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Take a step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg – Learn more about USA History during Colonial Times here!

Colonial Williamsburg

To learn more about the history of USA, look no further than a visit to Colonial Williamsburg.

Kate and I looked upon this trip with much anticipation because we were told that this is a town re-constructed to be like that during Colonial times. We were also told that not only the structures were colonial, even the actors in Colonial Williamsburg dressed as a person during those times. So we were fascinated to just take a step back in time and history into Colonial times through Colonial Williamsburg. Actually, towns like these pretty much reminded us about the Village by M Night Shyamalan. Cool!

We parked our car at the designated car park and bought our tickets at the ticketing counter. At the entrance, there was a huge 3-D map of the entire Colonial Williamsburg!

3D Map of Colonial Williamsburg
3D Map of Colonial Williamsburg

Pictures of what you would be expecting at Colonial Williamsburg.

Collage of scenes at Colonial Williamsburg

As we proceeded to the town, there were little milestones on the floor that leads you into thinking that you have been magically transported back in time….

Away from 21st Century...
Away from 21st Century…

Famous Quotes of USA Nation Makers along the way

J F Kennedy "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"
J F Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”
Rosa Parks Colonial Williamsburg
Rosa Parks Colonial Williamsburg
Henry Ford Colonial Williamsburg
Henry Ford Colonial Williamsburg
Thomas Edison Colonial Williamsburg
Thomas Edison Colonial Williamsburg
Abraham Lincoln Colonial Williamsburg
Abraham Lincoln Colonial Williamsburg

After a short walk, we “magically” arrived at Colonial Williamsburg

Pathway to the town
Pathway to the town
Towards The Town Hall in Colonial Williamsburg
Towards The Town Hall in Colonial Williamsburg
Authentic Horse-drawn Carriage Colonial Williamsburg
Authentic Horse-drawn Carriage Colonial Williamsburg

We first took a short visit to the armoury to see all the weapons stored there. The armskote was telling a story about how they prepared themselves for the battle. It really sounded as if you were right there getting ready for the revolution!

Armskote telling stories at the Armoury
Armskote telling stories at the Armoury

We took out the programme sheet and headed for the first “show”

Programme sheet at Colonial Williamsburg
Programme sheet at Colonial Williamsburg

It was very exciting to be part of the show! The actors addressed all the audience as if they were villagers during the colonial times…

Addressing the "Villagers" at Colonial Williamsburg
Addressing the “Villagers” at Colonial Williamsburg
Arrival with music at Colonial Williamsburg
Arrival with music at Colonial Williamsburg

When the “traitor” spoke, actors that were planted in the audience jeered and all the audience jeered along as well!

Jeering at the "Traitor" at Colonial Williamsburg
Jeering at the “Traitor” at Colonial Williamsburg

A pastor sharing during the Colonial times and the imminent battle…

Pastor from Colonial Times
Pastor from Colonial Times
Announcing the arrival of the Hero!
Announcing the arrival of the Hero!

And the Hero is none other than General George Washington himself

General George Washington addressing the Villagers at Colonial Williamsburg
General George Washington addressing the Villagers at Colonial Williamsburg

After all that drama and fantastic show put up by the actors of Colonial Williamsburg (really inspiring speech from Washington), we headed to the “local bakery”!

Products at the local bakery @ Colonial Williamsburg
Products at the local bakery @ Colonial Williamsburg
Touch screen cashier at the bakery
Touch screen cashier at the bakery

As it was right after the show, everyone headed out for lunch. Good thing Kate and I targetted the bakery early and we arrived amongst the first at the queue (sigh…kiasu Singaporean nature). Here, we enjoyed the chocolate chip cookie, ginger bread as well as the root beer!

Chocolate Chip Cookie, Root Beer, Ginger Bread of Bakery @ Colonial Williamsburg
Chocolate Chip Cookie, Root Beer, Ginger Bread of Bakery @ Colonial Williamsburg

But Kate forgot to ask to open the root beer, so we had to queue again to get it opened….ahh…thirst quencher…

Thereafter, we took a short walk around the rest of the area. There are buses that take you from one place to another, but you can also choose to walk. We also realised that there are lodges where you can totally immerse yourself in colonial history!

High class eating places at the Market Square of Colonial Williamsburg
High class eating places at the Market Square of Colonial Williamsburg
A Church in Colonial Williamsburg
A Church in Colonial Williamsburg

All in all, we totally enjoyed ourselves. The actors immersed in their roles and that brought the characters to life, bringing/ transporting the audience back in time!

