Art & History

Best Places to be at on Singapore’s National Day 2024

Nadya Sharfina · August 7, 2024 · Leave a Comment

"On Singapore's National Day, the city-state's vibrant festivities showcase its rich cultural tapestry, uniting its diverse heritage in a celebration of patriotism and pride."

As Singapore celebrates its 59th National Day on August 9, the entire nation comes alive with festivities. This annual event is a vibrant showcase of the country’s rich tapestry of cultures and races, reflecting the diversity that makes Singapore unique. With four official languages—English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil—the celebrations highlight the many different heritages that coexist harmoniously on this island nation.

Similar to other independence days around the world, National Day in Singapore is a time for citizens to express their patriotism and pride. People gather to enjoy spectacular fireworks displays and grand parades that capture the spirit of the nation. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there are numerous places across the city-state where the festivities are in full swing, providing the best spots to celebrate National Day in all its glory.

The History of Singapore’s National Day

Singapore’s name comes from two Sanskrit words — “Simha,” meaning lion, and “Pura,” meaning city. This “Lion City” emerged on the global stage in the 19th century, primarily due to British interest in using the island as a strategic trading post. Economic control in the region shifted from the Dutch to the British largely because of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who played a crucial role in establishing British dominance.

Singapore remained under British colonial rule until 1942 when World War II brought dramatic changes. The Japanese military invaded, leading to a brief surrender by Allied forces. However, in 1945, the Japanese forces relinquished control back to the British, and Singapore was established as a British Crown Colony. Despite this, the faith in British rule among Singaporeans was deeply shaken, particularly due to the widespread devastation caused by World War II. The defeat fostered significant distrust between the local population and their colonial rulers.

This period of turmoil and uncertainty sparked a strong sense of nationalism among Singaporeans. The push for self-governance culminated in the election of Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, a prominent member of the People’s Action Party (PAP). In a bid to unify neighbouring countries for political stability, Singapore entered a merger with Malaysia, forming a larger political entity that included the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and North Borneo.

However, this merger was met with significant ethnic tension and racial discord. Singaporeans found themselves without the same financial and economic benefits that were afforded to Malaysians at the time. Escalating conflict between the unified nations led to a decisive separation. On August 9, 1965, Singapore officially became an independent nation, marking the birth of a sovereign city-state.

Places to Visit for National Day in Singapore

Free Spots to View Fireworks

Gardens by the Bay: Known for its stunning views and family-friendly activities, Gardens by the Bay offers one of the best vantage points for watching the National Day fireworks. This beautiful garden provides ample space for families to relax and enjoy the festivities amidst lush greenery and impressive Supertrees.

Helix Bridge: Combining practicality and aesthetics, Helix Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that offers quick access to Marina Bay Sands. Its unique structure also provides an excellent vantage point to watch the fireworks and pyrotechnics, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Merlion Park: As one of Singapore’s most famous landmarks and a major tourist attraction, Merlion Park is an iconic spot to view the National Day fireworks. However, be prepared for a massive crowd as many people flock here to catch the spectacular display over Marina Bay.

The Promontory: Located near The Lawn, The Promontory offers a spacious, open area ideal for family picnics while enjoying the fireworks. This waterfront spot is right at Marina Bay, providing a clear view of the fireworks show against the stunning backdrop of the city skyline.

Esplanade Roof Terrace: An open-air rooftop that offers a fantastic view of the National Day fireworks. With the grounds in the foreground, the waterfront, and Marina Bay Sands in the distance, this spot provides a picturesque setting for watching the celebrations.

Top Restaurants to Celebrate

LeVeL33: Nestled in the Marina Bay Financial Centre MBFC 1, LeVeL33 is a modern European restaurant that stands out for its sophisticated menu and inclusive options, including vegetarian dishes. With its strategic location, this restaurant offers stunning views of the city, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a special meal while soaking in the National Day atmosphere.

