I have always been in love with Singapore's skyline. It's not just because of its grandeur but because  it's a good view to remind me that this country has been my home for the past 5, going 6 years. I love going to the marina area being surrounded by these superb looking architectures especially at night when they all gleam with bright lights. 

My view was even made more special when I went up and took the Singapore Flyer capturing Singapore's beauty using a Time Lapse video from a GoPro Hero 4. Watch in HD below. Enjoy!

SG Skyline from Andrea DG on Vimeo.

February this year when I did a last minute, impulsive trip to Phuket, Thailand. The only bad thing about the trip is getting my card "eaten" by the machine, which is for another post. Have fun watching my travel video :)

Phuket, Thailand from Andrea DG on Vimeo.

I've been living in Singapore for 5 years and only now that I've been able to visit this (side of the) very fun and colourful neighborhood of Little India!

I only go to Little India for 2 reasons: (1) because I have a friend who recommended a food place to get my Prata and Naan cravings from and (2) because of Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour (whatever you need, you can find here) shop. Now that I've explored the neighbourhood more, I can tell that there's really more to it than just Indian cuisines. 

We took the train from Simei (EW3) to (via transfer; Downtown Line) Little India (NE7/DT12). Take Exit E. 

Wat Pho is where the reclining Buddha is. The Reclining Buddha is 46m long and 15m high, and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. The figure is modeled out of plaster, around a brick core and finished with gold leaf. The feet displayed 108 different characteristics of Buddha. It was huge and gold!

After a total of 4 hours under the scorching sun, Mona and I decided to retreat back to my hostel to freshen up before I send her off for her next adventure to explore the rest of Thailand, while I stay behind in Bangkok (sad face).

Flu was definitely creeping in so at 8 in the evening, I popped some (anti) flu pills and slept. My last day was allotted for Chatuchak Weekend Market (because according to travel blogs, half day will never be enough for shopping lol). I was up early feeling much better from the flu. Had my breakfast in my hostel and walked around the area since it was still early to head out. I honestly didn't have any idea where I was going until I saw a park and a white structure that looked familiar (probably from the internet). Walked my way to the park and realised I was at the Phra Sumen Fort and Santichaiprakarn Park. 

This Fort is one of only two forts remaining in Bangkok that were constructed to defend the city from invasions. King Rama I had 14 of these forts built. The fort is an octagon shape with three levels. Theses forts were used as an ammunition post and observation point overlooking the Chao Phraya. The bottom two levels had canons deployed which can be seen as you walk around the outside of the fort.

Since it was my first time, I felt like I wasn't prepared enough. It's a learning point though. So next time I get lost in Bangkok again, I will make sure not to miss Grand Palace and Wat Arun. I'll be back for you again, Bangkok! Oh, and my Chatuchak Weekend Market post will be up soon (I hope haha). It needs a separate post. Shopping blog post, can't wait! xx

For people who have been following my lame blogger life, you would somehow get that I have trust issues (thanks to all the wrong men I've loved before ROFL). Lies are easily used to front a good first impression. I met someone who said he was single. We hung out a couple of times and dearly enjoyed each other's company. To cut the long and boring story short, I found out that he is currently in a long term relationship. I had to (try) stop(pping) whatever was going on between us. Can someone please enlighten me why people do this?

I am not saying that everyone out there are bad and dangerous. In fact, there are still people out there who are genuinely nice and friendly. BUT this does not give you the assurance to let your guard down. Remember, not everyone you meet are as nice as Snow White (Uhm, what? Yeah you get what I mean lol).

Remember these 5 things when being around strangers for the first time (and 5 reason why you should not be afraid to meet one):

When meeting a stranger for the first time...

1. Never disclose personal details on the FIRST encounter (not even the second or third). First name is fine but your whole name including your mother's maiden name? Unless it's a job interview or a police investigation, go ahead. You may even say your dog's middle name.

2. Never trust your valuables around strangers (or trust them at all in general). Going for a bathroom break? Bring your handbag which carries your wallet and phone. You can never be too sure of these people. I have a friend who met someone who looks very decent - wears expensive clothes, speaks well and looks well mannered. She left her bag on the table and asked this guy to look after for her as she would just make a quick order of drinks, few seconds after standing up, the guy was gone and so were her stuff.

3. Do not get too drunk (aka wasted) ALONE with strangers. No this is something I've not done before. But it's basically self explanatory. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.

4. (Try hard) not to fall in love on your first encounter. Is that even possible? Yes, it can happen. Although most of the time it is more just an infatuation than love, some people actually do develop certain emotions towards people they've just met. Yes, I very well know how this works. It can be both a good and a bad thing actually. Well, mostly bad haha. Just be careful. It can be a deep dark trap if the other party is not as interested as you are.

5. There can never be enough reminders to tell people how to act around strangers. There could be different situations that would require certain behaviours. Again, not everyone are threat to society but in the end, always think about your safety. There's nothing wrong with being (too) friendly but always keep your guard up.

But on the other hand, there are also 5 (awesome) things why we should let ourselves meet these "stranger dangers" at least once in our lives..

1. Expand your social circle. You don't want to be stuck with the same boring (I am joking friends and family) people for the rest of your life.

2. Connections. With strangers being friends, chances are you will meet someone who you will have (or need) connections with. One time, I headed an event where I needed a sound system, I remember that I had drinks with someone who was a friend of a friend that runs some sound system business. Problem solved and I helped him promote his business, win - win!

3. More stories, different experiences. Chances are, these strangers you meet will not be from the same walk of life as yours and this will bring about different kinds of stories and experiences. You will pick up life lessons and advises from different heads of opinions.

4. Chance on love. Well.. who knows? We all begin as strangers anyway, right? ;)

5. Lesson/s. Strangers, may they be a one time encounter or someone who will become a dear friend, or bring about heartaches or become the love of your life, will become a learning point in your life. Everyone we meet, I believe, did not just cross our paths to walk by. Everyone did or will do something significant. Now, with every encounter you will have, think about what story you will have with this person that is worth writing in your life's storybook (may it be good or bad.. think about it).

Singapore, the place I've been calling home for the past three and a half years. And as the country marks it's 50th year, I will not miss the chance to celebrate with the great Singaporean nation.

Started off my day having brunch at Little India with my college friends. We always go to this place for a good dose of prata and buttered chicken. I am not a big fan of spicy food but this can pass.

After a heavy (and spicy) brunch, we made our way to Marina Bay as early as 12:00 to get a good spot for the program.

We had, I would say, an amazing spot. The view was just right. We were at the waterfront area.

We obviously had to make do of what we have to entertain ourselves for the 5-hour waiting time.