{Universal Studios Singapore}

As I looked around me in a chilly cabin, I could see my little sister breathing slowly, deep in sleep, and my mom absorbed in an engrossing book. I could hear snippets of a conversation between my dad and my brother about soccer (defense, scoring goals, how renowned soccer players were transferred to other teams...). As the plane launched into the sky, I knew I was ready for it to take us to our desired destination. After a few hours of flipping pages of different books, listening to a variety of music, from classical to rock to pop, and (unsuccessfully) trying to fall asleep, my family and I finally arrived in Singapore. The first two days there were full of shopping and devouring delectable food, but on Monday we went to Universal Studios on Sentosa Island for the first time. Universal Studios had different zones in it: New York, Ancient Egypt, Madagascar, Hollywood, Far Far Away, Sci - Fi City, The Lost World... even the shops were nicely themed!

I always feel elated when I am in a theme park - everything is so bright and colorful, and there are numerous things you can do there in just one day. Whenever I look at something elaborate there, I can imagine the hard work that was put into it to make others feel like they are in a very cheerful place. I was able to take a lot of pictures there, but being in a euphoric place like that one felt bittersweet to me. I had a fantastic time, but it was my last day in Singapore, and one of the last days of summer.

Sometimes I thought about how many more days I had until school started - it would be the end of sleeping late, waking up late, and reading whenever I felt like it. Arriving at the beach, feeling the cool and comforting breeze, seeing the trees lazily sway in the wind, and the familiar feeling of sand between my toes. Being able to bake more than twice a day, and taking photographs whenever I wanted to. I realized that I had to have as much fun as possible there, because even though I was leaving that place soon, I should always remember every moment I have had that was filled with bliss.

First up - Madagascar!

We then went to the Lost World Zone. One of our favorite attractions at the theme park was Waterworld.

It was filled with breathtaking stunts and amazing explosions!

Yes, he really is on fire!

I was so surprised when the plane crashed in - I'm glad I was able to take this picture!

This part of the show was really action - packed. People were falling in the water, riding on jet skis, and more! I can't believe that I took this photo while he was midair. Some of my pictures were taken once the people in the show had already fallen in the water!

It was so cool whenever someone was thrown into the toxic waste!

This big explosion occurred at the end of the Waterworld show.

I really like New York and Hollywood - it really felt like I was in the actual places!

Everybody was kung fu fighting, na na na na na na na na na na!

This is where we ate for lunch. We had dim sum, chicken satay, fried rice, and a barbecue platter with roast duck, suckling pig, roast pork, and soy chicken. Delicious!

Hopefully we can eat here next time - pizza, pasta, salad...yum!

Lights, Camera, Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg

This was a really great attraction from Universal Studios. We witnessed how special effects were used for a scene wherein a big hurricane was about to hit New York City.

I wasn't aware of the people in the background until now!

There were two attractions that we went to that were in this castle: Shrek 4-D Adventure and Donkey Live!

Donkey was hilarious He made a lot of jokes and interacted with people from the audience!

As we were leaving Universal Studios, we stopped by a Hershey's store. Giant Hershey Bars were being sold there - they are so huge compared to the regular Hershey's bars!

I have put all these pictures and the other pictures on my blog into a flickr account that I have just made recently. Do any of you have a flickr account? If you do, please tell me in the comments section below so that I can add you as a contact.

Here's to the end of a magnificent summer. I hope that this upcoming school year will be even better!