on board the Dragons Pearl

Apologies for no blog uploads for the past week ..... we are in North Vietnam for nearly two weeks and these are just a few of the images of the Dragons Pearl Junk we sailed on on Halong Bay .....

Highly recommended, but choose the company and boat with care. We heard too many complaints about other companies. We have not one complaint about ours, the staff were attentive, the accommodation superb, the food was never ending and the activities kept us busy constantly!

Will be blogging about the trip, about Hanoi, Halong Bay etc on our return to Singapore next week.

In the meantime, do enjoy looking at the images on Picasa of the food we had, the accommodation and the of the boat itself. If you look carefully, you may catch a glimpse of some of the scenery we did see. :)

Not good internet access here, so am hoping these images do manage to come thru!

If not, the following URL should link thru to the Picasa Album:

https://picasaweb.google.com/111211467749924701413/OnBoardTheDragonsPearl



Leone and John

the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

  image of Marina Bay Sands taken July 2011

We were so lucky to be invited to view the Marina Bay Sands last Friday .... as I have said in the previous post, we have watched this baby grow since February 2007.

Never did I think I would have the opportunity to get to see it like we did last week and to top it off we got to see the SkyPark and the Observation Deck!

We all know that the best (the very best) views are from the SkyPark, but stop just for one moment .... what about the views OF the Skypark and Observation Deck?

even though we did not have the blue sky due to the approaching storm, it did not stop us from having the best views of the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and Observation Deck!

According to the "Fact Sheet" issued by Marina Bay Sands Singapore, the Sands Skypark is an architectural masterpiece sitting on top of the three hotel towers at Marina Bay Sands. This 1.2 hectare tropical oasis is longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall and large enough to park four and a half A380 jumbo jets and it extends to form one of the world's largest public cantilevers. Yes, that means it is really BIG!

the above images of the SkyPark shows just a few of the 250 trees and 650 plants that are there!

The Sands SkyPark:

• built at a height of 200 metres.
• its lush, landscaped gardens are home to 250 trees and 650 plants
• offers a total of 12,400 square metres of space - big enough to fit three football fields.
• a ticketed public observation deck can host hundreds of people
• Hotel guests have the exclusive use of a 150 metre infinity swimming pool, the world's largest outdoor pool at that height.
• The Club at Marina Bay Sands, the executive club lounge at Tower 2, allows club/suite guests to enjoy their breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails while enjoying the spectacular views at the SkyPark.
• By 8.00pm every night, The Club at Marina Bay Sands offers an indulgent Chocolate Bar concept that is opened to the public.
• Acclaimed restaurants include Sky on 57, which serves Modern Asian cuisine and other signature dishes by Singapore's celebrity chef Justin Quek, Sky on 57 is located at Tower 1.
• at the other end of Tower 3 sits KU DE TA, the uber-cool lounge/restaurant that is hailed as the leading lifestyle destination in Asia.

Please note that there are some items (including tripods for cameras) that cannot be taken up to the SkyPark and it is for every ones safety and well being that you read THIS LINK about the conditions of entry prior to your visit.

Smoking at the SkyPark is strictly prohibited.

Useful Links

Marina Bay Sands - SkyPark

Marina Bay Sands

ArtScience Museum

Previous blog post on watching the Marina Bay Sands grow.

We would like to thank Marina Bay Sands for the opportunity to view this "architectural masterpiece" and also thank both Philicia Tan and Bhavna Moolani for taking the time to show us around and explain the 'workings' of the hotel in greater detail. 

wandering around the Flower Dome!

During the past week I visited the Gardens by the Bay with two friends and blogged of that visit - as seen HERE. There really is much to see and it is not possible in a half day visit to see it all. John and I returned for a couple of hours yesterday - just to walk around the man made 'lake' and take in the sights.

The Gardens by the Bay is truly going to make its mark on the garden scene of Singapore when it officially opens next June. The sheer size of the whole complex is mind boggling and the Flower Dome itself is an amazing addition to the Singapore skyline as seen here:

The information on the website has:

Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, will officially open in June 2012. A showcase of horticulture and garden artistry, the Gardens will bring the world of plants to Singapore and present Singapore to the World. 