P.S. We visited Philadelphia later and learnt that the declaration of independence was actually completed on 2 July! There were things such as the abolishment of slavery and tyranny of the king included in the first draft, therefore it took 2 more days for refinement. Hence, the 4th of July. Picked this piece of information from the tour guide at the independence hall! Interesting!

P.S.S After we returned the car this particular weekend, we had a bad encounter at the 7-11. We were told by the cashier that 2 hotdogs were on offer at $2.50 but when she keyed into the cashier, we were charged $2.50 per hot dog! Sigh…so we piled on the cheese, radish and onions to make our hotdogs more hua…

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Woodbury Common Premium Outlet Central Valley – Shop Till You Drop!

Woodbury Common Premium Outlet Central Valley

From Kate’s extensive research, Woodbury Common Premium Outlet is the “must-go” when you are in New York. It boasts of iconic brands and labels from all over the world. Girls go crazy there.

So we set off really early in the morning (at 3:15am, 15 mins behind schedule) as it was a long drive (7 hours). Something I’ve got to do to please the other bearbear. So Kate as usual gave me my shoulder massages and fed me as we drove…

Setting off at Dawn to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet New York
Setting off at Dawn to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet New York
First Stop at Royal Farm
First Stop at Royal Farm

We also got to catch the sunrise!

Sunrise on route to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet
Sunrise on route to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet

Along the way, there were hefty tolls (amounting to $44.30 to and fro!) but there were also nice bridges to look at…

Bridges along the way to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet
Bridges along the way to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet
Bridges along the way to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet
Bridges along the way to Woodbury Common Premium Outlet

Finally, after hours of driving and getting my butt all achy, we reached our destination!

Signboard of Woodbury Common Premium Outlet
Signboard of Woodbury Common Premium Outlet

By the time we got there, it was 10am. I was dead beat while Kate was raring to go at the shops! The whole area looked like a little village nestled in a Valley (literally – Central Valley). Look at the hills at the background of these pictures…

Valley of Woodbury Common Premium Outlet
Valley of Woodbury Common Premium Outlet
Carpark of Woodbury Common Premium Outlet New York
Carpark of Woodbury Common Premium Outlet New York

We soon realised that items here were really cheap compared to back home in Singapore. This is especially so for USA goods such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Levis, DKNY, Kate Spade and Coach. I bought 2 pairs of jeans (Levi’s at $20USD while DKNY at $15 USD – 70% off!) and a Polo Ralph Polo T-shirt at $30USD.

Kate bought so many bags from Coach and Kate Spade that I really lost count. But after taking a look around in the stores (especially Coach Store) I realised that Kate was actually quite sane. There were many ladies who were screaming, talking at the top of their voices saying how cheap things were, really turning the Coach store into a market place!

All this while I was psychoing Kate to buy whatever she likes since we were unlikely to travel back here again (all the way from Singapore?), or in my own words “buy lah,buy lah, since we’re never coming back here again, just buy lah, so cheap right?”.

The Chinese Tourists were buying the bags in truckloads. They even paid up in cash and we were able to see stacks of US dollars as they queued to pay up. It was fun to see the eyes of the ladies light up as they entered these bag stores…

Many Shoppers at Woodbury Common Premium Outlet
Many Shoppers at Woodbury Common Premium Outlet

In the end, we bought so much stuff that I became paranoid about whether we would get robbed and lose all the stuff that we bought. So I waited in the car with the goods (under the hot sun) while Kate continued to shop hands free.

Soon, we had to say goodbye. However, this trip taught us (or at least me) a few things

1. Never buy branded USA goods in Singapore. They are so overpriced in Singapore! We bought most of the bags , jeans and tops at more than 50% off Singapore prices!

2. Bags and Shoes are a girl’s best friends. You know they’ve always been saying that bags and shoes are a girl’s best friends. It is especially true if you had seen how their eyes glimmered with brightness as they laid their eyes upon their favourite bags, now with an additional 20% off!

3. Do something for the girl you love. Sacrifices are necessary. Kate knows how much I had to endure driving to and fro for more than 12 hours. But it’s nice to see the look on her face as she got the stuff that she wanted (also knowing that it is at a good price).

So…if you ever pass by New York and will be in the vicinity in the future, do drop by Woodbury Common Premium Outlet and experience the trill of how you can really shop till you drop!

