Gene has been a full-time guide for 5 years and just recently joined the Hello! Singapore Tours team in 2019. Before he decided to become a professional tour guide, Gene worked as a technician in the Singapore Airforce and worked as a professional cabin crew for Singapore Airlines for almost 8 years. He loves to make use of his free time volunteering and doing outdoor activities. His enthusiasm and love for Singapore is very evident on his tour that will leave you loving the city as well!

Now that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the world and Singapore is strictly observing social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the virus. How does Gene cope with the new normal? Below is a short interview with him as he shares his Covid-19 daily life.

Hello! Singapore Tour Guide Gene reading reading all about Singapore!

On a normal day, you are usually out on the streets showing our guests the beauty of Singapore. Given the travel restrictions imposed by several countries how are you spending your time now? What keeps you busy?

Wow! I have been incredibly busy besides catching up on sleep. These are some of the things that I have been doing:

Firstly, exercising. Stationary strength exercises as well as jogging. We are incredibly lucky here in Singapore to still be able to go out to do vigorous activity. The only conditions are; we have to do the activity alone, we have to keep a distance from others and we have to put on a face mask before and after the activity. My particular area and region up North, where I live, Canberra, Sembawang has the most wonderful green spaces and historic places.

I have been catching up on movies, shows, and TV series on Netflix! What will I do without Netflix? Particularly enjoyed immensely, The Crown, season 3. What a truly outstanding series! 

I do take care of my inner self and spiritual (not religious) needs too. I have been participating in a few meditation zoom meetings. In particular, I really loved the international group, that met for a meditation sitting. There were people from, Argentina, New Zealand, Hong Kong,  Canada, Thailand, among others. Before the 45 minutes of meditation, we talked a little about how we were all affected by Covid-19. That was really special and unique. 

I have been doing some tidying and cleaning of my home. Still, a long way to go honestly, as I keep getting distracted. One of the distractions is reminiscing about my youth and my travels with old photos. See my photo of me in Rome circa 2003! 

I do like to delve into the past and immerse myself with Singapore's rich history. So I am still reading about the fascinating lives of the early Armenians in Singapore! 

We know that you suffer from wanderlust yourself. When this Pandemic is finally over, and that you can go anywhere overseas where will your wanderlust take you and why?

If the world is my oyster, if I can go anywhere, I will want to go everywhere, but specifically, I would want to go to Spain, simply because I have never been. I have always wanted to. I want to eat, to discover its architecture and to relish its culture and heritage and there definitely has to be a visit to The Dalí Theatre and Museum in the town of Figueres, Catalonia, 

Spain. Dali is the most unusual, weird, intense but by far the most intriguing artist that had ever lived. At least, to me. 

After the world comes out of this dark time and that everyone can travel to Singapore again, what is the first thing or place you are most excited about showing our guests and why?

I would definitely bring my guests to and around Fort Canning Park. It never gets old. It is an ancient hill park that has such a rich and deep-rooted history. It has gorgeous flora and breathtaking sights too. It's an underrated national treasure. 

What is one thing that this very unfortunate event taught you or helped you realize?

That we are all connected. That we are all dependent on one another, not only on a local scale but really on a global scale. Also, that we have forgotten how to pause, to reflect, to just be, and to just be connected with ourselves. We have forgotten how to appreciate our beautiful earth, the wonderful people, our family, our friends, our colleagues, our lives, our very existence. 

Gene’s message to all

To all friends and future tourists to Singapore, may this severe separation and degradation, bring forth deeper faith in humanity, may it inspire ceaseless determination and may it encourage boundless charity to all life! My kindest thoughts. 

#instagood #repost #singapore #sg #adventure #welltraveled #travelstoke #hellosingaporetours #ilovesg #hellosg #singaporetour #sgtravel #singaporetourguide #coronadirary #covid19 #pandemic2020 #wewillriseagain #togetherwerise #thetravellingnomads #intravelist #backpackersintheworld #yoursingapore #travel #beautifulseason #visitsingapore #thisissingapore #singaporeinsiders

Let’s play a guessing game! This sweet local drink is a combination of fresh soy milk with black grass jelly. It was named after a very popular singer because of its color black and white can you guess what local drink is this?

