National Day @ the Ritz

We had a little staycation at the Ritz over the National Day.

I realised that it would be our first break of the year and therefore decided that it was worth it to splurge a bit for a room with a view of the parade and the fireworks. To be honest, I’m not a huge fireworks fan. At least, I’d never brave the crowds, heat, and long waits just to catch fireworks. I do, however, have a soft spot for the National Day Parade. And this time with Noey able to appreciate what was going on, I thought catching the parade would be fun for all of us. (Yes, me included.)

I plumped for the Ritz and was not disappointed. It cost us an arm and a leg, especially with the 2-night minimum, but it was comfortable and the view could not be beat.

“What are they doing? Where are the soldiers marching to? Why is that boat following that man?”

Various permutations of the questions asked by Noey all day. I think after a while the “Practising for the parade/It’s part of the parade” answers probably sunk in.

We invited friends and family over on the 9 Aug to join in the festivities. There were some fears that traffic would be an issue because of the road closures, but happily no one faced any problems. Noey was thrilled to have company, and we all tucked into the crackers and dips and pasta that Sophie and family brought along. This really was the way to watch the parade — with an unblocked view, in air-conditioned comfort, and plenty to eat and drink!

We settled down to watch the rest of the drama bits, with the TV on for commentary. In the process, we found out that what you see on TV is about 10 seconds slower than the actual timing. The cool thing about being at the Ritz was that we could throw the kids in the bath and get them ready for bed, and still continue watching the parade, thanks to the picture windows in the toilet! Noey’s favourite segment was the one with sea creatures in it. Until the fireworks came on.

At that point, I was glad that we were in the room, which muffled the booming of the fireworks, because Noey and Zoe started to get scared after a while. “I don’t want the sound!” Noey kept insisting. Sophie enjoyed it thoroughly, and there was not a squeak from Naomi as she watched the whole spectacle. She was probably wondering what was going on!

We also took the opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of the August babies while we were all together.

‘Twas a good way to spend the break and I’d be lying if I say I’m not thinking about doing it again next year!