Singapore advanced to its 43rd birthday with a err... relatively small bang.

But that was becoz everyone was so overwhelmed by the sheer size (literally and not literally) of the grand opening of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Not much of a surprise, I tot, considering that the director was ONLY Zhang Yimou, yet he continued to surprise everyone, time and time again.

Anyways, a lot of ppl compared our National Day celebrations with the Beijing Opening, which, I felt was kinda unfair. Firstly, Beijing itself is already larger than Singapore, their wonderful "Birdnest" Stadium can hold up to what, 91 000 ++ ppl?! The Singaporeans have to be contented with our smaller floating stage - which I still feel is cool in its own way (Come on, it's built ON the water mann!). Secondly, The Chinese had 3 years to plan and prepare, but we Singaporeans have to get everything done pitch-perfect in a matter of months. To still be able to pull off everything so beautifully within such a short time, I really must applaud the organisers and the performers. Thirdly, we aren't able to afford the manpower, costumes, complete with 43000 fireworks as easily as China. Fourthly, The Olympics is only held once in 4 years so it is deserving for the hosts to "give The BIG Bang", our National Day is held every year so if we "give The BIG Bang" every year, we'll just go broke mann.

It broke my heart to hear ppl say things like, "How's our National Day parade? Overshadowed by Beijing hor." and "Watching this parade after the Beijing opening makes me feel so sian..." and "Wah biang, cannot fight with Beijing lahh."

It isn't our fault that the Opening ceremony had to be held just 1 day before our National Day right?

I'm not an extreme patriot of Singapore, but I feel that there are times we should give our own country credit.

On a lighter note, I spent my National Day evening with my extended family, something considered really rare nowadays. Had a wonderful dinner of Kan-qia-mee while watching the parade and fighting for seats at the sofa relaxing on my flattened cousins on the sofa. After which the younger cousins and I were subjected to the sheer horror! joy of watching Huimin Jie Jie plaster ingredients madly making sushi for us. I must say, they were really tasty, if they didn't look so *censored*, that is. We also celebrated Yi Jun's bdae, which is 1 day after National Day. That lucky girl got a Birdnest bdae cake!! (Oh, did I mention that the patterns of the Birdnest was followed so closely and was done in dark choc?!) I'm glad I had a great bite at it. ;D Thereafter I chatted the night away with my 2 cousins who I absolutely HATE to admit have grown ALOT taller and more good-looking. Haha. Everyone (except Kou) in my extended family is so good-looking, except me. *sobs*

Here are the pictures!

That's Huimin Jie Jie preparing the sushi for us...

You dun wanna know...


Hell harth no fury like a woman scorned! I'm sure Alex will rmb that for life.

Yi Jun's Birdnest Bdae cake!!

Me, Alex, Wei Ren