Flurry in Singapore

My Canadian friends are waking to snow flurries and scraping cars.  But flurry in Singapore has nothing to do with snow.  The other day we were driving in a taxi to Chinatown and observed the flurry of activity here.  It's always like it, though... it's not just because of the season.

The Housing Development Board buildings (HDBs) have either shops and food courts on the first floor or open space for tenants and owners to hang out, sometimes providing tables and chairs and TVs.  Many of them have a fitness area with simple fitness machines.  And people frequently use them... especially in the evening/night.  In Singapore, every male has to serve two years of national service after high school and two weeks per year after that until they are of a certain age.  Employers must give them the time off work without pay.  Females don't have to do it, but some choose to.  We wondered if these fitness areas were strategically placed by the government not only to encourage a healthy lifestyle to all, but to make fitness accessible to these men who have to return every year and be healthy and fit for their country.  Regardless, accessible free fitness facilities are definitely a good thing for any country.

So we made our way to Chinatown where we began our Christmas shopping!  Lots of tourists in this area of the city.  In the middle of Chinatown there is an empty space and a stage covered with a tent.  And we had free entertainment!  About 50-75 men and women danced their hearts out.  They knew the steps and danced to over a dozen songs while we watched.  I guess it was sort of line dancing, but not quite... a mix between line dancing, jazz, and hip hop.  I loved watching the uncles out there... some were quite good too.  It was great, and my daughter and I were itching to join the group.

On our way home from Chinatown, there was a Hindu festival in our community square.  It was Deepa Oli... I think it's an extension of Deepavali, which was in October.  Performers sang and danced, and the audience cheered and squealed.  There are always tents and chairs being set up in community squares around the city to celebrate something.  With four major cultures and religions residing here, a celebration is always on!

There is always a flurry of activity in Singapore.  People are active.  They go outside a lot.  It's nice to see.  I have a flurry of activities this week too.... meetings and culture fest and volunteering and choir and a concert performance.  And... some work.  Yep, I put it out there and now I'm submitting a proposal for a small contract.

As much as I needed to relax for a few months because of burnout... I love flurries.