D-Day 2 (Circuit Gate # 2, Singapore Flyer, Mustafa Shopping Center)

September 28th, 2008 - After a wholesome experience the previous night, I woke up early around 5:30 AM and started going through the pictures and videos on my camera. Some wonderful memories to take back.

The Agenda today was to head to the Singapore Flyer which is within the Circuit Park, watch the race, do some late night shopping and head to the Airport to catch our flight at 7:30 AM. Let me tell you where I was put up. I was put up at my friends 3BHK flat at Bedok, Block 201, North Avenue 1. It was bang opposite the MRT Bus Interchange and 2 Mins walk to the Bedok MRT Train station. Bedok itself is 15 Mins from the Changi Airport. Last time when I was here, I was put up at the North Bridge Road which, was in the middle of downtown. The place had an Indian Restaurant (Asha's) which is open 24 hrs, can you beat that in a foreign country? There was also other local eateries in the proximity, overall a very ideal location

We got all dressed up and got ready early by 8:30 AM so we decided we will go to the Mustafa Shopping Center to do a "quick" shopping spree and then head to the Flyer, the plan was to come back home and then go. We also carried the Flyer tickets with us just in case, the shopping got delayed, we could go straight to the Flyer.

We took the MRT Train from Bedok and got down at Outram Park and then switched trains and got down at Farrer Park (this station is closest to Mustafa's). We didn’t have breakfast back home so we decided to head for a popular eatry (Indian, Veg) close to the station called Komala's. They served all the local Indian delicacies from North to South. We ordered a south indian meal consisting of dosa, idli, wada and north indian meal puri bhaji. Topped it with chai/coffee. Ah! Nothing like an Indian breakfast in the morning :) That binge my friends cost $ 4 SGD, not bad at all. Now while we were talking over b'fast, it struck us that we cannot go directly to the Flyer coz the Flyer was within the Circuit Park and we didn’t carry the Circuit Access cards, f*** what a dumb thing to do. We had no choice but to make this shopping quickly and get back to the house.

I know what I wanted to buy and headed straight to the Watches section, oh if you want to know more about Mustafa's, click here. I wanted to buy a pair for my mom and dad. After looking for 5 Mins, the saleswoman showed a piece I liked; it was the Reaction Collection from Kenneth Cole. It came with a 2 year International Warranty and cost $ 286 SGD. I thought it was a good one and bought it. Here's a peek...



My friend bought some souvenirs and so did I and we headed back home via a cab. Changed in to different gear and headed to Gate # 2, that was the closest point to the Singapore Flyer. The time was 12:00 PM and our Flyer flight was at 12:30 PM. Now comes the biggest shocker (I should have paid attention when I was researching), the Circuit Gates wouldn't open before 1:00 PM and the Flyer flight was at 12:30 PM. We tried reasoning with the Security guys but to no avail, we lost all hope of getting in on time. I saw a old couple trying to get in as well and we got together and asked the F1 guys to help us out. They gave us the Singapore Flyer Hotline and asked us to request the Flyer guys to postpone the flight. The old guy called and managed to convince the Flyer guys, they wanted to know the Confirmation #, and while the couple had them handy we on the other hand had boarding passes that had the Ticket #and not the Ticket Booking Confirmation #. The Flyer guys wouldn’t budge and it was ridiculous, that's when the JESUS phone (aka iPhone) came handy, I browsed the Internet, logged in to my mail and retrieved the Confirmation #. Phew...F*** unbelievable. We thanked the couple and planned to meet them an hour later at 2:00PM

We had an hour’s time before we could pass the gates and take the Flyer flight so we decided to roam around and check out the Hotels in the vicinity. In one of the atriums inside the hotel, they put out a F1 model car and people could sit inside for free and take pictures or play games. We registered but the queue was long and I had to settle for a pic that had the car minus me. Check it out...

It was time to take the flight on the World's highest Giant Ferris Wheel overlooking the island of Singapore and the Circuit. We entered the main building and took some pictures in the lobby and then entered the capsule. Surprisingly, there was no mad rush (as I would have expected during a F1 event) and we had the whole capsule to ourselves, it gave us a fantastic 360 degrees view. We saw all the important landmarks in all its glory and the Circuit view was fabulous, for a view like that from the Flyer during race hours, you will have to shell out $ 4000....damn but what a view!

