(Read Part 1 here)
Part III: Sparkle
Sometimes when I visit these attractions, I can’t help but realise the way many people pose to take photos at places with actual , then scurry off without a second glance. It was almost as though they were here just to take photos, post, and show off on social media. Which is actually not untrue, because honestly colourful lights are pretty impractical, and there are no fun activities either, so the only thing one can do is to take pictures for memory and for showing off.
But if you look around carefully enough, you’ll notice that at a certain spot, slightly above the main garden, you can spot views like this:
Which also allows you to look down and see what is going on in the $10 carnival extremely clearly. Is it worth it to pay $10 for a close up look at the concert, or to spend more money within to purchase gifts and food from the carnival booths? For those who have the ability to spend more lavishly, and wish to have a fun time squeezing with crowds, joining the hype of an open-air concert, and check out the carnival booths or have booths that you are interested in already, it is definitely worth it.
But if you are only there to look at beautiful lights, I would say don’t bother, because Gardens by the Bay did a beautiful job with light works elsewhere in the park. I mean, you can’t really go wrong with grand gates popping up at major pathways.
Part IV: Details
Ah yes, my favourite part. My favourite part about exploring, and the reason someone like me who gets tired of things very easily (even people) can enjoy going out so much, is because the details are ever changing. Today, the lavender (at least, that’s what I think it is) is bush is in full bloom, and shone like flower fairies under the light at the most unnoticeable corner of the garden. Tomorrow, it might be the poppies who look better, because buds are forming.
I think everyone is guilty of finding life as it is mundane and repetitive. When I complained to my mother yesterday that my Christmas was too boring, without a significant detail, her response made me realise that as long as we are alive, there is something special about every single day in life. It’s just whether we notice the little details or not, not just when we are travelling or roaming around the streets, but also while we are going about our daily routines.
So my challenge post-Christmas for everyone is, as you settle back into work life and school life, try your best to take note of what is the one thing that changed today. Did your friends’ faces all seem more vibrant from the rest? Did your boss smile at her phone as she walked out of the door? Or maybe you noticed something you never did before, like how your best friend types the short form of because as “coz” instead of “cos”. Note them down and notice how you feel as you recognise these interesting details.
Neko's Life Story 