The difference between a shawl and scarf

Do you know the difference between a shawl and scarf?

Its christmas season and the scarf is one of the common candidates as a christmas gift. It was only when my friend said, "I wanted a shawl, not a scarf!" before I realize that there is a difference between the two of them.

The main difference lies in its Size.

A shawl is larger than a scarf - this difference is size is attributed to the body part the said accessory is used to wrap around.

Typically, you would be more familiar with a scarf that wraps around your neck (and sometimes the head). For a shawl, you can wrap it around your neck and shoulders (Though there is no hard rule you can't wrap it around the head). With that, you can expect that the shawl is often longer and broader than the scarf.

Hence, in the future, do take note that there's a key difference between getting a scarf and a shawl!

You asked, we answered! Hope this was useful for you.

Learn tips, share tips

EUFASS

85k pageviews milestone for Eufass and future direction

Thank you readers, as today I officially hit 85k pageviews.

******************Update Mar 2016: I have hit 100k pageviews!! ****************

With a steady flow of hundreds of readers coming in to EUFASS everyday to read about tips and trivia, I think it is time for EUFASS to grow and evolve to provide readers with something more.
And I would like to share EUFASS with similar people like me out there.

The Long Version (You can find a summary on the right bar under "about me" )

I have been blogging on travel tips and trivia for 5 years and this blog consistently rake up hundreds of viewerships per day. 

I started this blog because I enjoy sharing what I have learnt and thought it may be useful knowledge to people out there as well. Turns out that what is useful that I can share on my limited capacity are mainly travel tips and general trivia, and I have achieved some success in getting substantial readership for posts such as  sheep and travel. (These topics are reflective of what the blog is trying to capture - Frequently asked questions and useful knowledge) 

Today while writing on another travel tip on my recent family trip to Japan, I had an epiphany - if I could see and share information that is not properly explained out there on the internet, I believe each and everyone of you out there will have something to share too, that would be useful to everyone. In the spirit of EUFASS, I aim to tap on not just my lessons but lessons from everyone of you out there. So if you have learnt something here, share something here as well. 

As you see, my current frequency of blogging is weekly(by far the best), not because I am lazy, but I do not come across quality tips so often. Your contribution will be greatly valued, to help me build EUFASS into a vault of useful knowledge to share with the world, so go ahead and leave your tip on the comments box below.( if you wish to contribute a blog post - leave a comment).

How is this site different from tripadvisor?

EUFASS is more than just travel tips. Travel seems to be the main focus as this is something people can easily tap on their recent travel experience and domestic knowledge to share.
The content will be curated and summarised by me so that readers can prioritise their reading to get the most useful tips. I aim to build a knowledge vault that readers can come back frequently to quench their thirst for knowledge.

How is this site different from wikipedia?

Wikipedia feels like you are reading the dictionary, is not interactive and there definitely are more enjoyable and succinct ways to acquire knowledge.
( but I still love wikipedia)

Thank you once again readers, and hope you give me a like and continue to support the sharing of tips and trivia through EUFASS!

How to get to tsukiji fish market by taxi to watch the auction

You need to be up in the wee hours.

To watch the auction, you need to reach the location REALLY early. There is no other way to arrive at your destination except by taking a taxi or on foot, as trains do not start running until dawn.

If you want to know about getting to tsukiji to watch the tina auction, you are at the right place. Information online will tell you everything else except the exact instructions on which taxi to board, where to alight, and which building to go to, what time to be there.

On which taxi to board

Japanese are a honest and civilised bunch. This is the only country which I feel it is reasonable to say "Feel free to hop on to any taxi you see."

Of course, make sure you are hopping on a vehicle that looks like a taxi.

On where to alight

The exact location is as below. Note it is just before the bridge.

If you can manage some japanese, tell the driver "tsukiji roku cho me, osakana fukyuu senta (築地六ちょも, お魚普及センター) which means tsukiji 6th street , fish distribution centre)

If you can't speak good japanese, have google maps with you so you can direct the driver nearer to the location. 

Once you alight you can check with the guards who will guide you to the place.

