More Fun Underwater

As i searched for Queensway Swimming Complex, i didn't know what to expect.

Weeks ago, a friend asked if i wanted to join for a session of underwater hockey. I agreed without knowing what it is. That's me, i don't overthink. I don't find out who's going, what's happening, i just do it. 

Arriving and then stripping to my bikini, groups of swimmers in caps, snorkels and gloves were milling around the pool. 

They look friendly. 

We were introduced to the world of underwater hockey. Started in 1950s by the British, they wanted something to play in winter. It got introduced to Singapore in 2004 by the Stirling Underwater Hockey Club and today, a small group of members practice every Tue and Fri evenings. 

We were handed masks, snorkel, a stick and a glove defaced with toothpaste (extra protection for the hand). We started by learning the basic skills that'll help with playing the game. I had to crunch my abs in one swift move in order to get to the bottom of the pool bed and stay. Swimming at the bottom of the pool bed, we practiced pushing the puck forward, defending it by curling our bodies around it and putting our legs in a cycling motion.

I've never swam underwater with a snorkel, i had a fear that i'll drink water through that tube, but i busted the "myth"! We held breaths as we dived down with the snorkel, but blew our pipes like a whale as we surfaced. 

We lined up for a beginner's game. Like soccer, there were similar roles like forward, defender etc. To score, make the puck travel into the opponent's goal post, underwater. 

The horn sounded, we all dived in. Players with good skill could flatten their bodies on the pool floor while beginners had their ass pointing up underwater. Underwater hockey relies heavily on team work. Unless one individual possess the ability to hold his breath and hold his court, he is able to score independently. And i saw it happen.

It was exhilarating  I felt my lungs fill with air, my legs kicking faster than it has ever before, just to touch the puck for a mere second before an opponent snatched it from me. I waited above, head submerged watching the game, waiting for my moment to dive in to help a breathless team mate. My lungs started to hurt alittle, unsure if its because i'm pushing it too hard or from all that excitement. 

The path to goal was clear, the puck was in my hand, my ego was screaming "show off what a newbie can doooo!" But alarm bells were ringing in my head, "I NEED AIR!" I abandoned my puck, i didn't want "Died from Underwater Hockey" on my tombstone. 

I managed to touch the puck for 1 SECOND 

Taking some minutes to just watch the game from above, it was quite a sight. Swarms of people in tiny speedos and condom caps all ducking at the same time to reach the puck. If in this lifetime i don't get to see a large school of fish swimming in one direction, this sight could represent. 

I didn't expect myself to like underwater hockey, but i did. The thrill, the adrenaline, the physical demand is addictive.

You can try it out every Tues evenings at Queensway Complex. Tues are for beginners while Fri evenings are for players. Find more information at http://suhc.wordpress.com

                         

Get Wet & Wild at Singapore's Foam Run

If you're like me and have always wanted to sport a sick Red Jaguars, Blue Barracudas, Green Monkeys, Orange Iguanas, Purple Parrots, or Silver Snakes shirt while receiving challenges from a talking rock named Olmec and get scared half to death by a hidden Temple Guard, you are one month away from fulfilling something similar. 

You can also guess my age if you recognized i am talking about the popular 1993-1995 Nickelodeon game show, Legends of the Hidden Temple.

Or if you're like me and have always thought you can do better than the contestants on I Survived a Japanese Game Show, you are one month away from finding out if you are qualified to thrash talk. 


This 24th and 25th May, Singaporeans will get to experience the FIRST EVER foam run along the sandy beaches of Sentosa. All participants will be braving through numerous foam-filled obstacles throughout the entire running route with family and friends. It isn't something just for kids (which i initially thought it was when i saw bouncy inflatables in the publicity pictures), but a 5KM run for crazy people between from the age of 12. Walking on water, larger than life inflatables, slides and turning into a bowling ball is what fun, outgoing and foamtastic runners can expect. This is an untimed race, so slip up as much as you want!

