Getting out of the house in Singapore is a must to destress and refill the oxygen in my lungs. With the economic crisis like a meteorite striking a big hole in my pocket, I discovered good events happening in Singapore which are free.
This Sunday, November 9, 2008 has the West Winds performing at the Esplanade for free! The family arrived just in time to get into the Gallery of Esplanade, which is behind the band. I have no idea before this event and I am glad we went. It was a 60 minutes spectacular performance by a group of mostly young people; playing Indiana Jones and Out of Africa; just to name a few.
http://www.esplanade.com/whats_on/programme_info/big_screen_hits/index.jsp
The hall was filled with people from all walks of life. The young folks were absolutely thrilled by the encore, which was from High School Musical, which is the current hot movie. My kid, Claudine knows the tune well, and so do I, because I am hearing it so often from her handphone.
http://wasbe.com/conferences/2005/wasbe2005/bands_wwbsg.htm
After that we adjourned for a chocholate high tea at Max Brenner; which Claudine had good memory, as we were there a few years ago. Wow, indeed, a few years ago!
http://www.esplanade.com/eat_drink_shop/dining/max_brenner_chocolate_bar/index.jsp
Esplanade is a popular touristic venue for the weekend; with many events happening. Right across the waterfront, one can see the Merlion, spilling out water. The Merlion is the mythical half lion half fish, symbolising Singapore's identity. The lion in the Malay language is "singa" and the Malay name of Singapore is "Singapura" or Lion City. I will not go into the Esplanade which is also known as the "durian"; in local terminology, as it resembles the two sides of the durian when splitted.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapura_(cat)
Ah, I have to forego writing about the durian, which is another topic by itself. Suffice to say, even a short afternoon like this, is indeed a welcome change to the uncertain economic climate ahead of the country.
The simple lesson is one can still live a good life with the simple things in life; such as enjoying a free performance at a great location; and most important with the people whom one love and care so much for.
Like my monk, Ajahn Brahm likes to emphasize that life is "simply this moment" and that to fill this moment with the warmth of love is indeed a blessed life.
http://www.bswa.org/PDF/Simply_This_Moment.pdf
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