{"id":21818,"date":"2015-08-11T15:20:45","date_gmt":"2015-08-11T07:20:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/?p=21818"},"modified":"2015-08-11T18:06:02","modified_gmt":"2015-08-11T10:06:02","slug":"celebrating-singapores-golden-jubilee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifestinymiracles.com\/2015\/08\/celebrating-singapores-golden-jubilee\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cI\u2019ll be 57\u2026\u201d \u2013 Celebrating Singapore\u2019s Golden Jubilee"},"content":{"rendered":"
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I\u2019ve never had a greater sense of my own mortality than this weekend. Thankfully it was neither through a near-miss accident nor a health-related scare. In fact, it happened quite unexpectedly during a lull over this Golden Jubilee weekend on Singapore\u2019s 50th<\/sup> Birthday.<\/p>\n We had spent the past 5 weekends \u2018chasing fireworks\u2019 \u2013 a family tradition of sorts to view the National Day Parade (NDP) from various places along Singapore\u2019s stunning Marina Bay. The penultimate was last week where a friend decided to bless our family with the NDP Preview Tickets barely 2 hours before the parade started. Needless to say, we had a blast.<\/p>\n The ultimate was saved for the long Golden Jubilee Weekend, which stretched from 7 Aug till 10 Aug 2015. We did the unthinkable \u2013 we went to watch the stunning aerobatic displays by the RSAF Black Knights on three consecutive days. Yes\u2026three times with the kids in tow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our first attempt on Friday was a washout, literally. We parked at GBTB East and cycled to the Barrage. But torrential rain drove the eager crowd at the Marina Barrage indoors for shelter after a 20 minute abridged aerobatic display (kudos to the Black Knights for not letting the crowd down but honestly, we were concerned for their safety!). We were stranded for an hour as we waited out the rain after the show.<\/p>\n Day 2, Saturday. We had no plans so at the drop of a hat, we ventured out to see the Black Knights again! This time the weather held up and we watched the full breathtaking display over at Marina South Pier. The crowd held its breath and cheered after every maneuver. The patriotism vibes were palpable and additive. It was fantastic to be greeted with a sea of red everywhere we turn, a mark of solidarity in proclaiming that \u2018Hey, we’re fellow Singaporeans too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After the aerial display, we commenced our staycation in a city hotel as we wanted to be to near the NDP actions. True enough, on impulse, after checking-in, we decided to head to the Esplanade for the 6:30pm session of the Open House – an hour long program to introduce the public to the inner workings of the concert hall as well as hear some local groups perform. For that, we were thoroughly educated and entertained. We felt the pulse of the people who thronged the bay enjoying the many outdoor concerts and fringe events that were specially put up for the Golden Jubilee weekend. I don’t recall feeling so festive as one nation ever.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Day 3, Sunday. 9th<\/sup> August 2015. This is it. The day every Singaporean has been waiting for. We woke up early to watch the Proclamation of Singapore\u2019s Independence on TV. It was recorded in 2012 by our late founding father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. For us, to hear his voice again evoked a flood of emotions. It makes us so proud and thankful that Singapore is our home and our children\u2019s future is secure and safe.<\/p>\n After breakfast, guess what. Yes, you guessed it. We made another impromptu decision to catch the Black Knights (again)! This time, we opted to go via public transport to avoid the traffic jam and parking congestion. Only after we set foot into the MRT station did we realise it was FREE public transport day! How nice!<\/p>\n We arrived at the Marina Bay Pier MRT station at 11:30am and families, young and old were already waiting. We walked to the breakwater, found ourselves a spot to sit, chatted with an elderly uncle who was there alone and waited for the show to start. The Black Knights were absolutely astounding! <\/p>\n