**Time to be there**

I was there on Monday during the autumn and arrived at 4.03am and all the 120 slots available were all filled. Do not doubt that there are ample enthusiasts willing to arrive more than 1 hour before for the 20min tour. 

Other things to note

You will need to make a choice. Not on whether to wake up early or not. But on whether you want more badly to watch the auction or eat the best sushi in the area, sushi dai.

We might have missed the ticket to the auction, but as a blessing in disguise, we managed to have our extravagant sushi breakfast by 735am...

Hope this was useful for you

EUFASS 

Business class flight: What its like and what to expect

We've all heard of young management consultants or young execs in leading MNCs take business class to overseas location for work. Today, i had my first experience to attend a conference in San Francisco.  

My flight was on ANA, and the very first difference I experienced was the use of an exclusive business class check-in lane. During the check-in, the staff advised me on the location of the lounge. "Oh, I could use the lounge for business class." I thought to myself, pleasantly surprised. 

The lounge

I tried their carrot cake(my favourite food). I must say it is pretty normal.

Anyway, if you are taking ANA, always save space for their in-flight meals. ANA have a reputation for awesome food.

See - I'm not kidding.

And this is my humble resting area for 7hours.

The seat can transition to horizontal position, as what the legend says.

A smooth 7 hour ride later, I landed at Narita. Everyone around me was ready to alight. I didn't want to alight, honestly.

I hope this provided you a glimpse of business class travel. Its a great experience for a first time, and definitely an option to consider if you are taking your next vacation or preparing for your honeymoon. Of course, beyond the business class, there is first class. I am sure it will be many times better.

EUFASS 

Taxi in Thailand: From Bangkok Airport to Hotel

Taking a taxi from Bangkok airport (Suvarnabhumi airport) to your hotel can be a harrowing experience. Traffic can get as crazy as Jakarta during rainy days and peak hours. Sometimes, traffic is so bad that I can't tell whether is peak or not. That said, the land of smiles has definitely more to offer.

From Suvarnabhumi airport to hotel

Taking a taxi from Bangkok International Airport to your hotel is a breeze. There is actually no need to read this post, as the signs are very clear and there even is an automated kiosk for taxi allocation. (I'm kidding, just read this post anyway.)

 

There are a few options- 

• Limousine (you can see a row of travel booths once you exit from immigration.)
  
• Metered taxi, head one floor down to level one and you will see a gate that leads to a queue for taxi outside.
  
• Train - connected to the terminal and also thereafter you can transfer to the ever clean and comfortable BTS in-city train.

I took the metered taxi and the driver quoted us 500 baht for ride into the city. For some reason they do not go by meter from airport to city. My friend, during his visit, was quoted 1000 baht (raining and peak hour) and he negotiated down to 600 baht. I think a range of 500-600 baht should be ok. 

The people are genuine

Do not bring the fraudulent taxi driver impression that other neighbouring countries have given you to this country. Thai taxi drivers are a genuine bunch, making a honest living.

My experience with taximeter drivers (4 times) has been 100% positive. The only obstacle is the communication - in the one instance where the driver did not understand where we want to go, he asked us to alight. However, you will soon realize that you dont really need the whole suite of vocabulary to indicate where you want to go. I have since quickly learnt from the drivers how to say turn left, turn right and go straight, as well as my hotel address in comprehensible Thai language. And i also quickly learnt that taxi drivers here are anything but scammish crooks.

Get set for an exciting ride if you asked for it

I requested my driver to go fast as i was running late to catch my flight. Boy, i reached the airport in 25mins, a journey that should have taken 40mins. The driver weaved in and out of traffic at an average speed of 120km/h. Even when I said " i am not that in a hurry", He replied," Dont worry, trust me!" And indeed, I arrived at the airport in one piece.

Some other small things to note

Remember the small change for the toll - 50bahts

Oh, and some metered taxis do not issue receipts. Always check before boarding if you need receipts to claim. 

My experience with Uber in Bangkok

Uber rides are great and offer a competitive rate as well. My 6 trips with Uber this round were all positive. Like Jakarta and Philippines, you might have to wait more than 10 minutes for your uber due to the traffic, even if it is just a few minutes away from you.

