I have decided to update as much in one post as time permits today, so here goes...
Update #1: SGP 2008 Formula One
I absolutely loved the atmosphere of watching F1 live at the circuit! It's so much more louder and you can smell the rubber burn! It's so much more exciting to see the cars so near.
But, the TV screens located around the circuit just aren't big enough. It's pretty hard to read the drivers' standings and lap times on the screen. Our seats were considered closer to the screen, can you imagine people seated far back. They'll need binoculars to read from the screen.
As I was there on Friday's Practices, there was break time between the practices. So during break time, Hubby and I were trying to return the Kangaroo TV back to the stall which is located near Esplanade, quite a distance from the Bay Grandstand where we sat, and we had to return before midnight so that we met the condition of try-it-for-free. Just trying to manuvoure our way out via the narrow path in front of the Oriental Hotel linking the Bay Grandstand to Marina Square was tough.
When we tried to get back to the Bay Grandstand upon returning the Kangaroo TV, the narrow path seemed to have worsen. Packed like sardines, we were just being pushed along. The very petite me would surely die if there's a stampede.
Watching Qualifying and Race Day at home is of 'cos much more comfortable where I sat on my cozy couch with my big tv and I also get official live timings from the F1 website. No bumping with sweaty crowds.
So would I buy tickets to watch next year? Maybe...the organizers have to getter bigger screens.
(all pix here)
Update #2: Octoburst
Octoburst is the theme name of a series of events organised by Esplanade to celebrate the Children's Day. I had asked Marr to join us with her kids but her kid weren't feeling quite well then.
We went to Marina Square for lunch and window shopping first before popping over to Esplanade. There were 3 short plays that I wanted to bring Ryan to watch, all of which were free - The Mouse & the Cookie, The Lion & the Mouse and The 108th Sheep.
I didn't take much photos as there was no photography or video-taking allowed during the plays.
My favourite play was The Mouse & the Cookie which is funnier and the acting is also better than the other two. The Lion & the Mouse, to be honest, was rather lame. The actor, which is the lion, sometimes seemed to have forgotten his lines and were slow in delievering it.
I guessed the children's reaction is good guage to see which one was the better play. There were laughters bursting throughout Cookie while Lion had pitiful giggles.
(all pix here)
Update #3: Hort Park
Lives up to its name, which is really hot, literally!!!
It was a last minute decision to go to Hort Park. We went after lunch so it was mid afternoon which was the hottest time of the day. We would have melted if not for the cloudy overcast.
I wouldn't say we totally enjoy our time as Ryan was pretty cranky that day. It's was hot and humid, he was tired and sleepy. He wanted to stay at the playground the whole time while we wanted to see the rest of the park. He was pretty teary the whole time.
Nontheless, we had a few moments of fun. We saw this family playing music to a plant so we queried. Apparantly, it is dancing plant. If you looked closely, the smaller, younger leaves will move and twitch as you play music to it.
I think the plant likes more funky and upbeat musics. =D
(all pix here)
Update #4: Ryan and his performances in school concert
I couldn't believe Ryan has attended one whole year of school already!!!
I remembered worrying whether he will adjust well to school but I know his outgoing and cheerful nature will help him adapt fast. From day one, he has never cried and was looking forward to school every single day. He was happy in school every day.
At beginning of the year, he was like a fake ang moh. You know, he's Chinese but speak only English and doesn't understand his own mother tongue. He always stare blankly when strangers speak to him in mandarin. Now, he speaks some mandarin but it's funny sometimes, and sounded like how caucasians speak funny mandarin. Sometimes he sings Chinese songs that he learnt from school which I couldn't make what the lyrics were because of his funny accent and I would have question marks popping all over my head.
Now, he's eagerly waiting to go to K1.
During the end of October, his school organised a graduation concert for the K2 students. Ryan was involved in 3 performances - "I Love Bathtime" dance, Calisthenics "Stretch" and Finale.
Kids being kids, all the performances are pretty funny. They waved during performances when they spotted their parents. Giggling and pulling the curtains to peek at the audiences after the curtains were drawn. A couple had stage fright and were crying.
We can tell that Ryan thoroughly enjoyed the whole concert. He was actually very secretive before the concert. We were always trying to trick him into showing us what he'll perform but he's smart and said he cannot do it at home. He had so many dance moves to remember and he did it really well. We are really proud of him!! =)
(all pix here)
