The way we travel…

We are going to tweak this question a bit.

Let’s talk about Conservation!

When was the last time you visiting such a place?

Nadd and me just love to explore such places and look at it in a different angle. Even when we are on the bus! A short video of our Random Bus Ride HERE.

To the survey!

Today we are exploring Leisure!

“It’s pretty much the same scene over and over again here. There are only that many places, and even Clarke Quay is getting too crowded.”

We beg to differ! There’s many things to do in Singapore. You just have have to look for it. Create your own adventure!

Need help creating one? Head to http://www.sgthingstodotoday.com/concierge

To the survey! We added an “other” column coz we know it is needed.

(This is a 5-part blog series discussing the findings found by Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) latest lifestyle survey)

[Click image to enlarge]

Found an interesting article in the newspaper last week.

It is the latest findings from Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) Lifestyle survey.

It hit me like a soft pillow in my face at a high velocity and got me thinking to recreate the survey with you guys!

TWO things I would love to determine by administering the survey,

1. To determine if the national survey results is congruent with what Mudd&Nadd readers is seeking out

2. To determine what you all like to see more off and in turn we’ll make that requests come true! (We are your events planning sidekicks afterall :])

Sounds good?

Today, we are going to recreate the survey, “What Singaporean want more of” (bottom left corner in the newspaper cutting above). We are only selecting 3 of the relevant question and you can only choose ONE answer.

So there we were, wondering what adventures Saturday will bring us and decided, let’s go back to one of the attractions that Singapore has to offer: Little India!

(Mudd was unfortunately, not able to join in that day, so I had another Sidekick with me: Dilly!)

Granted, the place has been covered so many times! We know that it’s famous for Mustafa Centre, Indian sweets & treats and Sarees! But there’s some stuffs that you can do & find at and along Little India – all under $18!

What you’ll Find #1: Good Food – Masala Thosai, Naan & curries!

Have your pick – there’s plenty of stalls to choose from. Do it the Singaporean way:  go to the stall with the most number of people!

I had a sudden thosai craving & so was scouring the area for some good ol’ chow.  Indian food is always great for the cold rainy weather.

$$$:
Masala Thosai: $3.50
Home-made Ice Lemon Tea: $1.00

What You’ll Find #2: Cheap (but good) Stuff!

Sunglasses, fans, bags, jeans, jackets, dresses, skirts, vintage tops – & I’m not even talking about Mustafa Centre! Plenty of great finds & retro stuff available along the street shops & alleys.

Among those things that caught my eyes were this really old-school huge framed shades in all sorts of patterns & colours. Vintage is in, yes?

Plus, it’s only here do you truly get to immerse in all things modernly traditional.

Oh, the pictures could go on & on!

$$$:
Sunglasses: $1.90 (adults), $1.00 (children)
Bangles: 1 for $3, 4 for $10
Flowers: Varies – $2-$10

While exploring, we had a minor crisis – our explorer bag tore! Pretty lucky to tear while we’re there too, because now we have a reason to try out one of the most unique things about Little India..!

What You’ll Find #3: …Roadside Tailor!

Yes, you read right. Tailors situated right by the roadside, armed with their trusty scissors & measuring tapes. They sit there, while people queue up to alter their clothes, suits, pants…anything!

Mr. Tailor could not speak English & was quite shy. (Check out his huge scissors!). But he did an amazing job in fixing the bag, in just 5 minutes! Fast, efficient & cheap. In fact, we saw so many people bringing in multiple things to alter that Mr. Tailor just finished off in less than 15 minutes!

$$$:
Sewing Bag + Zipper: $3.oo

What You’ll Find #4: Sungei Road (walking distance from Little India)

This is my most favourite part!

Before there was such a thing as Flea Markets, there was Sungei Road’s Scavenger’s Market. Over time, they still remain strong & is the place to find some lost treasures.

Trinkets, one-off items. Some new, some pre-loved. Digital watches. Vintage rings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces. Obscure & quirky items (like picnic basket, paintings from 1900s, childhood toys).

Couldn’t take many pictures of this obscure place (didn’t want to offend the stallholders). Got myself a shoe (first-hand) for $3.00!

$$$:
Shoe: $3.00

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And the setting sun marked out little trip. We got everything all in one on that day too – Food, culture, roadside ingenuity, colourful items and an old slice of Singapore.

Total amount spent on our Little India Adventures (including transport): $14.40!

Who says you have to spend much to explore!

Stay tuned for many more of our random exploring adventures! If you wanna join us, even better! You know where to reach us!

Hooked to Exploring,
Nadd

p.s: Check out more pictures HERE!

We recently had another random bus ride trip!

If you missed the first one, you can read all about it here.

This time round we up the ante. First, it was totally random. Like totally not planned. (Coz the first one was rather planned but the buses were random nonetheless!)

And secondly, we captured it on video! Add a little music to it and we have a short film documentary of our journey. The plot is the bus journey scenery and the different emotions we experienced! Enjoy!

