Roger and Stephen in Singapore

Sunday, 27 October 2013

Deepavali decorations 2013

The main roads around Little India in Singapore are decorated to celebrate Deepavali or Dirwali. Deepavali is one of the most important religious festivals for Hindus who celebrate the Festival of Lights with family and friends.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the decorations in Little India. The central theme this year is Radha and Krishna, the divine lovers of the Hindu mythology. The arches that span the roads are decorated with over 55,000 recycled CDs that have been decorated.
Deepavali is on Saturday the 2nd of November and Deepavali Eve will see fireworks in Little India to mark the countdown.

The main arch featuring Radha and Krishna

Part of the main arch

Radha and Krishna

Celebrating dance

Different images grace the archways

Light symbols feature heavily in the display

CDs on the arches

The lights along Serangoon Rd

Garlands of flowers also feature on the archways

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Brooklyn weekend

We spent a weekend in Brooklyn as we had read a lot of reports of how Brooklyn is being gentrified and how the dining scene is changing causing many New Yorkers to drive across the bridge.
During the summer months Brooklyn has weekend food markets that showcase many local eateries and food suppliers. One market is on the Saturday in East Brooklyn and the other is on Sunday in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge along the waterfront. With over 60 or so food stands it was hard to make a choice for what we were going to try for lunch. The weather was perfect on both days to sit on the grass picnicking and admiring the views of Manhattan across the East River.
Walking through different neighbourhoods it was quite evident of old Brownstone houses being restored and cafes and boutique coffee shops opening. The newly constructed Barclays Center is striking in design and our taxi driver said it is a great venue for sports and concerts.