Multi-racial Singapore! Part 1: Chinese New Year.

Singapore has a diverse populace of nearly 5 million people which is made up of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Caucasians and Eurasians (plus other mixed groups) and other Asians of different origins which is in line with the nation's history as the crossroads for various ethnic and racial groups.


Singaporean culture is best described  as a melting pot of Chinese, Malay, British and Indian cultures, a reflection of its immigrant country.

The year always begins with festivities and every New Year heralds celebrations in Singapore. There are several venues that hold New Year's Eve  Countdown Parties for the public. The most popular waterfront events are 'The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown' and 'Siloso Beach Party' at Sentosa.  Majority of the Singaporeans (which is mainly the party people) will either go to those locations to enjoy public performances and witness the impressive fireworks display. Moreover, other popular party can also  be found along Orchard Road, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.

Orchard road

The decorations at orchard road during new years eve or even Christmas!

Boat Quay

Singapore, has several distinct ethnic neighborhoods, including Little India, Chinatown and Kampung Glam.

Apart form the festival of New Year, along came the festive of Chinese New Year. The festival begins on the first day of the lunar month in the Chinese Calendar , which usually falls between the last week of January and early February. Preparations begin weeks ahead of Chinese New Year and the city  wears a festive spirit during this period.

Weeks or perhaps a month before Chines New Year, Chinatown would be packed with these people. Most families assemble in this ethnic quarter to enjoy its myriad sights and sounds and savour traditional Chinese goodies. Most shopping malls are decorated with traditional ornaments in the auspicious colours of red and gold and offer attractive discounts and promotions.

The famous lion and dragon dances at Chinatown and along Singapore River at both the quays. Chinese New Year Celebrations culminate on the  15th day of the new year, as the Spring Lantern Festival. 

After which, 10 days after the Lantern Festival, its time for the biggest parade in Singapore which is known as the 'Chingay Parade'. This is where street and the float parade is flooded with various performances ranging from acrobatics to traditional dances. 

If you have missed the Chingay early this year, you can visit this website to view the videos as well as the pictures! 

http://www.chingay.org.sg/

To know the rest of the festival that will be anticipated in Singapore, STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT EPISODE/POST! 

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Next post will be on Deepavali. Whats Deepavali? Just you wait for the next post! (:

Signing Off~ Aizura

My view on Esplanade

So what's wrong about the durian-shaped structure if the building? I felt refreshed after heading for  a visit to the Esplanade. It's been long since I visited and I have not reliased that there are so many facilities in there that caters to shoppers. Example are spa and message.



Signing Off~ Jeremy

Into the Esplanade - In a nutshell

Is your stomach growling at you? Or are your legs feeling itchy for an air-conditioned hike?

Why not come to the...

 Esplanade Mall

Man, nothing beats some good food when your stomach feels like it has a hole. Well, fortunately, the Esplanade Mall does have some quality food. Let's take a virtual hike to the mall...

How's this???

Brought to you by Ichiban Boshi~

Prefer Coffee and toast instead?

Looks funny to me...

From Kopi-O, and I really mean it in English!

Nope, not really food. You can't eat it anyway I guess. Try spotting it in the mall if you can!

Wow, I wonder what was on this plate for the person to clean the plate up. Here's a hint. The plate was mine :P

If your stomach prefers more "class" than quantity for food, why not come to the Humble House for some high standards? Classy but humble indeed.

Well, how was the food "hike"? Yum, yum. Food for thought, anyone?

Since we're full now, lets go shopping!!

Ha ha, I bet you were thinking of clothes? Something better. Where can you eat fish but can't go fishing?

 

Eating at a restaurant beside a fish spa~ What a nice joke ^.^

Really, you can't fish here. Maybe if you did catch some you can call me?

By Kenko Reflexology Spa.

Whats the first shop you would actually think and remember of when you reach Esplanade? Obvious really, because it is none other than the...

Esplanade Shop !

Had you surprised didn't I? It's so obvious I even forgot what's 1+1. Ha ha no sarcasm intended.

If you  wonder where you can find the online store, here you are : http://www.esplanade.com/eat_drink_shop/esplanade_shop/index.jsp

And here's Esplanade for you, in a nutshell.

 

I'm still hungry actually...

 Signing off~ Yong Jian :D

Episode 2: What durian that cannot be eaten and bought?? :D

Welcome back...

So, here is the Episode 2 that you have awaited.

And to answer the question above..the pictures as well as the videos will clear your doubts!

Doesn't it looked alike? :p

So this is the Makansutra Gluttons Bay that Denise have mentioned earlier in the video! 

You might not know of this place, but here, there are a lot varieties of food.

Here, they really serves truly Singaporean dish. It sells a mixture of dishes from different cultures.  

 

In case you might not know, there is also a shopping center call esplanade mall....

There are a few bars and clubs and of course a place to relax and enjoy the breeze or scenery there....

and there you go a place to relax....

The scenery is so nice that even couples would go there to take their wedding photo...

When you are tired and thirsty there is a drink stall outside esplanade for you to clear your thirstiness...

If you're wondering how the place and environment is like, here's a video to show you! (:

If you're wondering what is inside the BIGGEST DURIAN IN SINGAPORE,well, they usually have a theater or concert hall.

They even have a library inside!

Currently those pictures above are part of the exhibition that is happening at esplanade. 

So, what are you waiting for?! Don't miss your chance of getting to see the biggest durians in Singapore! Go  and get yourself fascinated by the features and environment there! 

 If you are wondering on how to get there, here's the map! (:

View Larger Map

Signing Off~ Aizura