So what do you think? Like it?

If you do, please drop by our Facebook Group and like the video. http://groups.to/muddnadd

We are also tinkering with the idea of making a full length documentary centered around random bus ride.

Would you be keen to be part of it? Do tell us!

Cheers!~

Mudd

I’m talking about Earth Hour, of course!

Remember how I told you about March Madness & how we tested & reccee-ed a cycling route? We finally had the event on 27 March, for Earth Hour! Along with 38 other cyclists (participants & marshals alike), we cycled for 7km, from SMU Green, over 3 slopes, around town & CBD area to finally reach Esplanade Park where Earth Hour celebrations were in full swing.

The Earth Hour Fun Cycle by BAIK (and co-organised by Mudd & Nadd) was kicked off by our lead cyclist, Mudd!

Fast forward to 40 minutes later, & there we were, enjoying the sunset whilst standing from the Esplanade Bridge. Such an achievement for a very amateur cyclist like me.

I’m just gonna let the pictures do all the talking!

For more pictures, click HERE!

Happy Happy! ‘Till the next year!

Keep the wheels going!

Nadd

We’ve been out of the house before the sun even rises! Yes you read right!

For the past 2 weeks, I watched the sun slowly rising from the comfort of an MRT window. Wonderful, I tell you! & if not for the cranky unfriendly commuters, I would have snapped many pictures of it!

What’s great is the fact that we get to enjoy the peacefulness of Singapore  – because everyone else is still asleep.

(bridge at Robertson Quay)

You might be wondering why we’re up so early when we could have been in our snug beds snoring away.

Well, nothing can get us out of bed that early – except for work of course! & we so don’t mind!   We’re running a couple of workshop for youths.  Let’s just say seeing the smiles on our youth sidekicks’ faces are worth it.

Plus a little morning sun won’t hurt!

The best thing is, we have another session in the afternoon, how fun is that!

Most people laments how Mondays bring the blues. We’re glad our Mondays chase any blues away! Have a smashing week!

Go Monday!

Nadd

What have you been up to this month?

I tried something new last Saturday that had me feeling sore yet still very much excited for the next one! I’m talking about Road Cycling!

Yes, I’m such a newbie!

I know how to cycle & have cycled in Pulau Ubin before but have always considered cycling on the road to be a scary feat. Safe to say, I much prefer the comfort of a car or a motorcycle on the road that being on that skinny two-wheeler. Well, (you know what they say) there’s always a first time for everything!

With my bright red helmet & my road bike, the usual essentials and lots of butterflies in my stomach, the 6 of us set off on our 6km route.

& right now, as I’m typing this, I’m pretty thankful that we’re all safe and sound & all in one piece.

The experience was a fun & exhausting! Going over steep roads, staying focussed with the bike on the yellow line, looking out for traffic, getting horned at by motorists, making sure I don’t knock anyone down – are just some of the things that are apparently quite common when you’re cycling on the road.

I think I might have shed a few pounds too!

The view of Singapore however, was fantastic on the roads. The sun was just setting as we were riding past Esplanade. It was worth the cramped butt & aching muscles!

We’re doing another cycle on Wednesday night. & the final one on Saturday. I’m all geared up for another dose of adrenaline rush!

(If you’re wondering why I’m suddenly so into these eco-friendly mode of transportation, check out Earth Hour Fun Cycle 2010. )

Here’s to celebrating March, The Earth (Earth Hour happening on 27th March) & trying something new!

Go Fun!

Nadd

It was another day at the “office”, we were enjoying our latte and frap and when suddenly a whole gush of people entered our office!

One of them was panting and approaching the other patrons asking for something. We were perplexed. We thought to ourselves, “What happened?” “Why are they looking in a haste and harassing people?”

Being the true blue red and white with stars all over, I peered my ears to have a closer listen.

What I heard, interest me…

“Hi! We are having a teambuilding event and we are playing a scavenger hunt game and we need to collect 5 name cards!” “Do you have a name card?”

Others were much more calm and had a different approach, “Hi, do you work around here?” “I’m attending a teambuilding activity and my task is to collect name cards” “Do you have a name card?”

The second approach was better and less startling. And it worked quite well!

So you might ask, “This is so interesting meh?”

Of course it is! This is a good example of matching the activity to the crowd!

By observing the way they dress and speak we deduced that they were professionals working around the area. We felt that the teambuilding game was simple and very effective. And not only that, it was a good opportunity to network!

Imagine collecting all those name cards and following up with a thank you mail saying you were the one harassing them earlier. You will definitely be remembered!

So the next time you are planning an activity and event, do take into consideration the target crowd and match the activity to the crowd. Not only will you score points with your audience, it will make it easier for you to run the programme since they are in their element and comfort zone.

But don’t sway away too much! Do still keep in mind the event objective as well! :]

Tickle me Tuesday!

-Mudd-