Get up close with a diversity of plant species from around the world in the iconic cooled conservatories, marvel at the Supertrees vertical garden, or discover the intricacies of plant life at the themed gardens. Enjoy local and international concerts and edutainment or host private events in a lush garden setting. In this horticultcultural oasis nestled in the heart of the city, there's so much to explore!

Truly a spectacular and colourful national icon, Gardens by the Bay will capture the imagination of many.

The focal point for the Gardens by the Bay South is the Conservatory Complex, and is one of the most awe-inspiring aspects of Gardens by the Bay, one of the newest Singapore attractions. The complex consists of two buildings - a cool dry conservatory called Flower Dome and a cool moist one known as Cloud Forest. Together, they will feature annual plants and flowering species from three very distinct climates: Mediterranean, Tropical Montane, and temperate.  

The Gardens by the Bay was opened this past week only because of the 20th WOC Orchid Show, it will be closed to the public from November 20 till the grand opening expected to be in June 2012.

During this preview period, visitors were able see a spectacular display of orchids planted in the Flower Field inside the Flower Dome, to mark the occasion of the 20WOC. This colourful display featured some 14,000 orchid plants consisting of about 150 hybrids and 30 species from around the world including Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and South America.

The following images were taken inside the Flower Dome:

 

we are in for a treat when the 

Gardens By The Bay 

officially opens in June 2012

 Visitor information at WOC

20WOC Orchid Website

Marina Bay Sands

Gardens by the Bay

Blog post on Gardens by the Bay

find your little piece of paradise....

World Orchid Show 

Find your little piece of paradise among the stunning displays at the 20th World Orchid Show - but you only have until Sunday November 20 to do so! 

Visitors are experiencing a true feast for the senses at the World Orchid Show which is on from now till 20 November. 

Some 75 stunning displays, comprising thousands of orchids from traditional breeds to exotic contemporary hybrids, have left a deep impression on many who have walked into this alluring landscape. Those who are keen to learn more about orchids will be thrilled by the educational displays here which include rare orchid albums, stamps, pollination videos and information panels.

To top off the experience, the Marketplace within the Show has been a big hit with the visitors with 80 booths selling unique orchid plants and orchid-related products from more than 17 countries. Highlights also include appearances by the Orchid Man, the much-loved mascot for the World Orchid Show who will at the Show on 19 Nov, 7:30pm – 9pm.

Another plus with your Orchid Show ticket is that you also get a sneak peek at the Gardens By The Bay .... otherwise you have to wait till the grand opening in June 2012.

Believe me, it is well worth taking some time out of your weekend to see both the Orchid Show and the Gardens by the Bay.

Head down to Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Level B2 to be a part of this exciting orchid experience! Ticketing counters are open from 10am – 9pm.

World Orchid Show
Dates:	13 – 20 November 2011
Opening hours:	10:00am – 9:00pm
Venue:	Halls D, E & F, Level B2
	Sands Expo and Convention Centre
	10 Bayfront Avenue
	Singapore 018956

 Useful links

 Visitor information at WOC

20WOC Orchid Website

Marina Bay Sands

Gardens by the Bay

Blog post on Gardens by the Bay

 

 

 

up and over the top with the help of a sling!

This time last week I was 'shaking in my boots' .... no, that's not strictly correct, boots? in Singapore?   More like I was 'shaking in my Fit Flops'!

I was about to board THE SINGAPORE FLYER!

The Singapore Flyer (Image from Flyer’s official website)

..... and for those that know me, certainly know I have a phobia for heights.

Recently we were invited to go aboard the Singapore Flyer - the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel - and the invitation promised that we "were to be treated to an iconic Singapore Sling cocktail on-board an iconic attraction, accompanied by magnificent views of Singapore’s cityscape while comfortably hosted in a special themed capsule"

Now, in all honesty, how could we refuse such an invitation?

