The foodie film, Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles, follows seven-time New York Times best-selling cookbook author, Yotam Ottolenghi on his quest to bring the sumptuous art and decadence of Versailles to life in cake form at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Singapore’s own Janice Wong was one of a team of leading celebrity chefs invited to create an unforgettable feast featuring mousse cakes, chocolate sculptures and swan pastries.
Now, Janice is bringing a piece of France to Holland Village with a limited edition Cakes of Versailles high tea menu, which will run every weekend at 2am:dessertbar until 1 November, with limited sets available each day. For the first edition, Janice has collaborated with chefs from the film; UK jelly-makers Sam Bompas & Harry Parr and Ukrainian baker Dinara Kasko. She’s also brought in talented local pastry chef, Mohamed Al-Matin, from Copenhagen’s two Michelin starred Noma restaurant.
Chestnut Quince Cake with Lemon Curd, Chantilly and Chocolate Chestnut Mousse
Priced at S$45 per person, the high tea begins with a series of beautifully plated treats, served in a gilded birdcage. We slide our spoons into a quivering Prosecco Raspberry Jelly from Bompas & Parr, which is surprisingly not at all sweet, and is studded with fresh raspberries.
A slice of Strawberry Champagne Cake from Dinara has gorgeous green, pink and white layers and is finished with a sweet cream icing. It’s hard to get a taste before my family devour it! We also nibble on bite-sized chocolates – which have unusual and intriguing flavours like Praline Poprocks, Lemon Thyme, and Salted Caramel. Janice’s Chestnut Quince Cake with Lemon Curd, Chantilly and Chocolate Chestnut Mousse is also a triumph of flavours and textures, reminiscent of the traditional Mont Blanc cake.
Chocolate bites
Foie Gras Éclair and delicate sandwiches provide savoury notes, along with your choice of tea and coffee. Our daughter went with a rose scented herbal tea, while we added on flutes of sparkling Laurent-Perrier champagne! We finish with a glass boxed selection of beautifully baked items from Al-Matin – Pistachio Rose escargot pastry, Plum Galette, Chocolate Brioche with walnut and sticky date and a caramelised, custardy Canele. Served warm, they are gloriously rich, sticky and buttery.
Beautifully baked treats from Al-Matin
Verdict: Run, don’t walk, to experience a little taste of Versailles in this decadent dessert spread.
What better way to bring life into your rental and be entertainment-ready than to overhaul the hub of your house? Treat your kitchen to a thorough declutter and really good tidy up. Whether we like it or not guests always pop into our kitchens or convene there while we prepare food or pour drinks. It’s a functional workspace but it should look aesthetically pleasing and stylish too!
Clear it up
Kitchen benches don’t need to be filled with half opened bottles and jars of sauces or spices. Put these away in the fridge or a cupboard, along with any other perishable items. Invest in a great label maker like the Dymo Label Manager or Brother PT450 and tidy up your spice jars and food storage containers. Avoid having a drying rack filled with pots and plastic lunch boxes – these also need to be tucked away, out of sight. Keep your surfaces clean and streamlined.
Ikea has great mini jars to store condiments
Once your bench is clear, add a cluster of interesting items like Italian olive oil, pots of fresh herbs and little jars of sea salt. Ikea has great mini jars to store condiments- keep them filled with an assortment of pickles, relishes and olives. When guests come over, take them out of the fridge and you have an instant charcuterie platter! To make a real statement, have one or two oversized serving plates or dishes, such as a large wooden pizza tray or a white ceramic platter that can hold everything.
For a style splash invest in some new, fun and interesting glassware. To make it easier for you, I had a look around Singapore and found some great drinking glasses so you’re ready for your next apero. Raise your glass to a heathier and happier end to the year!
Raise your glass!
Steal
For acrylic glassware that looks like the real deal and will withstand the dishwasher, head to Crate and Barrel, Ion (crateandbarrel.com.sg). They come in all shapes and sizes, from tumblers, to champagne flutes and martini glasses. They also have a superb cube icemaker that will make you look like a real mixologist. Sia Huat on Temple Street (siahuat.com) has a vast array of glassware at incredible prices. Splurge
Culina Market in Dempsey Hill (culina.com.sg) has cut glasses, perfect for short drinks. While you’re there, pick up a few bottles of olive oil and rose petals – great for cakes, tea or to float in your cocktail. For that special champagne coupe or margarita glass, House of Anli in Tanglin Mall (houseofanli.com) has a great selection. Badger and Fox (badgerandfoxsingapore.com) also has some original, beautiful hand-blown glassware.