Super Loco Customs House: For a lively Mexican dining experience, head to Super Loco Customs House. Located in Customs House at Marina Bay, this restaurant offers a picturesque panoramic view of the cityscape. Enjoy dinner by the water with a menu featuring Angus steak and cactus, tacos, loco salad, and a dedicated kids’ menu, making it a great choice for families celebrating National Day.

Caffe Fernet: Located in Customs House, Caffe Fernet is renowned for its signature feasts designed for sharing with friends and family. From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on National Day, you can celebrate with front-row views of the aerial displays and fireworks over Marina Bay. The combination of delectable food and breathtaking views ensures a memorable celebration.

Monti At 1-Pavilion Italian Restaurant: On August 9, Monti offers two seating options to celebrate National Day. Located in The Fullerton Pavilion, this Italian restaurant is known for its brilliant cuisine and ultimate riverfront dining experience. With direct views of the National Day fireworks display, Monti provides a spectacular setting to enjoy an exquisite Italian meal.

Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant: Situated in Marina Square, Sofra Turkish Cafe & Restaurant brings the rich flavours of Turkish cuisine to your National Day festivities. Enjoy dishes like lamb chop, kebab, shish salmon, and the traditional Turkish tombik sandwich. This restaurant is ideal for those looking to savour a hearty meal while enjoying the celebrations.

If you’re looking for more entertainment or a place to eat with family, check out the ‘Big Fun: Five Awesome Activities for Kids in SG’, ‘Best Restaurants with Play Areas in Singapore’, and ‘8 Public Libraries and Book Cafes in Singapore.’

The Rise & Fall of the Roman Empire

Rebecca Samuel · April 11, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"If you want rainbow, you have to deal with the rain."

-Augustus Caesar

Circa 117 CE (Common Era), The Roman Empire was a powerhouse of political, social and cultural sophistication in the western world. The first emperor of Rome was Augustus Caesar, and the last was Romulus Augustulus. Their respective rules were fascinating in their political complexities. The Empire did not die with Augustulus, it went on to be known as the Byzantine Empire in the east, up until the famous fall of Constantinople. Why is any of this relevant to us today? Only because almost all facets of the Roman Empire and its influence can be seen almost everywhere in the western world today.

The Famous Caesars

“I found Rome a city of clay but left it a city of marble” – Augustus Caesar on his deathbed. Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, indeed brought glory to Rome by vanquishing its enemies and earning the title of ‘Emperor’. Indeed, the area of his conquest was so large it’s almost hard to imagine today, as the man went on to annex Egypt, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Noricum and Raetia, plus parts of Africa and Hispania. His famous reformations to included tax reformations that saw the wealth of Rome increase exponentially. We also owe the month of August to Augustus – that’s right, an entire month in the calendar year was named after him.

No less charismatic, Augustus’ uncle Julius Caesar ruled before him, but without the title of emperor. He held the title ‘Dictator’ and proudly too, as Caesar advocated for a brand of politics that would come to be known as Caesarism, rule that involves a popular leader who operates on a cult of personality, rules by force and is in favour of the military playing a large role in government. As one can imagine, the man and his ideas were rather controversial even for those days. Julius Caesar was betrayed and assassinated, stabbed 23 times in the Senate. The event has been imagined and represented by Shakespeare, and countless artists through the ages.

A steady stream of stable, steady leadership followed the Caesars. Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian – who initiated building the Coliseum of Rome – Titus, Domitian, Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius. All the men contributed in some way or built on previous rulers’ strengths, through plenty of contention, jealousy, assassinations and dark plots.

The Fall

The main cause of the fall of the Roman Empire is still a topic of debate amongst historians, maybe because it symbolizes what we fear about our own civilization. There are a number of theories about why an empire that ruled over so many for 500 years finally fell, but most historians feel that it wasn’t a single event, but rather a series of factors that contributed to the steady decline. Possible causes include:

Conflicts between the Emperor and the Senate and subsequent weakening of the emperor’s power
Overspending – the Romans threw lavish parties and spent freely on annual “games”
Slave labour – Large, wealthy farm owners used slaves to work on their farms, allowing them to farm cheaply, in contrast to smaller farmers. This may have led to high unemployment figures
Political Corruption
Economic Decline
Military spending – The government focused more on military spending than building houses or other public works, which enraged the people. When people stopped volunteering for the army, it forced the government to employ hired mercenaries, who were expensive
The Eastern Empire – The Roman Empire was divided into Eastern and Western empires that drifted apart, rendering the empire weaker.
Civil War and Barbarian Invasion

The history of the Roman Empire and the people involved in its rise and fall are the topic of countless works of literature. Indeed, the lessons learnt from this empire of yesteryear still hold weight today.

