13 Oct Sat, Selamat Hari Raya! It was Istana open house and we decided to go take a walk. Meeting Joanne and Marcus (my 2nd sister n hubby) at Plaza Singapura as early as 8.30am! Ashley and mummy was excited. We set our journey by taking bus to Toa Payoh
and changed MRT to Dhoby Ghart. We have arranged to have breakfast then a walk at Istana. Well, was thinking maybe breakfast at Long John Silver... but who knows, I discovered a new breakfast place with pricing similar to MacDonald. It was Cafe Cartel... their breakfast menu looks yummy. As we are early, I made the decision to try out Cafe Cartel (in fact, it was Joanne who's late) We were greeted warmly by the restaurant staff. Not many patrons yet, pro
bably it's public holidays. The staff was very friendly. She gave an introduction on the breakfast menu. The photos on the menu all looks so yummy that I couldn't decide what to have.. thus I leave the job to little Ashley. She was frickle-minded too. She choose from waffles to toast. In the end, we set on American breakfast set which includes toast, scramble eggs, bacon, sausage, muffin and coffee/tea. I topped up 50cents to change to hot chocolate. I think the set is value for money compared to MacDonald. The ambian
ce was good, with friendly staff and they have free-flow of fresh hot bread. Hummm... unfortunately Jeremy wasn't around to join us. While we were enjoying our breakfast... my sister and Marcus finally arrived. :-p It was their first time having breakfast at Cafe Cartel too. They too, feel that the breakfast is value for money. The set portion is huge, plus price is like MacDonald.
After breakfast, we stroll along to Istana. It was free for locals, and foreigners pay a minimal fees for entr
ance. The amount will be donated to charity. Not a huge crowd yet, but consider quite many people visiting Istana on a early Saturday morning. As security, there's the usual checks on bags and we have to walk across the scan machine. I am fascinated by the gate at entrance...not unique design, but I think it looks rather grand and serious. Along the way, there's police providing guidance (if needed) and directions. They weren't a bit serious at all.. instead, some put on smiles which is rather different from the usual serious guards you see at Istana. Along the way, there's also booth selling simple Istana souvenirs where
the sum where the su
m will be donated to charity. I spotted a map displayed by the booth, and took a photo of it. It shows some interesting sights found in Istana. Ashley noticed a traffic light and asked me why the traffic light was so small... Hummm... true enough.. why is there a traffic light found inside Istana park? Amazed by it, I took a photo with Ashley by the traffic lights. Notice the traffic lights have only 2 colours? It was quite a walk inside... Istana is so huge! Our first stop is the swan lake. We spotted two wonderful white swans swimming by the lotus pond. I highlighted the big lotus leaves to Ashley. It's my 1st time to 
see such big lotus leaves 
myself. Next, we past another gate and enter to the other portion of Istana garden. Ashley noticed a playground area up the hill and happily asked if she can play 
there. Well, how can I say no to her little request.. afterall, she has been a good girl walking quite a long 'journey' in Istana. She happily run over towards the playground...but slipped and fall dow
n on the wet grass. That's how Ashley got the 'soil stain' on her clothes. She doesn't look that happy now..haha! Next stop, we arrived at the cannon. I realized the cannon
was aiming straight at Raffles City. I wonder if there's some meaning to it-maybe some 'fengsui'?? The weather is turning real dark and we quickly fasten our walk to the main building before it pours over our heads. We aim towards Istana building... faster..faster... Indeed the rain 
pours heavily. Lucky Marcus is around. He carried Ashley and managed to avoid the rain pouring at her. Entering the Istana main building requires a $2 ticket. Since we are here for Istana, the
re's no reason why we skipped this touring. The Istana was beautiful with many crystal chandeliers. I only managed to take a photo from outside as no photography was allowed inside the building. Inside Istana, there's a wide collection of paintings and ornaments which are gifts from countries over the world. Also, there are displays of memorable and historical medals. In Istana, there's a total of 3 levels, and you will be surprised to find lifts inside Istana. Not just 1 lift, but there's 4! The lifts outlook are rather 'traditional' but it sure have it's grand look. You can imagine the maintenance done in Istana-not a bit of dust can be found! Hummm... I wonder about the cost and number of cleaners needed.... The State Room has it coldness and marvellous look. It's not difficult to imagine the stress of reporters if they are sent to conduct an interview, or witness some ministers/governmen
