Order ramen at WARAKU and it comes in huge bowls (almost 12" in diameter). Its large enough to double up as a helmet. When almost everyone at the table ordered one, we immediately have an overcrowded table. The waitress certainly needs muscles just to serve everyone.
Tradition beleives that when the stone "needle" that is at the side of the church, touches the main building of the church (in an earthquake, the world will come to an end). 
Hidden in the woods (behind the church), a long and winding / windy trail, leads to an old viking village where it is believed that it is at this very location that VIKINGS first set foot on Norwegian soil. Host of the exhitbits there, were mainly the dwelling ofo ancient times; A lone "Viking" stood at the entrance of the village ushering visitors in and explaining how life was like in those days. Unfortunately, the language used was "Greek" to us. 
Whilst the refreshing cold wind was blowing, the sky was threatening. It was getting darker and the onshore wind was brining the rain clouds in. Very quickly, made our way back to the old church yard, hitched a ride to the main road to make our way back to the maritime town.
I guess ... this is the source of "Piracy" in northern Europe !!!
Haugesund, a little maritime town by the coast of Norway. About an hour flight from Oslo. 
Pre-occupation here is mainly from off shore oil industry and fisheries. Delicated to the fishermen that were the main occupation in the earlier years, the iconic landmark of the town is depicted by these two fishermen. (More like, if you are lost in Haugesund, ask the fishermen !!!). With a population of about 30,000, the pace of life is somewhat at a slower mode. Shops start opening at about 11:00 am and ends by 5:00 pm. Many were out enjoying the summer sun and took opportunity of the longer daylight hours.
Norway, well known for the many Fjords have provided the country with its natural attraction. Our host, took us for an evening drive to a nearby high point in Haugesund to view the town from a birdeye's view. From there, managed to see from a distance two converging fjords. Cooling summer temperature of about 15-18 deg C. Windy at times and pleasant when not wet.
As the sun sets, the stage was also in placed for the celebration of the year.... Singapore's 44th year of Nation Building @ the floating platform, Marina Bay.. Seas of people donned in RED & WHITE mingled in the crowd, doing whatever it takes to await 8:22pm for the "Pledging Moment". 
As the crowd moved to pre-position themselves to get a better view of the fireworks, others found their perfect location to STAND-UP for the 8:22pm moment.
Once the parade was over, part II of the evening's programme kicked in. Found our way to level 2 of the Flyer were we had a perfect view of the "Encasing of the SAF Colours". Many who have attended the parade would have missed this unique opportunity to witness the traditional drill of completing the parade. 
Once that was over, it was the quick walk/bite along the way to get out the area, away from the crowd. The first available seats at the nearby food court was much welcomed. The drive back home was also a relatively silent one. On reaching home, we had our first casualty for the evening. Little Tim was already way in dreamland ... probably from all the excitement of taking the pledge !!!.
Just can't believe it. For $0.44 (off) per litre for all grades of petrol on 9 Aug 09 (4-5pm only), the queue of cars leading to the Shell Station was ridiculously long. Cars from everywhere were making their way into the only SHELL station at the junction of Serangoon Garden Way and Lorong Chuan. (It was like all roads lead to SHELL). It was jammed from all directions. Felt real sorry for those who were not intending to fill up their tanks. Guess ... it also NATIONAL JAM DAY !!! (for that full-filling hour !!!)
Yes, the PARENTS were also part of the BIG DO !!! All part of the fun of adding some spice to life to someone ... far. far away.... 
and the pictures says it ALL.... The total BLANK LOOK (in disbelief !!!). YES !!!
Of course, the plot couldn't be that smooth without ... Kristine who orchestrated the surprise beautifully. Hey !!! What are friends for !!!?