In terms of the familiarity of the routes, Uber drivers are quite clueless. However, the uber app offers the powerful advantage of preloading your destination through the app, and hence you typically do not need to direct the driver to your destination.

That said, with the convenience that metered taxis are everywhere, I tend not to want to wait for the uber taxi to come.

Hope this is useful for you

EUFASS

Travel tips: The norms of SEA regional travel for the Singaporean

Just a list of travel thoughts based on my regional travel experience. Regional travel can be quite a humbling experience given that Singapore is the most developed country in the SEA region. Prep yourself mentally for the below norms and non-norms which you should be able to observe in our neighbours:

Established infrastructure is not the norm

Think battered roads, rocky internet connection that stalls when you are paying for your air ticket, presence of bus roads but no buses. The opposite is Singapore.

Fast service is not the norm

Do not get frustrated if your food doesn't come in 10mins, or your bill doesn't come after calling the waiter 3 times.

Expensive food is not the norm

Whether its Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, enjoy restaurant food at at least 50% off. What kind of prices are we paying for food in Singapore???

In any case, be awed by the power of the Singaporean dollar.

Chaos is the norm

Do not expect your train to come every 5 mins, but expect to hop on any bus that brings you to your destination, even if it does not reflect the ticket that you have paid for. Quickly get acquainted with the system within the chaos, and embrace the culture and you should be fine. 

Touting is the norm

Expect a swarm of taxi drivers to approach you for their 'affordable services'. Some look and dress their part that I nearly got conned. 

What other norms can you think of?

EUFASS

Using etourist visa for India and things to note from my experience

Just a short additional post on my recent trip to India to provide some additional tips to using the e-Tourist Visa.

Do I need a visa to enter India? 

Singaporeans, yes you need a visa to enter India.

An eTV should be your last option

An etourist visa or eTV should be your last choice due to the higher cost involved. For my case, I needed the visa quite urgently, and I did not have the luxury of putting my passport with the local travel agency for a few days , and thus am somewhat grateful that there is this last minute option.

How to apply

• Go to the website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html and click the link on the word "Apply Online"
• The website is very clear on what you need to do. Follow the instructions and it should take you 30mins to fill up the required info. 

Take note

• You need to have 6 months validity remaining
• Have your pic in jpg and passport in jpg ready
• Know which airport you are going
• Allow 4 days for approval 
• Print out the approval paper (will be emailed to you) and bring along with you on your trip

For bangalore: When you reach the airport, go to the counter that says etourist visa. It is right before immigration and you can't miss it. Do not join the immigration queue.

Friends who have been to the other airports, share your experience!

Hope this is useful for you 

EUFASS

Bangalore taxi review: from airport to hotel, within city, from hotel to airport

Even though my trip to Bangalore was a short one, I took quite a number of taxis to different destinations. There are quite a few choices, and my feedback on my experience with them is below.

Mega cab: 

Good: Took this cab from airport to my hotel. Ride is smooth and good service (driver checks in to make sure you are comfy). 

Bad: However he took me to the wrong citadine (he heard citadel). I learnt that in India, always state the area you are going to, and name some landmarks. Confirm that the driver knows where he is going.

Verdict: Took me 45mins- 1hr to reach mu hotel, cost me 830 rupees + 120 rupees toll charge. Will still go with mega again, as it is most straightforward to take from the airport. 

Tuktuks

Good: Cheap, versatile

Bad: You will feel vulnerable; not for the faint-hearted.

Verdict: Best for short distance travel: 1-2km. Walking is possible, but the roads of Bengaluru are often tough. Its quite an experience trying to cross the road and navigate the broken, narrow sidewalks - also quite an experience taking a tuktuk!

Uber

Good: Took UberX around the city. Reliable,  comfy ride. Easy to hail with app. Transaction is automatically charged to your credit card.

Bad: I guess you have to ensure google maps bring you to the right place, because for more of the less touristy places, chances are it doesn't. Confirm with the party you are meeting what landmarks are near his place.

Verdict:

Really grateful theres uber. It would have been a hassle to direct the driver where I want to go. Uber drivers use GPS and hence. Price is very reasonable too!

