River Cruise

Monday, December 7th, 2015

Our kids keep asking us when we are going on a cruise. Well, this is as close as it gets for now.  Actually, we did "cruise" down the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; in a little wooden boat, just us and the "captain".  This cruise seemed much safer, within the limits of quiet bays. It was only 40 minutes and we saw some familiar sights, from the "backside". 

Clark Quay on the Singapore River

"First Generation" by Chong Fah Cheong (b. 1946) depicts a scene from early days of Singapore.  It was not uncommon to see naked boys swinging from trees beside the river and jumping into the water.

The Fullerton Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel.  It was originally designed as an office building and well-known as the general post office.  Laws have assured that no buildings shall be built in front, to obstruct the views of the sea.

Esplanade Theaters by the Bay is the performing arts center with a concert hall and a theater.

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort developed by Las Vegas Sands with Moshe Safdie as the architect.  It is the most expensive stand alone casino property in the world.  It features a hotel, convention and exhibition center, a 3-story mall, museum, theaters, restaurants, a skating rink, a Sky Park or observation deck and infinity pool.

Singapore's Merlion is a creature with a lion's head and the body of a fish. It has become Singapore's mascot and serves as the logo for the tourism board.

To celebrate Singapore's 50th Anniversary, write a wish and it will be placed inside one of these floating balls.  They are lit at night.

Skyline of Singapore

Art Science Museum is reminiscent of the lotus flower.  It was designed by Moshe Safdie and has a round base with ten extensions referred to as fingers.  Each finger has gallery space with skylights at the fingertips.

Quay Shops in Singapore

Noodle Man

December 5, 2015

After walking around the museum we were super hungry so we headed to the very famous restaurant located in Chinatown called Noodle Man.  This is a must for any tourist.

This is the owner and we watch as he works his magic.

Lots of bowls of good food.

The lime juice is the best!

All visitors to Noodle Man are welcome to join in for a cooking lesson.

Ta da!

This is the bill.  We handed it to Kent.

Afterwards we went to the LDS Stake Center in downtown Singapore for a beautiful Christmas program, Nativity display and refreshments.

National Museum of Singapore

Saturday, December 5, 2015

We attended the re-opening of the National Museum of Singapore which had just undergone a three and a half year restoration.  It is a cultural and architectural landmark in downtown Singapore.  The picture below shows the rotunda and neo-Palladian facade built in 1882.  Over the years the museum has grown, and now it has been retrofitted with modern coverings and connections, bringing together old and new on one site.  

The architects have combined the (old) City Government Building, the (old) Supreme Court building, and added a modern wing to complete their renovation project.

The artwork is by Singaporeans or depict life in Singapore.

McKenna and Jeremy having fun on the interactive board.  You can choose a collection of artwork and then send it electronically to your phone or computer.

Up on the rooftop we could enjoy the reflecting pool and the Singapore skyline.

Another interactive activity for kids.

A garden growing on the rooftop wall.

More views of downtown Singapore from a walkway.

I've been good -- can I go home now?

Saturday Tutus

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Saturday mornings have always been set aside for ballet class.  This is Madison's class and fortunately the teacher let me in and allowed me to take pictures.  This was Madison's last lesson, since she has decided to focus on another activity for the next few months.  

Usually Jeremy takes the girls to ballet and while they are doing their plies and jumps, he likes to go to the nearby McDonald's.  That's where they serve their pancakes with chocolate syrup.  We have also discovered a beautiful pastry shop and usually come home with fresh breads and goodies for Sunday morning.  So many reasons to be ready when the car leaves for ballet in Saturday mornings!

Madison at far left

Madison, second from left

Madison, center

And McKenna was the most excited little girl to begin her ballet career.  In these pictures she is trying on her new leotard and skirt.  Her class will begin when January rolls around.  In Singapore, they don't wear tights because it is just too hot. Their instruction follows the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum.

McKenna

Hands in fifth position and feet in first position.

Mystery Reader

Friday, December 4, 2015

It was so much fun to be invited to McKenna's class to be the Mystery Reader.  The students are given clues.  Then they have to guess who they think the people are who will be coming to read to them and which student the mystery person belongs to. 

The book Kent is going to read is called 

"The Twelve Days of Singapore Christmas".

Many of the kids had never heard it before.

It is always fun to visit our grandchildren's classrooms.

Bizy Kids

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Of course one of our reasons for coming to Singapore is do things with the grandchildren in many of their activities or just watch them having fun.

It is always fun to kick the ball in the street with the neighbor kids -- after school, after homework is finished, before dinner, after dinner, before it gets dark.

 The Ice Cream Man's cart is conveniently located at the corner of one of the entrances to the school.  It is the place to be at 3:00.  You just need a dollar.

Fun night, taking the kids to the "Naughty n Nice" play at the high school.

Having lunch with McKenna is a treat.  Of course it has to be on a Friday, because that is when they serve french fries.  

A playground is never too far at the 

Singapore American School.

A fun activity in the swimming pool at the Terror Club on the naval base as part of the Christmas activities, crafts, and movie night.  And Santa showed up also.

Next to the Terror Club and the swimming pool are tennis courts, basketball courts and soccer fields to keep the kids entertained and wear them out.