t discussion in this room. At the far center stage of the room sits the government chair with the country's flag and government flag on left and right. Right in the middle of the State room sits a circle of chairs where the 'serious discussion' will be held, with coffee tables all lay with china glass. The setting makes the room look real cold and serious-no joke or mess are allowed in the room. A major was in the room, however not in his usual serious look. He's in smiles and answer any questions you may have, regarding the State room, or Istana. Several foreigners raised their queries to that major. As the rain is still pouring heavily outside, we have no choice but to stay in Istana till the rain stops. Many others did the same. It's rare that we get this opportunity to stay inside Istana thi
s long. Out of boredom, I took a photo showing the bad weather in Istana. We waited for an hour before we finally see the sun and a
ble to continue our walk. Didn't manage to take front view of Istana... now is the chance! I am rather proud of my photography skills! Haha! Don't you think this photo looks like a postcard? I took several photos on the large garden around Istana.
and changed MRT to Dhoby Ghart. We have arranged to have breakfast then a walk at Istana. Well, was thinking maybe breakfast at Long John Silver... but who knows, I discovered a new breakfast place with pricing similar to MacDonald. It was Cafe Cartel... their breakfast menu looks yummy. As we are early, I made the decision to try out Cafe Cartel (in fact, it was Joanne who's late) We were greeted warmly by the restaurant staff. Not many patrons yet, pro
bably it's public holidays. The staff was very friendly. She gave an introduction on the breakfast menu. The photos on the menu all looks so yummy that I couldn't decide what to have.. thus I leave the job to little Ashley. She was frickle-minded too. She choose from waffles to toast. In the end, we set on American breakfast set which includes toast, scramble eggs, bacon, sausage, muffin and coffee/tea. I topped up 50cents to change to hot chocolate. I think the set is value for money compared to MacDonald. The ambian
ce was good, with friendly staff and they have free-flow of fresh hot bread. Hummm... unfortunately Jeremy wasn't around to join us. While we were enjoying our breakfast... my sister and Marcus finally arrived. :-p It was their first time having breakfast at Cafe Cartel too. They too, feel that the breakfast is value for money. The set portion is huge, plus price is like MacDonald. After breakfast, we stroll along to Istana. It was free for locals, and foreigners pay a minimal fees for entr
ance. The amount will be donated to charity. Not a huge crowd yet, but consider quite many people visiting Istana on a early Saturday morning. As security, there's the usual checks on bags and we have to walk across the scan machine. I am fascinated by the gate at entrance...not unique design, but I think it looks rather grand and serious. Along the way, there's police providing guidance (if needed) and directions. They weren't a bit serious at all.. instead, some put on smiles which is rather different from the usual serious guards you see at Istana. Along the way, there's also booth selling simple Istana souvenirs where
the sum where the su
m will be donated to charity. I spotted a map displayed by the booth, and took a photo of it. It shows some interesting sights found in Istana. Ashley noticed a traffic light and asked me why the traffic light was so small... Hummm... true enough.. why is there a traffic light found inside Istana park? Amazed by it, I took a photo with Ashley by the traffic lights. Notice the traffic lights have only 2 colours? It was quite a walk inside... Istana is so huge! Our first stop is the swan lake. We spotted two wonderful white swans swimming by the lotus pond. I highlighted the big lotus leaves to Ashley. It's my 1st time to 
see such big lotus leaves 
myself. Next, we past another gate and enter to the other portion of Istana garden. Ashley noticed a playground area up the hill and happily asked if she can play 
