WS K88

WS K88
Erich's new place where different things will happen, but still the center of the universe and the navel of the world

Aug 29, 2011

Singapore Lantern Festival 2011: Some Tips for Visitors

The Lantern Festival ("Mid-autumn Festival") falls on the 8th Lunar Month, which runs from 30 Aug 2011 to 25 Sep 2011.

Here are the highlights for Singapore Lantern Festival 2011...

Lantern Festival Events in Chinatown

> Chinatown Lantern Festival Street Light Up:

- Huge lanterns and fairy lights brightened up Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and the street bazaars along the side streets.
- From Sat, 30 Aug 2011 to 25 Sep 2011.
- From 7pm till late nightly.
- Lantern Festival Opening Night.The festival will be launched on the evening (7pm-10pm) of Tuesday, 30 Aug 2011 near Chinatown MRT - with a flurry of energetic activities. Enjoy the lantern street parade, lion dance performance and fireworks.

>Street Bazaar

- Pagoda Street, Terrenganu Street, Sago Street and Chinatown Complex become pretty busy with vendors selling mooncakes, savouries, lanterns and other festive wares.
- From Mon, 29 Aug 2011 to Mon, 12 Sep 2011.
- From 11am till late daily.

> Stage Shows

- A good mix of traditional and comtemporary entertainmnet at Kreta Ayer Square (near Buddha Tooth Relic Temple).
- From Tue, 30 Aug 2011 to Mon, 12 Sep 2011.
- From 8-10pm nightly.

> Mass Lantern Procession

- From 7.30pm to 10pm on Sat, 10 Sep 2011.
- The procession starts at the open field near Outram MRT Station and loops around Eu Ton Sen Street back to the heart of Chinatown. Join in with your own lanterns!

Aug 25, 2011

InterNations - a trusted Network & Guide for Expats in Singapore

InterNations is the biggest global networking site for expats of various nationalities and their family members. At the moment, InterNations unites more than 300,000 members in 270 cities worldwide. On our platform, expatriates and their partners can find information in the City Guides, connect with compatriots, ask for advice on everyday life in their host country, provide other members with useful tips and make new contacts. Our members include diplomats, ambassadors, foreign ministers, representatives from various NGOs as well as expats from all walks of life. In Singapore, the InterNations local community comprises over 5,000 members from over 100 different national backgrounds. Regular InterNations events for expatriates and their guests take place on a monthly basis, and are organized by our two local ‘Ambassadors’.






Aug 10, 2011

The Singapore Story, NDP 2011

Majula, the Singapore Spirit.
The birth of a Nation featuring the multi cultural heritage and showcasing the pioneering spirit of the older generation, the beginning of a country with many possibilities.
Singapore was once a fishing village. For hundreds of years people came from far away to this tiny island bringing food and spices, textiles and precious stones. They brought their rich cultures and diversed languages and on this island they saw the future.
The Malays brought their delicious food and culture. They settled at the mouth of the Singapore river.
Not long after the Chinese arrived and made Singapore their home.
The Indians came with their spices, curry powder, chili
and their culture of song and dance
The fusion of the different cultures and people into one single whirlpool on this island is how Singapore became the melting pot of cultures and races. Finally, everyone comes together, representing how the different races live side by side peacefully in Singapore, an important aspect of the Singapore spirit.
Year 1965: The year of Independence. A new Nation was born with Lee Kwan Yew being the father of all.
It's a time of struggle and uncertainty and a time of determination for the pioneering generation of Singaporeans.
It became an island of dreams. "Singapura, oh Singapura sunny island set in the sea"

but also had to fight severe storms growing up which they only were able to master together.
"Coming together in times of trouble and working together to overcome hurdles is another aspect of the Singapore spirit." the father explains to son.
Singapore's progress from the seventies to the New Millennium
The fast changes in modern Singapore from push carts, trishaws and bicycles
to cars, highways and high rise buildings...
the transformation from a 3rd world country to a first world metropolis.
Singapore's aspirations towards a better future can only be reached if all come together and work hard for a better tomorrow.
This sense of moving "onward" together, or "Majulah" forms a critical part what it means to be Singaporean and what the singapore spirit represents.
Magnificent Marina Bay and Central Business District

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
The Singapore Pledge symbolizes the passing of the Singapore spirit from one generation to the next.
...pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation."
The grand finale of this year's National Day celebrations.
Once again we want to congratulate Singapore to your amazing progress, wish you a Happy Birthday and many more prosperous years to come!

Live from the NDP 2011 Web Telecast

The crowd is awaiting the Red Devils


Contingences marching in

The National Flag
President S.R. Nathan arrives





21 salut gun shots for the President

Fire of Joy
That concludes the official part of the parade which is followed by the fun part, the story of Singapore, a musical extravaganza

Aug 7, 2011

Happy Birthday Singapore

Every year August 9 is a very big event for Singaporeans. They proudly celebrate the independence of the still young nation.
In 46 years only Singapore developed from 3rd world into a First World City State.
Thousands of Singaporeans come to the Maria Bay Area to watch bits and pieces of the spectular celebrations. Only 30,000 lucky ones are able to watch the show close up from the Grand Stand.
Every Singaporean can submit a request for a ticket. A draw determines the lucky winners.The Red Lions are a crowd pleaser every year.






Since the completion of Marina Bay Sands (Resort & Casino) the whole area turned into a beautiful scenery.
Army, Navy and Air force demonstrate their skills.






After the arrival of the president the National flag is flown by ...


... and 21 gun salutes are shot.

The Marina Bay floating platform measures 120 meters (394ft) long and 83 meters (272ft) wide. The platform can bear up to 1,070 tons (2,358,946.2lbs), equivalent to the total weight of 9,000 people, 200 tons of stage props and three 30-ton military vehicles.




The grand finale of the National day Parade spectacular fireworks.