Slava's Snowshow Review

Touted as a family show, I took a peek at the review videos. I have to say I was utterly intrigued. Riding on the promotional prices (1 for 1), we decided to head over as an family for Slava's Snowshow. No regrets because it was one of the most interactive clown shows we have seen. There were a few acts and I couldn't completely comprehend the storyline. But somehow, I couldn't keep my eyes off them. 

My impression of clowns were that they were always comedic. In the acts, although their actions were pretty funny, it seemed to explore different themes of fear,  desolate and despair. They were basically miming throughout the shows. No words were spoken, but there were always murmurs of conversations by their young children audiences. 

During intermission, we didn't step out. And surprisingly, there was a small performance on its own. Eventually, it became a full act. The clowns would come down the stage, splashing water at the audience. The energy was chaotic, but fun. We could not really anticipate what would happen next. The kids and I were excited laughing during the 2nd half. 

Our favourite was the giant spider web, snow blizzard and the giant balls. It was a spectacle itself watching how a snow blizzard was presented. The kids would raise their hands to try to catch the web, paper and balls. I love how there were not much rules to enjoy. The crowd maintain civil and for Singapore standards, was having an absolute blast chasing the balls and throwing Papier-Mâchée in the air. 

Slava's Snowshow is only at Sands Theatre from 15 to 26 July, do get your tickets before it ends. It doesn't come by Singapore often. So the next time you get to watch it, it might be 3 years later! Tip: To catch promotional prices, always keep a lookout and check the MBS theatres social medias. That's how I caught mine :D 

F4 F✦FOREVER Concert Review

 

I was slightly disappointed when I knew the reunion happened in China and I missed the first concert. So when they launched their world tour, I decided I need to get the tickets fast (and at all cost), lest they decided not to continue on. So on to Jakarta we went. We've never been there and thought it would make a nice adventure. 

Apart for the tickets which I actually camped for, I got the top public seats, everything logistical was done on a very last minute basis. Oops. The aunties sure act fast cos it was sold out within 2 hours! (Eventually, there were extra shows added, but I wasn't really monitoring.) While camping, I realized that they have top tier tickets with special fan services but you had to whatsapp some authorised dealers on their website. I texted while I was camping, but no one got back. Maybe I was just too late. 

Inclusive of flight, tickets, hotels, food and shopping, it should be well within S$2K for 2 pax. On the concert day, we headed back to the arena at 4pm (to avoid traffic jam) and all, and that was when things got tricky. Most people don't speak English there. So we were directed back and forth at least 3 times before I could get my ticket band. I was a little anxious with slight panic attacks because I didn't know they were pre-allocated and not band collection dependent. Thankfully, we met Chinese speaking fans who assisted!

We ended up skipping dinner (and having it after) because I was too excited to eat and there is food sold within the arena. I ended up heading back to the hotel (read here) to take a bath and glam up a bit because I was so hot and sweaty from all the unnecessary walking. Plus, I wanted to see Jerry in my best form! HAHAHA! There were unauthorised merch sold outside. Didn't end up getting because there wasn't anything I super like. 

Going to a concert in Jakarta was really amazing! I love the bustling energy of the fans. Pre-concert, there were booths set up with lots of people singing and hyping to F4 songs. During the concerts, there were lots of singing along, screaming, shouting and even standing on the seats towards the end. There were a bit of squeezing and shoving when they walked off the seats towards the fans. But it was nothing too rowdy. Husband: I never knew aunties were so strong, my seat was ambushed everytime they walk past. 

A good 25% of the women brought along their +1. I thought we were pretty lucky that A-Shin joined in, although there may be some purist fans who disagree. We initially thought it would be a short concert given the songs F3 collectively had, but they lasted a good 2 hours. A-Shin even sung some Mayday songs which entertained my husband greatly! (Read here on Mayday Concert!) I did feel bad for him because most Indonesians didn't know him, so I tried to give more support by singing along and dancing to his numbers!

Among the boys, Zai Zai is the most popular in Indonesia. His fans even bought advertisements at the metro for him. Vanness was a solid performer, but I was a bit sad he didn't sing some of his old favourites and focused on his new English songs which I can't sing along too. Jerry sung some songs but not my favourites - 一公尺 and 地心引力.

This was my first time so up close with them. They are indeed very good-looking. I always kinda knew Jerry was quite introverted, but after seeing him perform, I now know how introverted he is. But still, I feel grateful that he chose to still perform. He gave great fan service, noticed me in the crowd (I was wearing a shirt full of little dragons) screaming his Chinese name. I won a smile and a heart-gesture. It was an amazing concert and I felt like I finally did what I wanted to do when I was a teenager. And it was also quite special because this time I had my husband to experience the youth he missed with me.  I left contemplating if I should attend the Singapore one with friends, and if the concert outlay and songs would change. 

After-effects of the concert was crazy, I ended up rewatching Jerry's interviews and was singing/ humming the songs for the next 2 weeks! Lol! And if you include the pre-concert excitement. That's like 3 months of singing F4 songs. Haha. I even made gifs of the videos I filmed there. Can't wait for my next concert already, and to be frank, I won't mind coming back to Jakarta for it. Cos honestly, Singapore concerts doesn't have that frenzy energy I adore. 

*Updates* I failed to get Singapore tickets. Thank god, I got the Indonesia one. 

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** If you are considering to go for a gig trip as well, w\use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5%  Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.

Forest Bathing Experience Review

I was so inspired by Will Smith in Pole-to-Pole doing forest-bathing and having this stark relisation of life that I decided to go on one myself. Forest Bathing basically originated in Japan which involves aimless wandering within nature. In Pole-to-Pole, it is recommended for the feet to touch the soil. It helps to alleviate symptoms of mental fatigue, helping to manage stress and boosting immunity. 

I went on a guided one with Gentle Walks because I didn't know how to start. And frankly, forest bathing isn't cheap. It is around S$60 per pax. Because it was an event hosted by Sttoke, I got it at a slight discount and goodie bag. I thought that was the most affordable it would ever be, if I ever wanted to try. 

It started off with some sharing and gentle meditation and awakening of senses. Through this, the guide "forced a slow-down to my pace" and I could feel myself hearing sounds and smelling scents I ignored - chirping of birds and earthy smell of the gardens. I could even and appreciate the breeze. When I re-opened my eyes, the world looked a lot more vibrant and beautiful. 

During the exploration, I was relaxed - no KPIs, no timeline to catch. I just let curiosity took over me. I ended up banging into my kids who were doing their own nature walk nearby. That got my cortisol pretty high again. I could feel myself speaking faster (maybe more agitated). Note: From that, I concluded it is better to go on this journey alone to enjoy a deeper self-reflection. 

The whole session lasted for 2 hours. I left feeling I would do that again (myself) cos I can't afford S$60 every time I do it. The husband said I looked happier and more radiant when I came home. The children also seemed more serene than usual. There was definitely a glow. To fully retain the therapeutic effect, you have to engage in nature frequently i.e. 20 minutes a day. 

Personally, I felt the garden you go to, matters. I doubt Garden by the Bays would have the same effect on me because it was so busy with tourist and had a lot metallic (non-natural) elements to it. Also, it was too close to my workplace, which by-association won't allow me to shake off and immerse fully. For those who are new to this, I would suggest going for a guided session first so that you would know how to start the journey and calm the mind. :)