New Nation

Here is a list of places in Singapore where you get to enjoy the best of Indonesia.

1. City Hall

This place will be teeming with people wearing lanyards looking like they are enjoying themselves but are, in fact, soaking in the heat, haze and humidity. Mostly outdoors, there is nothing to stop you from sucking in the smoke and soot from the race and Indonesia. Double blessings.

2. Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands

People here will think they are living it up because they made it in life to come here. But the truth is, the people who really made it are in Monaco and own a home on Mauritius. But that doesn’t mean you can be stopped from enjoying the haze courtesy of Indonesia.

3. Clubs and bars: 1-Altitude, Ce La Vi, New Asia Bar and [email protected]

This place will see people dressed to the nines and wearing lanyards. And sucking in the haze. Non-smoking section? Does it matter?

4. Singapore Flyer

No one goes to the Singapore Flyer on normal days. So there is really no reason to go there this weekend.

5. Anywhere outside your home

This is to reduce the risk of bumping into anyone wearing a lanyard and walking around feeling like they have made it in life because they can afford to watch cars go round and round. But don’t let this hold you back from enjoying the haze if it is something you adore.

Sombre mood to pay tribute to founding prime minister.

Photo stolen from here

Singaporeans from all walks of life who like to pay tribute to other people in fitting fashion are looking forward to SG50 weekend next week.

This after the National Environment Agency (NEA) said short thundery showers in the late morning and early afternoon are expected over the National Day Aug. 9 weekend.

One Singaporean, Loh Tua Hor, said he likes how everything is so well-planned and forward-thinking: “I like how the sombre tribute to founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew is really shaping up. I am glad the authorities have indented rain for SG50 weekend.”

“There is really no better way to celebrate our first National Day without Lee Kuan Yew than having it pour during the 50th National Day Parade.”

“That really makes it feel sad.”

Another Singaporean, Tua Han Leow, said the heavy rain will only add to the mood that Singapore is really coming-of-age: “This will enhance the feelings of patriotism, as we look up at the sky and see that it is mourning with us as we face our future with anxiety in our hearts with Lee Kuan Yew no longer around.”

“Me? Oh, I will be overseas with my family to take a break since it is a long weekend, which is perfect for a holiday getaway.”

At press time, most Singaporeans said they will be celebrating SG50 National Day long weekend overseas, such as Australia and Malaysia, especially since the Sing dollar has strengthened against other countries’ currencies lately.