It is almost mid-2020 and the fight for COVID-19 is still far from over. Whilst borders are closed and people are told to stay inside the house and observe social distancing outside, It looks like that Mother nature is healing and its children are celebrating the serenity and peacefulness of their outside world.

It is pretty evident that this Pandemic has a positive effect on Mother nature from Dolphins returning to the canals of Venice, the decrease of air pollutions in China, and many countries, and in Singapore, you will see more of otters roaming around the city.

Singapore’s’ circuit breaker will finally end on June 2 and with stringent measures put in place, the city will gradually allow travelers to transit through Changi Airport, as it prepares to ease some COVID-19 restrictions and reopen its borders.

A spark of light in the darkness, soon when everything has opened and we’re living in a new normal, Hello! Singapore tours will be here to show you the new normal in Singapore. Living to its vision on having a clean and green city, you will surely see more of the wildlife like that of the otters roaming around, and who knows, they might approach you whilst you are with your Hello! Singapore tour guide

#thetravellingnomads #intravelist #backpackersintheworld #travel #beautifulseason #tripscout #digitalnomad #sustainabletravel #photographeveryday #amazing #photographyislife #keepexploring #livetoexplore #wandering #travelanddestinations #seetheworld #tlpick #travellingthroughtheworld #postcardsplace #covid19 #pandemic2020

We are happy to welcome a recent addition to the Hello! Singapore Tours Team, Richard Kan. Richard is a graduate of Electrical Engineering with a diploma in Marketing. He has worked 30 years in the corporate world in various industries but has found passion in tour guiding thus leaving the corporate world and became a Hello! Singapore tour guide. Richard loves telling stories that he sees fit to his guests’ interests thus making his tour very personalized.

A wanderlust like everyone else, he also loves walking around ‘like a local’ every time he is overseas to discover the best local places to eat. He is passionate about Singapore and always on the go to discover different places to eat or places to visit where he can bring his guests making his tours more fun and memorable.

Now that, Singapore is still observing its Circuit Breaker measure to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, we had a chance to catch up with Richard and he shared with us his everyday COVID-19 story.

Singapore Tour guide Richard enjoying his household chores

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?

When the Circuit Breaker in Singapore started, I spent the first two weeks being a couch potato catching up on all the TV dramas and movies that I had planned to watch but never had the time to do so before.

Then for the next four weeks, I started on a project converting my church’s 25 years of audio cassette tapes to digital Mp3 and setting up their Audio Library server. It was a laborious task (10 hours each day) but it was fulfilling and I felt a great achievement once it was completed.

I also kept myself busy doing some domestic chores and found that I really enjoy the simple task of walking to the local wet markets and food centres to buy food for the family – It also helps me clock my daily 10,000 steps!

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?

My planned trips this year to Moscow, Melbourne, and Seattle have been canceled by the airline. So I hope to proceed with all these trips in 2021, especially Moscow as that is on our (my wife and me) bucket list.

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?

The full Hello Singapore food tour experience of course! I can’t wait to show our guests the wonderful local culture of our little red dot island and all that “Food, glorious food!” that Singapore has to offer.

What is the one thing that you this very unfortunate event taught you and why?

I realize that it is good to take a step back sometimes, take things slow and reflect. But I also should not procrastinate on completing the things that I had planned to do.

Richard’s message to our Hello! Tours guests and friends:

As the saying goes, “Change is the only constant in life”. This pandemic is certainly a huge change in all our lives, and things will be very different as we move forward. Although we all need to make significant adjustments, we can still learn new discoveries, face new challenges, gain new experiences, and make new memories. So stay safe and take care, and I hope to meet and take you to a Hello Singapore food tour soon!

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No one has ever been prepared for the COVID-19 Pandemic that has affected the whole world. It literally stopped everything as several countries have closed their airports as a part of their measure to protect its citizen and prevent the spread of the deadly Virus. A lot of businesses were greatly affected especially to the travel and tourism industry.

Several tourism businesses were put into hibernation or worst closed their business and employees were laid off trying to stay afloat in this crisis. Businesses needed to do what they can to survive. Just like any other tour operator, Hello! Singapore Tours CEO and Founder Laura Blackhall have a different approach on how to deal with this Pandemic. Watch her interview below as she shares her view and showed her resilience in dealing with COVID-19 Pandemic.

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A well-loved dish, Hokkien Prawn Mee is a variant consists of egg noodles and rice noodles stir-fried with egg, slices of pork, prawns, and squid, and served and garnished with vegetables, small pieces of lard, sambal sauce and lime (for adding the lime juice to the dish).

You can buy this delicious dish in any hawker centers in Singapore. If you are on a tour, feel free to tell your Hello! Singapore tour guide and add this in your itinerary.

If you have a sudden craving for some Singaporean dish, below is the recipe for a made Hokkien Prawn Mee.

Video Credits: theMEATMENchannel

INGREDIENTS

• SEAFOOD BROTH

• 1 kg prawn heads and shells

• 1 kg pork bone

• 3 cloves of garlic

• 3 shallots

• 2 tbsp oil

• 2 litres boiling water

• 1 tbsp white peppercorns

• 80 g ikan bilis

• 30 g rock sugar

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• TOPPINGS

• 1 kg prawn

• 2 medium squid

• 200 g pork belly (poached in 4 slices of ginger)

• 2 fish cake

• 100 g chives

• PER PORTION OF HOKKIEN MEE

• 150 g yellow noodles

• 75 g thick bee hoon

• 75 g thin bee hoon

• 3 tbsp pork lard

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 cup seafood broth

• 6 poached prawns

• 6 poached squids

• 6 slices poached pork belly

• 6 slices fish cake

• 1/4 cup bean sprouts

• 1 tsp light soya sauce

• 1/2 tsp dark soya sauce

• handful of chives

PROCEDURE

• Seperate 1kg prawns from shells

• Slice 3 cloves of garlic and 3 shallots

• Add 2 tbsp oil ot pot

• Stir fry garlic and shallot till fragrant

• Add prawn heads and shells

• Add 2 litres of boiling water, then 1 tbsp white peppercorns, 80g ikan bilis, 30g rock sugar, 1 tbsp fish sauce and 1kg pork bones

• Bring to boil and let it simmer for 45 mins

• Poach 200g pork belly with ginger slices

• Slice into strips and set aside

• Clean 2 medium size squids and slice into rings

• Remove all the ingredients from broth

• Bring broth to boil

• Slightly poach squid rings, then prawns, in broth

• Slice 2 fish cakes, and cut 100g of chives into 5cm length

• Add 2 tbsp pork lard to hot pan, and stir fry one beaten egg

• Add 150g yellow noodles, 75g thick bee hoon, 75g thin bee hoon

• Add a little dark soya sauce for color

• Add 1 tsp light soya sauce, and stir fry 1 tbsp minced garlic with lard

• Add squid, prawn, porkbelly, and fish cake

• Add 1/2 cup seafood broth for both

• Add 1/4 cup bean sprouts

• Cover and cook for 3 mins

• Add a little dark soya sauce for color

• Finish with handful of chives

Making your own Hokkien Prawn Mee seem complicated but it is all worth a try! Happy cooking!

Recipe and procedure credits to themeatmen.sg

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!

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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!

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