The invite was for us to promote the 1-for-1 Singapore Sling Flight that is available until December 31 and to tell all my lovely readers to go and enjoy the experience for themselves. Now, even though I am terrified of heights, hate walking over a bridge, have never, ever been on a Ferris Wheel let alone the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel, I did, yes, I braved the elements just for you!

For that alone you should thank me by going on the Flyer yourself and having the same wonderful experience of taking in the lovely city sights 165-metres above the skies.

Admittedly "the sling" helped me up and over the top!

An all-time classic – the Singapore Sling is synonymous to Singapore and one of the nation’s best-known cocktails. Professionally managed by the Association of Bartenders & Sommeliers Singapore, and using only the most authentic recipe that was developed in 1915, guests on board will experience a hand-shaken and chilled bona fide Singapore Sling served only onboard Singapore Flyer...... and it was seriously delicious.

 

 

We did get to see the wonderful sights of Singapore and it really was an exceptional experience from the moment we walked into the "Flyer Lounge area" where we were greeted by the staff explaining to us that our capsule - or pod - would be down in about 10 minutes. We had exclusive express boarding and check-in as all "Singapore Sling" flyers do and entered our VIP Themed Capsule from a different area to the 'normal flyers' ... so yes, it was a very special experience indeed and one that should not be missed.

To sweeten the deal for all my friends and readers, until 31 December 2011, Singapore Flyer will be offering a 1-for-1 Singapore Sling Flight special – simply put, it is two for the price of one.  But only for visitors who purchase the tickets directly from any of the ticketing booths at the Singapore Flyer.

Daily Flights: 2.30pm; 4:30pm; 6.30pm; 7.30pm; 8.30pm & 9.30pm.

We do hope you take advantage of this wonderful deal and as you go "up and over the top" I will wave to you from below as I drink my kopi at the Singapore Food Trail !!

Terms and Conditions:

• Valid from 5 November - 31 December 2011, subject to availability.
• Valid for walk-in purchase at Singapore Flyer ticketing counters only.
• Not valid for online, corporate, group and advanced bookings.
• Offer does not include a souvenir glass.
• Offer is not exchangable or redeemable for cash and/or other items.
• Not valid with other promotions, discounts, privileges and vouchers.
• Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions without prior notice.
• Other terms and conditions apply.

Contact Info

Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd
30 Raffles Avenue, #01-07
Singapore 039803
Fax: (65) 6339 9167
Email: sfsales@adval.com.sg

useful weblinks:

SINGAPORE FLYER

Caveat and Disclaimer
"This blog resulted from an invitation and represents the thoughts and opinions of the writer. All information on this blog is provided "as is", with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness and the writer will not be liable for any losses, injuries or damages from the display or use of this information. All text and photos on this blog are the original works of the writer unless stated otherwise."

Gardens by the Bay - Singapore

The new Gardens by the Bay here in Singapore certainly has the wow factor without a doubt!  Not officially opened until June 2012, my friends Pam, Laura and myself were a few of the lucky ones that got to see the 'sneak preview' as part of our ticket to the "20th World Orchids Show" that is being held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre until November 20th.

Along with the rest of Singapore, we have watched the 'progress' of the gardens with amazement. "What are those funny looking metal tree's?" and "that's an odd shaped building near the Barrage"... then we saw the bridge being built from Marina Bay Sands..... all this added to the interest on "what was happening".

It was soon after we had arrived in Singapore, that the Gardens by the Bay project had started and one of the first  'press releases' read as follows:

Nov 09, 2007

Singapore's Gardens by the Bay project on track with groundbreaking ceremony

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore's project to build three major waterfront gardens, broke ground today, as the development made progress to create the world's premier public gardens in the tropics. The 54 hectare (ha) Gardens at Marina South is scheduled to be the first of the three Gardens to be completed in end-2010. Gardens by the Bay will eventually total 101 ha, and comprise three themed gardens at Marina South, Marina East and Marina Centre.

  

Well the official opening ceremony is not too far off and what a spectacular event that will be. Even though its well over 6 mths away (June 2012) what we saw yesterday is certainly impressive!