Meru cab

Took this guy to the airport, I would have gone with an uber if not for the hotel guy who kindly volunteered to get a cab for me.

Good: This guy observes the speed limit. Even at times when he doesnt, the machine will prompt him to slow down. Reasonable comfort and price. 

Bad: Not the luxurious and comfy airport transfer ride you are expecting. *Swanky SUV with JW Marriott logo zooms past from my left as i'm writing this*

Verdict:

It took me 45 mins to reach the airport, cost me 920 rupees, including toll charges. I would not specifically request to take a meru, but wont mind to hop onto one if one happens to be around. 

Ola cab

The India version of uber. The hotel guy tried to call for one, but response is too slow and process too cumbersome. I'll go with uber for their responsiveness on their apps.

Other interesting tips:

Enjoy the scenery of cows hanging out on the roadside :)

Hope this is useful for you!

EUFASS


Read about my taxi ride to the hotel after landing at Bangalore at night here.

SG50 National day special: 8 Beautiful Singapore stories that made me smile Part 2

Last year, I blogged about a collection of positive Singapore stories as part of national day celebration for Singapore 49th birthday.

This year, I decided to make a compilation of the beautiful stories that I can recollect over the year. My mood is immediately uplifted as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary with a special public holiday that stretch our long weekend to a total of 4 days (Rejoice!)

1) Singaporeans heroes defending our local children 

Super heros exist not only in Marvel comics, but in Singapore too. Our hero that defended us Singaporeans from external forces - It does not matter that the opponent is bigger sized than him, Elfy stood up against a caucasian man verbally abusing one of our own in the MRT. You are the man Elfy!

Read more here

2) Passionate MRT drivers that brings a smile to your day

An SMRT driver made a cheery commentary instead of the usual monotonic routine announcements. Lets temporarily forget about all the breakdowns!

Read More here 

3) Singaporeans that do not condone fraudulent behaviours

Remember the Vietnamese tourist who got cheated at Sim Lim? I thought it was pretty sweet that we crowdfunded more than US$10,000, and even made sure the scammer got what he deserves. I feel even safer in Singapore now.

Read more here

4) Singaporeans making the days of the others - Spare coins at vending machine

I've seen this in the US, some spare change would really be nice especially when you need them!

Read More here 

5) Singaporean taxi drivers that cares

Life may be hard but it is harder to lose your stuff in our taxis: A taxi-driver knocked on 20 doors in a condo to find the owner of a bag left in his cab.

Read more here

6) Empathetic Doctors in our hospitals

Doctors from Thomson Medical Centre waived charges for an expecting lady coping with an unexpected departure of her husband.

Read More: http://kindness.sg/blog/2014/08/29/help-during-difficult-time/

7) Singaporeans that turns a shitty day around

The biggest MRT breakdown in Singapore's history saw 2 major lines out of power while Singaporeans scrambled to get home  after a long days work. Our kind Singapore Samaritans stepped up to offer free rides and refreshments for those inconvenienced. Give these guys a beer!

Read More here

Oh, our ERP doesnt breakdown, I guess that can count as something positive as well.

8) Singaporeans display the power of masses by breaking crimes through social media

Social media is not just where we enjoy SGAG and SMRT feedback. In an unbelievable case, a Singapore car stolen in Malaysia was tracked down by the social network of SG and MS netizens. This is so impressive and touched me on how we look out for each other even in the smallest ways. Keep it up guys!

Read more here


IF this doesnt bring up your SG50 mood, I don't know what else does. Singaporeans, you rock! Happy 50th birthday Singapore!~

EUFASS


PS: I wanted to collate 50 stories, but could only manage 8. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any beautiful stories to add!

Jakarta Airport: Getting a taxi safely to your hotel

It is my first time in Jakarta. Things are cheaper here compared to Singapore. Food at a restaurant is about 70000 idr and i'll always complete the meal with haagen daaz at 35000 for 1 scoop. Before we get to the enjoyable side of Indonesia, lets not lose focus and see how to get you safely to your hotel in jakarta first :)

Directions on getting a taxi

Once out of baggage claim, then you'll go through customs, and you will soon see 2 short rows of stalls lining the aisle. On the left, you will see the money changers while on the right the taxi counters. There are 4-5 taxi companies to choose from, but I went with the one with the logo blue bird.

