Change of plans

This morning I decided I was going to head out and see a movie. On my way to the movie theater I walked by The Istana and realized it was open to the public. This only happens a few times a year so I promptly scrapped my movie plans and headed over to check it out. I had figured it would be open next Sunday on the official National Day but for some reason it was open today...no complaints by me since I'll be out of town next weekend.

The Istana is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore. It is similar to The White House in the US. It covers over 100 acres on a hilltop amongst some of the most prime real estate in Singapore. I was actually able to view a portion of the main floor inside the building. I was able to see the Reception Hall, the Banquet Hall, and the State Room where all official swearing-in and other ceremonies are held. They also had quite a few pieces of art displayed that were gifts to Singapore from different countries. I couldn't find one from the US but did enjoy looking at the others from predominantly Asian countries.

There is actually a 9-hole golf course on the property and the flags on the putting greens host the Presidential Standard which is the official flag of the President. I'm not sure who gets to golf here but it would be fun!

From the grounds of The Istana you can actually see my neighborhood. It is pretty cool to live so close to such important people. (If you remember from a prior post I actually live just down the block from the Mentor Prime Minister of Singapore.) If you look at the larger version the picture below you will see a building called Regency House. My building is directly behind that one.
Since the property is so huge there is this beautiful winding drive up the hill to the actual residence. I actually walked up to the residence first and then wandered back through all the activities. There was a tented area on the lawn with a couple of bands playing and people just relaxing on the lawn. I felt a bit guilty walking on the beautiful lawns so I took the driveway on my way back out. The current President, His Excellency, S R Nathan came cruising right by me on a golf cart. That was pretty cool to see.
Near the entrance of the grounds was an art exhibit called Canopy of Dreams. It was designed by first year architecture students from the National University of Singapore. It featured 1000 umbrellas that were designed by children and students on the island and they were to symbolize the unity of the nation of Singapore. Here are a few pictures from the exhibit:


It was a fun exhibit to walk through. I am always amazed at how artistic and just plain creative kids can be.

I am glad for the change of plans. It was a fun alternative to sitting inside watching a movie. And I also must thank the people who've been bugging me to take pictures because I am trying very hard to remember my camera when I head out and thankfully I had it with me today.