A few days ago Singapore celebrated its 45th year of independence. In the typical Singaporean way, the planning and practice sessions for the big day began a month prior to the big day. There were dress rehearsals and dress rehearsals for the dress rehearsals. By the time the actual day rolled around everyone had already seen the entire show several times. But that didn't stop Kingsley and I from joining the masses on the actual day.

First part of the festivities was a military parade. It was kind of strange watching miles of guns, tanks and other military equipment drive by. This was also the first parade I've been to where the people in the parade don't smile and wave. I even tried waving first, sadly no one waved back but I did manage to get a few half smiles.

Next came the Singaporean "Blue Angels" performance. Kind of ironic that the actual Blue Angels were in Seattle for Seafair the very same weekend.

The National Day celebrations ended with a grand fireworks display. My favorite was one with stars and the crescent shape to represent the Singapore flag, pretty impressive.