It's National Night

August 9 is Singapore's Independence Day. Since I didn't have my American Independence Day, I have anticipated the fireworks and the celebrations.

Unfortunately, in order to attend the parade, one must have tickets. Funny that. Apparently only around 30,000 folks can watch live. So I had to watch from the comfort of my bean bag chair in my condo.

Well, I decided to go down to the Marina and see the preparations the night before.

There was a laser light show from the Marina Bay Sands.

Also, my new camera has a panorama feature, so I tried it. Just click on the picture for a larger version. It is a little fuzzy, but generally a decent picture.

I also took a self-portrait. I really struggled with the positioning, but it kinda worked.

I then walked around the quay and the river. In a pedestrian underpass, this young fellow was singing Howie Day's "Collide." He was quite good. Good enough that I dropped a dollar in his guitar case, and that rarely happens. I took the picture from a distance to respect his privacy. Sorry about the fuzziness.

The point where the Singapore River enters the Marina is surrounded by some of the most interesting buildings in the city. I enjoy walking in this area at night. The weather was perfect - I wasn't even sweating!

Here's the Fullerton Hotel. It's a beautiful building.

Here's the main offices of my bank. I think it's the tallest building on the river.

Finally, lights reflecting on the water.

I finished off the night eating some shrimp wonton soup at a street vendor, then I hopped a bus home. I'm fortunate enough to live on a direct bus route to the Marina. Living in the city here is very different from anywhere I've ever stayed before.

For National Day, I watched the "parade" on tv before the fireworks started. The parade is actually more similar to a variety show with performances by local talent and military displays. It was very interesting to watch and compare the events to those I have watched in the US.

With such a small country, individual communities don't set up their own celebrations. There is only one national event. Very different from Whoopee Days in Rexburg.

Anyways, after the parade, I watched the fireworks from my condo. Here are some pictures:

Happy National Day, Singapore!