We got down from the Flyer in 30 Minutes and it was a total paisa vasool.

We came out of the building and walking by the pathway we saw what looked like a Turn behind the barricades, it was Turn 5 just behind the Paddock Club and it was not occupied (the time was 2:30 PM...and the race was at 8:00 PM). Hell, we wanted to occupy it immediately but we were also feeling hungry, we tried to find something in the proximity but were disappointed, all the eateries around the Paddock club was for the elite and there is no way we could afford it so we had to make our way back to Gate # 7 from Gate # 2 and try something there...

Walking back in the blistering heat, with a fu**al pair of shoes was not easy. En-route Gate # 7 we saw the Aston Martins getting ready for their version of street race. The organizers had arranged for Aston Martins and Porsche street races as a prelude to the F1, not a bad idea, it was a definite crowd puller. We headed to the same McDonalds restaurant we had dinner last night and now had lunch. It was satisfying and full.

We started making our walk back to T5 and prayed it will be free to occupy...the crowd had started to build up and it was highly unlikely that we could get a best spot. The time was 4:30 PM. Lady luck smiled on us and we got our best spot, I didn’t budge until it was time for the Final Race. We saw the Aston Martins and Porsches and I had never seen them in their race avtaar so it was very exciting to see them rev up and race. Finally, it was time for the Grand Finale; the first event had the drivers parade on the race track. Now though we had loudspeakers in and around the circuit nobody heard of the parade and we didn’t get to know until the first car came on the track. I captured Alonso and Hamilton on the cam and couple of others. It was nice to see them in flesh ;) I can go back home and boast I have seen Alonso you know, he doesn’t have a great haircut :)

Next, I could hear the cars starting to rev up...T5 was close to the starting point (only behind us) and one by one they came down the track like a Hurricane. Watch this....

Leading the pack was the pole position winner from last night, the Brazilian Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa. His lead was looking good and he continued that for the first 2-3 laps. Then came the first shocker for the night! Nelson Picquet Jr., Alonso's buddy had crashed his car on the barricade, that gave way for the first Safety Car to come out and that slowed down everybody including Massa, Alonso was already going to pit to change his tyres from soft to hard and he got an advantage moving out faster than others. From thereon it was all going wrong for Ferrari and all going right for Renault. Massa dragged the gas hose and knocked down one of his pit guys coz he signaled him to go too early, Kimi crashed just 4 laps before the race was over and the Ferrari dream to win the first night race was shattered.

Nothing to take away from Alonso though, he was careful all through and maintained his lead and deserved to win, from 14 to Podium is a remarkable feat indeed. If luck smiled on him tonight, I think he was ready to take it, don't we? Well there comes the end to the most exciting, exhilarating, adventurous and thrilling Weekend of my life. I Love Singapore! :) Oh! I Love Formula 1 :)

Watch the Official Video Preview of the race...unbeliveable scenes at the Ferrari pit stop.



The race was over around 9:45 and people started to disperse, again had to walk out to catch a taxi back home. The MRT Train Station (City Hall) was at a distance and I had no plans to take long walks, not after waiting for 4 Hours + 90 Mins of race time. F*** the queue to take taxi looked like an Indian temple with devotees standing to offer their prayers, I prayed myself to move the queue a little faster but it was not to be. It took 45 Minutes to get a cab. While I was waiting, I saw the most expensive club gates of Amber Lounge, man they had 3 artifical waterfalls sliding down inside their club? Which club have you seen that before? And the ladies standing...waiting to get in were from a different world (Europe to be precise). pure extravagance, the tickets to the Amber Lounge was between 5-7K SGD. Man...some people really know how to party

We got home and again I crashed and my legs were so fu****g sore from all that standing, I refused to move my ass an inch from the bed. My friend however wanted to make most of his first trip to Singapore and headed with my host to an Open Air Market in Geylang Sarai for a quick flea market shopping experience, I have heard about it but I just didn't have the strenghth to go there. I stayed back and had dinner and waited for my friend to arrive, he came around 1:30 AM. We got ready and moved out of the house around 2:00 AM to the Airport via Mustafa Shopping Center. My friend still wanted to shop, I can understand, theres so much to take away. For me, I'm taking back unforgettable memories of the city and its inaugral Formula 1 race.