Juliet Harper is the owner of The Style Affair, offering interior design and styling services.
Current role: Sole Practitioner, Chartered Accountant
Years in Singapore? 14
Why did you want to join the ANZA Exec? When I first joined the committee some 10+ years ago they were without a treasurer so I was asked to help. The other benefits have always been the social and networking sides of ANZA.
What skills or experience do you bring to the committee? As a Chartered Accountant and trainer in accounting software I initially bought my expertise to help with setting up and running the financials for six years as Treasurer. My side passion is photography so nowadays my role is more aligned to events photography.
One positive aspect of ‘domestic only’ travel is the opportunity to reignite our sense of adventure and appreciation for where we live.
New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner, Peter Kemp is definitely making the most of this by eating his way around Singapore and sharing his experiences at #comeeatwithpete.
Follow along on the NZ High Commission Facebook page as he offers his recommendations, introduces us to his dining companions and keeps us inspired and entertained. You could also add your own favourite local eats and recommendations…
“This season, ANZA Soccer extends a heartfelt thank you to our returning sponsors: Canadian International School, Carey Olsen, Expat Dental and The King’s School,” says Keith Thorn. “We are also delighted to welcome on board Edge Healthcare, Interactive Brokers, MUFG Investor Services, and Esteem Performance. These companies have stepped up to help ANZA Soccer continue providing the soccer programmes our kids love, while meeting the extra requirements imposed by COVID-19.”
Photo Credit: ANZA Soccer 2019
Canadian International School (CIS), sponsoring the Gordons “ANZA Soccer has a strong reputation amongst the expat community. We recognised it as an excellent opportunity to generate brand awareness of the school amongst expat parents.” – Sheena King, Marketing Manager
The Canadian International School caters to students aged 2-18 across two campuses- Lakeside in the west and Tanjong Katong in the east. CIS welcomes students from over 70 nations and is one of the few schools in Singapore to offer all three IB programmes: Primary Years, Middle Years and IB.
cis.edu.sg
Carey Olsen, sponsoring our coaches “Local friends recommended that one of the first things that we should do upon arrival in Singapore in 2016 is enrol our two eldest boys (Tom and Matt) in the ANZA Soccer Saturday Club League. We liked that it was fun, social and run by volunteer parents, and that there were also opportunities for kids to develop more competitive skills in the Sunday Competition League. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed playing in both ANZA Soccer leagues and we’ve made some long-lasting family friendships with ANZA coaches, players, team managers and group coordinators, who each work so hard to make ANZA’s Soccer programme the tremendous success that it is. It’s one of our priorities at Carey Olsen to give back to the communities in which we are based and so we are delighted to be offering our continued support to ANZA Soccer, one that my own family has a personal affiliation with. ANZA have established a fantastic social community and coaching programme that has become hugely popular with both junior players and parents in Singapore. We look forward to supporting ANZA Soccer in the years to come and see the ANZA leagues go from strength to strength.”
– Anthony McKenzie, Managing Partner
Carey Olsen is now in its third season of sponsoring the ANZA Soccer coaches, both parent and professional. Carey Olsen are one of the largest offshore law firms in Singapore with a ‘full service’ offering of banking and finance, corporate, investment funds, dispute resolution, litigation restructuring and insolvency services.
careyolsen.com
Edge Healthcare, sponsoring the Sailors “One of our rockstar physios has been involved in ANZA Soccer on a volunteer basis for years. She told us about the fantastic community spirit, exemplary values, and quality coaching at ANZA soccer, and we couldn’t wait to be involved. We look forward to the journey and embracing the ‘kampung spirit’ that we feel both Edge Healthcare and ANZA soccer share!” – Joseph Harrison, Lead Physiotherapist / Director
Edge Healthcare provides physiotherapy, osteopathy and naturopathy services in Singapore. One of its core values is ‘quality not quantity’. The expertise of its small, experienced team allows it to specialise in children, adults, pre/post-natal and newborn care, and care for amateur and high-level athletes. Edge Healthcare aims to help all family members, and they want to extend that approach to the whole ANZA family as well.