Yeaaa, i thrust my manly chest in triumph

Registration closes on 4th May, and race tickets are going at $78 (read on for a discount code). A portion of the race proceeds will be given to the Association of Persons with Special Needs while the race pack includes entry into race and Sentosa, a race bib, an official race tee, shoe bag and finnisher flip flops by FLIPS.

Register here with my discount code FPCHRISPYTINE to get 15% off race tickets! Race details here.

Do do do do dooooo yoooooou have it?

Visiting Singapore for Business

When in Singapore, all i hear are rants and complains of her people. When out of Singapore, all i hear are praises and admiralty for my nation. My honest opinion is while Singapore is commendable in many aspects like safety, transport, service and food, it is not quite a tourist destination because of the lack of activities to do (other than malls and the zoo).

However, it is definitely worthwhile to stay a weekend or slightly more if you are passing through. What do you then do it you are passing through for business?

You haven't got time to visit the zoo! Do what the locals do.

SHOPPING 24/7 (Get anything, well almost)

Where: Mustafa Center, Little India district (nearest train station Farrer Park)

If you have daylight, walk around and visit the temples for free. Singapore is one of the few nations with different ethnicities living in harmony.Walk around at night after being cooped up in meeting rooms all day, there are many backpackers pubs as well as local Indian eateries. Mustafa Center comprises of 2 multi storey from lifestyle products to beauty products to food products at good prices. You will find amusing items for souvenirs. Like cobra perfume. For a detailed post on what else does Mustafa Center has to offer, read here. 

Since you are travelling for work, you are especially strapped for time. So be sure to stop by one of these cheesy backdrops that has all of Singapore's icons in one spot!

Including Singapore airlines. 

SHOPPING (other than Orchard Road)

Where: Haji Lane (nearest train station Bugis)

Or Bugis Village

Haji Lane is near the Arab quarters (where you can find a quaint Asian toy museum). It is a narrow alley of heritage buildings with boutique shops. Find unique fashion and local labels. 

Prices range from reasonable to high-end. Shops open late (11am) and close before 9pm. At night, you can find it bustling with drinking holes and food. My favourite is Bar Stories for posh but affordable nosh and customized cocktails.

You will also find an old-school British barber, Hounds of Baskerville where you can get a cut and a shave the old gentleman way (reservations needed).

Bugis Village is right above the train station and is an open-air market place with cheap and good clothing for both men and women. Bargains can be done. 

LATE NIGHT EATING

Where: Geylang(nearest train Aljunied)

The red light district of Singapore is not a publicized tourist spot but a much loved supper spot by Singaporeans. It is an area best experienced with a local, complete with running commentary. However, it is not difficult to explore on your own as it's just one long stretch of road. Hop on a taxi (taxis are cheap in Singapore) or ask at the train station. Expect raised eyebrows (it IS afterall, a red light district). Ask the Taxi Uncle (yes, we call them Uncle even though they are not blood related) to alight you at the famous BEEF HOR FUN (rice noodle) stall and you can start exploring from there.

I call it the Geylang Safari because there is many different "species", both in food and in women. Geylang food store owners are exceptionally friendly, so are the prostitutes.

Where: Food Republic Beer Garden (nearest train Harbourfront)

At the gateway of Sentosa, at St James (a multi-room mega night club), there is an alfresco eating place that resembles Singapore in the 60s. You can also find a similar location (under the same parent), at the Singapore Flyer nearer the city center. Here, you can get the best of local cuisine. Go for sambal stingray (spicy), oyster omelette, carrot cake (nothing like the Western one), and Bak Ku Teh (peppery pork soup). Sometimes there could be live bands too. 

NIGHT ACTIVITIES

Where: Prawning http://haibin.com.sg/

Rent a rod, sit around a man-made lake and catch prawns. Later, BBQ them on the spot.

Where: Parkview Square (nearest train Bugis)

Posh fancy lounge with a wine fairy. The most expensive bottles are right at the top, the more generous you are, the higher the wine fairy (with a mini skirt) goes. A drink (passable) starts from SGD 15.