We thanked our host for the wonderful hospitality and hopefully we will meet him again...sooner than later. Took a cab and headed to Mustafa's. Again, I just picked up a packet of chocolates for the guys back in the office and thats about it, my friends on the other got some stuff for his family, we moved out of the shop by 4:30 AM and reached the Airport, did our clearanace and waited to board the plane. I saw the Singapore GP Merchandise Store and picked up 2 race t-shirts, it cost me $ 86 SGD. Gates open, we walked in, got seated and then comes another chic this time next to my friend but the same thing happened, "I need to sleep" ya well, I have heard that before ;)

Just minutes before landing, I picked up the KrisFlyer In-Flight Shopping Catalogue and browsing through the pages, I found an Official F1 Perfum going for $ 50 SGD. It had a free keychain to go with it. It was very attractive and like all attractive things, I bought it. Another first for me, In-Flight Shopping ;) Here it is..

The plane reached on time, again early but I got a rude shock when I stepped out of the Airport, no fu****g taxis to avail. Go to this place, that place, take a coupon, what the f*** was going on? I cant believe the Govt. has the nerve to say they are going to make this place "Shanghai". They cant even have Taxi Stops at the most important place in any city, the International Airport. Then there is the fu****g traffic, it took 3 Hours to reach home. Plane landed at 10:00 AM and reached home at 1:00 PM. Man...felt like flying from First Class to Third Class

Anyways, that's a wrap on this Post and this Blog. Like I always say "You make choices and you dont look back". Not everything went the way we wanted on this trip (like my fu****g shoes and the sad Megadance Party) but on the brighter side it was a dream come true to go back to Singapore in 9 Months and attend one of the World's Most Dangerous and Expensive Sport known to man, the Formula 1. This was my first one and I promise you today this will not be my last one. Amen

Thanks for reading.

D-Day 1 (Circuit Gate # 7, Megadance Party)

September 27th, 2008 - The time was 12:30 AM and I wrapped my shift in office went home early so I can catch the morning flight (11:30 AM) to Singapore. I had already done my packing and so there was nothing major to think about but I could not sleep a wink, just the whole thought of making the Formula 1 trip made me restless. I broke my sleep at 2:30 AM and didnt get to sleep until 2:30 AM next night...read on

The trip to the Airport was a breeze and Immigration and Customs was just as quick. Had got my PSP along and started playing NFS until it was time to board the plane. As was my guess, the Economy Class in a Singapore Airlines felt like Business Class, lots of room to stretch. This time I got lucky (or so I thought) with a chic sitting next to me. The first thing she did was call the stewardess and said "I dont want no one to wake me up till this plane lands" Damn! There goes any chance of a social communication for the next 4:45 Mins. Rotten luck. Anyways, I enjoyed the food and the service and I used my own source of entertainment (my iPhone & PSP) than the in-flight entertainment for the rest of the journey. I tried to close my eyes and sleep but I couldn't whereas the chic next to me just stopped short of snoring and enjoyed the most blissful sleep I have ever seen in my life...man imagine taking her out for a movie with the lights down ;)

The plane landed 20 Mins before schedule (after having taken-off 15 Mins late), that doesnt happen to often in India, does it? Though it was a BIG event like F1 there was no last minute rush at the Airport. Either the Airport authorites managed it well or die hard fans had booked the tickets much in advance (point to remember the race events starts Fri and I came only on Sat)

Oh that brings me to the point that my travel mate had flown to Singapore a day earlier (on Fri), he made the most of it and enjoyed the sight-seeing, shopping, dining and then by the evening we caught up at our common friends house.

I reached at our hosts place like 8:30 PM and then by the time we reached the Circuit, it was almost 10:00 PM (time for the Qualifiers). This time we made good use of the Singapore MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) Trains to go to all the places we had decided to go. It was so simple and non-fussy, you go over the ticket counter for the first time and buy what is called a EZ-Link pre-paid card. Now there is also something called Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) which is more or less the same except EZ-Link card can be used by the residents when you leave. It made sense coz our host friend could use it after we left. So you take this card and flash it at the ticket gates and the gates open and charge is debited. When you reach your destination, you flash the card again and the transaction is complete. Even small kids seem to know how it worked ;) To my right on this pic is our host...