edgehealthcare.com.sg
Photo Credit: ANZA Soccer 2019
Expat Dental, sponsoring the Matildas “A sponsor since 2017, Expat Dental feels it’s important to support girls in any field of sport. The healthy active lifestyle promoted by ANZA allows children to grow and learn skills, not just for physical, but for mental and emotional development too. We see ANZA as one of the premier social and community organisations for all nationalities. We are delighted to have the Matildas developing as a team, and we are very proud to put our logo on the team shirts.” – Lydia Astill, Marketing Manager
Expat Dental are a team of oral care professionals who value community and active family life. Whether you visit Expat Dental at its Novena location or its recently opened Raffles Place clinic, the focus is always on high-quality care, comfort and convenience. Dr. Shaun, Director of Expat Dental and a soccer parent, notes; “I have been blown away by the professionalism and organisation displayed by ANZA Soccer. The fact that so many volunteers commit to it week on week, year on year is inspiring. ANZA Soccer has a reputation for being the ‘go to’ youth soccer league and this is so rightly deserved.”
expatdental.com
Interactive Brokers, sponsoring our Competition Teams “Interactive Brokers have just opened an office in Singapore and are pleased that our first sponsorship is with the ANZA Soccer Competition League. Many of the families in the program are clients of Interactive Brokers and we are happy to support them, and youth sports in Singapore. I’ve heard great things from close friends who have been very dedicated and involved with the league for many years. Now that we are in Singapore we are excited to be able to engage with the ANZA Soccer community.” – David Friedland, Interactive Brokers.
We welcome Interactive Brokers, a new sponsor this year for our competition teams at all age levels. Interactive Brokers is the world’s largest online broker, with capital of over US$8 billion. The firm offers a low-cost trading platform to invest globally in stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and funds. Interactive Brokers has just opened their new offices in Singapore and looks forward to partnering with ANZA Soccer to support its competition team programme.interactivebrokers.com
The King’s School, sponsoring the Warriors “We were visiting our King’s community in Singapore and there were several families also involved with ANZA. Our partnership with ANZA Soccer is very positive. It extends our involvement with our own community in Singapore and supports them in a very practical way. More Australian and New Zealand expats are reaching out to get to know us and we are exploring ways of helping those families consider their education choices.” – Michelle Petrovic, Marketing Manager
The King’s School, currently in its second season as the Warriors’ sponsor, is Australia’s oldest independent school and enjoys a peaceful setting in the heart of Sydney. The King’s School offers education to boys from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12. A Christian community, King’s is also proudly one of the largest boarding schools in Australia with unique links to the rural sector, along with a significant enrolment from the city as dayboys and weekly boarders.
kings.edu.au
MUFG Investor Services, sponsor of the U4 through U7 programme and the Gunners
“Part of our company ethos is to support the communities we operate in and we feel ANZA is a great organisation to carry our brand. I joined ANZA Soccer last year having tried a couple of other academies. I could not be happier with the setup. It’s professional, yet community-based, a great place for parents to meet new people and for kids to enjoy themselves.” — Paddy Kirwan, Managing Director
We welcome MUFG Investor Services, new sponsors this season of the U4-U7 programme and of the U8–U17 Gunners. MUFG provides administration and finance services to alternative investment managers globally. The company prides itself on having the best technology and people in the industry, and, as part of the fifth largest bank in the world, offers a diverse range of services to its clients.
mufg-investorservices.com
Esteem Performance, sponsoring the Vikings “We are honoured to play a part towards the ANZA community as we understand the challenges you face in Singapore. We also support the growth and development of your future generation as we believe in building a long-lasting relationship through multiple generations. With this engagement, we hope it will bring satisfaction and smiles to every members’ faces while enjoying every moment during their time in the community.” – Coleen Kwok, Company Director
Esteem Performance in Sin Ming offers a one-stop auto service, importing and dealing new and used cars from all over the world, and offering leased cars for short or long term use. They also offer the highest standards of repair and services for their customers. Their staff are experienced mechanics, committed to continued training in order to stay in touch with the latest auto industry technologies. esteemperformance.com
Maxnerve TravTrek “We connected to the ANZA Soccer community through Head Coach Yakob Hashim, a close buddy of mine. It’s an awesome feeling to be part of ANZA Soccer, and we are proud to offer our support. We would like to extend our services to ANZA so that members of all ages can benefit from the programmes and products that we offer.” – Noor Hassan, Maxnerve Travtrek Consultant
Maxnerve offers teambuilding for corporates, and custom-made outdoor activities, including fitness and mountaineering trips, essential travel equipment, bicycle sales, recreational and educational programmes.
