Category Archives: 100 Reasons to be Happy in Singapore

#26. Curry Puffs

Posted on May 29, 2010 by bookjunkie

We have the best snacks ever and one unique to Singapore (Malaysia too) is the curry puff. It’s a pastry filled with chicken curry and deep fried. The curry puffs in the photos are my aunt’s creations and made with … Continue reading →

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#25. Hot & Spicy Bliss

Posted on May 26, 2010 by bookjunkie

I’ve been eating spicy food since I was a toddler, so I’ve truly honed the skill. If I’ve been away from Asia for more than a week, I start to feel that the food is bland without all that spice. … Continue reading →

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#24. It’s Safe to Walk the Streets at Night

Posted on May 26, 2010 by bookjunkie

The feelings of being safe here, I take for granted, till I venture elsewhere and realize how good I have it back home. I am glad that gun ownership is not allowed. It think that is by far one of … Continue reading →

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#23. Drop Box for Library Books

Posted on May 24, 2010 by bookjunkie

We have libraries in many malls and near our subway trains. And you don’t need to return them at the same place. You just drop them off anywhere you see the drop off box. I remember a time when I … Continue reading →

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#22. T Shirts, Shorts and Slippers All Year Round

Posted on May 24, 2010 by bookjunkie

With our hot weather you’re not expected to dress up too much. To me it’s great that at most places other than the office we can get around in casual attire. Well even in the office some girls do keep … Continue reading →

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#21. No Chewing Gum Under My Shoe

Posted on May 23, 2010 by bookjunkie

I used to get chewing gum stuck under my shoes all the time. It was infuriating. I also hated encountering gross wads of gum stuck under movie theatre seats. Since 1992, that problem has vanished. When the infamous chewing gum … Continue reading →

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#20. Teh Tarik – Pulled Tea

Posted on May 20, 2010 by bookjunkie

Teh Terik is Indian style pulled milk tea. It looks like it’s being pulled because it’s poured from one cup into another to cool it down and mix it well with the sweet condensed milk. The video will show what … Continue reading →

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#19. Old Charming Raffles Hotel

Posted on May 20, 2010 by bookjunkie

I wish there were more majestic old buildings around. I am all for conservation although I do realize that our country is tiny so that becomes harder. Old buildings with character give me good reason to be happy in Singapore. … Continue reading →

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#18. 1960′s Singapore is a Boat Ride Away

Posted on May 19, 2010 by bookjunkie

Another of our little islands called Pulau Ubin is just a pleasant 15 minute bum boat ride away. It’s the ride itself that makes me happy and it only cost $5 Singapore dollars (to and fro). You can take the … Continue reading →

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#17. From a Tiny Island to a tinier island – Sentosa for a Staycation

Posted on May 19, 2010 by bookjunkie

It may be a man made beach with imported sand, but I’ll take it. Give me a clean beach any day. I had a glorious time staying at the Shangri-la hotel in Sentosa. A great happy staycation with the family. … Continue reading →

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#16. Shops Don’t Close at 5pm

Posted on May 19, 2010 by bookjunkie

Some shops even open all day and night. You can get a meal or groceries at any time of the night. I think the young people are happy here because there are several nightclubs and night live is very active. … Continue reading →

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#15. A River in the Middle of the City

Posted on May 19, 2010 by bookjunkie

In the 19th century, during British colonial times, this was a main commercial life line. It’s nice to take a boat ride down the river. Last year I had dinner with some old friends by the river and it was … Continue reading →

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#14. Home of the Singapore Sling

Posted on May 19, 2010 by bookjunkie

I first had this drink when I was 20 years old at a friend’s 21st birthday party. I loved the taste but I remember my ears getting very hot and my whole face was flushed. It was a very strong … Continue reading →

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#13. Everyone is either Uncle or Auntie

Posted on May 19, 2010 by bookjunkie

In Asian culture, out of respect, elders are addressed as Uncle or Aunty. If they are close to the family Uncle or Aunty is followed by the name e.g. Auntie Li or Uncle Dev. I like this and I hope … Continue reading →

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#12. A Pink Drink

Posted on May 18, 2010 by bookjunkie

Bandung is the 12th thing that makes me happy in Singapore. This drink is iced milk with rose cordial syrup and it tastes as good as it looks. I think this drink is so pretty and because it’s in my … Continue reading →

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#11. Laundry Drying in the Sun on Bamboo Poles

Posted on May 18, 2010 by bookjunkie

This scene is characteristically Singapore to me.  Public housing and clothes on bamboo poles.  It was the same scene in the 70’s and surprisingly not much has changed much since then.  Personally I think dryers are great and less in … Continue reading →

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#10. Capturing that Funny Moment

Posted on May 18, 2010 by bookjunkie

I’ll let the photo do the talking. We are still quite an innocent society, so images like this bring on the giggles.

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#9. Air-conditioned Bus Terminals

Posted on May 18, 2010 by bookjunkie

The best thing done for public transportation is air-conditioned bus terminals like the one in Toa Payoh.  You’re protected from the sun and rain.  Even more fabulous is that they are connected to malls as well as our subway system. … Continue reading →

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#8. View of Red Roofs

Posted on May 18, 2010 by bookjunkie

Our view from the top is rather pretty. This was taken at Ann Siang Hill in Singapore. I didn’t realize that our rows of characteristic red roofs could be so attractive.  I am all for conservation and I think our … Continue reading →

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#7. The Sound of Water and Little Ducks at Botanic Gardens

Posted on May 18, 2010 by bookjunkie

The Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite places in Singapore. Thank goodness there is still some green left and not everything is consumed by urban development. I love the little water fountains among the gardens too. If I had … Continue reading →

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#6. Signs that Make You Giggle

Posted on May 17, 2010 by bookjunkie

I saw this pasted on the wall of a coffeeshop (traditional cafe in Singapore). It’s getting harder and harder to spot these signs with the ‘Speak Good English Campaign’ in full force. When I do, it’s quite refreshing. Sometimes bad … Continue reading →

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#5. Having Durian for Dinner

Posted on May 17, 2010 by bookjunkie

You either love it or hate it. It’s known in South East Asia as the king of fruits, with good reason. This green, thorny fruit with the creamy interior, is so rich, that a few seeds will leave you feeling … Continue reading →

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