Where: Ann Siang Hill or Duxton Hill or Keong Siak Road

Lined up with heritage shop houses, you can find ad agencies, boutique shops and mid-range to high end dining places. Many expats hang out in this area. 

Enough to do on your business trip to Singapore! Pulling together old posts into one, just because i'm feeling a little patriotic this National Day.

The Good Life at 1-Altitude Stellar

Bank Advertisements usually pull out cliche lifestyle scenes of people having fancy dinners and designer houses. What if a bank really would equip you with the lifestyle? Well, we had it at least for an evening. Standard Chartered Bank invited us for the launch of The-Good-Life-Mobile App for a FREE dinner at One Altitude. 

The ambience of the restaurant is sleek and classy. Ceiling to floor windows guarantees you a view without overlooking construction sites, unlike from atop Marina Bay Sands. 

Here we have the entree, an succulent chewy fresh piece of  octopus served atop a pistachio blend with passion fruit. Simply divine, i can't even imagine how they did the thin piece of garlic bread adorning the entree. Fine dining always comes with foam in the dish, i wonder who started the trend.

 Then it was crab meat salad with a sprinkling of caviar.

The wagyu beef was a little disappointment because it didn't melt in my mouth as i expected wagyu to but nonetheless it was a really good piece of meat! Juicy, tender and thick. 

Dessert was different from the usual. A cream brulee was encased in a white chocolate shell. Warm passionfruit sauce was then drizzled atop to melt away, revealing within. It was a tad too sweet for my liking but nonetheless a show to enjoy.

 1-Altitude also boasts of an open air rooftop bar. 

As i take a deep breath, I exclaim at the top of the world, "What a Good Life!"

Signing off, 

Guest Blogger

Standard Chartered cardholders get 15-20% off dining at 1-Altitude. Don't think you can remember this? Download the Good Life iPhone app to make it easy to locate all 1600 merchants. A conduit to all the experiences The Good Life brings!

1-Altitude is located at 1 Raffles Place Singapore 6438 0410

Drink Vodka like a Russian

It's my first time tasting Russian cuisine and i must say i am ignorant like any Singaporean. All i knew about Russia was of its exotic women and sick mafia activities like in the movie Hostel. In fact, I'm not even sure the crime syndicate in the movie was Russian.

Little did i know that Russia is a place that looks like this,

And Russians have a penchant for Vodka. Such strong habitual liking that there's a Russian saying:

There can be not enough snacks,
There can only be not enough vodka. 
There can be no silly jokes,
There can only be not enough vodka. 
There can be no pretty women,
There can only be not enough vodka. 
There cannot be too much vodka,
There can only be not enough vodka.

I am also ignorant about drinking vodka. I've always drunk it with cranberry, orange or tonic. That's a NOOB DRINKING VODKA! Drinking vodka with mixers and ice is a Western trait.

To drink vodka like a Russian is to drink it neat, and VERY cold.

Preferably straight from the freezer

There is also a popular Russian combination of vodka and beer, for those with an intent on getting absolutely smashed.

Vodka's traditional partner is tapa-sized food and i was invited to lunch with Russian Standard, a premium vodka label designed for the individual with a taste of luxury.

Located at 10 Duxton Hill sits Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar, the one and only Russian restaurant in Singapore.

Authentic deco within.

I asked around my rare few friends who've been to Russia. They told me that the fine dinning in Singapore cannot rival the fine dining in Russia. Luxury unfathomable, i had a tasting of the super rich at Buyan.

And to drink vodka like a Russian, before you down that shot, you've to do a toast. It is considered rude to not drain your glass, and you'll get bad sex for 7 years if you don't look at the toaster in the eye.

There can be not enough snacks,
There can only be not enough vodka.

Oscietra Caviar served on Oladyi with traditional condiments such as
onion, quail egg and lemon.

A mouthful of words that i only understood onion, quail egg and lemon. "You eat it like Peking Duck!" The Norwegian gentleman beside me kindly informed. When it comes to yummy things, do you leave the best to the last or do you eat it first?

