MO.ON

Lingering, lingering forever,
Swirling, swirling endlessly,
The bittersweet notes of Kopi O Kosong and the scent of baked Kaya egg tarts
From dawn to dawn.

Breakfast begins with a rich, aromatic cup of kopi bold, full-bodied, and grounding. Back then, creating the perfect “la kopi” for early mornings meant roasting robusta beans by hand every two weeks. To achieve the caramel-like fragrance of traditional kopi, butter, sugar, and a touch of a family-kept secret were added, all roasted in a wide-mouthed copper pan that Grandfather had brought from Vietnam. The antique brass pan and strainer duo accompanied him throughout his travels in the Orient, the Middle East, and Western Europe. They lived in Fujian, China; Lille, France; and the UK for long periods. They have become close friends since growing old here in Kallang, Singapore.

On some weekends, I occasionally trade my morning kopi for a chilled barley tea paired with pineapple tarts or cinnamon Nian Gao. I'd then cuppa with a tiny affogato topped with salted mung bean ice cream.

My summer rhythm unfolded nestled by the Kallang River in Singapore, where I stayed with a long-time friend and their spouse at the cozy Mo.on villa. This serene home is surrounded by meticulously pruned white camellias, which line the garden like delicate poetry.

Evenings slowly descend upon the Kallang River, painting it with gentle tranquility. In the distance, roads and bridges arc gracefully over the river while people move leisurely amidst the busyness.

The villa comes alive by night in a fragrant symphony of oriental white osmanthus and camellias. Cool breezes drift from the river, weaving through the central skylight, while midnight mist mingles with the emerald hue of the lotus pond. The unseen of nature emerges seductively.

Every moment in this villa is composed into melodies, recorded on petals, leaves, and the sound of the rippling water. Each tune whispers romantic secrets, dancing alongside French jazz playing from a two-century-old gramophone.

Under the soft glow of dim yellow lamps, the lacquer aged over the decades gradually reveals amber interwoven with jade tones and illuminated miniature details that have been intricately carved. The intricate shapes of classical Ming Dynasty chairs, antique Chinois furniture, and decor objects emerge softly in a blur. Every corner of the house is imbued with a patina of timeless elegance, as if it had stood unchanged for more than a hundred years.

Heavy with the earthy warmth of aged rosewood, the air drifts through square-paneled glass windows, extending one’s gaze toward the shimmering Kallang River. Its tranquil flow mirrors the quiet intimacy of this villa - a timeless refuge where design and nature gently embrace, evoking a sense of wistful serenity.

Même lorque'elle recule
La rivière avance
Errant, embrassant la plénitude de la jeunesse…