P.S. The drive back was 9 hours because Tom was dead beat and had to drive in the dead of night.

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Doumar’s – Inventor of the World’s First Ice Cream Cone

Doumar’s – Inventor of the World’s First Ice Cream Cone

We were told by our friends that Doumar’s was a local cafe in Virginia that invented the world’s first ice cream cone! Of course we were excited to visit it, not only because it invented the first ice cream cone in the world, but also because it is a first hand experience of American-styled diners (not your usual Billy Bombers, New York New York kind). The authentic American-styled diners!

As we approached the place, it was not that easy to find Doumar’s, it sort of like blended into the neighbourhood. We were expecting it to really stand out, i mean, it’s the INVENTOR OF THE WORLD’S FIRST ICE CREAM CONE!!

The Signboard of Doumar's
The Signboard of Doumar’s

The restaurant was full when we got there. As it was our first time there, we really did not know if we should queue or eat in the car like many other diners in the parking lot (they actually serve you at your car! ) But we thought that we came all this way, we should just dine in.

The wait was quite fast (compared to some wanton noodles stalls in Singapore) and we were seated within 15 minutes. Doumar’s felt homely and was somewhat close to what we had expected. People were chatting happily, enjoying their burgers, shakes and ice cream. The current owner, (still a Doumar) walks around like a celebrity (we reckon he is in his 80s) with many diners wanting to have a photo with him.

Crowded Doumars
Photos inside Doumars Ice Cream
Photos inside Doumars Ice Cream
Poster in Doumar's Ice Cream
Poster in Doumar’s Ice Cream

We had the cheeseburger and meat with slaw burger which were reasonably priced at $2.4 and $4 respectively. We also had 2 large cups of Banana and Strawberry Milkshake! Yum!

Cheeseburger with Fries Doumar's
Cheeseburger with Fries Doumar’s
Meat with Slaw Burger (Doumar's Ice Cream)
Meat with Slaw Burger (Doumar’s Ice Cream)
Thick Strawberry and Banana Milkshake. Yum! (Doumar's Ice Cream)
Thick Strawberry and Banana Milkshake. Yum! (Doumar’s Ice Cream)

We shared one ice cream cone thereafter and we were happy that we were now part of history! Of course we took a photo of the machine that took the world by storm – The world’s first ice cream cone machine!

World's First Ice Cream Cone Making Machine at Doumar's
World’s First Ice Cream Cone Making Machine at Doumar’s

We were told that this manner of ice cream cone making is still the same today! Talk about lasting inventions!

We would definitely recommend going to Doumar’s for a bite if you are in the vicinity of Virginia. It is a homely American Diner’s with lots of history minus the pretentious hype when restaurants get famous. Opened since 1904, we’re happy that popularity did not influence this wonderful diners. Definitely worth a trip to be part of history!

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Amara Sanctuary Resort Staycation Singapore Sentosa 2 Bedroom (BR) Villa with plunge (private) pool

Amara Sanctuary Resort Staycation Singapore Sentosa 2 Bedroom (BR) Villa with plunge (private) pool

Over the long weekend, Kate and I were invited to be at the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa for a staycation. The exciting thing was that the resort is a 5 star hotel and we’re staying at the most expensive place in the hotel, the 2 bedroom villa! It has 2 rooms, an open air bathtub and a private plunge pool!

Reception of Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
Reception of Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
On the way to the Sky Pool
On the way to the Sky Pool

As the villa was not ready when we arrived, we went to the sky pool to enjoy an afternoon swim. The sky pool had an excellent pool overlooking the ocean…

Sky Pool at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
Sky Pool at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
Mini bar at the Sky Pool
Mini bar at the Sky Pool

We took a look at the menu and there’s a fried hokkien mee that costs $34!! Of course there’s a reason why. It is served with abalone, lobster as well as roast pork. Yum. There’s even a jacuzzi at the sky pool!

Jacuzzi at the Sky Pool
Jacuzzi at the Sky Pool
Amara Sanctuary Resort Staycation Singapore Sentosa 2 Bedroom (BR) Villa with plunge (private) pool
Amara Sanctuary Resort Staycation Singapore Sentosa 2 Bedroom (BR) Villa with plunge (private) pool
Views overlooking the ocean from the sky pool
Views overlooking the ocean from the sky pool

After the swim, we were pleasantly surprised by the amenities in the room. The private plunge pool didnt disappoint. It even comes with its own water jets to do provide for some water massaging!

