Wah ha! After 27 yrs as a Singaporean, I finally got to see the National Day Parade (NDP) live! Although it's just a preview, or a full rehearsal before the actual on on 09 Aug 06, the events, coordination, goodie bags and pretty much everything will be done to the full level. Not sure of the expensive fireworks though.
First of all, though it may seems common sense, DO NOT drive or ride to NDP. Being a swa koo to such events, it didn't hit me that only invited vehicles have parking labels. So after circling the National Stadium for 3 rounds, finally managed to park near Kallang MRT and walk the way there. Grr....
All pictures at http://www.pbase.com/snowparang/ndp2006
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Bulls eye! |
Last of the paratroopers, landing with the state flag. |
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All stand and sang the National Anthem as the state flag flew past, escorted by 2 Apaches. |
GOH marches off (after standing there for a good 40 minutes) and the show begins! |
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Some mass dance thingy, with 'appropriate' NE themes. Somehow this year like almost everything linked to 'children of the future'... |
Shi Jia, as mentioned in my previous entry, singing the NDP song. |
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Fireworks is the main highlight of the show. But it looks better from a distance rather than in the Stadium itself. |
More fireworks |
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Release of white and red balloons, with a medley of standard NDP songs. |
We had a good time! |
Besides the walking and jostling, the whole parade was quite an experience. Months of preparation, millions of dollars and tons of sweat from eveyone went into creating this 3 hrs show. But frankly, I think once is enough for me, I prefer to gaze at the roaring F-16s and fireworks from afar and without 50,000 other sweaty bodies.
Happy Birthday Singapore!
Posted at 10:52 pm by
snowparang