Now we come out of the station and follow the instructions to Gate # 7. Gate # 7 gave a view from the Marina Grandstand and Turn 15/16. We didnt have the Grandstand tickets but what we had was Walkabout tickets which means we could be in the proximity of the Grandstand and watch the race up-close and very personal behind the barricades. Before I proceed, I should tell you about the tickets for the F1. They were beautifully packed in a black box with chambers for 3 different passes with 3 different colored lanyards for Fri-Sat-Sun. The passes had F1 holograms and it looked like a perfect souvenir to take back home. Check it out...

We were on the streets approaching the Gates when we heard it racing....the Formula 1car. The first impression was that off a Trance music building up as we came closer and then like a fighter jet plane the sound was so deafening like I have never heard in my life....the engines made that noise from so far away, you would feel like a hurricane just passed. Now this was just the noise and we still didnt pass the Gates to see it in flesh. The moment we entered we saw the Marina Grandstand that was facing a hughe screen that showed the on-going Qualifiers. Below hordes of people were standing behind barricades and craning their neck to get the best view. I was just worried about getting deaf and the first thing I did was buy the Survival Kit the F1 guys had arranged that had the ear plugs, it was not great but it did the job with my fingers stuck behind them

We walked closer to the barricades and saw the F1 cars in flesh...f*** they just breezed like a slingshot, just 250mph faster. If 2 cars followed back-to-back the sound was unbearable but in the same vien it was thrilling to see the cars whiz past like a rocket. Million dollar cars were put to test by the best drivers in the world, it was an experience I'll never forget. The best part is, 99% of the times (61 laps) they would make a perfect turn at such high speeds, that was unbeliveable, some cars used to rattle and undoubtedly those were not the Ferraris or the McLarens ;) The road was bumpy as the drivers mentioned in the Pre-Race Conference and when I was actually down there, I could clearly make out...the sound of the bumps was ugly.

Well, the Qualifiers was over in no time and out came Massa waving to the crowd, he was going to take the Pole Position on Race Day, the Ferrari fans cheered the loudest. The race over, we hung out at the Circuit Park and the first place we checked out was the Merchandise Stores, there were was one for Official F1 and one for Singapore GP. Like everything else that was overwhelming, the prices of the merchandise was criminal. A simple round-neck Ferrari tee cost $ 160 SGD. I dropped all my plans to buy any merchandise there and then. It was ridiculous really. Now I think I mentioned upteem times Singapore is bloody expensive and their first ever F1 race event was no different.



With dejected looks we headed to the McDonalds restuarant inside the Circuit Park, it was teaming with people of all kinds, shapes, sizes and sex. The girls were looking sexy in their tight hot pants with the prancing horse stiched tight on their butt ;) Check her out..



We got a full meal coz we had to walk some distance to attend the Megadance post-race Party. Talk about walking, hell first I chose the worst pair of shoes I could for the trip, a fu****g pair of ID shoes that looked cool (when I bought it) but pathetic sole inside and outside made me limp for the whole trip and I got fu****g blisters. I don't know what came over me when I bought them and tried it. So moving on...the Megadance Party was held in the Suntec City Convention Center, Level 6. We could hear the music coming down all the way to Level 1 and we rushed only to be disappointed twice in the evening. First, there was hardly anyone trying to get in the line or when we dropped inside. Although, the arrangements were world-class, drinks bar, laser shows, center-stage with 6 DJs spinning and almost 10.000 sq ft to let your hair down. I would have expected it to be brimming and spilling with crowd once the race was over but it was taking awfully long time for the crowd to gather and get on the dance floor. Most of them chose the Lounge to chill and chit-chat. Well, by 1:00 AM there we some more folks than when we came in and so we shaked a leg or two and moved out. Outside the crowd was starting to slowly gather but it was long day for us so wanted to go home and crash. Lesson learnt: Choose a club or a discotheque next time less than 1000 sq ft.

Back to the MRT Station (City Hall) and just in time for the 1:30 AM ki last local, phew what an evening, I crashed in the bed and saw the time...2:30 AM, 24 Hours without sleep...wow. Next day, we had to hit the Singapore Flyer at 12:30 PM and then head for the Circuit to catch the race. We also squeezed in a little shopping spree at Mustafa Center. Over to next post. Chow.

