Swiss Band Starch at *SCAPE - Click to View Hi-Res Image

The Youth Olympic Games are not just about athletes and sports. Last night, I discovered the Culture and Education Programme at the *SCAPE Youth Park. There was a concert sponsored by Noise Singapore featuring youth bands from around the world.

At last night’s concert, I caught Starch, a band from Switzerland that plays a fusion of rock, hiphop, funk, and jazz. It was great fun watching them live, and I couldn’t help jumping when they asked the audience to jump with them. They have a great energy and sound, and after the gig, they were nice enough to snap a photo with me. I even chatted with them (and their sound engineer) a bit!

me, with the band Starch

Starch are also playing at Raffles City tonight, and Bugis Junction tomorrow night.

Merly, Lyo, and the Singapore Skyline - Click to View Hi-Res Image

This photo was taken as I was entering The Float @ Marina Bay for the opening ceremony. It’s a great photo op section on the helix bridge, as one can pose with the Youth Olympic Games mascots Merly and Lyo with a gorgeous view of the Singapore skyline.

The Olympic Flame - Click to View Hi-Res Image

For the next week and a half, I will be putting up a new feature on the site: The YOG (Youth Olympic Games) Photo of the Day. With each photo, I hope to capture the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games.

The first photo says it all: The Olympic Flame, finally lit up at The Float @ Marina Bay, signifying the start of the first ever YOG. The flame made its journey from Athens, Greece all the way to Singapore, and from 14 August until 26 August, its flame shall burn bright.

The ticket said that the gates would open at 4pm, so I dashed to the Promenade entrance right after work, arriving at around 3pm. After relaxing for an hour at the nearby Millenia Walk, I joined the entrance queue at 4. We were allowed entry at 4:30pm (the excuse being that seats were wet following an early afternoon shower, and thus had to be dried).

entering The Float @ Marina Bay

Entering The Float @ Marina Bay took us on the scenic route around Marina Bay, giving us a view of the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, and the Helix Bridge. The entrance had airport-like security, and upon passing it, we walked on the Helix Bridge towards the Youth Olympic Park and onwards to The Float.

at the Youth Olympic Park

Upon taking my seat, I noticed that there was a large German contingent seated close to where I was. They were snapping photos and generally had fun. I had brought a German flag with me (something I had picked up in Laos during one drunken World Cup night), and thought it would be a good idea to approach them and lend them my flag, should they want it. Eventually, somehow, I had been assimilated into the group, and watched the opening ceremony seated amongst them.

seated with the German contingent

Prior to the actual opening ceremony, we were given instructions on how (and when) to use the contents of the Audience Interaction Kit we had been given upon entry. We had a small Singapore flag that was to be waved during the entrance of the bigger Singapore flag, as well as a small flag bearing the YOG logo. We had a light-up dove (the wing on mine broke), as well as a heart that lit up either white or red (and each color had its specific usage). Two “clapper balloons” – also known as pong pongs – were provided as well.

waving the light-up hearts

After the opening act, the show began. It was a spectacular opening ceremony, with an emphasis on the spectacle. The show was divided into to several chapters, and each chapter was a bombastic display of color, costumes, and various visual effects, usually culminating in a fireworks display. It was definitely a visual treat, and there were many cool, jaw-dropping, “aww”-inspiring moments.

scene from the YOG opening ceremony

And now, a brief review of the program. Like I said, it was an awesome visual spectacle. However, it felt a little empty at times. The biggest problem I had was that it didn’t tell a story, or if it did, it wasn’t communicated effectively. There seemed to be more focus on the spectacle rather than the content, and in the end it made the whole show feel flat. My least favorite moment was the “Monster” chapter, which featured anime-style effects and a group of young multi-ethnic Lady Gagas (they were all wearing large, sparkly, geometric costumes, just like Lady Gaga). Still, I really enjoyed large parts of the show!

