Happy Lunar New Year everybody! Although it has been a few months already, but I am finally posting up some of the pictures I took on the second day of the Lunar New Year 2014! My family and I took a stroll in the park near our house that morning, to have breakfast at McDonalds as a family!
These are a few of the pictures I took at the park where we went to! Following will be some pictures I took when we went to Istana Open House! It was my first time visiting the place! Really a beautiful place! ^^
The horrible crowd queuing up to enter the Istana!
The rare view of the Istana Park from the fence area of Istana! On normal days, I dont think you will have the chance to getting so near to the place. You will definitely be stopped by the security guards if you attempt to get near the Istana.
The view of Orchard Road from the inside of Istana!
A mobile phone application has been created to introduce the different parts of the Istana. Users can scan the QR code on such signs to find out the history of the place
The Centre Gate
Sri Temaek
My sweet and cute parents who were sharing the umbrella under the hot sun!
The side of Sri Temasek
A little fountain just in front of Sri Temasek
A playground was found in the field inside the Istana
The Istana ('Palace' in Malay) is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore. The building was built by the British Colonial Government to house its Governors, completed in 1869, was then known as Government House.
The top of the building is where the Presidential Standard stood. The Presidential Standard is a red flag with a white crescent moon and five stars emblazoned in the centre. The colour red is symbolic of the universal brotherhood and equality of man. The crescent represents a young country on the ascent while the five stars represent democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
In 1959, the building was handed over to the Singapore Government, when Singapore gained self-government, which was then renamed as Istana. the building was extensively renovated between 1996 and 1998 to ass more space and modern day conveniences. Today, the building has six function rooms used for ceremonial and entertainment purposes.
Photography was not allowed within the Istana building. It was really a pity as the building is a really beautiful place, with a room displaying all the souvenirs exchanged by Leaders from different country all over the world when they visit Singapore for official reasons.
This is the statue of Queen Victoria, which was initially placed in the State Room, previously known as Victoria Room, which is located on the right of the main entrance of the Istana building. Now, the State Room is used mainly for ceremonial purposes such as swearing-in, investitures and presentations of credentials by heads of foreign missions.
Chanced upon Soka Youth Dance Crew(SYDC) rehearsing before their performance for Istana Open House. Could not stay to watch them because my family had a dinner that we needed to rush to.
I was really surprised to see my friend on duty when I came out of the Istana. Could not approach him or talk to him because, like I mentioned, he was on duty. Almost burst out laughing when I saw him standing on guard at the post! Good job Bro! Keep up the hardwork! ;D
