Feuerzangenbowlenparty in Singapore

Not too long ago in an airy night at Erich's we suddenly were kind of feeling a very cool breeze around the Wuerstelstand. It was so bad that some of us even got goose bumps! Can you imagine, in usually hot Singapore. Well, anyway it was winter time in the northern hemisphere, we saw reports of snowstorms in the US and elsewhere so the right time to feel cold, isn't it. The temperature were really low at about 25 deg at night!

So we came up with the glorious idea that it was about time to organise a Gluehwein- or Feuerzangenbowle-Party (hot wine with sugar, rum, oranges, cinamon and cloves. A polpular drink during cold winter month and freezing temperatures)!!!!!! Astonished? Why? We have regular snow storms during Xmas light up, a snow city with a 60m downhill slope and an ice scating rink. So why not a Gluehwein party?

Uncle Claus our nutty "Professor Bunsenbrenner" claimed to have all the necessary tools (sure you keep such things in Singapore for winter nights??). So Feuerzangenbowle it was. The name translates literally as "Fire Pliers Punch". It is a German alcoholic drink, sometimes part of the Christmas and New Year's tradition. The drink is prepared in a bowl, similar to a fondue set, which usually is suspended over a small fuel burner. The bowl is filled with heated red wine, and occasionally orange juice and/or spices similar to those used in ordinary mulled wine.
The "Feuerzange" is a metal holder for the "Zuckerhut" (sugarloaf), a large conical mass of sugar around seven inches long, which is placed above the bowl. The sugar is soaked in rum and set alight, and rum is continually added with a ladle until all the sugar has melted and mixed with the wine. The rum must have a strength of at least 54% alcohol (per volume), as it would otherwise not burn properly. The resulting drink is then served in mugs, in the same way as Glühwein, and the burner keeps the bowl warm until it is emptied.
Dr. Bunsenbrenner professionally pouring Rum over the sugar
So here we go. See some of the party impressions:Watch the curious crowd in the background! "What are the crazy Ang Moh's doing there? Unbelieveable!"Papparazi hanging hanging around the Wuerstelstand to capture the action and to get the best shots.

The fire is on!Party crowd Claus smiling, Roberto biting his lips? What's going on? There are rumors though.........................
More pics:

Feuerzangenbowle

Christmas in the Tropics

The magical Christmas extravaganza is back and on untill 2 January 2008.

With a host of exciting events including festive performances, entertainment events, shopping specials, concerts and dance parties, as well as the popular brilliant display of lights at Orchard Road and Marina Bay. “Christmas in the Tropics" is a major tourism attraction for Singapore according to the Singapore Tourism Board. This Christmas spectacle comes with a variety of events from shopping to dining and entertainment.

A survey shows that one in five visitors last year have planned their trips to coincide with Singapore’s Christmas celebration and the Tourism Board is hoping that this year would not be any different.

With an amazing Christmas Light-up which by the way has always been the visitors favourite, Singapore wants to create the most memorable Christmas experience for them.

Themed “A Fairytale Christmas” this year it stretches over 3 km from Orchard Road (including Scotts Road), Tanglin Road to Plaza Singapura and the Marina Bay area from Hotel Rendezvous to Raffles Avenue. This area has been transformed into a bewitching Crystal Forest decked with magnificent chandeliers, magic harps, glittering jewels, dazzling lights in red, gold and white, and even a magical carousel. Dick Lee, Singapore's famous composer, who is the Creative Director for the second consecutive year, has conceptualized this fantasy land for the unfolding of a fairytale inspired by the Nutcracker Suite, which tells the story of handsome Prince Noel who goes in search of his missing true love, Princess Ballerina, through the Crystal Forest.
Apart from the Light-Up, another key highlight is the "Celebrate Christmas in Singapore" event, with the theme ‘Christmas – It’s All About Love’. Visitors can look forward to Christmas-themed performances nightly at various locations along Orchard Road as well as a colourful parade of floats from 15 to 24 December.
More information about all events can be found at the Singapore Tourism Board Website.

Since the light up people are storming the City Centre to see the lights and many of them have already started a serious Christmas shopping spree.

"Rudi" and colleagues galloping through Singapore's sky
Paragon Shopping Centre has always been a highlight with their beautiful deco

Paragon Starbucks "Santa's" are ready to round up the Xmas experience for Tourists and Locals
On the walkway in front of Takashimaya a group of "Red Indians" are playing their folks songs. Singapore a melting pot of cultures.
A 3 storey Xmas tree in the lobby of Takashimaya is one of the most photographed tress every year...............Teddy's Christmas Tree and clothes
..............Masses of shopper at Centre Point Shopping Centre.
................ And the Taxi queue
................A festive decoration where ever you go


........Last but not least Raffels City and famous Raffles Hotel
There would be so much more to cover about Singapore's Xmas spectacle but you need time for searching all the locations. For me it was a long nights walk to see all these nicely decorated places. Stop by at our Wuerstelstand Blog for updates and to see more click the picture below.

Christmas Light-up in Singapore