Here are just a few photos to 'whet the appetite' and if you are visiting the Orchid Show this week, do take the opportunity of taking a walk across the bridge to the Gardens by the Bay.

DID YOU KNOW  ........

The Flower Dome can achieve at least 30% savings in energy consumption compared to conventional cooling technologies used in average commercial buildings in Singapore, even as it operates round-the-clock to keep its temperature cool.

Hot air rises, cold air sinks - based on this simple theory, the Flower Dome is cooled with the aid of chilled water pipes located within ground slabs. This allows warm air to rise and vent out at higher levels, keeping temperatures at an optimum on ground level.

Converting waste into energy -  it is all about sustainable energy! Horticultural waste is converted into energy through massive steam turbine to generate electricity on-site to keep the Flower Dome cool.

size of the above Flower Dome is 1.2 hectare (about 2.2 football fields)

and of course, everywhere you walk around the Gardens by the Bay ... you catch glimpses of the impressive MBS (Marina Bay Sands) 

 

 

In the Flower Dome - at Gardens by the Bay - there are many 'area's' to enjoy. One being:
Mediterranean Garden and Olive Grove, Succulent Garden, the Australian Garden etc..

But will blog about those later!

The Flower Field will feature changing displays of temporary flower beds to reflect different seasons, festivals and themes.

 

THE AMAZING SUPERTREES 

Supertrees are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens landscape with heights that range between 25 and 50 metres. They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens.

 

The Supertrees are home to enclaves of unique and exotic ferns, vines, orchids and also a vast collection of bromeliads such as Tillandsia, amongst other plants. They are fitted with environmental technologies that mimic the ecological function of trees – photovoltaic cells that harness solar energy which can be used for some of the functions of the Supertrees, such as lighting, just like how trees photosynthesize; collection of rainwater for use in irrigation and fountain displays, just like how trees absorb rainwater for growth. The Supertrees also serve air intake and exhaust functions as part of the Conservatories’ cooling systems.

 

There will also be an elevated walkway between some of the larger Supertrees for visitors to enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the Gardens. A F&B outlet has also been planned atop the 50-metre Supertree. At night, the Supertrees come alive with lighting and project media.

The Gardens by the Bay is certainly going to be a top class place that everyone will want to visit and spend time enjoying ....

stay tuned for further blog posts on the flower beds and other displays within the dome and of course the Orchid Show that is here in Singapore until November 20.

useful links:

MARINA BAY SANDS

GARDENS BY THE BAY

20th WOC - Singapore 2011 (Orchid Show)

my blog post on the Orchid Show

   

deliciously refreshing Fiji Water!

I thought water was ..... well, just water. 

But then I hardly drink any water. Not near enough for the hot humid weather we have in Singapore. But that will change as I have at last tasted real water, you know that beautiful crystal clear water sourced from a single place in the remote Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu?

FIJI Water is drawn directly from an underground water aquifer; the outcome of an inactive volcano and thousands of years of water build up. The resulting water is not only pristine, but contains a bounty of minerals gathered when the rainwater filters through the many layers of volcanic rocks. Known for its signature soft, smooth mouthfeel, FIJI Water is also loved by Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey!

For you to try this crystal clear Fiji Water for yourself, for the month of November 2011 only Fiji Water in collaboration with Swiss Butchery are launching a unique promotion whereby customers, in exchange for six bottled water labels (any brand), can take home a free 6-pack of Lil' Fijis (330 ml).


You can visit any of the three Swiss Butchery stores (from now until the 30 November 2011) to make this exchange.  For you to be able to sample this for yourself, Fiji Water will also be setting up tasting stations at the stores over the coming weekends.