The Private Plunge Pool in the 2 bedroom villa
The Private Plunge Pool in the 2 bedroom villa
Water Jets for water massage
Water Jets for water massage
Tatami Mats for outdoor stargazing or just chilling by the pool
Tatami Mats for outdoor stargazing or just chilling by the pool

Next was the master room with an outdoor bathtub, shower points and 2 individual sinks.

The master bedroom with mosquito nettings
The master bedroom with mosquito nettings
One of the 2 sinks
One of the 2 sinks
2nd sink beside the open air shower
2nd sink beside the open air shower
Open air shower point
Open air shower point
Open air bathtub with overhanging Frangipani Tree
Open air bathtub with overhanging Frangipani Tree

The 2 rooms are connected at the back via the tatami mat area as well….

Where the 2 rooms connect
Where the 2 rooms connect

The 2nd bedroom had 2 super singles and an attached bathroom.

2 super singles connected together
2 super singles connected together
Bathroom of the 2nd bedroom
Bathroom of the 2nd bedroom

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the 2 bedroom villa. The rooms had sliding doors that could open up such that we could watch TV from the plunge pool! The rooms were also stocked with different kinds of tea as well as a Nespresso machine with coffee capsules. The only thing was that there were quite alot of mosquitos. Which is why the hotel provides unlimited mosquito coils which we put to good use at the various corners of the villas. That also pretty much explains the mosquito nets.

Although we didnt ask the price, from the internet, we saw that the 2 bedroom villa costs about $2000 per night! It was a good experience and we thoroughly enjoyed the pools (both sky pool and private plunge pool) at the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa!

For your convenience, you can now check out the best hotel deals at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa here!

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Related Posts

Check out some of the other Singapore Staycations that we’ve done!

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Fairmont Singapore Staycation Review: Balcony Views Of Marina Bay Sands And Breakfast At Prego Awaits!

Rendezvous Hotel Singapore : Staycation In The Heart Of The Art District!

Raffles Hotel Staycation Singapore : Relax & Rejuvenate!

Orchard Road

Mandarin Orchard Singapore Staycation Review: Best Views From “Top Of The M” Meritus Club Lounge!

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Staycation: A Post-COVID Review

Novotel Singapore On Stevens Staycation: An Urban Oasis

5 Reasons Why You Should Do A Staycation At Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore’s Newly Refurbished Club Room!

A Letter To Jen (Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Staycation)…

Quincy Hotel Qool Weekend Staycation : Singapore’s ALL-IN Staycation!

National Day Staycation At The Regent Singapore – A Four Seasons Hotel!

Chinatown

The Clan Hotel Staycation Review: Sky Gym and Sky Pool Views That Mesmerise!

AMOY Hotel Singapore : Why You Should Stay Here During Your Next Visit

Marina Bay

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore Staycation: The Complete Review

Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel Harbour Studio Staycation!

Ritz Carlton Singapore Staycation: Simply Shiok!

Clarke Quay

Swissotel Merchant Court Executive Room Staycation : Right In The Heart Of Clarke Quay!

Bugis

Mercure Singapore Bugis Staycation: Executive Loft Room Review!

Novena

Oasia Hotel Staycation Review!

Katong

Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore Staycation : The Studio Suite!

Uniquely Singapore Staycation At Village Hotel Katong!

Downtown East

D’Resort @ Downtown East : A Perfect Staycation For The Entire Family!

Changi

Village Hotel Changi Staycation : Rediscover The Gems Of Singapore!

Sentosa

The Ultimate Family Staycation At Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa!

Amara Sanctuary Resort Staycation Singapore Sentosa 2 Bedroom (BR) Villa With Plunge (Private) Pool

Hardrock Hotel Singapore (Staycation / Holiday / Vacation At Sentosa Singapore – Things To Do And Attractions At Sentosa Island Singapore)

Stuff Yourself Full at Golden Corral Buffet!

Golden Corral Buffet

Kate and I have been watching lots of American Drama/ Sit-Coms lately and the Golden Corral Buffet commercial kept popping up (along with chillis and subway…), argh…consumerism…

Yeah…we couldnt resist consumerism, so we went to Golden Corral to give it a try…

Entrance to Golden Corral
Entrance to Golden Corral

Golden Corral is really cheap for a buffet, it costs around 10-15 bucks per person. (Depending on Lunch or Dinner and your location). Here you can really enjoy an all American meal at a fraction of the price.