The airport transfer costed me 380.000 rupiah to my hotel and at first thought this seems to be pricey. However, as I could claim from my client this trip, I decided to go with the experience of a prepaid airport transfer. It turned out that the airport transfer is under the brand golden bird, and the ride offered to me was a Camry.

It was a smooth ride on a Camry, you need not pay the toll charge and the driver stays within the speed limits. Safety and comfort seems to be the main draw for the higher price.

Verdict: Suitable for business setting. If you are travelling with your boss (read: girlfriend), might be wise to take a golden bird. For casual travel, head out to take a blue bird. If you are not fussy on money, taking this option eradicates your concerns such as safety, being taken for a ride, need small change to pay for toll etc

How to take blue bird(taxi)

If you are budget conscious, flag a blue bird.

To take blue bird, exit the airport to the sheltered outdoor area and locate a taxi queue with blue bird logo. (Or you can find the area where lots of blue taxis are congregated) Someone online quoted that the price to city is around 120.000 rupiah excluding toll charge. However my ride from the city to the airport costed me 200.000 rupiah. So i guess it will be around that range - which makes my airport transfer service ride on the golden bird felt less expensive.

My experience on Blue bird rides

I took 2 blue bird rides- one from my hotel to my client's place in the city, another from my client's place to the airport. Both followed the meter. I was told that blue bird is one of the more reliable taxi companies in Indonesia. 

Verdict: Reliable and easy to flag in the city. However, on my way to the airport, I noticed the driver took the longer way. Its not much of a detour, probably an extra 10mins and he probably earned an extra 25%, but I advise you to just be careful. Again, to free yourself from such worries, arrange for an prepaid airport transfer. 

Hope this is useful for you

EUFASS

Bangalore airport; taxi to hotel when arriving at night

It is my first time to Bangalore, and due to some circumstances I took the night flight. I wasn't too sure of how to get a taxi to my hotel but I'll just follow the crowd, I thought. Of course, I came to that decision after an hour of researching and reading up forums to ensure that taxis are readily available and safe. 

Disclaimer

It is prudent to at least know the following:

- what is the approximate time and price to your destination

- how to take a prepaid taxi
- if not, the general directions to the taxi stand (you should get a sense whether it is inside or out of the airport, etc)

For Bangalore, I read that the taxi stand is in one corner and outside the building. And I confirmed on multiple sources that taxis are readily available, even at night. There are mixed reviews online, but the reliability of airport taxi service in Bangalore seems acceptable. So, I concluded there is no need to arrange for airport transfer from the hotel.

Directions to the taxi pickup point at Bangalore Airport

When I came out of immigration, there is an airport taxi counter, but it was very empty. Not very popular, I thought, as I clearly remembered seeing quite a number of foreigners on my flight. So i followed the crowd which took me to an airport taxi queue. You can follow the taxi signs in the airport and there are standing signs of airport taxi which you can follow; You wont missed it. The airport taxi has a nice logo and at the start of the queue there will be an usher. 

In the long line of people waiting for taxi, i was the only foreigner. Should be no problem, i thought, since so many locals are using this service.

Each taxi will carry the airport taxi logo, though they can be meru, mega or KSTDC. By sheer fate i hopped on to a mega cab.

The trip started at 80 INR ,and the driver will state that the 2nd meter started at 0. The meters will simultaneously jump at quite a fast pace. A short drive later, you will be asked to pay toll charge of 120 INR.

The ride was pretty smooth, but there is plenty of honking, even at night. Trucks drive alongside your taxi like how chopsticks line together. It was quite an experience. It took me 45mins- 1hr to reach my hotel, and cost $830 rupees with 120rupees toll charge.

Other things to note

Always confirm that the driver knows where you want to go. Their english is quite different , my driver brought me to citadel, instead of citadine.

Hope this post takes you safely from the Bangalore airport to your hotel. 

