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off the tourist track in Singapore

So far, we've visited the usual places that tourists gravitate to. But we were able to see the other side of Singapore; the side that residents see. Franco, Val's friend who lives in Singapore, invited us to a picnic dinner at one of the barbecue pits at the East Coast Lagoon Food Village. The cab driver said that this is a popular makan place for locals, which (to me) meant an opportunity to experience what life in Singapore is really like.


The barbecue pit we had dinner in faced the beach and gave us ringside seats to the view of more cargo ships out in the water. This place was definitely less crowded and more relaxed; it was worlds away from the chaos of Clarke Quay or Bugis, for instance. It did have a Sentosa-like vibe but without an excess of commercial establishments.


Franco had prepared a delicious meal of grilled deli meats and freshly baked bread. His banter with his bubbly son provided such a nice entertainment... it felt so much like being at home rather than being a tourist. Of course, the environment behind us helped: the food village behind us not only had food to serve; a band performed live in one corner as well.


When we've had our fill of food and laughter, it was time to go back to our hotel to rest up. It was great to meet Franco and his son and Val and I are very thankful for him getting us a glimpse of Singaporean life.


I'm sure Leonce, Chantal, and Myra also had a great time.
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