scene from the YOG opening ceremony

My favorite moments involved the more “standard” parts of the program, those present in every Olympic opening ceremony. The welcoming and entrance of the athletes drove home the point that you can’t say that these are “only” the Youth Olympics. These are real athletes with real talent and real dreams facing real competition and going for real glory. It’s definitely nothing to be scoffed at.

athletes' entrance at the Youth Olympic Games

The parade of flags was an awesome moment, especially as the athletes, representatives, companions, fans, and supporters of each nation cheered wildly when their home nation was announced. I cheered for the German team, waving my flag high when their flag bearer walked onstage as my new German friends cheered. In turn, when I cheered wildly for the Philippines, the German contingent cheered along with me. It was a real moment of camaraderie. It was great watching the Olympic flag enter. And of course, the final leg of the torch relay leading to the lighting of the Olympic flame was awe-inspiring and chills-inducing.

entrance of the Olympic flag

All in all, I definitely enjoyed my first ever Olympic opening ceremony. It’s a thrill and a joy to be part of such a global experience. The fact was driven home when the audience was slowly filling with supporters and representatives from various nations. I spotted jackets and jerseys labeled with country names as varied as Tajikistan, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Mexico, and Lithuania. I saw flags of countries (and National Olympic Committees) like North Korea, Norway, and Puerto Rico waved high at various points in the night. It truly was an international event, and I am proud to have been part of it.

Ouvrir la voie. Blazing the trail. The games have begun!

For the past month or so, all of Singapore has been decorated with all sorts of YOG stuff. Flags bearing the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games logo have been flying or hanging along almost every street. Countdown clocks have been slowly ticking away towards the opening ceremony. Logos, Olympic rings, and even the official mascots Lyo and Merly can be found almost everywhere in Singapore.

YOG arch at Orchard Road

YOG promotions on Cavenagh Bridge

Tonight’s opening ceremonies will be held at The Float @ Marina Bay, the world’s largest floating stage. The audience will be facing the bay, where (presumably) there will be a massive fireworks display. The Float @ Marina Bay is also flanked by some of Singapore’s iconic structures: Esplanade, Singapore Flyer, and the newly opened Marina Bay Sands.

The Float @ Marina Bay

stage for the YOG opening ceremony

Marina Bay at night

I have tickets to watch the opening ceremony, and I’m very excited! It has always been a dream (and goal) of mine to be at the opening ceremony of an Olympic Games. Granted, these may “only” be the Youth Olympic Games, but it’s still the Olympics. It’s still a gathering of (and competition between) world-class athletes; they just happen to be between 14 to 18 years old. And who knows, maybe these will be the same athletes the world will be watching on a larger scale at the 2012 London Olympics, or the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

opening ceremony ticket, and other YOG swag

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will be from 14 August to 26 August. 184 events in 26 sports will be played. I already have tickets to watch basketball (where the Philippines is playing), volleyball, and three days of tennis.

I’ll do my best to be in the thick of things, enjoying myself and snapping photos. I’ll try to post photos here and on Flickr whenever I can. I’ll also definitely be posting on Twitter.

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games logo

Let the games begin!

Youth Olympic Games Flag and Singapore National Flag - Click to View Hi-Res Image

This is a big week for Singapore! Yesterday was National Day, which was celebrated with a parade and fireworks. And on Saturday, the inaugural Youth Olympic Games will be having its opening ceremonies (which I will be attending). All over Singapore, the Singapore flag, the Youth Olympic Games flag, and other related paraphernalia have been decorating the city-state. It’s a great time to be in Singapore!

I hope you enjoyed the TravelTuesday Picture of the Week! Enjoy the rest of TravelTuesday on Twitter and follow me @hyperren. Come back next week for another PotW!

Singapore Nationalism - Click to View Hi-Res Image

In anticipation of Singapore’s National Day on 9 August (Monday next week), residents of HDB (Housing Development Board) buildings like this one have taken to hanging Singapore flags outside their flats.

flags outside Singapore HDB flats

It’s an awesome sight, one which (sort of) inspires a kind of patriotism in even the non-citizen. What inspires Singaporeans to hang up their national flag en masse?