EUFASS

Philippines: Getting a taxi at manila airport and what to expect

------

Updated SEP 2015

2 tips that I would like to share further on taxis in Manila:

--- Be careful of scammers and always be cognizant of the price ---

It is my second time taking the taxi from manila airport terminal 3 (international airport) and I was so close to getting scammed if not for my sharp colleague. 

Once again the instructions: 

Clear the customs and head out of the airport terminal via gate G 

Cross the road as you ignore the swarm of hecklers asking you about taxi

The taxi stand 'centre' will be on your right after you cross the road

Be careful, do not let your guard down even when you reached the taxi stand. We were approached by a man wearing the airport uniform, with the same format of chart of locations shown, and when I nearly decided to go with this guy, my colleague noted the price was 3 times higher on the chart (2500-3000peso). The correct price at the taxi stand is 900+ pesos. 

So we averted getting conned and saved quite a sum today. My colleague learnt the hard way, make sure you keep a lookout!

---Prepaid vs metered taxi---

I also saw that you can take metered taxi from the airport. Any readers able to share their experience?

For my ride to crowne plaza manila at quezon city, we were stuck in very bad congestion. I guess the advantage of the prepaid factor is that it eases any worries that you will eventually get an unexpected high price.

And i'm serious. As uber failed me (the uber took forever to arrive), I hopped on to a random metered cab to the airport. It is cheap no doubt - the trip costed me less than 200 pesos from Makati. But it took me wayyyy longer than I expected 

- he took a longer way rather than the usual toll road 

- the frustration that the road he chose keep getting in jams

- (it could be an isolated accident), but my driver got into the fight with another drive during the ride

I don't know about you, but at that point I'll pay that tens of pesos more for comfort and a stress-free ride. You decide! 

Hope this is useful for you

EUFASS

--------

It is my first time to Manila and getting out of the airport (without getting scammed) proves to be a useful experience. Taking a taxi to your hotel is your best bet as other forms of public transport is minimal.

• I'm assuming you will be landing on Philippines new terminal (Terminal 3). When you get out of arrival, you will see a bunch of people holding nametags and hotel logos. If you have ordered a chartered cab from the hotel your name should be there.

• If you are looking to get your own cab like me, you need to exit from the building, where the designated taxis are queueing. When you cross the road, you'll see a group of hagglers asking if you need a taxi. Those are not legit and you'll get charged a high amount. Do not go with those guys.

• You should spot a 'centre' where staff is directing taxis and people as well as a large standing poster with different prices for the different destinations

• If you are going makati city centre like I am, the rate is 440 php.

• During the journey, the taxi driver will ask if you want to take the skyway. The skyway is usually faster and cost about 50 php.

• Remember to tip the driver as well. About 100 php will do.

When departing

• If you need food, get them before you enter the departure gate. There's Wendy's, some cafes and 7-11 at the 2nd floor. 
• Toilets are rare in the airport so use it when you have the opportunity.

These are my observations and tips from my first trip. Hope it is useful for you.

EUFASS

SGD to AUD: It matters where you change

My recent trip to Perth, Western Australia was fruitful and an eye-opener. In fact, given its relatively short travelling time of 5 hours away from Singapore, I highly recommend a trip down for a vastly different experience. You would be able to experience a different culture, decent cuisine, wonderful scenery and the best part is that you need not travel obscene hours and transit a couple of flights to experience a western environment like Europe or USA. 

Here are some tips to take note when travelling in Perth:

Skip the immigration queue

I think one of the first things to note is that YES, YOU CAN PASS THROUGH THEIR SMARTGATE with your Singaporean biometric passport (See article). I saw quite a number of Singaporeans join the long immigration queue, but there is absolutely no necessity in that.

Culture shock as shops close early!

In Perth, if you are expecting 24 hours shopping or restaurants like Singapore, I am afraid you will be disappointed. In fact, shops close as early as 5pm and most restaurants start closing at 8pm. Anything later than 8pm you will have to head to Northbridge where most of the nightlife congregates.

