Four way push to raise Singapore's birth rate

Recently. there has been a lot of discussion here as to how to improve the birthrate in Singapore. Some feel that we should adopt the schemes offered in other countries. So here's a look at what is offered here and in some Nordic countries.

(The Straits Times, 22 July 2008)

Water Boarders

in East Coast Park.

Colourful

Today I was on a 45min bus ride to East Coast Park (beach and cycling area) and I happened to notice this colourful building and I immediately clicked. Very unique.

Then I saw another one, a paler arrangment of colours. It is not so common to see such patterned housing apartments.

Finally, this was in Toa Payoh towards the evening, red, orange and yellow. I think it is some sports club house.

Caution! Dark Chocolate Ahead!

The other sign reads, ' Caution! Dark is Delicious.'

See chocolate?

At Dhoby Ghaut MRT, amidst all the escalators, do you notice the top of a chocolate ice-cream sticking out?

Singapore Flyer

Took the free shuttle down to Singapore Flyer. Didn't get many photos as I was in a hurry for an appointment. But I like this show with the flyer and the moon.

IPod Cofffee

Last weekend along Orchard Road, people can show their ipod and get a free cup of coffee.

Plaza Singapura

All bright and inviting. A shopping centre near Dhoby Ghaut MRT.

Crowded!!!

It's been two weeks since I've been here and what I miss about Finland is the space. The trains are crowded especially just after office hours, the shopping centres always seem to be full of people and it is the same everywhere. Well, the above article indeed proves that Singapore is getting crowded but the government is keen on increasing the populuation further.

Below are some other facts and figures: (The Straits Times, July 11)

Beijing Olympics here

Omega is one of the sponsors of the olympics.

Remember to pay...

the correct fare. Failing to pay the right fare results in the above penalities. Well, this is still less than Helsinki where the fine is 88 euros. (~ SGD$140)

Another MRT station

Another look at a subway station here. Yes, all the stations are always kept that clean and shiny.

MRT station

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the subway system here. People refer to the stations as MRT stations and the vehicles as trains. In most of Europe, including Finland it is known as metro.

Toa Payoh

Took this on the second day of my stay in Singapore. This is a typical public housing area: high rise flats in Toa Payoh. I took this with my new hp. Was fiddling with some of the functions and got this clipart enhanced photo. ;-)

It's my birthday...

and I had this pandan kaya cake from Bengawan Solo. This flavour is not found in Finland so it was good to have a bite of this again. ;-)

Sushi Teh

Had a birthday eve dinner with friends at the Big Splash Sushi Teh in East Coast Park. It was a cool breezy evening. Some of the house specialities there was the mango topped sushi called golden roll and the wasabi caterpilla. Don't remember the exact names but they were very good.

Fishball noodles

First from an indian stall, then malay stall and now fishball noodles from a chinese stall. Nothing fancy, just a bowl of dry noodles accompanied by a bowl of soup from a Kopitiam. (Coffee Shop = place where several different stalls are found under one roof)

F1 Fever

Had lunch with a friend today and had noodles Malay style. (Bee Hoon). Then went to Plaza Singapura and happened to catch this Singtel F1 promotion.

LRT

Light Rapid Transit train in Sengkang.

Bee Hoon Goreng

Yummy fried noodles for dinner. That's cucumber with tomato sauce on top.

Arrival in Singapore

Changi Airport Terminal 1.