Keeping up with Singapore! Whew!

The last one week in Singapore has been really fast that I'm losing track of time....or even...my way...


Basically, I never thought I would say 'Gee, where the heck am I....?'... Yes, at times, I get lost in Singapore.... So many changes in Singapore in one year that it is so hard to keep up. I guess that's the beauty of Singapore! :)


Anyway, as I was typing an email to a friend of mine, I managed to compile a couple of places to visit in Singapore... Here are some of the places (no images but click on the links for a rough idea or search for the names on the Internet) I would usually recommend visitors to head to (that hopefully will still remain there until my next visit!):


- Nee Ann City for the bookstore called 'Kinokuniya' on the 3rd floor and the Japanese departmental store, Takashimaya.


- Cineleisure for the store on the 3rd floor called 'Editor's Market'. The concept of buying the items is the more items you buy, the cheaper the items will be. (http://www.facebook.com/theeditorsmarket )

- Mandarin Gallery for a range of designer wear (there are mainly international designers in this mall though there are some Singaporean and other brands as well such as 'Hansel', 'Ashley Isham', 'JBNY', 'EggThree'...

Another area I love to go to visit to photograph the building is the theatre called the 'Esplanade' (http://www.esplanade.com/). During some evenings, there are free musical performances outside the theatre along the bay. Nearest train station is 'City Hall MRT' or 'Esplanade MRT'

There is a new building (which I haven't been to) called Marina Bay Sands (MBS (Bayfront MRT). The main attraction for $20 (Singapore Dollars) is the 'sky garden' (roof top garden). Just a warning from some of my friends who has been there, DO NOT go there in the early afternoon (like between 1pm-5pm) as the it is really hot up there (the sun!).http://www.marinabaysands.com/SandsSkypark/Sands_Sky_Park.aspx

Sometimes, I love to drop by:

'Chinatown' (Chinatown MRT)
It's nothing like Paolo Sarpi in Milan. It's completely different. definitely the place to check out.

http://www.singaporeaninlondon.com/2009/04/singapore-chinatown-experience.html

The street that's the easiest to walk is 'Pagoda Street' which links to the end of the main road called 'South Bridge Road'

Check out some of the shops along 'Ann Siang Hill'. There is one store to visit called 'Front Row' and 'EggThree' along Eskine Road

Also, check out this temple exterior called 'Sri Mariamman Temple' at the end of Chinatown (along South Bridge Road):http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Mariamman_Temple,_Singapore

Near that area is an eating area called 'Maxwell Food Centre' where they serve up a lot of Singaporean cuisine.

'Arab Street' (Bugis MRT (5-10 minute walk, check the map for directions before heading there)

http://www.singaporeaninlondon.com/2009/04/singapore-arab-street-kampong-glam.html

Go to 'Bussorah Street' as well as there are lots of things to see near the Mosque. Great place to relax. Also there is a hostel you can consider along that street called 'Sleepy Sam's' (http://www.sleepysams.com/)

Also, try to go along 'Haji Lane' which is very near Arab Street to see individual shops). (http://www.cnngo.com/singapore/visit/haji-lane-our-best-loved-shops-889607)

Oh yes, read this article as well as it is some of the things to expect when you are in Singapore. :)http://www.singaporeaninlondon.com/2010/02/what-to-do-in-singapore-holiday.html

There are a lot of places to visit in Singapore but I can only remember a few places. If I remember any more places, I will let you know...

Featuring: Ikea - Fashion and Singaporean Lifestyle Survey Results

Every now and then, I would go to my local Ikea website (or even the store itself) to stay updated with new products range and a great bargain (when I lived in Milan, going to Ikea was like being back home in Singapore. My father and I would go there whenever we can several times a year).

Anyway, this post isn't mainly about furniture...

Recently, Ikea Singapore launched an advertising campaign by doing a survey called "How is your everyday life at home?' (in Singapore). This survey will give a little gist on the lifestyle at home lead in Singapore and I got to admit, I do most of the stuff mentioned! More on the links mentioned at end of this entry.


As a Singaporean, I think some of the facts are true and some are well...not sure whether it's true!

These fashion inspired pictures were used in another advertising campaign back in Scandinavia by advertising agency, DDB Oslo, Norway.

The advertisements were done a while back but I still think it's a strong advertisement plus it stirs on ideas in my head to perhaps use their textile selection to create some fashionable items.


Wow, now I need more fabrics!

Visit:

To get more survey statistics: http://www.ikea.com.sg/survey08/result.asp

For better views of Ikea's 'Fashion' advertisement: http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/ikea_fashion_1

More creative use of Ikea's product range: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/