrainian costume, however, the pants are worn with an embroidered sash and shirt, completed with a Cossack hat.
Alas, they didn’t have any Belarusian costumes on display because Belarus was too busy stalking her brother to bother with trivial things like loaning her costumes to heritage exhibitions.
Another comfy costume, this time from Poland. I love the blouse and the head-wreath thing, it looks vaguely hippie hahaha.
Poland is a country with rich and diverse folklore and traditions. Every region in Poland has its own customs, songs, dances and costumes. Although Polish costumes have absorbed influences from neighbouring cultures, they are highly distinctive and unique to Poland.
Called the strój góralski, this costume is worn by women who live in the mountains of southern Poland. The culture and way of life of the community is reflected in the costume. To help the wearers adapt to the temperate climate, the costume is made up of several layers of wool and velvet to keep the wearers warm.
Embroidered patterns are usually found on the skirt. These patterns often represent mountain flowers and plant found in the surrounding areas. The vest is also richly ornamented with various materials such as beads. The women may spend up to months to embroider and decorate their costumes!
The Hungarian women’s costume! It looks quite badass, I must say. You could totally beat someone to death with a frying pan in this costume.
Folk costumes in Hungary generally share the same characteristics, differing only in decorative details. This folk costume is a typical example of those worn by women in Hungary.
The costume consists of several layers, including a blouse, vest, skirt and apron. The blouse is usually made of light materials such as linen or cambric. The vest is worn over the blouse.
Skirts in Hungarian costumes tend to be full and multi-layered to render a picture of women in robust health and beauty. More than one skirt may be worn at the same time. Luxurious materials such as silk, cashmere, velvet or brocade are used to make skirts worn on festive occasions. An apron is always worn over the skirt. These aprons are generally decorated with embroidery or appliqué.
D’aww, Switz, y so cute.
Traditional costumes in Switzerland are generally called tracht. Every canton or state in Switzerland has its own tracht. Most designs evolved over the centuries from costumes worn by the rural population in Switzerland. Early costumes were mostly made of wool and flax fibres. Materials such as velvet and lace were introduced when the communities became more well to do.
Called the Kühermutz, this costume for men is usually worn by highlanders in the canton of Bern. The costume features a black velvet jacket trimmed with red braid. This is worn over an embroidered white shirt and completed with a hat.
This costume for women is called werktagstracht, translated literally as “work day clothes”. The costume consists of a bodice and an apron. Linen is usually used for these clothes, which are meant for everyday wear.
Costumes from Portugal, if I remember the placard correctly. Alas, I forgot to take down what the placard said >.>;;
Children’s costumes from Norway, they look so HUAH!!
I also recently attended a blini-making workshop! Katya, the Russian lady who was teaching the workshop, even brought her own samovar and decorative cups <3 Fillings for that day were sour cream mixed with strawberry and raspberry jam, mmm...
And then, yet another cook-off, only of a smaller scale than the previous one because we wanted to make pineapple tarts and blini for Teatime at the Union State on the day that Nii-san came back from her trip to London. We ended up finishing at 10pm, masters of time management that we are, so it became Supper at the Union State. The tarts and blini turned out pretty good though, I must say :T Prepared sweet and savoury fillings this time because Nii-san doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth, so apart from sour cream with strawberry and raspberry jam, we got ham, luncheon meat, brie and blue cheese, and mushrooms.
Regarding the happeningness that is to come, I’m participating in the 2011 Sketchbook Project! Not that I’m terribly confident in my artistic abilities >.>;; But still, it is a good opportunity to Do Something with my life which doesn’t involve surfing stupid gif sites and looking at hungover owls and Joseph Decreux memes. My theme is “Capture the flag” because I am a warmonger like that, stfu don’t judge me, but I promise I won’t turn it into one big Hetalia fanart spree, don’t worry. At the end of it all, I will most likely scan the pages before mailing them in to Arthouse, so I suppose that could be part of my productivity challenge hahaha;;;
So yes, that is my extremely big post in an attempt to make up for months of absence, next post I will finally get down to the remaining meme questions I have yet to answer. Anyway, HOW HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN? I hope your lives have been more happening than mine ;^;