The Legacy

So just why is it that the Roman empire is lauded to this day? One of the major reasons was that it covered the most substantial and expansive political and social structure in western civilization. Another is that these men were founders in their time – a title that many entrepreneurs today strive to live up to. The efficiency with which the Roman leadership ran the empire is admirable, considering the sizes of the populations that they were dealing with. The empire after all, extended from Britain to what is today northern Iraq and included Egypt and North Africa, the western part of Germany and all of the Mediterranean.

Unveiling the Magic of Art Therapy for Kids

Nadya Sharfina · March 5, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Art therapy accommodates the creative process with psychotherapy, allowing for self-discovery and comprehension."

Expressive art therapy can be a powerful and beneficial tool for children of all ages. Through art activities, they can learn to explore their emotions and gain insight into their inner lives. Art therapy aims to provide children with an outlet for expression and to help them cope with complicated feelings. Art therapy can also be particularly helpful for children who have experienced trauma, as it allows them to process their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive manner.

When combined with counselling, art therapy can provide children with the tools they need to improve their mental and physical health. Through art activities, children can explore their feelings in an accepting and non-judgmental environment where they can express themselves without fear of criticism or reprimand.

Introducing and Creating a Safe Space for Expressive Art Therapy

Expressive art therapy is a process that encourages children to explore their emotions and experiences through art. It is based on the idea that art activities can help children identify and express feelings, thoughts, and ideas that they may not be able to verbalise.

During art therapy sessions, the therapist will provide art materials such as paints, clay, paper, markers, and other creative tools for the child to work with. Art therapy needs to be done in a safe and comfortable environment. This means that art activities should be conducted in an area where children can feel secure and free from distractions.

The therapists should create an atmosphere free of judgment and encourage self-expression through art rather than focusing on the final product. They will also offer guidance and support to help the child understand their art better.

Different Types of Art Therapy Techniques

Expressive art therapy techniques are varied and can be tailored to meet children’s individual needs. Painting, drawing, sculpting, music, and dance are all art forms that can be used in art therapy sessions.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to approach art therapy. Instead, art activities should be structured around a certain topic or goal. Through art activities such as creating art with clay, painting abstract art, or making collages, children can learn how to better understand themselves and their emotions.

Mental Benefits of Expressive Art Therapy for Kids

Besides helping children develop a better understanding of their emotions, art therapy can also help children understand the emotions of those around them, improve problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in themselves.

Expressive art therapy can be used to work through traumatic experiences or difficult emotions. Children can benefit from improved mental health, better communication skills, enhanced self-awareness, reduced stress levels and increased resilience.

Physical Development Using Various Art Modalities

Art can help improve motor skills and hand-eye coordination as art activities require children to use both hands and different parts of their bodies to create art. It can provide an outlet for physical expression which helps children to become more aware of how their bodies move in certain ways. This awareness often leads to an improved understanding of how their emotions manifest physically and how those feelings impact their behaviour.

This therapy is especially beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), attachment issues, trauma, or learning disabilities.

Encouraging Creative Exploration at Home

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Parents can also benefit from art therapy by encouraging creative exploration at home. This means providing children with art supplies or other materials that allow them to express their creativity. Parents can also take the time to sit down with their children and discuss their artwork together. Doing so helps validate the child’s feelings while allowing them to discuss whatever emotions they may have felt when creating it.

When engaging in art therapy at home, parents should remember that there is no right or wrong way for a child to express themselves through art. Creating art should be a fun and positive experience that allows children to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. With this approach, parents can help their children gain emotional self-awareness and improve communication skills.