Inside Golden Corral
Inside Golden Corral

At the restaurant, we could see many families enjoying the food and having a good time. We also do see many with obesity issues in the restaurant…the price of consumerism…

The food itself was ok. Liked the fried chicken and the cuts of beef. Yum. In general, the food was not that fantastic but it more than made up in variety. There were asian, italian and of course american food served here. Kate and I tried the foods that we like for the first round and those that tasted good, we went for the second round…here are the foods we had

Healthy Vegetables @ Golden Corral
Healthy Vegetables @ Golden Corral
Creamy Soups @ Golden Corral
Creamy Soups @ Golden Corral
Tom's first round Meats + Receipt at Golden Corral!
Tom’s first round Meats + Receipt at Golden Corral!
Kate's first round at Golden Corral - Healthy Choices
Kate’s first round at Golden Corral – Healthy Choices
More Chicken and Pizza at Golden Corral!
More Chicken and Pizza at Golden Corral!
Desserts @ Golden Corral
Desserts @ Golden Corral
More Desserts @ Golden Corral
More Desserts @ Golden Corral

Overall, it was a good place to hang out and have a variety of foods. The price was really economical and makes it a very family friendly venue without causing a hole in the pocket. But if you really want to make your money’s worth, have lunch there and save for dinner!

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The Marina Barrage – Singapore’s most well kept secret

If you are not a local, chances are, you would not know about the Marina Barrage, one of Singapore’s most well kept secret.

However, with the increasing number of events being held at this latest lifestyle destination, it wont be long before this becomes an open secret.


NDP Theme Song 2009 Electrico – What do you see filmed on site at the Marina Barrage

In 2009 when Electrico performed the theme song for the National Day Parade, the marina barrage rose to fame. Forward to the last parts of the song and you will see stunning views of the Singapore City Landscape.


The Marina Barrage has a 3-fold function. Primarily, it is a water catchment area and helps to supplement Singapore’s water supply by cordoning off the marina bay area and converting it into a fresh water catchment area. In addition, the flood gates at the barrage helps to regulate the water levels within Singapore and helps to ease flooding conditions. Lastly, but most importantly, the Marina Barrage today, serves as a venue for families to gather and have fun together as it offers a venue for picnics, kite flying, water fun and water sports!

Bird’s eye view of the Marina Barrage

Well…for me and Kate, the Barrage holds a much deeper meaning. We have gone through anniversaries, dates at the Barrage and today we still very much enjoy just picnic and enjoy the views. Take a look at this view…

View of the Singapore Flyer from the Marina Barrage

Sometimes, it is just nice to lie down on the green pastures and enjoy the view of the clear blue sky….

A kite in the midst of the clear blue skies

The marina barrage has also accompanied us through countless sunsets…

Sun setting over the Marina Bay Sands

More Sunsets…

The Marina Barrage also accompanied us through earlier days, even before the completion of the Marina Bay Sands…

Marina Bay Sands without the sail at the top yet…

During one of our dates, we even encountered the helicopter fly-pass in preparation for the National Day Parade…

Close up of the National Flag Fly Pass

When all Singaporeans come together as one…

Of course, the reason why the Marina Barrage is a very well kept secret is because it offers the most fantastic view of the Singapore City Skyline!

At the Barrage, there is a cafe/pub with live music sometimes, a chinese restaurant as well as a souvenir shop. But most family nowadays head to the barrage for a time of gathering either flying a kite, having a picnic or having some water fun at the fountains…

But for Kate and I, the Marina Barrage will always be a well polished gem that both of us have discovered together…

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Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Night Race Singapore

Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Night Race Singapore

Kate and I always enjoy things that are cheap and good (in hokkien : ai pi ai chee). So when the formula one (f1) grand prix night race came to Singapore, we were eager to be part of the event. This is also because there are only 2 of such f1 night races in the world and it is also one of the most spectacular street circuits on the f1 calendar. However, the F1 tickets were quite expensive (eventhough it includes F1 live which includes acts such as mariah carey, linkin park etc.) and we were not really that much of F1 fans. So, in order to be part of the grandprix, we decided to hunt around the race track to see where we would have free close up view of the event.

After some scouting, we realised that the marina square food court had a good view of the formula one race. Not only that, as the Singapore f1 leg was also a night race, it provided a stunning backdrop to the grandprix.

Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Night Race Singapore
Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Night Race Singapore

Whats more, we also had food from the food court as we enjoyed the f1 race! 🙂

Before the race started, there was a display of vintage cars that went around the track…

As night descended, we also had splendid view of the marina bay area

View of the Marina Bay towards the direction of the Merlion
View of the Marina Bay towards the direction of the Merlion

It is important to note that, whenever you are attending any formula one grand prix race, BRING EAR PLUGS! For those who are sitting right at the podium of the F1 races, it is strongly recommended to bring ear defenders. These will help to protect your ears from the deafening sounds from those high-performance formula one engines! Also, if you are considering these free spots around the track, do remember to turn up early to chope (book) those seats. Kate and I were there 2 hours before the race started to ensure we had “one of the best seats in the house”!

The race this year was very exciting as Lewis Hamilton who was starting at 2nd position, crashed out in the 35th lap due to an accident. Later during the race we find Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber battling hard to gain the top 3 spots from 8th,5th and 6th positions respectively.

As the race wore on, we saw 2 distinct groups pulling away, namely 1,2 and 3,4,5,6.  So as we watched the race, the first 2 cars would pass by,silence, followed by 4 cars ,silence then the rest of the pack. In the end, it was Alonso who battled and fought at corners to stay on course to clinch the top spot from the 8th starting position. Great race, great determination!

Kate and I thoroughly enjoyed the race from our free spot at Marina Square. Later on, many fans also packed the place as this is now an open secret! Hence, for those of you F1 fanatics out there who missed out on those valuable f1 tickets, you might want to consider the newly renovated marina square food court for air-conditioned, bird’s eye view of portions of the track!

However, with F1 live as part of the package of the race, it is definitely worth it to buy those tickets, especially when the acts are one of your favourites. Enjoy the race!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Singapore right here!


The start of the race where the cars form up


The Formula One F1 Grand Prix Night Race Singapore Street Circuit

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Chingay Parade and Festival Singapore – Street Parade Culmination and Melting Pot of Cultures, Street Performances and Displays

Chingay Parade and Festival Singapore – Street Parade Culmination and Melting Pot of Cultures, Street Performances and Displays

Kate and I were invited to the Chingay Parade and festival and it was our first time ever! We were of course excited and decided to be there early to join in the ra-ra (pre-show audience warm-up) before the show started. Before we go into the details, a little bit about the origin of Chingay…

The Chingay Parade had its roots as a street performance or masquerade started in the 1970s. Today, it has evolved and has become an international festival with audience from all over the world. Touted as the grandest streets and floats parade in Asia, the Chingay Parade boasts of dazzling displays of colours and multi-culturalism that Singapore offers. 

The Chingay Parade has been held at the Pit-Building (the actual Pit building for formula one on the F1 calendar) for the past couple of years. It is primarily a street performance where audience are seated on both sides of a street as the performers and displays pass by. The performance would include street performers from all over the world. In addition, organisations in Singapore , both private and public companies or organisations, would also stage performanances that attracts the attention of the crowd. At the pit-building, more than 150,000 spectators can be seated.

As Kate and I begun to get seated at our Category 3 seats (costs about $25 dollars), we noticed 2 of Singapore’s most famous hosts – Gurmit Singh and Quan Yi Feng. It was exciting to see how they warmed up the crowd and entertained us, getting us all psyched up before the first performers arrived.

We were surprised by the first few acts whereby firecrackers (something banned in Singapore except at festivals such as this) and fireworks were used. Stilt walkers and performers from China held huge flags and balanced them superbly as they passed the audience. It was awesome!

The whole parade was filled with dazzling colours and wonderful floats. One of the 2 floats that caught our attention was the USS (Universal Studio Singapore) floats with all the characters such as Kung Fu Panda and the Madagascar Characters. The other float that caught our attention was the HDB (Housing and Development Board of Singapore – Provides public housing for all Singaporeans). This is because the float featured the latest public project that garnered design awards – Pinnacle@Duxton. Here are some of the highlights of the evening…

Chingay Parade and Festival Singapore – Street Parade Culmination and Melting Pot of Cultures, Street Performances and Displays
Chingay Parade and Festival Singapore – Street Parade Culmination and Melting Pot of Cultures, Street Performances and Displays
Chingay @ Marina Bay

Of course, to round of the entire parade, what else but FIREWORKS!

Kate and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (as you may have heard from the screams of our video) and we were pleasantly surprised by how great and awesome a street performance can be. We formerly typified floats as boring as we see them drive pass during the parade season.