Chapter 4: Prep & Shop - II

Countdown - 36 Days : 16 Hours : 31 Mins

Another exciting feature of the F1 besides all the rubber that is going to scorch on the streets is the presence of the Sexy Grid Girls, Singapore is actually hiring Grid Girls and the competition is on between 44 of them as I write this blog...here is the flyer and the official website

Hmm...meeting them is definately on the cards, we may not get access to the Pit Stop where they actually roam around but I hope we bump in to one while we are in the Walkabout zones

I see Riya & Raima Sen representing Force India, well, I can introduce myself as a fellow indian and then my friends I hope you get a chance to say "rest as they say is history" ;)

There you go...pretty huh...thats from Monaco Grand Prix 2008 (pic courtsey F1)


Countdown - 33 Days : 3 Hours : 56 Mins

Early morning today, I scrambled to get online to get tickets for the "Megadance Party", the tickets were going to be on sale starting 9:00 AM Singapore time (6:30 AM IST). Oh, by the way I did hear from the Organiser who gave me the information on the availability of tickets online. Well, you can now officially crow at me coz I did manage to book 2 tickets for the party, Hurrrrahhhh! I need my friend to collect it for me in Singapore before we arrive, going to send him the necessary info later in the day, this is really getting exciting by the day ladies and gentlemen and hopefully this "Party wont stop till I Drop"...

Countdown - 29 Days : 22 Hours : 02 Mins

Good start to the day, called the Tours guy and he confirmed the Visa has been processed for my friend and I can come over and collect the passport. Sweet.

Countdown - 10 Days : 11 Hours : 40 Mins

Wow..cant believe I havent had an update in the last 19 days but trust me there has not been a single day that I stopped thinking about how I'm about to kickass at the circuit ;) Well, the first thing I did over the Weekend was to select the Seats, I wanted, when I travel onboard the SIA. The plane itself is amazing, the brand new Boeing 777-300 ER with lots of features to spoil you. Here is a peek...

Next, I went shopping and found a cool jeans, a pair of tees and a sneaker to complete the Party look. This trip is going to be over before I blink and so there is no elaborate arrangements I'm making. Earlier in the day, I grabbed my new digicam (Sony DSC-H50) and went to the long stretch of road close to my house (Palm-beach) and started taking snaps of fast moving vehicles. Though the F1 cars will zoom on the roads at probably 3 times the average car, I wanted to get a hang of how to shoot fast moving objects using different settings and I must say the camera did not disappoint me. At 15X zoom, it gave me a shot that looked like this.... so crisp, what say?

The last update for the day was from my friend in Singapore, he managed to pick up our tickets to the "Megadance" Party. Well, thats that...all set for the D-Day 10 days from now. I plan to sneek in my other digicam (Sony W-55) and take pictures inside the plane and the airport. Changi Airport in Singapore is an attraction by itself, last time I spent almost 2 Hours sight-seeing but still found the place overwhelming with what they had to offer the tourists.

Oh yes, how can I forget this, my fellow Manager who was to accompany me suddenly developed a medical problem last Week that required him to get operated. There was every indication that he could pull out of the trip, if things continued the way it did. He spoke to his family doc and was reassured that he could make the trip but he should get operated neverthless when he is back. This development will certainly weigh on our minds and we will try to contain our excitement while we are there

Another intresting thing I did was to book my first ever trip to GOA with my bumchums from Ex-Stream Tracmail, I'll be in GOA from 10/16 to 10/19. Man, life is one BIG PARTY or what....I'm telling you guys (single), enjoy it while it lasts ;)

Countdown - 8 Days : 21 Hours : 37 Mins

Phew! Just got off the Singapore Flyer website and booked our tickets for the ride, what is the Singapore Flyer?

"The Singapore Flyer is a giant Ferris wheel in Singapore.Reaching 42 stories high, the Flyer comprises a 150 m (492 ft) diameter wheel, built over a three-story terminal building, giving it a total height of 165 m (541 ft). Each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules is capable of holding 28 passengers, and a complete rotation of the wheel takes approximately 30 minutes

As part of the only Formula One™ race circuit with a Giant Observation Wheel, Singapore Flyer offers one of the best vantage points to catch the race. With most of the city circuit visible from atop the Flyer, motor racing enthusiasts can watch the action from the safe comfort of air-conditioned, glass-panelled observation capsules."

