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Another confession time - these are almost coming weekly - I am a massive, massive sports fan. Back at home, I'd be watching at least one live game of something every week, followed by hours and hours of sport of the course of the week. Football, rugby, athletics, cricket - you name it, I watch it.

I've always had a big love for Formula 1. My Dad brought all of us up on it - to the point where if I heard the Italian national anthem in any other context, I'd ask why they were playing the "Ferrari song". Living far from Silverstone, I've never got the chance to watch F1 live, but since moving to Singapore, that dream has become a reality.

We were lucky enough to be able to get Bay Grandstand tickets over the whole weekend (we went with a friend's dad who preferred to have a seat). The Bay Grandstand is situated pretty much inside the track and faces out onto amazing views of the Art & Science Museum and Marina Bay Sands hotel. 

Included in our ticket price was access to both Zones 3 & 4, where the majority of the entertainment was taking place. It also meant we could walk right up to the barriers to see and hear the cars going past at such close range. If you do ever go to an F1 event - one word of warning - take earplugs. The noise is incredibly deafening. One member of our party was adamant he wouldn't wear earplugs, but the noise managed to persuade him otherwise. Avoid trying to have any form of conversation too while the races are taking place!

The Singapore GP takes place over a 3 day weekend in September and is F1's only night-time street circuit - making it such an incredible event. There are several different races held over the weekend, from practice and qualifying to the Porsche Carrera Cup and GP2. There was pretty much a race on every couple of hours or so, giving us enough time to explore the circuit without missing out.

We were also in a pretty good spot for the drivers' parade before the main race. Managed to snap some decent photos of Hamilton and Schumacher - but I was too busy girly-screaming for Webber and Button to get a picture. 

The entertainment was also fantastic and pretty cheap for the price of a normal gig in Singapore. On Saturday night, we managed to get pretty near the front for Maroon 5 and Sunday night was Katy Perry. James was pretty disappointed that he didn't manage to catch Bananarama - for some reason, he developed a weird obsession with them over the weekend.

Overall, an exhaustingly fast-paced and eventful weekend! Over the weekend, it was announced that Singapore has been awarded the race until 2017 - so definitely looking forward to seeing more years. Next year, we're already talking about booking out a hotel room to watch it in style. 

In other news, I've managed to get myself a job, so I'm really looking forward to starting that & doing something productive. We also have tentative plans to head to Bali this weekend - aiming to become a surfer extraordinaire in 3 days. 

Nade x

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The One With the Birthday. Week 3 in Singapore was marked with everybody's highlight of the year....my birthday. After the most incredible 21st two years ago, I just assumed that any birthdays since would be a little underwhelming. But this one has been a LOT of fun. 

Thursday night, I met some of the girls for drinks at Overeasy at One Fullerton - Happy Hour 1+1 on all beers, wines and spirits meant that we ended up pretty drunk. Having not eaten, I call James on the MRT home & ask if he can get me McDonalds delivery (yes, they deliver here. Best. Ever.) So I ended up seeing in my 23rd with a double cheeseburger, several cards & a very cute little cake! 

My actual birthday was spent generally lazing around, sunbathing & being a bum, before getting ready to go to the surprise restaurant that J had booked. Which turned out to be Sky on 57 at Marina Bay Sands hotel - possibly the best all-round restaurant I've ever been to.

Very photo heavy post, I do apologise! But the food was incredible - I highly recommend the scallops - and the view speaks for itself. We were lucky enough to see the light show, that they put on at Marina Bay Sands every night, from a completely different perspective. 

I'm one lucky girl & have been well and truly spoilt this weekend. Other not-so-bright highlights of the week have included copious amounts of job hunting and holiday planning - I've enjoyed the latter far more than the former! 

Nade x