facebook.com/travtrek
PS.Cafe at Great World 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #01-155, 237994 pscafe.com/pscafe-great-world
PS.Cafe at Great World
PS.Cafe has settled into a leafy, spacious setting in the newly refurbished Great World mall. We take a seat next to the impressive, lush green wall that anchors the chic interior, and peruse the extensive menu. We’ve tried PS.Cafe’s famous truffle fries, pizzas and pastas and instead decide to journey down this outlet’s exclusive “Spice Route” – a series of dishes that incorporate house-blended Indian spices and herbs. To kick things off we order summery, refreshing Rosé & Berries cocktails – a light wine, laced with rose buds, mixed berries, fruits and a spitz of lemon soda.
Spiced Biryani Salad
The Spiced Biryani Salad ($26) arrives first – a bright, colourful bowl of basmati rice, whipped goat’s curd, pumpkin, pomegranate, cauliflower, raisins, cashews, spinach, and honey masala vinaigrette. The hearty, moreish Impossible Bombay Koftas ($28) are a good match for the fresh salad. Plant-based Middle Eastern meatballs are paired with cauliflower and potato hash, and a tomato, cucumber and mint garnish. Masala Roast Chicken ($33) is the café’s modern take on the traditional Indian dish. The half chicken is first marinated and sous-vide, before being roasted. The result is succulent white meat, with a side of spinach saag and creamy, buttery potato mash.
Masala Roast Chicken
PS.Cafe is also known for its tempting desserts, so we leave room for the Giant Eclairs ($9), available in three different flavours: lemon and passionfruit, dark chocolate and nougat, and espresso. We choose lemon and chocolate. Encased in a fluffy, oversized pastry log, the chocolate mousse filling is rich and decadent, while the lemon and passionfruit is light and tangy. It’s a struggle to finish them both, but we do try!
Giant Eclairs
Verdict: Lovely service, a garden inspired setting and delicious, innovative spice dishes make for an excellent lunch outing.
Greenwood Fish Market @ Asian Cuisine 31 Ocean Way, #01-03, Quayside Isle, Sentosa greenwoodfishmarket.com
Greenwood Fish Market opened its first Japanese and Asian-style restaurant in March this year. Appropriately located alongside the tranquil yacht marina at Quayside Isle, Sentosa, there is alfresco seating for diners, with gentle breezes wafting along the open terrace.
Coldwater seafood, flown in three times weekly, is elevated into delicious creations. Japanese-trained sushi chefs prepare California roll (crabmeat, avocado, cucumber, shrimp roe), dragon roll (eel, avocado, seasoning) and spider roll (soft-shell crab, avocado, cucumber), alongside other sushi and sashimi.
Grilled crab cake onigiri is recommended for its full flavour, as is cold noodle somen for its al dente texture. Try Boston lobster chee cheong fun, various maki and don, hot or cold salmon, barramundi, oysters, Hokkaido scallops, Manila clams and Japanese goldline snapper, among other dishes. Meat is available for those who prefer, including Korean-style fried chicken, plus a child-friendly menu. Take-away favourites are also available.
Flaming Poppy is the catchy name of the restaurant’s plush lounge-bar specialising in sake and gin.
Verdict: Enjoy open-air seating, fresh seafood and creative tipples in a serene, family-friendly resort setting
Vijay Pillai found his way into the food industry after realising he wasn’t cut out for the finance game. “I started off in the finance industry after graduation, worked for about 1-2 years, before I realised I wasn’t meant for it,” he says. In 2013, Vijay went from dollars and cents to flour and sugar, introducing Singapore to New York pastry store, Lady M, and its world famous paper-thin crepe stacks. His company, Caerus Holding, which began as a wine distribution company, gambled on diversifying their portfolio and hit on a winner. “Today we have five Lady M cake boutiques located at Orchard Central, South Beach Avenue, Scotts Square, Westgate and Jewel Changi Airport,” says Vijay.
The company didn’t stop there – bringing more buzzed about foods to the island – including LA soft serve specialist Little Damage and more recently Leckerbaer, a specialty pastry brand from Copenhagen and Luke’s Lobster, famed for their Maine-style slightly chilled lobster rolls from New York. “I don’t really see ourselves as specialising in cult food brands,” says Vijay. “We are a lifestyle company that brings unique experiences and brands from around the world to the local market.”