Best place to change SGD to AUD

My experience on comparing rates and places to change from Singapore dollars to Australian dollars:

• I changed at the ARCADE which offered me SGD1.074 for AUD$1
• My neighborhood currency exchange was offering in a region of SGD1.2 for One Australian dollar 
• The currency exchange in Perth had very unattractive rates as well
• My spending on the credit card (OCBC) offered a rate of SGD1.103

If I had paid my accommodation of AUD2000 in cash instead of through my credit card, I would have saved $58!

Do make sure you change enough AUD at the good places in Singapore(My recommendation is at the Arcade in Raffles Place) as this is one currency you can see the savings if you make the effort.

Hope this was useful for you
EUFASS

Singapore Dry spell and 4 water-saving buildings

The dry spell has been persisting since February, though I did notice a trace of drizzle for a few minutes in Tampines today. To deal with the ongoing dry weather, I saw on the news that contingency plans to step up desalination and NEWater production is already in place. Compared to challenging times where water rationing is needed, our lives are just a little bit inconvenienced by the scorching weather.

This thought triggers the realization that we Singaporeans are actually quite complacent and that there will always be enough water supply for the citizens. There was some talk about the possibility of water rationing last year, but I believe no one would have imagined that really happening. The level of confidence we have in our water security is ironically, worrying.

Given our climate, we can be sure that dry spells recur every year. However, exercises to urge citizens to take ownership on water conservation have been largely unsuccessful. Yet this problem has to be addressed and it seems that one of the solutions is to have sustainable green architecture with water-saving features. 

Let’s look at some of these examples:

Jem Retail Mall

Jem is the first mixed use development in Singapore to achieve BCA’s Green Mark Platinum Version 4.0 award, the highest certification for sustainable buildings..

Some of the water saving features include a 

• Rainwater harvesting system 
• Condensate water collection

Water Savings: Estimated 265,160 m3/year  (~1000 times of an Olympic size swimming pool (250m3))

PARKROYAL on Pickering   

      

PARKROYAL on Pickering is situated in the heart of Raffles place and has a distinct nature lanscape amidst its architecture.

Some of the water saving features include a 

• Rainwater harvesting and use of NEWater, 
• Water efficient fittings
• Automatic sensors to regulate water usage

Water Savings: Estimated 6,900 m3 /year

W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

Been here for a friend's wedding once, it feels like you never stepped out of nature.

Some of the water saving features include 

• Water efficient fittings
• Rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater for irrigation and nonpotable use
• Condensate water collection

Water Savings: Estimated 22,200 m³/year

Solaris

Tucked in a corner of One-North business district, Solaris is a two-tower building with innovative green furnishments.

Some of the water saving features include 

• Eco-cell and rainwater harvesting via a network of siphonic drainage systems

As mentioned on this year’s Budget, “sustainable urban solutions” is one of the 5 growth areas. I believe we will see more of such green buildings in the near future.

Other interesting trivia on Singapore’s dry spell

• Singapore is 140km north of the equator and will encounter dry weather in February due to shifting of the monsoon season.
• The record so far of the dry spell is set in 2014 where minimal rain was recorded for 27 days. The previous record was an 18-day dry spell in 2008. If no rain is to persist this month, there is possibility of setting a new record.
• Though dry months are typically January to March, May and June are the hottest months of the year. Singapore's hottest temperature recorded was in March 1998, when the highest temperature was 36 degrees Celsius.

Hope that this post will spark your appreciation for the water conservation efforts taking place behind the scenes, and do your part to save water!

EUFASS

Source of buildings and their water-saving features and data : http://www.bca.gov.sg/newsroom/others/pr11092013_IGBCA.pdf

15 gift ideas for baby shower

This post on gift ideas for baby full month celebration is suitable for readers that:

•  Despite the Singaporean culture of practicality, you recognize that gifts display more sincerity and thoughts than cold hard cash.
• You are the type that will go for random gift rather than $20 vouchers.
• You hold a Bachelors in … (Sorry, verzon spent too much time looking for a job and started writing in job advert style unwittingly)

While contemplating whether a 一路發 angpao or a gift will be better, I decided to check up online for some ideas on what are some pretty gifts for the cute baby. Well, it seems like a very common question everyone faces, and there are tons of ideas out there. I shortlisted some of them here:

1. Baby Bouncer
   
   Experience sources shared that this is a must-have for parents. Baby bouncers take away 70% of the noise and hassle of looking after the baby. Before you head to the nearby mothercare shop to get it, check that the couple needs it, because chances are they might already have it.
   
