Singapore Day in Melbourne

The day started at 1020hr for me when the Chan Family came to pick me up from my house. Singapore Day in Melbourne was held @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl located in the heart of Botanical Gardens. Since U.Chow Peng's office carpark was obstructed by a huge crane, we had to attempt to get a carpark lot in Botanical Gardens itself. As we were apporaching the botanical Gradens, I told the Chans about horror stories I have heard from Dawn regarding how some Singaporeans were planning on being there at the opening of the gates so that they can grab enough food for themselves. you must understand, this is because ALL the food at Singapore Day was FREE... So they wanted to ensure that they got their fair share of FREE food.

So anyway, here is a picture of the queue at 1030hr when we arrived...


As you can see, the queue was already EXTREMELY LONG. We couldnt believe our eyes at the sight we saw. I expected it to be crowded but not that crowded...

But what could we do? Like well trained Singaporeans, the Chans and I waited patiently in line for a good 1.5hrs before we actually got to the front of the line. Here's a picture of the Chans at the initial stages of our queuing.


Thankfully, the weather on Saturday was absolutely wonderful. It was suppose to be raining but not a patch of grey cloud was seen in the sky. It was a clear blue sky. =)


When we finally got in, we saw hoards and hoards of pple. We were a little confused what we should be doing and just started looking around to see what there was to see and do. There were basically three components to that day:

1. Ongoing concert (1030 - 1730hr)
2. Exhibitions (career fair, education information, HDB etc)
3. Free Food, free stuff and more freebies

Item no. 3 was really quite something. There were a vast array of variety displayed and offered... comprising of Chinese, Malay and Indian food varieties. There was everything for everyone. However, it came with a price: Since it was FREE, you had to queue again. it was quite irritating. Cos I think i spend half my time there in a line somewhere for food or for the toilet or just for more free stuff.

But it did get better.. We queued patiently again for our first round of food... Natasha and Lydia joined us halfway through the queue and here's a photo of the three young ladies.. =)


after grabbing our food, we sat down to enjoy the concert. We were entertained by people for the SAF music and drama academy (is that what they are called), Dick Lee, Vocaluptous, Electrico, Tay Ping Hui, Daphne Khoo and Phua Chu Kang and family! PCK really stole the show, Gurmit Singh is just so so hilarious..

Dick Lee came in a close second for me as I heard him sing personal favourites like Fried Rice Paradise and Home.

On the whole, the day was really enjoyable. though the crowds of 15,000 did put me off initially, what can i say? the yummy singapore food, the freebies (Glory Kaya) and the sound of local artists really reminded me of home and made me really happy. =)

the Goodie Bag and what was inside: