On the day of the second visit to see the fireworks, Gilberto and I were supposed to get there earlier to find and book decent place. However, we did not do as planned, but only to go there slightly earlier than the previous time.
We had Burger King meal at Raffles City before meeting up with Reuben. Ivan soon arrived, followed by Louis. After buying food back at Burger King, we set off for a picnic near Esplanade.
We were joined up by Yuqing, Siu Hang and one of Gilberto’s female friends. Ivan was delighted with the “scenery” during his journey from camp.
Gilberto caught 断手 again
Gilberto on phone
A camera on tripod stand, ready for the fireworks
Gilberto and Ivan
Xiao Hong pledging loyalty to the country
Gilberto putting his hand on Ivan's knee *obscene*
I was surprised over how we could camp there from around six till nine o’clock. I had some fun playing with Yuqing’s camera, which certainly cost a bomb. The auto focus speed was fast.
Fireworks. I love this picture a lot with the excited people on the bottom
Fireworks
Fireworks
The fireworks were beautiful, however being destroyed by a cupboard out of nowhere in the park. The absence of the lover degraded the romantic night.
There were babes everywhere, sweeties in uniforms and “Ah Lians” in all kinds of strange clothes with funny gestures. I was filled with courage to take pictures with the cute girls but realising the photo was nothing great a show-off to having a sweet girlfriend, which I was blessed with already.
The last station was after a long walk to Plaza Singapura at the Starbucks. The few of us had a little gossiping and discussion about Quek’s party.
If you have been hearing about “ugly Singaporeans”, I am sad to inform you that it is still not the end. These people are continuing to ruin Singaporeans’ image.
The problem of watching fireworks arouses everyday during this National Day season.
It is good to know that the population is getting wealthier and are willing to fork out more money for the art of photography; many of them even have tripod stands with them, looking like professional photographers.
Fascinated viewers have been camping as early as six o’clock or earlier near the Esplanade to catch the grand displays. You can see mats on the floor and families having picnics with lunchboxes on their hands and even couples chilling side by side.
Since places like the side of the river do not have seats like the national stadium, there was no rule on how each spectator should assemble on the flat grounds. There is a choice of the crowds sitting down or standing up in order to accommodate everyone’s sightline. Whereas for most people, they would rather choose to sit down and enjoy the night.
However, this night, Uncle Deaf-ears made a different decision to upset everyone who was stationing further away from the river.
As the fireworks began to light up the sky in rejoice, some people had tried to stand up but were jeered by the tens of angry people behind. It was at the open area behind the famous DXO clubbing place, where there was a little pause to the stretches of trees along the river.
There were screaming of people of different races and ages, and eventually the enlightened blockheads sat down, except for Uncle Deaf-ears. He was besides a plump and unfortunate lady, and holding a small camera, standing upright to challenge the power of typhoon.
The beautiful picture without perfection
There was no difference for him to sit or stand since the display was at a certain height where he could easily take good shots of them. In fact, he had blocked the views of so many cameramen who were eager to take down the magnificent exhibit to share with their families or friends, or even to foreigners to share the joyful and magnificent celebration of Singaporeans.
The hissing and jeering sound lasted for more than a minute but they did not take effect on him; he won the innocent crowds as their voices could not bring him down no matter what.
He was standing there while everyone was sitting down
So much for my patience, I could not hold it any longer and finally lost my calm and quietness, straight behind this uncivilised brat I realised my curiosity, “Who placed the cupboard there!”
There were laughers at the surrounding where people were in furious moods. Immediately, someone behind me shouted to urge me to give a louder voice but I felt it was enough for Uncle Deaf-ears to hear the assurance. He did not back off or even look back.
The shameless couple
I was a hero for a moment, not enough to beat the arrogance of the bully, but still managed to cheer the sweet folks up for a few seconds.
The crucial matter is how behaviours of Singaporeans have improved over the past ten or twenty years, whether have the years of courtesy campaign taken any effect on ignorant and selfish Singaporeans.
Is it fair for some black sheep to spoil the whole image of Singaporeans especially during this period of time when the international visitors are coming for the upcoming Singapore 2006 (S2006) event?
On the last working day of mine, we decided to go and catch the first day of fireworks at Marina.
Since it was only confirmed on the day itself, most of us did not bring home clothes again and everyone was already stink after the morning run, we went home first to wash up.
The meeting time was changed from 1830h to 1900h, which was still quite unrealistic. Gilbert himself was late and whereas the rest, other than Ivan and I, reached so much later like near 2000h.
Cityhall was badly packed and it was very difficult to even move around, needless to say, to meet up with them. It reminded me of situations like in Chinatown during Chinese New Year. We were astonished of course and it was a total turn-off. Ivan and I could not stand the crowd and left immediately to Marina Square once we met up with Gilbert.
The food outlets were all filled with people, even for fast food like MacDonald’s and Long John Silver’s had queue from the counters till outside the shops. It was a terrible sign for the viewing of fireworks might be obstructed by people. The only pro was that there were definitely more beauties on the road among the big crowds.
It was quite a disappointing night for me as Vivi was supposed to join us but her siblings once again had foiled our romantic plan. It was a teaching to me that in future, as parent, not to over-dote on any child or neglect any child’s feeling. Luckily my parents used to be very reasonable when I was young.
Kwang Han lying on the slope wall
Kengster acting cool
Simster, Gilberto, Xiao Hong
Kwang Han and Ivan
Gilberto, Xiao Hong, Kengster, Simster
Xiao Hong and Kengster
The moon taken with free hand
Kengster acting cool again
As the rest joined us at the camping spot right opposite the Esplanade, everyone was starving. We had a total strength of seven people, inclusive of Kengster, Simster, Kwang Han and Siu Hang. Some of them wanted to take their dinner despite the expense and timing, but Ivan and I decided to stay put since it was almost time for the excitement.
The two girls in front of us, having more than average looks
Kwang Han resting
Xiao Hong revealing his true colours
Ivan, Gilberto, Kengster, Simster
Slowly, we started to occupy the down sloping wall by the side of the ultra wide stairs, talking craps. There were three girls further down, who had unintentionally stopped us from occupying the better positions, we teased about them as well.
The crowds at the wide stairs
Little part of the fireworks
As the fireworks started, we saw to our disappointment. One building was blocking our views totally and my tripod stand was useless. I gave up and stayed at the same position to view the little part of the fireworks, whereas some of them went to another side to have a better view.
Ivan and Kwang Han
Kwang Han at JustNoodle
Kengster
The only me because I was holding camera almost all of the time, looking still as ugly with spectacle on
Kwang Han, Ivan, Gilberto with Simster at the back
Xiao Hong and Kengster looking ugly
After that, we walked to Suntec City and decided on dining at Just Noodle again. I was not sure whose idea it was but I loved the free flow of drinks though we did not stay for long.
Followed by the late dinner, Vivi called me and we started chatting over the phone. I felt bad actually since everyone was wondering what to do next and I did not suggest anything or talk to them. As we went up to level one, Gilbert was lost and we wasted some time searching for him as his phone’s battery had almost dried up we could not contact him.