If you guessed Michael Jackson, CONGRATULATIONS! you are right!. This is one of the must-try beverages in Singapore loved by locals and tourists alike. A perfect way to quench your thirst when you are on a Hello! Singapore Tour.

Making the Michael Jackson drink is pretty easy and you can even make it as the comforts of your home!

Quench your thirst with the Michael Jackson drink on your Hello! Singapore Tour.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup water

• soya milk

• 1 can grass jelly, cubed

• ice

  PROCEDURE

• In a pot add sugar and water.  Let it boil then simmer for at least 5 minutes.  Make sure that the sugar is totally dissolved.

• Pour the soya milk in a glass, Add the grass jelly, sugar syrup (according to the sweetness you like) and ice

  Enjoy your Michael Jackson drink!

Janice is one of our female Hello! Singapore tour guides. She has been working in the tourism industry for more than 15 years! A wanderlust like everyone, she has been traveling since she was 18 years old and yet, she still finds Singapore as the perfect destination for a holiday!

On her Hello! Singapore tours, she always shares stories about life growing up in Singapore and how the country has developed over the years. Now, Singapore is currently under a ‘circuit breaker’ where social distancing measures are strictly observed and that no social gathering is allowed, she shares with us her daily life under Covid-19 pandemic.

On a normal day, you are usually out on the streets showing our guests the beauty of Singapore. Given the travel restrictions imposed by several countries how are you spending your time now? What keeps you busy?

I’m a full-time private tutor at my tuition centre for teenagers 13-18, so I’m conducting classes online now.  

We know that you also suffer from wanderlust. When this Pandemic is finally over, and you can go anywhere overseas where will your wanderlust take you and why?

I have tickets to Bangkok that was booked for March. So Thailand first and everywhere else later! 

After the world comes out of this dark time and that everyone can travel to Singapore again, what is the first thing or place you are most excited about showing our guests and why?

I would love to continue the Hello! Singapore Food Tour! I missed all the local food on the tour, especially the laksa! 

What is one thing that this very unfortunate event taught you or helped you realize?

If we stand united, we can overcome this! Stay safe everyone! 

It’s true when they say that No Man Is An Island and this global pandemic is a testament that all of us matters. The Hello! Singapore Team, believes that we will all rise again and we will come back stronger.
Until we see you again!

#thetravellingnomads #intravelist #backpackersintheworld #yoursingapore #travel #beautifulseason #visitsingapore #thisissingapore #singaporeinsiders #wewillriseagain #wewillgetthroughthis #singaporean #welovesingapore #exploresingapore #meetthelocals #instagood #photooftheday #sg #tourism #travelbug #natgeotravelpic #lonelyplanet #hellosingaporetours #ilovesg #hellosg #streetsofsingapore #singaporetour #visitsingapore

Fried carrot cake is not your ordinary carrot moist cake made with carrots and dairy covered with cream cheese. Singaporean carrot cake is made with radish cake which is then stir-fried with eggs, preserved radish, and other seasonings. A must-try local food when you are on your Hello! Singapore tours.

Stir-fried carrot cake is a much-loved local comfort food in Singapore and can be consumed at various times of the day. If you find yourself craving for this tasty dish, we found an easy recipe for you foodies out there!

Video Credits: Asian Food TV

INGREDIENTS

• Ready-made carrot cake 800g

• Eggs 4

• Perserved Turnips (salted), aka Chai Poh, 50g

• Garlic 2 Tsp -

• Spring Onions 50g

• Cooking Oil 4 Tbsp

• Light soya sauce 1 tsp

• Dark soya sauce 2 tsp

• Sweet soya sauce 1 Tbsp

• Sesame Oil 2 Tsp

• White pepper

PROCEDURE

• Cut the ready-made carrot cake into small cubes

• Chopped the spring onions

• Crack and beat 2 eggs on a separate bowl -set aside

• Pour a small amount of cooking oil onto a frying pan and fry the carrot cake until soft and golden brown.- set aside

• Sautee garlic until golden brown. Add the cooked carrot cake, light soy sauce, sesame oil, dash of pepper and the chopped spring onion. - set aside.

