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First, we successfully held the trump-kim summit, an incredible event that the whole world is looking at.. We stood by the tv, together with the koreans and people around the world, hoping for a peaceful progress of the historic meeting. This event has help to market Singapore as an ideal location for meetings and businesses.
The movie, Crazy Rich Asian also set tongues wagging about Singapore, both mainstream and social media are talking about the disparities of the real and portrayed sides of the country, and most of us identify ourselves as “crazy rich asians” instead. But all in all, it is a fantastic movie that you should go for.
Putting these aside, i think Marina Bay is a really unique place worth talking about. Because where in the world can you revel in the remarkable views of the skyline, enjoy musical performances at the esplanade, watch a spectacular water show, feast on local hawker food and get your nature fix, all at a walkable distance? All the above mentioned is located around Marina Bay. That being said, being small has it advantageous too.
Location: Marina Bay Cruise Centre
I think any Singaporean would be really proud of their skyline, it is always a nice feeling to sit at the CBD and watch the sun set or enjoy the breeze of the wind. I think the govt did a reasonably good job with urban planning and making our CBD attractive.
I am inspired by bloggers who takes pictures of their own city/town and post it up daily. I’ve been trying to learn how to see things in a different lens. Everyday life can get really dull, boring, rigid and stressful. Sometimes being stuck in the same environment and routine can drive people crazy. That is why i often take breaks and go out of town to broaden my horizons and get a mental break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Singapore. It is easier to get a break when you’re in a entirely different environment, i’m the kind that hardly gets stress up when i’m in a foreign land, i absolutely love the process of getting loss, finding directions, speaking to strangers and discovering surprises at every corner.
That said, i’m trying to incorporate this mindset into my daily life, distance myself from the usual thought and familiarity of the activities while enjoying the new experiences. This would require some practice of mindfulness (which is good!) to become a tourist at my own land. Alas, hope this effort would last!
Change is constant and inevitable. Generations of Singaporeans have been brought up to be accustomed to this reality of living in a land scarce and progressive country. Under the Urban Redevelopment Authority Planning (URA), many places will have served its purpose and be revamped to create a vibrant and sustainable place for Singaporeans to live and work in.
Therefore, “Modern day Kampungs” will soon be demolished and “villagers” will have to be relocated to new homes, just like how our pioneer generations faced in the early days, all in the good name of progress.
One of such “Modern day Kampungs” is the iconic Rochor Centre. Known for it’s 4 colour buildings. One of several city-centre podium complexes put up by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) from the mid-1970s into the 1980s. An expressway will be built in place of the HDB flats.
Just guessing if he could be one of the remaining residents here, almost had the urge to walk up and ask him some questions. But shy. Anyway, this picture really depicts a depressing scene in Singapore. I can’t speak for everyone, but to be force to move on with progressivism, especially when there is a lack of support & motivation to do so, would really be depressing. Let us be there for each other.
I pray that we will all practice the state of non-attachment and be truly happy.
Took this picture when our ferry was leaving Singapore to Batam Island, Indonesia. These buildings sprouting out of the forest looked like giant metal claws, pretty impressive architecture.
Skyline of Singapore waterfront, featuring some of our famous icons. To the right is the Singapore flyer, Esplanade theater. Middle of the picture: Marina Bay Sands Hotel & Artscience musuem at MBS, At the foreground: the Padang, the place where many historical events took place, eg. our first national day celebration.
You can enjoy this view from the rooftop of National gallery of Singapore.
You can also see the Rotunda dome from the mezzanine level.
National Gallery Singapore is a new visual arts institution which oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The Gallery is housed in two national monuments—former Supreme Court and City Hall—that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting venue in the heart of the Civic District.
Reflecting Singapore’s unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery will feature Singapore and Southeast Asian art in its long-term and special exhibitions. It will also work with leading museums worldwide to co-present Southeast Asian art in a wider context, positioning Singapore as a regional and international hub for the visual arts
I visited the gallery on one of the weekdays, and i am surprise there is still a healthy crowd of locals/tourist visiting. The gallery features alot of artworks from around S.E.A, there are also some temporary exhibition from local & international artists.
I am more interested in the historical background of the venue, and also how they transform a building of historical significance into such a comfortable and conducive environment for exhibiting arts. Good job to those behind this project.
Address: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Opening hours:
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Dedicated to a friend of mine, Takuya Michimoto.
I think it is unfair for someone who is bred here to serve 2 years of National Service. but nonetheless kudos for sacrificing your time and energy! Your contribution is key to why and how most Singaporeans can sleep peacefully at night.
Takuya, born and bred in Japan, moved over to Singapore when he was young but remain in an all Japanese environment here. Studied in a Jap high school, had friends who speak the same language, ate Japanese food, speak Japanese at home (though his mum is a Singaporean Chinese), listen to Jap music.
We had a fantastic time together for the past 1 year in section 2, platoon 1, archer company, 11th mono, 40th SAR. We were posted to the victory battalion, strong culture of being victory warriors; best armour battalion, good results for atec.etc But that also meant we went thru alot of hell and tough training together.
Being a Armour infantry trooper, a huge amount of our time was spend in the bx vehicle during outfield training. Troopers waiting to dismount and thrash the enemies? nahh huge amount of our time was spend in the bx sleeping and eating and waiting to get out for a grasp of fresh air.
I will always remember him siting in the bx like a boss, enjoying his first class seat when the rest of us suffer in the crappy bx. Also remembering him stoning and shag out, always expecting his outfield mode when we move out for training.
But Taku was probably the fittest guy in our section in terms of physical. Gold IPPT doesn’t seem to be a difficult task for him. Thanks for running together with me during the 8km out of camp run, my one and only ooc run and i had to start at a 8km range! This is when i get to know the difference of combat fitness and physical fitness. I clearly suck at the latter.
We also had lots of fun together, the countless nights out, maggi nights, pizza nights, duty in camp, birthday celebrations, overseas exercise. And of course not forgetting how annoying he can be. When the entire platoon is dreading to do pt, he will be the only one shouting counts loudly like a crazyman. Worst still, we had to bear with him playing his guitar and singing the same old song in our bunk for the entire year.
But we dont hate him, and we still love him very much for being part of the section. I will miss all the memories made together in our section. Thank you for everything and all the best for your future endeavors. Sayonora!
*Taku returned to Japan for his uni studies and to reside there permanently.
This is a shot taken from the steps of Chinatown bridge. Lots of people thronging the streets buying festive goods in preparation for the Chinese new year.