Unfolding the crepe, i put a little of everything inside (except the caviar), wrapped and ate. I was half tempted to use my hands and eat like a Vietnamese roll but reminded myself the super rich will not do that.

It was my first time eating caviar, the most expensive food in the world. To my peasant undiscerning tongue, i thought it tasted like the Japanese fish roe (the orange one). In fact due to the fish roe being larger, the burst of juices against the tongue was felt greater than caviar. Nonetheless, i was given by a little shell spoon to eat the caviar with. Only connoisseurs would do that, because metal taint the delicate eggs' flavour.

There can be no silly jokes,
There can only be not enough vodka. 

Strasbourg Pie

I'm not a fan of fancy eats like foie gras but the pan-fried foie gras wrapped in bacon and baked in a thin puff pastry as sung by pushkin was absolutely heavenly. Again a mouthful of words, this time i understood at least 70% of it. Paired with cranberry sauce, the foie gras melts in my mouth, it was orgasmic. I'll definitely spend my pay check on this.

The qualities valued in Russian Standard is the smoothness and lack of aftertaste, the only beverage that can be drunk through a meal because it doesn't affect the taste of food but instead can bring out flavours! That's how Russians drink vodka, they can't do without.

There can be no pretty women,
There can only be not enough vodka. 

Traditional beetroot and cabbage thick soup with beef

 Also my favourite out of the menu, this Borsch would certainly warm your heart and tummy on a rainy evening. It is in mind that you'll want to sample more so the small pieces of meat that won't fill you but the soup remains flavourful. I'd liken it to tomato but it's alot richer without the creamy jelat feeling.

There cannot be too much vodka,
There can only be not enough vodka.

Sturgeon Romanoff

This slow cooked sturgeon is the fish which caviar can be harvested from. A breed of fish i've never eaten, this is what it looks like

It wasn't my favourite but i must say it was done very well in light cream and topped with more caviar. Lightly salty but sweet, the fish meat was tough yet succulent. It doesn't break apart like other fish do.

It almost didn't taste like fish.

Beef Stroganoff

The final dish was slow cooked beef in creamy sauce with sauteed chanterelles and traditional mashed potato. I could taste that the mashed potato was home-made and preservative free. The meat was also extremely tender although it doesn't melt in your mouth like foie gras or beef cheeks.

You can now drink vodka like a Russian in Singapore.

Myself and Lady Iron Chef did.

Ask for Russian Standard in clubs, bars or better yet at Buyan (tel: 62237008).

Cheap Date Ideas in Singapore

In Asia, it’s unusual for the man not to pay. That can be tough for students or NS men or serial daters.
Here I share my list of cheap date ideas, from $0 to $150. And why not, for a change, girls take men out on a date!

And because there is a pill for everything except conversation starters, these ideas are great for first dates to avoid awkward silence. Thease ideas, by the way are not restricted to heterosexual couples or a duo for that matter.

1) Social Painting

has been in trend lately. Despite its name, social painting is actually rather anti-social. It’s a fantastic date idea when words are few!  If you aren’t too creative, do a bit of a research before the big date. You can pre-empt your date what you’ll be doing so she/he can prepare. Alternatively, prepare an image you two can paint together! That counters the fact that it is anti-social. A slight bump here and there, it’s very intimate painting in such close proximity without turning her off on a first date by intruding personal space!

You can paint him a picture and he can paint you a picture, otherwise paint individually and there’ll be plenty to discuss after over a cuppa!

I go to Arteatisque at Mandarin Gallery. Monday nights are Romantic Nights, so 2 for 1. $60 for a 3-hour session (at 3 fixed timings), with free yummy drinks each. Call to enquire: 6235 8705

2) Jurong Water Slide Public Pool

is still around, I hope. A knock-off defunct Fantasy Island and pricey Wild Wild Wet, this is a public pool with good enough water slides, a wave pool and even a lazy river in Jurong East (near Chinese Garden MRT). Just 80 cents for entry and $3 for the float, this is value-for-fun. Besides, you get to see each other's hot bods?

