Singaporean flags begining to make their appearance and F15's flying overhead ... you know its time to start preparing for National Day.

Getting My Shoe Mended

While rushing to appointments one morning my shoe decided to come apart.  I managed to tape it back together, but was relieved to stumble across this shoe repairman as I came out of Somerset MRT on Orchard road.  After 15mins my shoe was glued back together and still is....

Sunday means Ultimate Frisbee

Nearly every weekend we get together (usually at the Botanic Gardens) for a game of Ultimate Frisbee, followed by dinner at a local food court.  Its a great way to end the weekend.  If you want to join, you can find the Facebook group here.

Views from Singapore Flyer

Marina Bay and the CBD

Rainstorm and Sunset

Sometimes a rainstorm at sunset gives rise to the most amazing colours. 



Sunday Brunch at Changi Sailing Club

I'm always on the lookout for places to take a break from the rat-race and I found the restaurant at Changi Sailing Club fits the bill perfectly.  Even better - they're open for a shady Sunday morning brunch...

Unfortunately they don't have a large breakfast menu - in fact, there is only one breakfast offer - a Full American Breakfast with egg, bacon, beans and much more - but still worth going.

Super Fun Family Carnival at Kerrisdale

The condominium block where I live has a number of social events during the year for the residents (mainly the children, but the adults enjoy them too).  Today was the Super Fun Family Fun Carnival and here are some of the pictures from the event:

Shrine Hunting at McRitchie Resevoir

Finding the Shrine was one of the things on my "to do before I leave Singapore list" and for better or worse, I've now done it.  It is not at all well publicised, stories abound as to how the pathway has been deliberately blocked, I couldn't find any maps and even some of the GPS co-ordinates on the web for the location are incorrect - but in spite of all the above we found it!  It was well worth the effort and it is one of the few serene contemplative places that I've found in Singapore (but don't tell anyone please).

 Some of the obstacles on the path

Football - Youth Olympics in Singapore

View from my balcony of the Jalan Besar Stadium where the Football for the Youth Olympic Games is being contested.  Unfortunately just a bit too far away to watch, but far enough not to hear to vuvuzela's (yeah - they made it to Singapore!)

Recreation in Singapore

Singapore has one of the highest population densities of the world (and the government is encouraging growth).  This means that most of the population live in high-rise, high-density accommodation.  As a result, public recreation spaces are extremely important and this is one of the newest additions.  It is quite compact, but contains shaded spaces, grass for playing on, a running / walking track and exercise stations (which include instructions on stretching). 

General Function Room

With space in Singapore at a premium it can be quite difficult to find a suitable space to have social functions. Traditional meals such as Chinese New Year Celebrations are held at restaurant and hotels, but a kids birthday party? Most of the large private condominums (vs government housing - HDB's) have at least 1 function room which is available for use by the residents. Uses include weddings, meetings, exercise classes and of course... parties

Bagpipes, Men in Kilts and Haggis - Are You Sure We're in Singapore?

I was lucky enough to attend the 175th Anniversary of the Feast of St Andrew which was held recently in Singapore. It was an evening full of ladies looking elegant in their ball gowns, men wearing kilts or black tie, pipers, poetry in scottish brogues and lots of dancing.

Am I On the Right Bus?

The other day I climbed on bus no 107 and did a double-take, wondering whether I was really on the right bus, but I was. It was part of the Nokia 5130 Express Music campaign.

The Wedding Album

In the evenings around Boat Quay you will see bridal couples having their pictures taken. These couples are not yet married and in a number of cases the bride is not wearing her actual wedding dress. These pictures will form the basis for a book of pictures of the couple on display at the wedding.

Although I don't agree with the vast quantities of money that are spent on weddings, this is one custom that I will probably incorporate into my own one day. Because the pictures are taken before the wedding day itself there is less pressure to "hurry up" for the waiting guests.