Happy Birthday, Singapore

I've been in Singapore for just over a year, but I've had the pleasure of being party to two National Day celebrations (I managed to get in before the last year's celebrations...which, incidentally, were Singapore's 40th).

So Singapore turned 41 yesterday.

What amazes me is the number of people who swarmed down to the Marina to watch the ritual fireworks show in the evening. The fireworks show is a standard feature as part of the celebrations, yet people from all walks of life come down to have a look.

I have been told that the high level rooms at the Westin Hotel usually go at a premium during this time as people book these suites to have a high-rise view of the spectacular fireworks display.