Leckerbaer, a specialty pastry brand from Copenhagen
Trend spotting
Based in Singapore, Vijay says his eye for unique food experiences stems from a love of eating and travelling. “As a frequent traveller, I’m quite particular about where I eat and sleep,” he admits. “I’ll usually do research prior to departing and make restaurant reservations – including back-up ones. This quirk has allowed me to tap into the foodie psyche of the locals and from there, I get a sense of the brands that could potentially excite Singaporeans’ palates.”
So, what makes one soft serve or speciality treat stand out from the rest? “Uniqueness and quality aside, the brand needs to be relevant to local tastes,” says Vijay. “There has to be potential for expansion, both locally and regionally, before we take the plunge.” And then there’s the ‘Insta-Factor’ – how good a food looks on camera. “It’s extremely important,” says Vijay. “Humans are very much visual creatures – we get drawn to beautiful things – including food.”
Vijay is aware that new food recommendations are likely to be delivered via our phones or tablets. “Nowadays, consumers are more likely to learn about a new brand or food through their friend or favourite influencer via social media,” says Vijay. “That first impression makes the brand. The colours, how we plate the product, it all adds up to whether it’s deemed Insta-Worthy enough. The more visually appealing our product is, the more likely our customer is going to snap a picture and post it on the ‘gram, which is more exposure for the brand!”
Dining details
From the fit-out of the restaurant, to the taste of the product – all the small dining details count. “We had to ensure we were able to give our customers the same experience as going to Lady M in New York,” explains Vijay. “Product quality and re-creating the entire experience was of utmost importance.”
Vijay’s latest venture, Leckerbaer, recreates the cosy, warm atmosphere of the original bakery in Copenhagen, where Vijay first tasted the cookies. “Leckerbaer offers Singaporeans a taste of the Nordic experience,” says Vijay. “It also brings about a sense of nostalgia – many of us ate the classic Danish butter cookies with their blue metal tins as kids, but this product is brought up to date with current times and trends. Through Leckerbaer, we want to also convey what we call “Hygge life”, which is the concept of enjoying life’s simple pleasures.”
Luke’s Lobster
Lobster with a difference
Lobster rolls are not a new trend, but Vijay saw something special in Luke’s Lobster, which has perfected its dish of lobster chunks in a toasted buttered bun with mayonnaise, lemon butter, and a secret seasoning blend. “What attracted us to Luke’s Lobster is how they’ve invested fully in their supply chain from start to end,” says Vijay. “Which meant that we’d be getting a constant supply of quality products, giving us confidence to invest in the brand.”
Luke’s Lobster was built on core values of traceable, sustainable seafood, and working directly with fishermen. It’s a concept that resonates with today’s more mindful customer. “Today’s diners want to know where the food they eat comes from, and how it is treated,” says Vijay. “All that paired with the popularity of the brand in New York and Japan – foodie capitals of the world – makes us confident that Luke’s Lobster will be a welcome addition to our city’s foodscape.”
Like many in the F&B industry, 2020 has presented challenges for Vijay and his team, but it’s pushed them to be more creative. “Recent times have indeed proven to be challenging for the business, but it has also made us more nimble. We had to quickly adapt to remain relevant and accessible to our customers.”
Luke’s Lobster, #01-K4, Isetan Shaw House, 350 Orchard Rd
Leckerbaer, #01-K2 & #01-K3, Isetan Shaw House, 350 Orchard Rd
leckerbaer.sg
Lady M, Orchard Central, South Beach Avenue, Scotts Square, Westgate and Jewel Changi Airport
ladym.com.sg
Vijay’s Faves
Food that reminds you of home? Nasi Lemak
Favourite Bar? Manhattan Bar
Favourite Singapore restaurant? It really depends on my mood, but I frequent Cut, Jade Palace, Aoki, Shabu Gen and lately, it’s been Thevar.
Favourite hawker dish? Prawn Mee
Current role: Semi-retired lawyer and mum to two very active kids.
Years in Singapore: 7
Why did you want to join the ANZA Exec? My children benefit from partaking in ANZA sports; Netball, Athletics and Soccer specifically. As a beneficiary of the hard work of ANZA volunteers I’m keen to give back and help ANZA grow.
What skills or experience do you bring to the committee? My background is in law and compliance with experience in risk and change management. I also sat on a not for profit educational board while living in Hong Kong. My strength lies in organising and pushing projects to completion.
There’s nothing like the convenience of having your own wheels in Singapore.
