Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Something Random, Something Nice

Many guests left many random things behind the hostel.

As one would say, fun is only restricted by your imagination :)
So on some occasions, you will find some guests not sleeping. But instead doing some things which they themselves couldn't comprehend why.

**** I did witness the entire process, and a picture was taken in the toilet. Sadly I have no idea where is the picture. But since such memorable event should not be forgotten, so I depicted the picture based on my memories. Which is simply bears from different lands crowding in the small shower room, having fun :) ****


And sometimes ending off the night with pork stew in the washer
.



Along with the sincerity of a smile,differences were forgotten.
Friendships across the border are forged.


With the echoes of the laughter,
Imprints of the smiles.
Can you see it?
Many left a part of their wonderful memories behind:)




So now, what would you leave behind in the hostel? :)
- Paula :)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Featured in newspaper, beary nice! :)

Our little hostel was briefly mentioned in our local newspaper, "Straits Times" for the Singapore's National Day special on 9th August 2010. A month back, a journalist was walking around Chinatown looking for 'new shops' residing in the good old conserved shophouses in Chinatown for his article on "Old shophouses house new shops". I received a text message from Diane asking me to call this guy because he wanted to interview me... and well, I called him and the rest are all in the small little article (actually we spoke more than that and funny the photos seems to be missing.. hehe... oh well..) :)




Anyway, it felt good to be mentioned in the news again! The last time was a surprised one but this time round, we know what and when it's going to be published. I must say, its a different kind of feeling. Here's the previous article in case you've missed it and don't know what I'm yakking about.. ha ha!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Are you hungry this month? Well, maybe you are a ghost? :)

Yesterday when I came back from Malaysia, saw alot of people burning incense sticks and lighting candles along my neighbourhood block and then I was thinking, what's the occasion? Ahh... then I remembered that my mum briefly mentioned to me over the weekend that it's the start of the Hungry Ghost Festival this month... to be exact, 10th August 2010. :)

Yup, it's the time of the month where the chinese believes that our spiritual friends from the Gates of Hell are released to roam around and visit their dearest ones for a month. It's sort of like Halloween but much more spiritual I guess because at the start of the month, people will start to pray, burn incense sticks, papers and light candles along the road to ensure that the spirits are not lost and welcomes them... it's also the time to 'feed' the spirits in the form of prayers, fruits, roasted meat, rice and cakes.

The reason why it's called Hungry Ghost Festival is also because the spirits are locked up in Hell, right, so, in that 'world', they are not very well fed, so upon release, the spirits will 'eat' non stop but in truth, more like in accordance to my mum, when one dies and becomes a spirit, one will always feel hungry because a spirit is always empty inside. So, we, Chinese will pray and bring out the best offerings for the spirits hoping, this month, they will be well fed, satiated and go back to Hell once it's the end of the festival.

This is also the time of the month my mum will not allow us to travel abroad, especially places that have water which means the beach is a big no no. Superstitions believes that if we travel during this time of the month, well, 'accidents' tend to happen more. Probably because the spirits may feel a little naughty, angry, lonely or whatever and want to sort of 'drag' people down to Hell with them... I know, I make it sound so crude and evil, but it's superstitions and it's up to each person's believe. :)

You can see these happening around Singapore, especially in the heartlands but definitely in Chinatown!!! There will be Chinese Opera and upbeat singing stage performances to 'entertain our spiritual friends' and it's free for all throughout the month of Hungry Ghost Festival. If you can find seats in the front row, please please DO NOT sit on it as it is reserved for our special guests, the spirits. If the spirits are being cooped up for 11 months for the rest of the year, with no entertainment at all, I'm sure they deserve a VIP front row seat, ya! Oh ya, those singing performances that happens in the evenings and nights are called 'Getai'.


Since our hostel is located right smack in the middle of Chinatown (no kidding!), do immerse yourself in this one of a kind festival and maybe you can spot one or two spirits while you are at it!! ha ha! :)

What's Happening: Hungry Ghost Festival (7th Month Festival)
Where: Chinatown, Open Field beside Spring Street Singapore
When: 10 Aug - 7 Sep 2010
Enjoy the Festival, folks!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Singapore's 45th Birthday on 9th August 2010!!

So, there'll be roadblocks, fireworks and lotsa parades happening on 9th August. Just wanna inform our dear travelers that you could also join in the fun for Singapore's National Day celebrations! Probably can catch the spectacular fireworks, aerial acrobatics and also the parade of the Mobile Column. This year's National Day Parade (NDP) marks not only a return to the historic Padang after five years, but also the first mobile column display featured since then. The Mobile Column, a crowd favourite whenever it is featured, will be the highlight again in this year's NDP. This year, there will be more than 200 vehicles featuring the SAF's 3 Generation capabilities and Home Team's assets. It will roll pass City Hall and into the heartlands.