"Win a 42" LCD TV!"

Oh.

The promise of a 42″ LCD TV. Of course. I guess that’s keeping in step with what qualities make a Singaporean…

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Christ Church - Click to View Hi-Res Image

The Christ Church in Melaka (Malacca), Malaysia is a Dutch colonial Protestant church. Construction began in 1741 and was completed in 1753 (as inscribed on the face of the church). Originally built by the Dutch, it was re-consecrated with the rites of the Church of England (and renamed Christ Church) in 1838, following transfer of Melaka from the Dutch to the British. In 1911, the white Christ Church was repainted to its current red color.

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Much has been said about what typifies a tourist, and what distinguishes a traveler from them. There always seems to be a sense of pride from those who identify themselves as travelers that they’re not like every other backpacker holding a Eurail pass or following the Banana Pancake Trail.

In some ways, I agree with their point-of-view, and if at all possible, I try not to be so “tourist-y.” But there are some things that “typical tourists” do which I do as well. Sometimes, it’s a bit unavoidable, but generally, I made a choice to do them. And even if it marks me as a “tourist” instead of a “traveler,” I’m not ashamed to admit that I do these five things.

(Before you proceed, note that this is not an indictment of any style of travel, whether it’s as a “tourist” or as a “traveler.” I believe that each person traveling has his or her own personal travel style, and that there’s no one “right” or “proper” way to travel. That said, feel free to poke fun at me for these things I do!)

1. I use a guidebook.

Lonely Planet Bangkok Encounter

Travelers typically scoff at people who carry around their trusty Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Frommer’s, or whatever guidebook of choice wherever they go. It’s not an uncommon sight to see hordes of backpackers thumbing through these thick books while wandering lost around an unfamiliar city. Some even treat their guidebook as their bible, sticking closely to whatever sights, hostels, and restaurants it recommends.

When I went on my three-week trip around Southeast Asia last year, I used Lonely Planet’s Southeast Asia on a Shoestring as my main point of reference. But instead of bringing the whole book (it’s HUGE!), I photocopied important maps and references, and wrote down a few recommendations for food and accommodations. When I went to Bangkok, I brought along a smaller guidebook, Lonely Planet’s Bangkok Encounter. For my trip to Laos, I carried around the Frommer’s Cambodia and Laos guidebook. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using guidebooks; they’re useful resources, particularly when traveling to a strange new destination, and can be a good starting point when planning your trip. However, I do think there’s something wrong with treating your guidebook as the be-all and end-all of information. A guidebook simply can’t cover every single hostel and restaurant in your destination, and given the turnaround time between research and publication, the latest edition is almost instantly out-of-date. There is a wealth of additional (and more up-to-date) information available online, and you can use online forums such as Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree or communities like CouchSurfing to ask locals and other travelers for suggestions.

2. I go to where the backpackers are.

backpackers in Vang Vieng

Khaosan Road in Bangkok. Pham Ngu Lao in Ho Chi Minh City. Tubing in Vang Vieng. Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan. Kuta Beach in Bali. These are all common stops on the Banana Pancake Trail, and hordes of backpackers can definitely be found crowding these areas. Travelers generally try to avoid these areas, and many deride these areas as “backpacker ghettos,” unworthy of even a quick stop on their journey.

Maybe it’s because I’m relatively new to travel, but I don’t really mind mixing it up in those areas. When I went to Ho Chi Minh City, I stayed at Pham Ngu Lao (albeit further away from the main backpacker drag), and when I went to Laos, I tried tubing in Vang Vieng. It’s a great way to meet new people and fellow travelers, and perhaps find a new travel buddy or two. I do agree, though, that it can get a bit tiresome, and sometimes you just want to get away from it all. The good news is that, as easy it is to find where the backpackers are, it’s just as easy to avoid them.