there. Well, how can I say no to her little request.. afterall, she has been a good girl walking quite a long 'journey' in Istana. She happily run over towards the playground...but slipped and fall dow
n on the wet grass. That's how Ashley got the 'soil stain' on her clothes. She doesn't look that happy now..haha! Next stop, we arrived at the cannon. I realized the cannon
was aiming straight at Raffles City. I wonder if there's some meaning to it-maybe some 'fengsui'?? The weather is turning real dark and we quickly fasten our walk to the main building before it pours over our heads. We aim towards Istana building... faster..faster... Indeed the rain 
pours heavily. Lucky Marcus is around. He carried Ashley and managed to avoid the rain pouring at her. Entering the Istana main building requires a $2 ticket. Since we are here for Istana, the
re's no reason why we skipped this touring. The Istana was beautiful with many crystal chandeliers. I only managed to take a photo from outside as no photography was allowed inside the building. Inside Istana, there's a wide collection of paintings and ornaments which are gifts from countries over the world. Also, there are displays of memorable and historical medals. In Istana, there's a total of 3 levels, and you will be surprised to find lifts inside Istana. Not just 1 lift, but there's 4! The lifts outlook are rather 'traditional' but it sure have it's grand look. You can imagine the maintenance done in Istana-not a bit of dust can be found! Hummm... I wonder about the cost and number of cleaners needed.... The State Room has it coldness and marvellous look. It's not difficult to imagine the stress of reporters if they are sent to conduct an interview, or witness some ministers/governmen
t discussion in this room. At the far center stage of the room sits the government chair with the country's flag and government flag on left and right. Right in the middle of the State room sits a circle of chairs where the 'serious discussion' will be held, with coffee tables all lay with china glass. The setting makes the room look real cold and serious-no joke or mess are allowed in the room. A major was in the room, however not in his usual serious look. He's in smiles and answer any questions you may have, regarding the State room, or Istana. Several foreigners raised their queries to that major. As the rain is still pouring heavily outside, we have no choice but to stay in Istana till the rain stops. Many others did the same. It's rare that we get this opportunity to stay inside Istana thi
s long. Out of boredom, I took a photo showing the bad weather in Istana. We waited for an hour before we finally see the sun and a
ble to continue our walk. Didn't manage to take front view of Istana... now is the chance! I am rather proud of my photography skills! Haha! Don't you think this photo looks like a postcard? I took several photos on the large garden around Istana. 
golf course inside Istana!
Before we end the walk inside Istana, we took a last photo together!
Part 2 : Swim at Sunshine RegencyOn our way home, my sister tempted Ashley to go to her house for a swim. Ashley 
was excited and keep beggi
ng me to let her go. Not wanting to disappoint her, we make a quick stop home to pick her swimming costume and proceed to my sister's house. Ashley was trilled. She holds her swim suit (refused to put in my bag) and along the way, persuading uncle Marcus to join them for the swim. Ashley cannotwait to go to the pool. However, it's not kids pool, thus she's not able get into the water (it was 1.2m high!). There's a float chair by the pool, so she tried on the float instead. While they are having fun in the pool, I read a magazine by the side. Kinda relaxing.. a pity I can't join them as I don't have maternity swim suit. Ashley sure have lots of fun though she's not inside the water. Look at her happy face, you'll know!
was excited and keep beggi
ng me to let her go. Not wanting to disappoint her, we make a quick stop home to pick her swimming costume and proceed to my sister's house. Ashley was trilled. She holds her swim suit (refused to put in my bag) and along the way, persuading uncle Marcus to join them for the swim. Ashley cannotwait to go to the pool. However, it's not kids pool, thus she's not able get into the water (it was 1.2m high!). There's a float chair by the pool, so she tried on the float instead. While they are having fun in the pool, I read a magazine by the side. Kinda relaxing.. a pity I can't join them as I don't have maternity swim suit. Ashley sure have lots of fun though she's not inside the water. Look at her happy face, you'll know! 
No comments:
Post a Comment