• Sautee another set of garlic and add your fried carrot cake and add 1 egg, 2 teaspoons of dark soy sauce and sweet sauce.

• Mix well and serve

Now that you have a simple recipe and procedure of this tasty dish, you can now cook and serve it to your family and friends any time of the day! Happy cooking!

Recipes and procedures credited to Asian Food TV

Gee Soo is everyones best friend here at Hello! Singapore Tours. His energy shines through on his tours.

Now that there are no tours in Singapore because of the global pandemic, Gee Soo has made sure that he continues to contribute to the City by working as a Safe Distancing Ambassador. A great way to lend a helping hand in this time of crisis!

Hello! Singpore Tour guide Gee Soo enjoying is free time by walking around Singapore Gardens

On a normal day, you are usually out on the streets showing our guests the beauty of Singapore. Given the travel restrictions imposed by several countries how are you spending your time now? What keeps you busy?

I have been working as a Safe Distancing Ambassador since Singapore implemented the "Circuit Breaker" measures to fight against Covid19.

Definitely proud as I could contribute to the nation during this challenging time. We guides are so used to social interactions so it's not doing something unfamiliar but this time to educate the public with a mask on and always maintain safe Distancing.  (Eerrr...they can't see my lovely smile!)

On my off days, I have been busy gardening, drawing, cycling, cooking, learning online, and talking with mum & dad on the phone.

We know that you also suffer from wanderlust. When this Pandemic is finally over, and you can go anywhere overseas where will your wanderlust take you and why?

Ladakh India! It is one of the most amazing places I had been. It is far away from civilization and yet spiritually rich. The people, the landscape, the air, the milky way, the glaciers, the mountains, the personal unexplained link with the land. It's a place one would feel humble and definitely feel the love of mother Earth.

After the world comes out of this dark time and everyone can travel to Singapore again what is the thing or place you are most excited about showing our guests and why?

Food Food Food. No doubt the movement restrictions have wakened up many chefs inside us but at the same time, I just realized how much I miss the friendly chat over Kaya toast + Kopi at a local coffee shop and the 1001 types of delicious yummy marvelous hawker food we have in Singapore.

What is one thing that this very unfortunate event taught you or helped you realize?

Life is so unpredictable, live life to the fullest at every current moment. I

Gee soo’s message to everyone:

I would like to send my love to all our friends who came from different corners of the global village. Please take care of yourself and stay United stay at home. There is always light at the end of the tunnel! Hey, if you come back, Kopi + Kaya toast on me!! 

#thetravellingnomads #intravelist #backpackersintheworld #travel #beautifulseason #tripscout #digitalnomad #sustainabletravel #photographeveryday #amazing #photographyislife #keepexploring #livetoexplore #wandering #travelanddestinations #seetheworld #tlpick #travellingthroughtheworld #postcardsplace

Su Ling is a very kind person who genuinely loves sharing her passion and love for Singapore, thus she decided to leave her facilities management job of 15 years to become a professional Singapore tour guide. Being a professional Singapore tour guide boosted her soul and made her life more fulfilling.

Before WHO declared Covid-19 as a Pandemic, Su Ling attended a 2-day annual Heart-fulness meditation retreat in Hyderabad, India. A great help to have a calm and positive mindset in the midst of this crisis. A healthy mind is a healthy body. Now, that she is in Singapore, what keeps Su Ling busy in her free time?

Hello! Singapore tour guide Su Ling spent his free time last February in an annual mediation retreat in India.

On a normal day, you are usually out on the streets showing our guests the beauty of Singapore. Given the travel restrictions imposed by several countries how are you spending your time now? what keeps you busy?