Here is a Peek-a-boo..the damage 900/- INR per person

I missed this ride last time and wanted to squeeze this in our Itinerary this time and to watch the Circuit from the ride is an absolute bliss. We have booked the tickets for Non-Peak time (12:30 PM local time, obviously, coz its cheap) and will not get to watch the actual race from the capsule but can marvel at the Singapore skyline and F1 circuit. This is a must-do-activity in Singapore and how can a regular like me miss that? ;)

Countdown - 3 Days : 21 Hours : 11 Mins

Excitement is getting the better of me as the D-Day approaches. Over the weekend, I shopped for some accessories to go with my outfit and spent a whole deal of time updating my PSP with all the important stuff I need to refer like Maps, Routes, Fares, Destinations, Attractions when I'm down there in Singapore downtown. I must admit, Singapore has made an unprecedented attempt to woo locals and foriegn tourists for this inaugral F1 event, the Official Website relating to F1 line-up is immaculate and so are the other affiliated web sites. I bought a Vodafone Home Calling Card that me and my friend can use to make calls from Singapore, this is a cheap option versus International Roaming although, I plan to have Roaming activated on my phone.

I also received Forex from my Tours guy and we plan to split it before we take-off. Like I said, I'm really going to go easy on my crave this time, lets see if I can hold on to my temptation ;)

Countdown - 1 Day : 23 Hours : 10 Mins

Less than 48 Hours to take-off, I got myself a facial at the Salon, picked up a pair of sweat bands, a couple of tees and socks. Hell, I'm all set and thats a wrap for this post, next one on take-off/landing, D-Day and homecoming. Hope you enjoyed the prep. Chow. Adios.

PS: Oh yea, a little scoop if you are travelling SIA, you can confirm your check-in status via the Internet but it doesn't generate the Boarding Pass (which is why you plan to check-in in the first place). You will end up standing in the line either ways at the SIA counter at the Airport to pick up the actual Boarding Passes. This is coz I'm from the great heartland of India but there are other countries that can print the Boarding Pass directly, check this out, even people living in Pakistan can to do this but not us. Yea, thanks SIA for the honor bestowed.

Chapter 3: Prep & Shop - I

Countdown - 53 Days: 16 Hours : 20 Minutes

I figured out since we may not be in a position to view the action up-close, I should get something that can be bring me a notch closer to the cars/drivers/race track and so guess what I indulged myself in to? A Sony DSC-H50 digital camera, 15X zoom and 9.1 Mpl, the Zoom shots are incredible and it was just the kind I was looking for, complete with lens cover that made me look like a "PRESS" guy, the damage? 20K INR. Check it out here and thats a preview...

Countdown - 49 Days: 18 Hours : 59 Minutes

Just came back after submitting the docs for processing the Visa for my friend, back in the office for some work, listening to Bob Marley (No Woman, No Cry), hmmm so smooth...how about a trip to Jamaica? ;)

Countdown - 46 Days: 21 Hours : 10 Mins

The Tour Operator got back today and informed me that the pics submitted for the Visa for my friend is not acceptable to the Consulate (coz it was not Matte finish it seems) Aaaaargh!!! Does it sound familiar? It happened to me too, talk about deja vu. Well, no choice but to submit new pictures. I dont think the Visa will come this Week, as I had expected

Countdown - 44 Days: 17 Hours : 15 Mins

A very funny thing happened today. I got a package from ABN-AMRO Bank that had a Titanium Credit Card, it was an Upgrade for my Gold card. Hmm...well I didnt mind as long as 1 - Upgrade was free and 2 - the limit was Raised. The card itself was indicated as de-activated and had instructions to call their helpline and get it activated. I got on the phone and I got the shock I had expected, they said the Upgrade would cost me 4K and there was no limit raise. Bullshit!! I said take your card back when the person on the other side said, I'll get a 2 Nights & 3 Days FREE hotel stay at destinations in both India and Abroad. Hmm....well I thought now they were making sense. I headed to their Website for further details and the person was right, there was indeed a Hotel package offered for Upgrades like mine and then I saw something that was an icing on the cake. It said, besides this offer, if I travelled abroad and bought tickets to watch a Formula 1 Race and if I had a friend who bought tickets as well, I can get money reimbursed for one of us. Wowww...I couldnt believe what I read!! Is this really happening to me? Damage Repaired? 9K baby...muaaaawh!!

I immediately got the Upgrade done and got the card activated. Now for the FREE Hotel stay, I see the Foriegn options are for Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket (all in Thailand), have I found my plan for the New Years eve? Maybe :) I always wanted to visit GOA, maybe I'll choose an Indian trip after all.

