I was interested to learn that the 100th Starbucks store was opening this February 14th.  The location, at the Waterboat House, close to the Fullerton Hotel and the Singapore river, is a great one.  Not only is the location great, the 100th store is the first "give back" store in Singapore.  In this case, giving back to the local Community by hiring and training employees with Autism - this in collaboration with the Pathlight School.

Not knowing anything about sailing, but intrigued, I headed for Google and found out that this yacht is one of twelve that are taking part in a round the World clipper race, Singapore is one of the 16 stopover points on the journey.

I feel so lucky to have been able to see these yachts right here in my back yard (so to speak).  The twelve teams, all identical 70 foot racing yachts, sponsored by different "brands", spent 5 days in the One Degree 15 Marina, here on Sentosa.

Saga Seeds are the bright red, hard, shiny seeds from the Saga Tree (Adenanthera pavonina).  Also known as "love seeds" due to the color and the almost heart shape of the seed.  Used for decorative purposes or fashioned into necklaces and bracelets and given as gifts as an expression of love, these seeds are really interesting. My love seeds occupy a Mango wood bowl and brighten up a corner of my apartment here in Singapore.  And yes, I LOVE THEM!

I first saw these seeds on a shopping trip to a Mall in Holland Village.

The Lion Dance is an integral part of the Chinese New Celebrations, nowhere more so than here in Singapore.  You will come across these Lion Dance Troupes (the dance is performed a lot during the two weeks of Lunar New Year festivities), all over the place, sometimes when you least expect it.  The loud banging of drums and clashing of symbols is a pretty good indicator that there is a Lion Dance going on in the vicinity.