I am an online class called Chinese metaphysics and learning digital marketing to learn how to promote myself as a guide! I also spent most of my time, cleaning the house, keeping fit and positive! 

We know that you also suffer from wanderlust. When this Pandemic is finally over, and you can go anywhere overseas where will your wanderlust take you and why?

Hope to go back to New York City again, cos my last trip was not enough, only 3 days! Plus Peru, cos its the next destination for spiritual! 

After the world comes out of this dark time and that everyone can travel to Singapore again, what is the first thing or place you are most excited about showing our guests and why?

Foods especially Chicken Rice, our national dish and our hospitality! 

What is one thing that this very unfortunate event taught you or helped you realize?
It taught us about humanity, about how everyone is connected, about loving every single beings and be one, including animals and of course, our universe. 

Su Ling’s message to everyone during this Pandemic

Be safe, stay healthy, positive, united, let’s combat the virus together and we shall meet again very soon!

#instagood #repost #singapore #sg #adventure #welltraveled #travelstoke #hellosingaporetours #ilovesg #hellosg #singaporetour #sgtravel #beautifuldestination #wewillriseagain #wehealasone #sinagporetourguide #privatetour #cusomisedtour #privateguide #personalguide #personaltour #Hellotours #hellosingapore #welovesingapore

Kopi is a traditional coffee commonly served in Malaysia and Singapore. Its aromatic smell and less bitter taste made it a local favorite drink from Singaporeans and tourists alike. There are different types of Kopi that you can order when you are on your Hello! Singapore city tour and will surely leave you wanting for more.

If you are craving a strong hit of caffeine and wanted to have a Kopi Singaporean style, we have gathered the simple recipe of Kopi that you can make at the comforts of your home.

Video credits: the silent tiger

INGREDIENTS

• A mug

• Coffee filter

• Coffee (roasted with margarine)

• Water

PROCEDURE

• In a container, put 12-15 grams of coffee per 8 oz cup.  

• Pour hot water (around 95 degrees Celsius), and stir. 

• Wait 4-5 minutes.

• Filter the coffee into the stainless pot using the coffee sock.

•  Pour coffee into the cup.

•  Put the condensed milk and/or sugar into a cup.

You can now enjoy your freshly made Kopi which is best paired with Kaya toast . Enjoy and happy snacking!

Singapore sling is a classic gin-based cocktail that every cocktail connoisseur needs to taste.- A must-try on your Hello! Singapore tour!. It was developed by a Hainanese bartender working at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore. Back in the day when it is considered inappropriate for women to drink alcohol in public, Ngiam Tong Boon found this a perfect opportunity to invent a perfect drink for women in distress especially for the upper-class women- Imagine a soldiers wife worried about his husband during the war- The Singapore Sling by then appeared to be a fruit punch, an acceptable drink for women to consume.

Singapore Sling is pretty easy to make. Get all your spirits and alcohols ready and we will teach you how to make your own Singapore Sling at home!

Video Credits: Tipsy Bartender

INGREDIENTS

• 1 oz. Gin

• 1/2 oz.Cherry Liqueur

• 1/3 oz.Grenadine

• 4 oz.Pineapple Juice

• 1/4 oz. (7.5ml) Cointreau

• 1/4 oz. (7.5ml) Bénédictine

• 1/2 oz. (15ml) Fresh Lime Juice

• 1 dash Angostura Bitters

• Garnish: Pineapple, Cherry

PROCEDURE

• Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a highball glass.

• Garnish with pineapple slice and cherry.

Enjoy your refreshing Singapore Sling! Happy drinking!

Photo credits to thespruceeats.com

A curry puff is a snack of Southeast Asian that is most popular in Singapore. It is a small pie consisting of curry with chicken and potatoes in a deep-fried or baked pastry shell. A local favorite to eat during breakfast or tea time. You can buy curry puff in any hawker center in Singapore or you can also try this delicious food when you book Hello! Singapore Food Tour.

