Mr. Samarjit Chattopadhyay speaks about the iconic building in Singapore Marina Bay Sands where he dined with his family, the unique swimming pool at Sands SkyPark, the iconic statue at Merlion Park and the festive beauty of Christmas.

Singapore, a city-state known for its impeccable discipline and cleanliness, captivates visitors with well-maintained roads and a city that sparkles. Among its many attractions, Marina Bay Sands stands as an iconic testament to architectural brilliance. Comprising three 55-storey hotel towers linked by a sprawling 1-hectare roof terrace—the Sands SkyPark—it offers an unparalleled experience. Perched atop Marina Bay Sands is the worlds largest elevated body of water, a 150-meter infinity-edge swimming pool. Exclusive to hotel guests, this aquatic marvel, designed with a vanishing edge, provides a surreal experience of swimming among the clouds. The SkyPark, adorned with lush gardens and top-notch restaurants, completes the sensory delight with a legendary view.
Within the confines of Marina Bay Sands, a world of entertainment unfolds. A mall, a museum, a grand theatre, and celebrity chef restaurants beckon, alongside two floating crystal pavilions, art-science exhibits, and the worlds largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines. One can indulge in Italian cuisine and cocktails with a panoramic view of the Singapore skyline, or catch the mesmerizing Spectra—A Light and Water Show at the Event Plaza.
Opposite this architectural marvel stands the Singapore Flyer, one of the world’s four largest observation wheels. While taking a ride in it, we were exposed to a fabulous panorama, showcasing the city’s beauty.
Singapore’s The Night Safari, is a unique nocturnal wildlife experience, which shouldn’t be missed at all. It introduces a vibrant, active animal kingdom illuminated against the night sky.
We ventured to Sentosa Island, by mono rail – though it is connected by various modes of transport – we found this mode interesting. It unveiled Tiger Sky Tower at Sentosa Station. The panoramic views there extended as far as Indonesia, providing a breathtaking perspective.
We also visited the Merlion Park, famous for the iconic statue which is also the mascot of Singapore – half lion and half fish. At night its beauty enhances due to the glowing lights. Overlooking the Marina Bay it looks wonderful at the waterfront.
Halloween takes center stage with elaborate costumes, transforming the city into a bewitching spectacle. From ghosts to witches, people don attires ranging from sunglasses to masks, creating an enchanting atmosphere of parties and celebrations. We too enjoyed being a part of it.
Singapore embraces Christmas with exuberance—festive lights, charming decorations, and photo opportunities galore. Streets come alive with creative displays, food vendors, Christmas concerts, and rides for kids. The celebration kicks off from November 1st, transforming malls, shops, restaurants, and even the airport into a festive spectacle.
As the city transitions into the Chinese New Year, Singaporeans celebrate with grandeur, marking the occasion with pomp and show.

Our member Ms Bithi Ghosh had visited the Colorado Plateau and the Grand Canyon it is famous for. She shares the uniqueness of the place and the reason why people visit it.
In the year 2000 I had gone to visit my son who stays in Los Angeles. While staying there he had come across a very endearing person who had become a very close family friend of ours. My son used to lovingly call her American Mom. When I visited the US, I met her and she was an absolute wonderful host and took us for a visit to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon and the river Colorado.
It was an exceptional experience, as this was absolutely different from most of the places that I had visited till then. Its unique geological make with the multitude of imposing peaks, buttes, gorges, and ravines leaves you absolutely spellbound. To understand the place in its simplest way, I would say it covers a large portion of the southwestern United States and consists essentially of horizontal layered rocks and lava flows.
Deposits of various substances over millions of years like granite, limestone, sandstone etc. have created the marvellous walls of the Canyon, the exposed rocks of the Canyon wall and the branched trees metamorphosed over there are beyond explanation.
The Colorado river has created history. It with its sharp torrent of water has been able to create a path cutting through the rocks which is a marvel in itself.
Our basic intension was to witness the sunrise there. We reached there the night before. There were plenty of places available for tourists to stay. We woke up much before dawn and went to view the sunrise. What we saw was ecstatic. The early sunbeams falling on the yellowish-brown rocks around was breathtaking. The orange hues in the sky seemed to be a reflection of the land around.
The rocks of Arizona and the Colorado river with its intricate chasm is worth a visit.