The 9th of August is a special day for Singapore, with flags put up all around town and the neighbourhoods. Every year, the National Day Parade would be held, marking another year of Singapore's independence. Those wanting to be part of the celebrations could either collect their free tickets in July or watch the live-telecast over the television channel.

The three-hour Parade includes a smart march pass by Singapore Armed Forces, an impressive gun salute, various colorful performances by community groups and schools, and sing-along sessions.

Just a little bit more about the free tickets, they are available for the Preview (Rehearsed performance on 31 July '99) and the actual day (9 August '99). The number of tickets given out is limited per person, so if you want to join in the celebrations, do get your tickets early. Check out the NDP Website for more details.

The Singapore Coffee Scene

Just over the past few years, coffee joints started sprouting all over town and its suburbs. This includes big time coffee companies like Starbucks Coffee, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Spinelli's, Seattle Coffee Company, NYDC and Dome.

These outlets are popular among young Singaporeans. Its a favourite hangout place with friends, where they gather to catch up or people watch. The outlets are usually more crowded in the weekends and at nights, and sometimes it is hard to get a table.

Well, you are into books and coffee. You could head down to the Starbucks outlet at Liat Towers. Just beside Liat Towers, there is a Borders Bookstore at Wheelock Place. Borders offer a pretty good selection of books and CDs, and is very well categorised.

If you want a bite, you can try the Panini sandwiches at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. The texture of their bread is just nice, looking rectangularly unique, and is pretty filling.

Also, do try Singapore's own coffee chain, The Coffee Club. Most of its outlets have a cosy ambience, with Arabian interiors, mud curved walls and cushions. Do sample their Coffee Elixir, Mocha Ice Vanilla and Iced Earl Vanilla and cakes. The Coffee Club also serves hot meals. Try their Chicken Pie and Country Pie. They have outlets are at Holland Village, Takashimaya, Boat Quay, Millenia Walk and Siglap.

The other kind of drink which you could try in Singapore is Bubble Tea. This popular among the Chinese youths. The tea comes in different flavours, and it is basically a concocted mixture. A really distinctive tea is the 'pearl tea' range. It has big sago pearls in the drink which could be sucked out of a really huge straw. Careful not to take too big a sip and choke on a sago pearl! Do try 'Bitter Joy' and 'Green Pearl'.

You can find Bubble Tea outlets in town at the following addresses:

Along Orchard Road,
Wisma Atria, #04-07/08/09/10.
Tel: 65-7375538

At Marina Square,
Marina Square, #01-07. Tel: 65-3343349
Marina Leisure Plex, #02-04. Tel: 65-3349761

CHIJMES
(Pronounced as "CHIMES")
Situated along Victoria Street, this building was once a convent school for girls called "Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus".

Built in 1852, the building under went a five and a half year restoration. The compound is now noted for its beautiful green lawns, cloistered walls and fountains. Do have a look at the CHIJMES Hall, with its beautiful 19th-century stained glass windows and plasterwork.

There are several al fresco dining outlets, pubs and shops. One good way to spend your time there is to head down to CHIJMES in the afternoon, stroll around and enjoy its tranquil surroundings, and then dine at one of the restaurants at Fountain Court. Do make reservations if you intend to dine during weekends.

I would recommend that you try out the house specialities and ribs at Bobby Rubino's Place for Ribs (At Fountain Court), and order an iced tea, with unlimited refills! If you are interested to take a heritage tour at CHIJMES, enquire at the CHIJMES Service Centre for more information.

Questions?
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