3) Ice Skating

is a group activity i often do in disguise of getting up close with my crush during school days. When i was young and shy, where boys should woo girls, i didn't let my crush know of my feelings. Ice-skating was a fantastic way to break the ice, pardon the pun.

My crush at 14 happened to be a better skater than i am, so he took my hand and spun me round and round. Thankfully, gloves were a must, otherwise he would have detected my sweaty palms with that pounding heart! Last year, prices have increased to $17 for 2 hours including skate rental. Bring socks and gloves on your own.

4) Cooking Steamboat

is a dining suggestion. Often, a date includes some chow. In Singapore, it's almost inevitably a movie and dinner. That's 2 hours of silence and 1 hour of conversation. If you think your date is likely to be a good conversationalist, lengthen the chow time! Even if there won't be interesting conversations, your hands will be kept busy with peeling prawns and watching food cook, there'll be no awkward silence.

Home-made steamboat.

My favourite steamboat place is The Magic of ChongQing Hot Pot ($40 per person). Much more affordable by J Pot with a wider choice of variety. It is after all a first date, so take your date to a fancier one than the ones along the street of Bugis.


Cooking steamboat together is a good gauge of seeing her domestic or submissive side (wife material). It is also a chance to see him care for the lady, making sure she is well-fed.

5) Lawrys 
is also another pricer dining suggestion but it's well worth the price for its ambience and food. It is also the only experiential restaurant that i know of in Singapore. My favourite place to celebrate birthdays, you get 50% off the 2nd main, and 1 free if you dine in 3. You also get a strawberry shortcake with candle as well as 1 instant print Polaroid. Main courses start at $69.


Located in Mandarin Gallery, the ambience is cosy and a hot spot to reserve is by the windows where you look down at the street lights of Orchard.

Only 1 Polaroid is free. Pay $5 to get more.

It is an experiential restaurant because the ladies are dressed in 1950s English maid uniforms (mild role play?haha.), your meats come in a solid steel carving cart by your table and your salad comes in a spinning bowl with a mini dance. Take the beef (not steaks), that's what Lawry's famous for. A California cut is more than enough for an Asian stomach. Order the cream spinach too!

6) Farm Hopping
is a low cost date idea out of the norm but you'll need a car. Located in Lim Chu Kang, there are a host of farms to hop about. Milk goats at the goat farm, get tickled by fish at a fraction of what Kenko Fish spa charges at the fish farms and buy some organic vegetables for mum!

None that i know of charges an admission free, you just need to get a car and locate the farms yourself! Kranji Countryside Association may be of help. No car? Try car rentals! 

7) Museums & Science Center
are often neglected as a date idea. This would also be an opportunity to see if there are similar interests, or at least an open mind to explore one parties' interest.With 2 new museums in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World, that's new date ideas! With Singapore promoting education, museums admission prices are relatively cheap.

8) Suntec Fairs

is never thought as a date idea. There're IT fairs, travel fairs, food fairs, health fairs and the likes often held in Suntec or Expo. A favourite past time of the older crowd because admission is mostly free, with free sampling and freebies. This is the cheapest of the cheap date ideas. Choose the fairs wisely though, IT and travel fairs are the most crowded and i doubt there'll be free sampling and freebies. Nestle's Health & You was one where the crowds got to consume free coffee, cornflakes, milo. There were also plenty of activity booths for memorable photos!

 9) 3 Monkeys

an affordable show if you can't afford the Esplanade. Found in Holland Village, Kumar, my favourite local comedian do stand-up comedies every Friday and Saturday. For $25, you get a drink and a 90 minute show. A date should always have laughter. Be warned though, Kumar's humour is crass, crude and explicit. Do not bring prudes! Good to make reservations at 6469 1338.

Always plan dates (make reservations) but don’t let the other party know you planned (it sounds too eager)! I know it sounds contradictory; unfortunately that’s how the game goes! Besides, it’s nice when your date is truly sincere and shows thought without you knowing beforehand they planned.

From Zero to Hero, who says money is everything?