road sides, tall buildings or just anywhere to get a view of aircraft and fireworks. Armed with a mat, 2 folderable chairs and some snacks, the family was off to One Fullerton to "choop" mat space to await the start of the parade. Dressed in tradtional "red & white", daughter No #1 was ready for the kill .... with a badge reading "I LOVE ME" to match her dress. With a little luck, arrived at One Fullerton to find a the few remaining parking space hidden at basement 2. Though it was about 1530 hrs then, the choice "mat space" seats were already overwhelmly taken by families who were there much much earlier (they were probably there for breakfast as well). Some were equipped with 2 days ration and radios, whilst others had logistic support pouring in as the time gets nearer to the start of the parade. Before long, the Police has closed the area as it was over-crowded. Albert, Shawnna & family had to find another venue as it was impossible to squeeze anymore space without conquering it from someone else.
With a portable radio, we guessed what was happening at the NDP site. Tell tales sign of the President's arrival (National Flag flew overhead and 21 gun salute hinted that !!!) and the proceeds of the event just rolled quietly by. Finally, the fireworks blasted the clear sky and with all the woos !! & wahs !!!, it was all over within minutes.
Phase II of the evening then kicks in. The massive hunt for food. Getting out of the car park was a major exercise followed by the avoidance of the convoys of cars and people who all seem to be heading the same direction (thank goodness). Ended up at Quality hotel for S$3.00 bowl of traditional Laksa (Budget cut, after retirement). Sinful but OK-lah !!! If a vote was taken, I don't think the "mat space" chooping exercise will be repeated for NDP 2008.
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