Countdown - 38 Days: 12 Hours : 39 Mins

Just got an update from my friend in Singapore that he got the tickets with him in person and said it was "Walkabout" types. So what is a "Walkabout Ticket"?...

"Spectators in the walkabout areas can in some cases get closer to the cars than the spectators in grandstand seats, as walkabout spectators are standing about 3 or 4 metres away from the edge of the track. Whilst the barriers lining the circuit are over 4 metres in height, the concrete and triple guardrail that makes up the lower portion of the barrier are only a metre tall. The rest of the protection consists of a steel wire mesh fence that you can see through clearly. To ensure that spectators get a great view of the race, there will be a number of bleachers located along some of the prime trackside viewing locations around the walkabout areas"



Hmmm....I definately dont mind getting close to the cars as much as I can to get a perfect F1 moment captured on my digicam. The damage also seems to be less with this type of ticket, $ 168 SGD thats approx. 5K INR

Countdown - 36 Days: 18 Hours : 34 Mins

I'm at it again, I always heard about these Pre and Post crazy late-night parties after a F1 race and just wished someone will "GIFT" me tickets for one of these happening places. As you can guess, nobody GIFTS you, if you are a nobody and so I started to search the net to see if I can lay my hands on you know what....no fool....party tickets I meant. And BOOM immediately I see this....



Wow!! man, a "Racing Party" huh. Purrrfect! I hit the site and the moment I read this, I knew I wanted to be there, I just wanted to experience the craze, the people, the celebrities...oh la la. This party is going to be ON from 10PM to 6AM local time (right after the Qualifiers), trust me, Singapore is going to ROCK!!

"Large, loud and shamelessly lavish, MEGADANCE SINGAPORE the party of the year, will immediately position Singapore on the “party circuit” of the world. Targeted to be the country’s largest and most funky party set against the backdrop of the world’s first Formula 1 night race, the organisers, Blackjag Consulting, expect a turn-out of more than 4000 party animals"

How does that sound?? I know what you thinking but hold on, dont cuss me already, I still have to get the tickets, then you can crow at me ;) aiight? ;) I reached to my same friend in Singapore and send a mail directly to the Organizer, let's hope for the best. The tickets are priced at $ 100-$ 250 for standing and $ 300-$ 800 for Lounge Areas, I'm going to settle for the $ 100, if not, then this party is over for me even before it starts :( The damage? 3K

But if I was really really filthy rich, I would head straight to Amber Lounge, that's where the big bosses are going to come with their ladies on the eve of the F1, "anybody who is a somebody" in this world is expected to be there. The tickets range from € 500 to € 7,250, how do you like that for a night? Damn is that hot or what!

I went to the Tours guy to check on my friends Visa, it seems the consulate wont accept the application coz the travel departure is more than a Month away, they will be able to submit it next Week, so keep waiting...waiting...waiting...

I think I'll wrap this Post and start Prep & Shop - II...

Chapter 2: Planning

28th July, 2008 - I couldn't stop gushing at the thought of going back to Singapore, I mean I was there like just 8 Months back and here I am planning to pack my bags again. Seriously, a lot of people are starting to get worried with my craze to travel overseas and how I come up with these "Dreams" in a split second when some folks plan these things for their retirement, well thats not me. Check this out for Singapore F1 details

One of the reasons this "Dream" seemed possible to achieve was the fact that I had a Visa for Singapore but I still had to figure out the air tickets and the race tickets and accomodation. Phew! Well I decided to take one-day-one-task at a time.

30th July, 2008 - 2 things fell in one basket and that was to check for accomodation and availablity of race tickets in Singapore. I reached to 2 of my contacts, one was the friend from MS I met on my last trip and one was a team member who worked for me in Wipro. I got to know of the latter only after I returned to India. I sent both the gentlemen a courtsey mail and hoped they would reply, fingers crossed, toes crossed, hair spiked, nails chewed just about everything that could tell you how I was feeling, I was feeling very very very very hopeful ;)

31st July, 2008 - Bling! Bling! You have got mail, the friend from Wipro promised to look for what I wanted him to look for (race tickets) and also he was very gracious and agreed to have me put up at his place while I was there. What are friends for huh?!! :)

1st Aug, 2008 - This time the Wipro friend's Reply knocked me off completely and it took me some time to gather myself, coz he confirmed that tickets were available, not the best ones but still a ticket to get inside the circuit and watch the race, the damage? Approx $ 300 SGD thats Approx. 9K INR. Hmm well, not for everybody, let's put it simply. I gave him the GREEN Signal to take-off