Do go sample this for yourself..... it is well worth trying. After all, its not just any water!!

the FIJI web site is HERE

the Swiss Butchery web site is HERE

Terms and Conditions:

• Promotion is valid from 1st November to 30th November 2011
• The exchange is only valid at any of the Swiss Butchery stores in Singapore
• Only original bottled water labels (regardless of brand) are accepted
• Limited to one exchange per person throughout the duration of the promotional
  period
• Limited to the first 100 exchanges in the month of November 2011

Swiss Butchery stores are located at:

30/32 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289230
Tel: (65) 6468-7588
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 9.30am – 7.00pm (including Public Holidays)

56 Tanglin Road, #01-02, Singapore 247964
Tel: (65) 6235 8080
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm Daily

587 Bukit Timah Road Coronation Shopping Plaza, #01-05 Singapore 269707
Tel: (65) 6463 8080
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm Daily







Disclaimer and caveat

This blog resulted from an invitation to sample the product and represents the thoughts and opinions of the writer.  All information on this blog is provided "as is", with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness and the writer will not be liable for any losses, injuries or damages from the display or use of this information.  All text and photos on this blog are the original works of the writer unless stated otherwise.


lower Image and promotion information courtesy of FoodNews PR

November 11 - Remembrance Day.

Republishing this post (from 2010) for November 11th 2011

 

 Thursday 11 November 2010 will mark the 92th Anniversary of the Armistice, 

today known as Remembrance Day. 

On Monday 11 November 1918 at 11 am the guns of the Western Front fell silent 

after more than four years of continuous warfare.

 

The following message was received from the Secretary of State for Colonies through the Governor-General by the Acting Prime Minister (Mr.Watt) shortly before midnight: 

LONDON, Nov. 11, 10.55 a.m.-Most Urgent. 

Armistice signed at 5 o’clock this morning.

LONDON, Monday, Noon. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lloyd George) announces that the armistice was signed at 5 o’clock on Monday morning. Hostilities ceased at 11 a.m.

over the next few days I will blog about family members 

that were in the Armed Forces during this dark period of WW1

including three brothers killed within weeks of each other in 1917

may they all R.I.P

an updated blog post uploaded at

11.00am on 11th November is 

HERE

Remembrance Day - November 11

Republishing this post (from 2010) for November 11th 2011 

Remembrance Day 

is observed in Commonwealth countries

on 11 November, 

to remember the sacrifices of members of the 

armed forces and civilians in times of war.

The 'Great War' (First World War) of 1914–1918, 

was devastating to all countries involved and 

was played out on a huge scale.

The Australian War Memorial website 

has a very good write-up on WW1

HERE

 From 1914–1918, about 65 million men marched to war. 
Over 8 million never returned; 
more than half the men were wounded.

It was unlike any other conflict experienced in human history. 

For Australia, it was a time when the notions of duty and responsibility were debated, when elements of our national  identity began to evolve and, overwhelmingly, there was the experience of shock, grief and loss.

In a military sense, the Western Front, which stretched 750 kilometres from the Belgian coast, through France to the Swiss border, was a baptism of fire for the new nation of Australia, who for the first time 'engaged the main army of the main enemy in the main theatre of war'.

During the conflict, around 300,000 Australians served in this part of Europe. These were ordinary young men and women, from towns and cities across Australia, who fought, nursed, cooked, dug tunnels and trenches, drove ambulances and did whatever else was necessary in the service of 'King and country'.

 They were not professional soldiers 

as we imagine soldiers today, 

but volunteers with limited training.

They're not heroes. They do not intend to be thought or spoken of as heroes. They're just ordinary Australians, doing their particular work as their country would wish them to do it. And pray God, Australians in days to come will be worthy of them.

C. E. W. Bean, journalist, war correspondent, historian and author of the Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918.



The statistics for the Great War of 1914 - 1918 are seen below. The total number of Australian enlistments was 416,809. That is a large number for such a small country - approx 14% of the white male population. 

 61,720 of them died

This week I have written four blog posts on just one family that were killed in 1917, three brothers Reg, Arnold and Ray Bartram and their cousin Les Krause. To read their story click on each name.

Leslie Norman KRAUSE (1896 - 1917) died aged 20 in France

Reginald Percy BARTRAM (1880 - 1917) died aged 36 in Belgium

Arnold Roy BARTRAM (1895 - 1917) died aged 21 in France

Raymond Everard BARTRAM (1892 - 1917) died aged 23 in Belgium