I think I need a new picture family . . .

I have taken a lot of pictures on our trip.  Every day, lots of pictures.  I figured when I get really old, and even more forgetful than I am now, I will have these pictures to help me remember this adventure.  The girls on the other hand, are tired of being in pictures, tired of smiling and have grown weary of our requests to get them in pictures.  So while we were touring the Istana (Istana is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore.  Built by the British and handed over to Singapore in 1959 when Singapore attained self government), I decided to take another approach.  I selected a nice person or family and took a picture of them instead.  The Istana is only open to the public a few days every year so this was our only chance.  I couldn't be deterred by my family not wanting to be in pictures. 

Let's get a picture at the entry gates.

Ok, smile, 1, 2, 3 . . . oh wait, you don't know me.  I am not even in your family. 

What about this cheerful group in front of the Istana.  This is a building equivalent to the White House.  Leaders from other countries are greeted here, dinners hosted, and meetings held.  There were many of the gifts from visiting countries on display  (No worries, the U.S. was represented and had given a beautiful white bowl with gold trim and the Presidential seal.)  Couldn't take pictures inside so picture fancy State rooms, fancy china and lots of fancy, shiny gifts displayed.  It was elegant and beautiful. 

This pond was near the statue of the British Queen Victoria.  I am sure the mom is wondering why I am standing right next to her husband snapping a picture of them.  Sorry, my family is done with me for the moment. 

The grounds of the Istana are beautiful and lush.  Lots of plants and trees.    Even a nine-hole golf course.

Great view of the country too.

The man in the center below, with the brown, orange and white patterned shirt and gray hair is the PRESIDENT of SINGAPORE.  He is known as Mr. S. R. Nathan.  That's right, look at how close we were.  He was touring the Istana grounds during the Open House.  He was obviously wearing his, "hey I am having a few friends over to my place" casual outfit. 

President S. R. Nathan has been in office for 12 years (two 6-year terms) and will be

stepping down in September of this year.   He is in his 80's.  

There are no term limits for the office of the President in Singapore. 

Step right up and get your picture taken with the First Lady of Singapore, Mrs. Nathan.  Up next, two American girls.  Many people were getting pictures taken with her.  There were people all around following the President and also surrounding the First Lady.  There was a lot of excitement in the air. 

Below is one of the guards at the entrance/exit of the Istana.  No smiling or movement (well, except for blinking) from him.  He held his position.  The girls thought they could get him to crack.  There is a formal changing of the guards during the evening. 

Side note, in my families defense when they saw me taking pictures of other people, then they would offer themselves for a picture so I do have some pictures of my actual family too.  Thought you would appreciate what I go through.  Woe is me!

Tie Dye will be posting today and Keylime has some new pics on her page too.