However, having come close to the performance, it actually brings us to see how much work the performers have put in and how much attention to detail have been placed into all the costumes and float designs. Impressive!

Chingay @ Marina Bay

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We hope you’ll enjoy the Chingay Parade in Singapore this year!

Ducktours Amphibious Fun! – See Singapore on land and on water!

Ducktours Amphibious Fun Singapore

On one fine Saturday afternoon, as Kate and I were passing by the Ducktours booth in Suntec City, we thought to ourselves…”Hey, let’s be tourists for the day!”

So without much hesitation, we bought tickets ($33 per person) and waited to board our very first duck tour ride.

The Duck is actually a re-modelled WW2 Vietnamese amphibious craft.

The “Ducktainers” or tour guide would introduce us to the various structures as the Duck drove pass the landmarks. At the start of the tour was the fountain of wealth, right at the heart of Suntec City. Next, we headed towards the city hall area and viewed the Cenotaph, one of Singapore’s oldest war memorial. It was here where we entered the water…

We were soon in the basin of the Singapore River and we were able to see many of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks and structures such as the Merlion, Esplanade, Fullerton Hotel, Singapore Flyer, The World’s largest Floating Platform (where the National Day Parade is held), Tallest Hotel in Southeast Asia – Swissotel Singapore and the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort halfway built…

Merlion @ Marina Bay
Merlion @ Marina Bay

Singapore’s Tourism Icon – The Merlion

Overall, it was a nice refreshing tour. The “Ducktainers” were indeed entertaining and even “prepared” us as we entered the water (saying we’ll get wet and all, which we didnt). They were also armed with snippets of information which would be interesting for tourists.

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Royalty Fine Dining onboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise – Legend of the Seas

Lamb Shank Royal Caribbean Cruise

The fine dining experience onboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise – Legend of the Seas was one of a kind! The setting was classy (at the Romeo and Juliet fine dining restaurant). Kate and I were onboard the cruise for 8D7N and we stuck to the fine dining restaurant for all evening meals!

We are not exaggerating when we say that the food was EXCELLENT! The fine dining restaurant (Romeo and Juliet) was one of the highlights of the cruise. Each night we would anticipate the display of its menu and choose the dish that we want! It was something to look forward each night because

a. Service. You would be pampered by waiters and waitresses who will remember your names after the first night! They would remember your preferences such as whether you would like cold/hot water, pepper or not in your soup etc…

b. Presentation. The food would be very well presented! If it was a bisque, you would find a little artistic touch (like latte art) at the top. Likewise for the desserts, the plate would be decorated with fruits, chocolates, sauce etc.

c. Taste. The food we must say is of international standards! Not only would there be creativity in the types of food (fusion, western, asian), the tastes was mostly unforgettable!

d. Unlimited servings! This means you can try ALL the mains and ALL the desserts for the night! Can you believe it!?!

Here are just some of the wonderful food we’ve had…

The Mains

Grilled Chicken Royal Caribbean Cruise
Grilled Chicken Royal Caribbean Cruise
Steak Royal Caribbean Cruise
Steak Royal Caribbean Cruise
Cream of Chicken Soup Royal Caribbean Cruise
Cream of Chicken Soup Royal Caribbean Cruise
Breaded Prawns Royal Caribbean Cruise
Breaded Prawns Royal Caribbean Cruise
Pulled Pork Burger Royal Caribbean Cruise
Pulled Pork Burger Royal Caribbean Cruise
Mushroom Chicken Royal Caribbean Cruise
Mushroom Chicken Royal Caribbean Cruise
Asian Stir Fried Noodles Royal Caribbean Cruise
Asian Stir Fried Noodles Royal Caribbean Cruise
Scallops with Cheesy Pasta Royal Caribbean Cruise
Scallops with Cheesy Pasta Royal Caribbean Cruise
Lamb Shank Royal Caribbean Cruise
Lamb Shank Royal Caribbean Cruise
Tiger Prawns Caribbean Cruise
Tiger Prawns Caribbean Cruise

The Desserts

Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts
Royal Caribbean Cruise Desserts

The fine dining experience really made the difference for Kate and I onboard this cruise. We were really pampered like royalties each night and returned to our rooms FULL! The food was excellent, ambience was good, value for money and the service was impeccable. If we were to rate, it would be FULL MARKS!

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