The Mobile Column will bring the National Day Parade Celebrations from the Padang to different parts of Singapore. The Mobile Column will move to the heartlands after the drive past at the Padang along three different routes (North-Eastern, Northern and Western routes). They will travel through various townships, arriving at the five Heartland celebration locations of Sengkang, Eunos, Bishan, Woodlands and Choa Chu Kang. Here's the route which the Mobile Column will cover. :)



NORTH-EASTERN ROUTE - EUNOS AND SENGKANG
ST ANDREW'S ROAD->MARINA BOULEVARD->BAYFRONT AVE-> RAFFLES AVE->NICOLL HIGHWAY->MOUNTBATTEN RD->SIMS AVE-> UPPER PAYA LEBAR RD->UPPER SERANGOON RD->HOUGANG AVE 8-> HOUGANG AVE 6->SENGKANG CENTRAL->COMPASSVALE RD-> SENGKANG SQUARE


NORTHERN ROUTE - BISHAN AND WOODLANDS
ST ANDREW'S ROAD->PARLIAMENT PLACE->FULLERTON RD ESPLANADE DR->NICOLL HIGHWAY->MIDDLE RD-> VICTORIA ST->JLN SULTAN->KING GEORGE AVE-> KITCHENER RD-> SERANGOON RD->BALESTIER RD-> MOULMEIN RD->THOMSON RD->LORNIE RD-> BRADDELL RD->BISHAN RD-> ANG MO KIO AVE 8-> ANG MO KIO AVE 5->YIO CHU KANG RD-> UPPER THOMSON RD->SEMBAWANG RD->GAMBAS AVE-> WOODLANDS AVE 7->WOODLANDS AVE 4-> WOODLANDS AVE 9->WOODLANDS AVE 5-> WOODLANDS SQUARE


WESTERN ROUTE - CHOA CHU KANG
ST. ANDREW'S RD->HILL ST->RIVER VALLEY RD-> HOOT KIAM RD->PATERSON HILL->PATERSON RD ->ORCHARD RD-> KILLINEY RD->RIVER VALLEY RD ->DELTA RD-> ALEXANDRA RD->COMMONWEALTH AVE ->COMMONWEALTH AVE WEST->TOH TUCK AVE->BUKIT BATOK EAST AVE 3-> BUKIT BATOK CENTRAL->BUKIT BATOK WEST AVE 2-> BUKIT BATOK WEST AVE 5 ->BUKIT BATOK RD-> CHOA CHU KANG WAY->CHOA CHU KANG AVE 4-> CHOA CHU KANG WAY



Tips for Watching National Day Fireworks 2010 for FREE

Don't miss the fireworks for Singapore NDP 2010! This year, the fireworks will be launched from 9 locations:

- The Padang
- City Hall
- Esplanade Theatre
- the waters of Marina Bay
- Suntec City
- Pan Pacific Hotel
- Ritz Carlton Millenia Hotel
- UOB Plaza & Maybank Tower

Best Picnic and Photography Spots to Watch Fireworks in Singapore:

1)The Esplanade Theatre Waterfront Promenade
A very convenient spot overall.
You need to find a good spot if you don't want to see the construction sites in your fireworks photos.

2)The Esplanade Bridge
A good place if you want the Merlion included in your fireworks photos.
However, you still need to a wide-angle lens because the fireworks are pretty near.
This spot is incredibly crowded during the New Year's Eve Countdown fireworks.

3) Merlion Park
Go to the Merlion Park if you want to hear the loud booms and to feel the fireworks 'falling on you'.
A difficult place to get everything into your camera unless you use a fish eye lens or a wide-angle lens.
Suitable to take children to, but crowded. You'll need to get there early and occupy the kids meaningfully.

4) Clifford Pier
A small area available to the public. Better if you book a seat at One on the Bund restaurant (see below).

5) The Promontory @ Marina Boulevard NEW!
This spot was a fireworks photographer's favourite before the re-construction took place. You get sweeping views across the water towards the Marina Bay hotels.
Now refurbished, it's a lovely green space.
Likely the venue of some carnival or fair during fireworks night and therefore a good spot to take kids to.
Some photos of fireworks as seen from Marina Boulevard.

6) Marina Bay Sands Waterfront Boardwalk NEW!
This newly completed timber boardwalk is situated just in front of Marina Bay Sands. It takes you all the way to the water's edge.

7) Helix Bridge NEW!
The spiralling steelwork may hinder your view of the fireworks. But it also creates an interesting perspective.
There are also uninterrupted platform areas that protrude over the waters, which offers an interesting vantage view over the skyline.

8) Marina Barrage
Farther away than all the other viewing spots, but offer a 'sense' of seclusion.
Take the MRT to Marina South Station. Then SBS Bus No. 400 or the Marina Barrage Shuttle Bus to the Barrage.

So practically any waterfront location at Marina Bay will be a good spot to watch the fireworks for NDP 2010 (as well as the flypast). Expect the fireworks to be launched near the end of the Show Segment, probably around 7.30pm - 8pm. Obviously, you'll need to turn up earlier to find yourself some space.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
In the event of bad weather (or for health safety and other pertinent reasons), the NE Shows and Parades may be delayed, cut short or postponed. If this happens, the fireworks will be similarly affected.

So, hope some of you will be able to catch some of it and truly feel the spirit of Singapore when the nation celebrates it's 45th birthday! :)Best