   
2. Clothes for baby
   Clothes come in all sizes and for different stages of baby growth. Since the couple could be flooded for clothings for infants (<3months), you can consider buying some clothes at the later stage(3-6months, or 6-9months, etc)
   
   
3. Bib
   
   Never too many for this one. Babies have never-ending supply of saliva. I recommend the I love Mummy designs, super cute!
   
   
4. Baby Swimming trunks/costume
   
   
   This strike me as something people won’t usually think about. Worth a consideration especially for couples that enjoy getting wet with their baby.
   
   
5. Diapers
   
   

   Something practical. But my mom objects, for aesthetic reasons.
   
   
6. Diaper cake hamper
   
   This was a stunner – never knew such concepts existed. Essentially diapers are used to resemble that as a multi layer cake, and wrapped as a hamper. This gift idea combines both practicality and the sincerity of gifts. Brilliant.
   
   
7. Milk bottles
   
   A lot of creativity can go into this one. You can customize the bottle, or put some gifts inside…
   
   
8. Fruit basket
   
   Pretty self explanatory, pretty normal gift for assorted occasions
   
   
9. Baby blankets
   
   Choose carefully as this could potentially follow the baby for years. My sister’s baby blanket followed her till high school.
   
   
10. Playmat
    
    Immediately the alphabet rubber-like playmats pop into my mind. I love that when I was a kid!
    
    
11. Nightlight
    
    Very thoughtful gift. Definitely a must-have for couples that need to wake up frequently at night to cajole a crying baby.
    
    
12. Educational books (for parents and babies)
    
    Not only the “Parenting for dummies” kind of book, but also cute alphabet books for the babies!
    
    
13. Strollers
    
    Very useful to open up a path in shopping malls. I mean, strollers are good to have to bring the baby out!
    
    
14. Baby sling
    
    The alternative to strollers. A good baby sling is important as the comfort level makes a huge difference especially if the mom has to carry the baby the whole day.
    
    
15. Vouchers (mothercare, kiddy palace, etc)
    
    A little bit more sincere than cash. 

Some other tips

• Call the parents up and see what they need
  Things like baby bouncers and strollers would be typically what they would already have. They will also tell you things like don’t buy clothes as they already have too many or even tell you what they need.

• It could be quite a tough decision to select a gift. Some things that can help you to narrow down your choices
• Boy or Girl?
• Budget
• Practical or fanciful?
  
• If some of the above gifts are too expensive for you, get your mutual friends/colleagues to share the gift!

Hope this was useful for you!

EUFASS

How much red packet money to give for baby shower?

It is common for new parents to hold a baby shower celebration to commemorate the first month of their newborn. In my opinion, the full month celebration for the infant is not just an occasion for parents to share their fruit of their labour, after arduous months of carrying and delivering the baby, but it is also a good reason for friends and family to get together and be part of the new little life.

I was recently invited for a baby shower of a colleague. It is a blessing to be part of his baby shower celebration and it was enjoyable to see and play with the cute 1st-month baby! However, this question came to my mind like all my previous other red packet questions –

How much angpao money should I give to my baby/infant full month?

There are elements of similarity with red packets for weddings in this question, and I would say it would depend on:

• The type of event ( Can range from house visit to lavish hotel setting)
• Relationship with the couple

Typically baby showers are held at the couple’s house or a function room of a condo.

$50 seemed like a rate that I would give an ok friend. A simple $50 note is polite, but I personally find that you can go an extra mile to show that you care. For example, you can augment your red packet amount with auspicious numbers like $68, $88.

For close friends and relatives, I would go with $168. It bodes well as it sounds similar to 一路發, which means earning big money throughout the baby’s life journey.

If you feel like giving more, by all means! More is always better than less, especially for the couple as it can help defray some of the exorbitant expenses needed to raise the baby.

Hope this was useful for you

EUFASS