Earth Day - lights out in the city

When the lights were supposed to have gone out between 8.30pm and 9.30pm and we were supposed to be in deep contemplation about the state of the earth and our existence in the darkness for an hour, where did most people go? For those who heeded the call to switch of all the lights in the house for that one hour (like us) we headed towards Vivocity hoping to have a quick meal and then get into the cinema. We went as far as touring the car park in Vivocity before making a quick exit because the carpark was full to the brim. So all Singaporeans had the same idea - off the lights and home and head out to the malls. We decided to have dinner at Makansutra at the esplanade where a concert was held in celebration of Earth Day. These are the pictures taken there.

The IR project could not afford to switch off its lights.

The Esplanade concert took place during the designated Earth Day hours but when we got there after 9.30pm the lights came back on again.

Makansutra was blazing with lights to attract the foodies. We had a lovely meal there - Roti John, Kambing soup, Roti prata, Hokkien noodle, prawn omelette...count the calories.

Eh Uncle, how much to go to Mars?

Enough light to show off the colours on the bay.

Subdued lighting still.

Drawing with light.

Shoes I won't wear.

Cool carpark. No sweat parking here because it was around $5 per entry, more expensive than a plate of Hokkien mee at Makansutra.

How I think Earth Day should be celebrated: We should stay at home with all the lights off. We should sit around a candlelight and talk to each other. We should not drive around in our cars during that hour because we are doing worse by burning petrol and emitting carbon monoxide into the air. On the whole, I think the lights-off hour gave businesses a boost if it had achieved nothing else because the majority of Singaporeans were out shopping, eating and going to the cinema.

Jurong East Central

A place I like to hang around sometimes because of the wonderful Regional Library, Popular Bookstore, NTUC Fairprice and the MRT. Located in pleasant surroundings this is a great place to spend a few hours. In the past, there were cinemas, shops and fast-food chains and cafes. Now they are gone. What happened? Is the building sold? Is it undergoing a major revamp internally and externally? Will the familiar cinemas and shops be back one day?

Geylang Serai Market

This morning I made my first visit to the Geylang Serai Market that is patronised by the Malay community. My husband and I had a simple but delicious breakfast of soto ayam and mee rebus. There are many food stalls at the market and we will certainly be back to enjoy the authentic Malay food. The wet market had types of fish that I do not see in the wet markets that I usually go to. In particular, there were a few stalls selling tuna fish that looked like infants compared to the gigantic ones that we see in the documentaries on TV. Other than eating and buying fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, the market also has stalls selling household goods and clothing.

Sungei Buloh

The sun was setting and there was a light drizzle around this part of Singapore. With an hour to while away we chose to avoid going into a shopping mall. Instead, the coolness of the evening despite the threat of more rain lured us towards the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

Crossing the Kranji Reservoir.

Sungei Buloh sunset. The park closes at 7pm leaving us with about half an hour to walk around in the fading light.

IT Show 2009

The greatest show in Singapore! I was there today which is the last day. Got my Canon IXUS 870 having moved on from the 850 and the 860 over the last two years. Tactic for reduced hassle every year for me is: 1) Research on desired product 2) Use valet parking facility 3)Zoom in for the vendor 4)Buy 5) Pay 6) exit. Photos taken with new camera at ISO of between 400 and 800 because I dislike using the flash.

Bras Basah Complex

Bras Basah was where we flocked to to buy our text books, guide books, 10-year series when we were in secondary school. Back then there was only one row of bookshops that were packed full with books leaving little space for browsing. We just went there, got our books and got out. Then those shops were demolished and Bras Basah complex was built. I haven't been there for some months. Today being the start of the March school holidays, the place was 'happening'. There was a Chinese English (???)Book Fair and I got several books at fantastic prices, like a quarter of the original. It did not matter that they were last printed 10 years ago because art and children's stories are not affected by the passing of time. I also discovered that Bras Basah Complex with its mix of book shops - both Chinese and English, big and small, modern and old - is a place that is wonderful to spend a few hours in. Besides, the National Library is in the next building, a good place to read what you have bought or if you have not, then the books are yours to enjoy for free in a very comfortable environment.

Today, I saw part of a cultural performance by some talented school children:

I felt that it was not necessary for a kid to dress so skimpily. Her dancing skills were attractive enough.

Great acrobatic performance by this young lady.
Worth a visit the whole of next week. So many books and writing pads, notebooks at great prizes.


MacDonald round the corner has turned into a POSB look-alike? Red and yellow instead of the trademark red and yellow. Why?

Raffles HotelManchester United and Liverpool supporters creating awareness for tonight's big game. Pity Man U lost and so badly too!

City blocks.