Esteem Performance in Sin Ming offers a one-stop auto service, importing and dealing new and used cars from all over the world, and offering leased cars for short or long term use. They also offer the highest standards of repair and services for their customers. Their staff are experienced mechanics, committed to continued training in order to stay in touch with the latest auto industry technologies.
“We aim to provide quality services at affordable and reasonable prices, says Company Director Coleen Kwok. “We pride ourselves on providing top products, with exceptional customer and after-sales service. We put our clients’ interests ahead of all else and committed to building lasting, meaningful relationships with them.”
Coleen answers more questions about driving a car in Singapore and the benefits of leasing over buying…
1. Why are cars so expensive in Singapore?
Because Singapore is a small country, the government has created policies to control the number of cars on the roads. They introduced a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which gives you the right to own and use a vehicle in Singapore, plus taxes and other costs to drivers.
2. What are the benefits of leasing a car versus buying a car?
The person who leases the car will not have to bear the cost of owning a car like maintenance, insurance, tax etc. They will also not have the trouble and headache of solving issues like breakdown or accident claims. They can also have a specific term contract, depending on their usage, so they’re not stuck with the car for a long period of time.
3. Is it expensive to lease a car?
This really depends on the car’s age and type. The leasing company also needs to factor in all other expenses to own the car.
4. What’s the minimum amount of time you can lease a car in Singapore?
A month or even shorter on special request.
5. What happens if it breaks down or you have an accident?
The leasing company will take care of the vehicle. We have our own breakdown support team to do this for instance.
6. How can I lease a car in Singapore?
For Esteem Performance, you can contact us through walk-in, online or calling. After which, we will check on your profile. If approved, you can choose to collect the car in our showroom or we can send it over to you.
7. What sort of cars can I lease?
It all depends on your budget. You can lease all types of vehicles (SUV, Sedan etc.) and makes, from Japanese to European. As Singapore pricing is high, the more popular cars are Japanese made.
ANZA Member Benefit
If you currently have a vehicle, Esteem Performance are offering a special discount to ANZA members from their auto service department:
First-time service fee $88 (normally $118) for Japanese cars
$128 to $148 for continental cars; plus
15% off parts when ANZA Members show their membership card.
No leisure travel for 2020. Although understandable, the announcement that globe-trotting is off-limits until next year is likely to have hit hard for many eager travellers. Let’s face it: easy and exciting travel is one of the benefits of living on this Little Red Dot. Without the ability to scoot off for a quick getaway, many ANZA members may be yearning for a sense of adventure, expansion and change. Thankfully, there are ways we can each mitigate the boredom or resistance that comes from being island-bound:
1. Ignite your sense of curiosity and wonder at home
We can easily become blasé about even the most wondrous sights and experiences here. However, with a little effort, it is possible to rekindle a sense of awe and excitement in your own backyard. Seek out culturally diverse neighbourhoods, eateries and events; visit unfamiliar corners of the city; search for natural or cultural wonders on the island; revisit places you haven’t seen in a while. The trick is to view Singapore with fresh eyes and reinvigorate a sense of wonder at the sights, sounds, smells and people that share your home space. Post your experiences on social media and allow others to experience the wonders and secrets of this island through your fresh perspective.
2. Aim for ‘well’ instead of ‘wow’
As invigorating as it can feel to venture into your discomfort zone, it’s incredibly beneficial for your wellbeing to also seek out destinations and activities that promote calm, nourishment and relaxation. Being in natural spaces improves a multitude of physical and cognitive processes, including lowering stress hormones, and slowing our heart rate. So, why not seek out the more remote areas of Singapore that are teeming with nature, such as MacRitchie, Sungei Buloh and Pulau Ubin? It’s okay to allow yourself to slow down in this uncertain time. Our modern world is based on the concept of constant doing and action. However, there is a desperate need for us to do “nothing” on occasion.
3. Slow down.
Try finding domestic locations that allow you to slow down, like a reflexology session in Chinatown, a day trip to Sentosa’s beaches, or a relaxing family picnic in Gardens by the Bay. While seasoned travellers yearn for adventure, many local businesses are struggling without the much-needed tourist dollar. By choosing to become an eager local adventurer, we can lift our own spirits and support our local business owners – the perfect win-win situation.
Kim Forrester is a holistic wellbeing author, consultant and educator. kimforrester.net
adventure and appreciation for where we live. 
The King’s School, sponsoring the Warriors