2nd Aug, 2008 - Once I got the confirmation of race tickets, I was scrambling like a mad dog to find the cheapest air tickets to Singapore. While all this was happening, I realized I better tell about my ambitious plan to my immediate bosses. Oh, another thing I forgot to mention, the colleague who agreed to come to China was ready to come to Singapore, so I had to arrange everything for him since it was his first trip. Now the problem was both me and my colleague are at senior level positions in the office and one of us needs to be around all the time to keep a check on business. As was expected, my immediate boss flatly refused to allow us to go together on this trip but I wanted to make this happen, no matter what, so I drafted the final Itinerary

I decided to let my friend go ahead of me on 26th Sep, Fri and I could join him on 27th Sept Sat, watch the race on 28th Sep, Sun and then back home together on 29th Sep, Mon. I can't think of another person who flies to Singapore only to spend his Weekends, probably Enzo Ferrari ;)

5th Aug , 2008 - I decided to call my Wipro friend in Singapore to speak to him personally, he confirmed he got the tickets, it was a 3-Day Pass (from 26th-29th Sep) I was going to miss the Practise but make it in time for the Qualifiers and the Finale. Surprise! Surprise! the friend from MS also got back but there was no encouraging news, if my MS friend had manage to get Corp. tickets we would have got 5-Star treatment at the circuit and watch the race from our private balcony (a la Maonaco style), well, maybe some other day

I was scouring the Internet for tickets and I pounced on a promotional offer by Singapore Airlines for flights between Mumbai-Singapore, the offer was valid for Aug and the trip was to be made in Sept, Purrrfect! I booked 2 tickets for my colleague and myself, this was a straight flight of 5H:25M. Man, what a relief! the damage? 18K INR per person.

Well, we are all set for the BIG Day ahead and the countdown to the F1 has begun for me...officially

Chapter 1: A Dream

7th July, 2008 - 20:00 Hrs IST, I was in the office and watching the news on CNN.com, something immediately caught my attention, it was "The Beijing Olymics 2008" and how the city was gearing up for the Mega event on August 8th, 2008

I immediately went in to an oblivion and started day-dreaming (in night shift) on how it would feel to be a part of man's greatest gift to sport, the Olympics. Now I like different kinds of sports but one of the sports I have followed over the years is Lawn Tennis. I was an absoloute fan of Steffi Graff' and enjoyed the rivalry she had with Monica Seles, Gabriela Sabatini, Martina Navratilova et all..on the ground. I made up my mind the very moment that I'm going to China and watch the Ladies Singles Olympic Gold Medal Match scheduled for Aug 18, 2008

When I came to my senses I realized this was easier dreamt than done and wanted to give it my best shot. First task, was to check if there were any tickets available for the event I was planning and to my surprise (I must be the only one planning on getting a ticket 1 Month in advance when others bought it 6 months back) I found the tickets were available for sale online, I rubbed my eyes twice but it was there, 3 tickets up for sale. Well, now I guess I had to check on the transport and this is where I found that despite sharing commonm borders, India and China do not necessarily have direct flights from all the Metros. I put this on hold and went to the next task of finding how can I get a Visa. My regular tour operator (SOTC) had no packages for China but agreed to process the Visa if I could find a sponsor. I used my network and spread the word and quickly I found a guy working for me in my team who had a brother working out of Mainland China. Superb!

14th July, 2008 - I wanted some company and so I asked a collegue if he wanted to go to the Olympics, it obviously came as a surprise to him but he agreed. I found that tickets available online can only be bought by Chinese nationals or foreigners living in China. Now my contact could manage to do that but as days passed I found eveything to be too tight for a scheduled trip. The air tickets were steep, the Visa formailities were complicated and the whole trip would drain us financially and physically. And so there came an end to my dream of making it to the Olympics and watching a Ladies Lawn tennis match. Sigh!

21st July, 2008 - I was slowly sulking in to my chair when I saw another peiece of news breeze through my eyes and this one made me jump up instantly. Hell, why can't I go and watch the Worlds' First Ever Night Formula One Race, The Singapore Grand Prix. Yes....Yes....I can and I will. Thus, another dream was born and this dream I intend to make it successful, come rain or shine. Read on.