Feel bored and out of ideas for your writing?
Summer Lotus Nov 29 4 min read
Get out of the home and explore. Look for a place that you have not been to for some time, look up an old friend and find out how he or she is keeping, visit a mall or a new cafe.
You will be surprised at how fluid things have become. About the parks, there are now many friendly parks and nature reserves that you can enjoy jogging, strolling, cycling, skating, and basking in Sunny Singapore.
In fact, for a small country like Singapore, there are more than 350 parks and 4 nature reserves to escape from the din of city life. It is due to the pandemic that many realize the gems in their backyard. Before this, I used to travel overseas to enjoy their green parks but one should be appreciative of our own first.
The East Coast is the largest park as well as a beach, covering nearly 185 hectares (457 acres) of reclaimed waterfront land. You see people strolling, cycling, skateboarding, on roller skates, jogging, barbequing, swimming, and picnicking near the shore. In addition, the park has many eateries and chalets as well.
It was one cool afternoon when I called on a friend to go walking. We chatted and scored the required 10,000 steps recommended for health benefits to reduce weight, improve glucose intolerance, and reduce blood pressure. When one is engaged in an interesting conversation, one does not feel the mileage covered. Along the way, our sharing threw up some ideas that I felt could be crystallized into meaningful articles.
The East Coast Park beach is also where I like to sit at the bench under the shade provided by the tree and face the calm sea. Feeling the strokes of the cool breeze from the sea. Breathing the pristine air around me afforded by the greenery and the expanse of the beach. Watching people, their pets, and their activities.
Very often, the tranquility would trigger an idea that would later form the crux of my article. Observing people fishing at the jetty and looking at their catches in their pails was also an experience that gives me insight into people’s traits — that of patience and the love of a hobby. This could be a story.
There are many dog owners and the variety of breeds in Singapore have certainly stumped me. From a giant poodle to a small Maltese, it is a visual treat to a dog-lover like me. I was reminded of all my pets who had since gone to dog heaven but left indelible happy memories with the family. I could write an article on beloved, belated pets.
Bikes are ubiquitous, I observe. The variety and quality of bikes are staggering and one is spoilt for choice. I was fascinated by the attractiveness of the bike and the sport that has become popular because of the numerous biking routes now prevalent in Singapore. One could cycle by the sea to Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the heart of the city and enjoy the glamour of the night scene. Or head the opposite way towards Jewel Changi airport.
A new path that is 3.5km is now open to cyclists and joggers and you will be intrigued by the permanent outdoor display of 20 dinosaur models not to mention the main attraction of Jewel Changi airport which is the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (which performs to music at designated times) surrounded by a lush forest setting.
Biking takes one to places fast and convenient. Some research into the wonderful world of biking can become a story.
The next time, when I am lack ideas, I would probably check into a nice, quaint cafe again, from which some of my articles including a poem had sprouted.
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