pillo talks: Local Tourists

20 July 2008

Local Tourists

I just realised that it's pretty fun checking out some of our local attractions - like a local tourist. A couple of weeks ago, we saw a huge banner (an interactive Mozart exhibition for kids) outside the National Musuem and decided to check it out. The refurbished musuem was beautiful inside. Terence and I thought it was like the old days where we could see the 'regular' exhibits for free. Of course, we were wrong. It costs $10 per adult and I think $6 per child. Due to Gideon's small build, we managed to get him through for free saying he's just turned 6! The Mozart exhibition was a hefty $16 per child!!! Is there any wonder why locals do not visit attractions such as the museum? It's simply too costly! Think how much one would have to pay for a family to visit Sentosa, for example. Perhaps we should consider lower charges for locals?

Nevertheless, we had a rather enjoyable afternoon. The exhibits were so-so but we tried to make it as educational for Gideon as possible. Not sure if he was disappointed 'cos when we asked him if he knew what a museum is, he confidently said "it's a place where you see the bones of a dinosaur!". Novus Cafe at the back of the museum was nice, though. It's a great place to sit down, relax and have a cuppa even if you don't intend to visit the exhibits - you can bride-watch as there was much photography action going on in there.

Fooling around at Novus Cafe's ultra comfy couch & the dancing chandeliers

So, if spending money visiting local attractions isn't your cup of tea, how about checking out our FREE attractions such as the Botanic Garden!? My first encounter with this beautiful place was last week when we met Rina and the ladies for lunch at Les Amis Cafe there. And this week, I suggested we went as a family and take a walk through the garden. It was good exercise and a good chance to take in the fresh air and see some monster trees :-) We will be going back again soon - this time for a nice morning picnic perhaps.