Making curry puff is not really that complicated to do and you can even do it at the comforts of your home. below is the recipe and steps on how to make your homemade curry puff.

Video credits: MyKitchen101en

INGREDIENTS

For the filling

• 150g Russet potato (peeled and cut into cubes)

• 100g chicken meat (cut into small pieces)

• 2 tsp curry powder

• 1 ½ sugar

• ½ salt

• ½ tsp chicken stock powder (optional)

• 6 pcs curry leaves (optional) 20g shallot (chopped)

• 2 tbsp oil 3 tbsp water 1 egg (room temperature)

For the Dough

• 175g all-purpose flour

• 50g margarine

• 55g water

• ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp oil

PROCEDURE

• Cut chicken meat into small pieces, add in curry powder, sugar and salt, marinate for about 20 minutes.

• Steam both Russet potato and 1 egg for 10 minutes. When the egg is done, let it sits in cold water, this will make it easy to peel and get a clean looking egg.

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in wok or skillet, sauté chopped shallot until fragrant, add in marinated chicken, 6 pieces of curry leaves (optional), stir fry until almost done.

• Add in steamed potato, ½ tsp chicken stock powder (optional) and 3 tablespoon of water, stir until potato filling is thickened; filling should be wet but not dripping. Set aside to cool.

• For dough: Mix flour and salt, rub margarine into flour mixture. Add in 55g(ml) water, knead until dough is formed, knead in 1 teaspoon of oil. Wrap the dough with cling wrap and rest for 20 minutes.

•  Divide dough and filling into 6 equal portions. Flatten dough into round shape; fill with potato filling and ⅙ of hard-boiled egg.

• Fold in half, seal and pleat the edge.

• Deep-fry at 170°C until golden brown.

  Now, you can enjoy your home made curry puff with your family and friends! Happy snacking!

Recipe and procedure credited to mykitchen101en.com
Photo credits to allsingaporestuff.com

It is time once again for another Corona Diary stories from one of our Hello! Singapore Tour Guides. Let us hear it this time from Daryl or as what we call him Agent Daz . A very passionate tour guide that every guest he had surely say they had a fun and memorable Singapore tour.

Daryl used to work in the financial industry. After some self-reflection, and wanting to have a well-balanced life, he decided to follow his childhood dream of becoming a professional tourist guide. A well-thought decision with no regrets!

Now that Covid-19 Pandemic is affecting the world, where no tours and mass gatherings are allowed in the city. He has found other ways, to keep him busy. Find out from our short interview with the one and only Agent Daz!

Agent Daz having fun with this little kitten

On a normal day, you are usually out on the streets showing our guests the beauty of Singapore. Given the travel restrictions imposed by several countries how are you spending your time now? What keeps you busy?

Taking lots of online courses, Exercising, Playing with animals.

We know that you also suffer from wanderlust. When this Pandemic is finally over, and you can go anywhere overseas where will your wanderlust take you and why?

I love the blue ocean and white beaches in the Philippines.

After the world comes out of this dark time and that everyone can travel to Singapore again, what is the first thing or place you are most excited about showing our guests and why?
The natural beauty of Singapore. e.g. the walking trail of Macritchie Reservoir. Because, we need to “stop and smell the roses in life”, learn to appreciate the natural atmosphere around us.

What is one thing that this very unfortunate event taught you or helped you realize?

Life is too short, and it is not about material wealth. Friendship, love, camaraderie, is what is important in life.

Daryl’s Message to everyone

Looking forward to see you guys very soon.Meanwhile, to you and your family, STAY SAFE and STAY HEALTHY : )

#photooftheday #sg #instatravel #adventure #welltraveled #tourism #travelbug #lonelyplanet #travelstoke #hellosingaporetours #ilovesg #hellosg #singaporetour #sgtravel #sgtourguide #singaporetourguide #visitsingapore #wewillriseagain #beautifuldestination #singapore #singaporetourguide #personal tour