Travel Through Time to the Pyramids of Egypt

Nadya Sharfina · February 23, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"From Khufu’s Great Pyramid at Giza to Pepy II’s pyramid at Saqqara, these structures remain some of the most impressive feats of engineering ever accomplished by human hands."

For centuries, the majestic pyramid structures of ancient Egypt have captivated the imaginations of people around the world. These monumental tombs were constructed as monuments to honour pharaohs and their families, while also serving as symbols of power and stability in Egyptian society.

For thousands of years after their construction, these massive monuments were unrivalled in height and fascinated us with their astounding mass and unachievable perfection. From Khufu’s Great Pyramid at Giza to Pepy II’s pyramid at Saqqara, these structures remain some of the most impressive feats of engineering ever accomplished by human hands.

Join us on an incredible journey through time as we explore the history and mystery surrounding Egypt’s iconic pyramids.

Overview of Ancient Egyptian Pyramids

The pyramid structures of ancient Egypt were built by the great pharaohs of the Old Kingdom period. These monuments served as burial tombs for the pharaoh and their families and represented immense power and stability within pyramid-building societies.

The three pyramids of Giza – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – are perhaps one of the most iconic pyramid complexes in ancient Egypt. Built during a span from roughly 2550 to 2490 B.C., these pyramids are believed to have been constructed by thousands of labourers who quarried, cut, transported, and assembled an estimated approximately 2.3 million blocks (weighing an average of 2.5 to 15 tons) of limestone and granite.

Ancient Egyptians’ Beliefs and Religion

The pyramid structures of ancient Egypt have long been associated with beliefs surrounding death, rebirth, and the afterlife – beliefs that were deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian religion. In this society, where life on Earth was often seen as a brief passage between the eternal realms of life and death, pyramid-shaped tombs were believed to be vehicles by which the deceased could ascend into the afterlife.

It is thought that pyramid structures served both religious and political purposes, offering protection for pharaohs in their journey through the afterlife while also functioning as impressive reminders of their power during their lifetime.

Pyramid Construction & Technology

The pyramid construction began in earnest during the Fourth Dynasty when King Sneferu (2575-2465 BC) first introduced a pyramid shape for royal tombs—a dramatic shift from earlier tomb designs.

Through experience gained from building pyramids at Dahshur and Meidum, pyramid builders developed better techniques to construct these massive structures, including accurately levelling the pyramid’s base, lining up its sides with true north, and creating smooth slopes that rise to meet at a single point.

While some scholars believe that the ancient Egyptians used pulleys and levers to move the stones into place, others suggest they may have employed more creative methods, such as water basins, sleds, and earthen ramps to construct the pyramid.

Mystery and Allure Surrounding the Pyramids

Although pyramid construction ended with the death of King Pepi II, the Second King of the Sixth Dynasty, these monuments remain shrouded in mystery. Some have suggested that pyramid structures were built by advanced aliens or had supernatural powers, while others believe they served some sort of religious purpose.

What secrets do they hold about ancient Egyptian society? Are they evidence of a lost civilisation or are they simply impressive architectural reminders of a great and powerful culture that rose, flourished, and ultimately declined along the banks of the Nile River? Only time will tell as we continue to unravel their mysteries.

Exploring Egypt’s Iconic Pyramids Today

Today, pyramid structures are still a major tourist attraction in Egypt, attracting millions of visitors each year. From guided tours and private excursions to camel rides and hot-air balloon trips, modern travellers have no shortage of ways to explore these iconic monuments. Additionally, many ancient Egyptian religious practices and beliefs continue to influence modern-day spirituality and culture in Egypt and worldwide.

Although tomb robbers and vandals have stripped most of these monuments of their original limestone coverings and plundered many of the interiors, they remain potent reminders of Egypt’s impressive history and engineering feats. The pyramids still stand today as a testament to a great civilization that once ruled over this part of the world, a civilization whose mysteries continue to fascinate people centuries after its golden age had passed into history.