3. I check out the typical tourist sights.

tourists at Angkor Thom

Each city and country has its own set of destinations that most guidebooks, websites, podcasts, and travel shows and publications declare as “must-sees.” It is then unsurprising to go to these places and find that nearly everyone visiting that city – from solo backpackers all the way to huge organized tour groups – has gathered in that area, snapping photos of that important monument or ancient temple. Many travelers avoid these places like the plague, and instead seek out the “hidden” treasures before everyone else discovers them.

It does get quite frustrating to go to major tourist hotspots and find hordes of people there. It was difficult for me to take in the splendors of Angkor Thom or Angkor Wat in Cambodia while I was surrounded by large tour groups waving colored flags. There’s also something special about finding a place that hardly anyone else goes to, like when I went with one of my friends to explore Casaroro Falls in Dumaguete, Philippines. Still, there’s a reason why some places are considered “must-sees,” and if you’re able to somehow shut out the crowds, you can still get a lot out of the experience of being there.

4. I wear quick-drying cargo pants that zip-off to shorts.

the infamous cargo pant-shorts

They’re probably one of the most mocked “signs that you’re a tourist.” Almost anyone who has been backpacking has seen them. They’re cargo pants made of quick-drying material which has pant legs that you can zip off to convert them quickly into shorts. They’ve been ridiculed by many as being silly, impractical, funny-looking, and just plain ugly.

Okay, so maybe they ARE ugly, and they do set you apart as a tourist rather than as a local. But I like them, and I’ve been wearing them since I went on my trip last year. They’re quite convenient especially when packing light, especially since you need to pack fewer clothes when one item serves multiple purposes. Some travelers will tell you to wear clothes that you would normally wear in your home country (or at least stuff that locals wouldn’t mind wearing); I do wear those zip-off trousers even while I’m not traveling. And if you’re worried that wearing those pants will mark you as a tourist, note that there can be other, more obvious things that will mark you as a non-local; a Caucasian in Southeast Asia probably won’t be mistaken for a local from the get-go.

5. I eat at McDonald’s.

McDonald's in Vigan

This is perhaps the most controversial, and most sacrilegious of all. Travel halfway around the world, surrounded by the most exotic, most foreign local foods that can be found nowhere else in the world, least of all in your home country… then eat at McDonald’s, or any Western fast food chain available (like KFC in Vietnam and Cambodia, where I did not see a single McDonald’s).

I am definitely guilty of this. When I was in Macau, starving and desperate for cheap food, I dashed into the McDonald’s at Senado Square and got myself a cheeseburger, french fries, and Coke. However, I don’t go into a foreign country and eat ONLY Western food. I love food too much to limit myself, and I definitely want to try as much local food as possible. One of my best experiences while traveling is still having some authentic Thai food in Bangkok. But sometimes, after lengthy periods of travel trying unfamiliar foods, you get cravings for something more familiar; my Macau moment was after two weeks of travel. Besides, you can make it a mission to see what the differences are in different branches around the world; the sauces for the McNuggets are different in Singapore and the Philippines, for example. In any case, there’s one remaining international McDonald’s experience I have yet to try: Seeing Thai Ronald McDonald.

Thai Ronald McDonald

(Photo by permanently scatterbrained, licensed through Creative Commons.)

Is there anything that you do when you travel that marks you as a “tourist”? Let me know your experiences in the comments!

Seaside at Rizal Boulevard - Click to View Hi-Res Image

Dumaguete is the capital city of Negros Oriental, a province in the Visayas region of the Philippines. The city is a laid back college town, anchored by Silliman University, the first Protestant and American private school in the Philippines. The seaside city has a sizable expat community, and is a popular launching pad for destinations such as Apo Island, Bohol, and Cebu.

Rizal Boulevard is the main thoroughfare in Dumaguete. It also makes for a nice seaside stroll, and this photo shows how calm and peaceful that walk can be.

I hope you enjoyed the TravelTuesday Picture of the Week! Enjoy the rest of TravelTuesday on Twitter and follow me @hyperren. Come back next week for another PotW!