Sights from the Singapore Flyer

If you haven't got on the Singapore Flyer, you're running out of time, cos' kids ride free only til tomorrow, Vesak Day !

The Flyer doesn't disappoint as I was happy to take in the view, although I must say the kids were excited all of 5 minutes since it was basically the same scene all around except viewed at different heights. Nonetheless, they were happy to be in the capsule, enjoying the air-con, and entertaining themselves with their own antics.

For me, being an urban planner in my last life, it was great seeing some of the plans in the pipeline then, unfolding on the ground, and at such a bird's eye perspective.

Preparations for the F1 race appeared almost completed, and it was fun imagining how the grandstand would be filled with a cheering crowd as the cars raced past.

Construction on the New Downtown, incorporating the Sands Integrated Resort site, is now just a sea of cranes. But look what's coming up in just 3 years. Then i was kicking myself for missing a clear shot of the marina barrage which would turn the Marina bay into a reservoir and haven for water sports enthusiasts yet contributing to Singapore's efforts towards sustainability in water supply. See here URA's plans for the Marina Bay area - they call it the "Bay of Celebration".

Further east, one is amazed at Singapore's speed of development as barely less than two decades ago, the golf course which stands across Costa Rhu was still sea, and Tanjong Rhu was shipyards and docks. The golf course sits as interim land use until the reclaimed land is ready to be developed for housing and other uses.

Guess, all in all, it's a fairly good ride, and a very educational one for older kids, if you do a little bit of research about the development and plans for Singapore's landscape beforehand. Otherwise, there's always Popeye restaurant, Gelatissimo, and Build-a-Bear to keep the kids happy after the ride !