The National Day Heartlanders Celebration is the closest I would get to experience the natsu matsuri (summer festivals) that must be going on in full rage in Japan nowadays. But instead of tucking into yakisoba and walking leisurely amidst the carnival stalls in await of the fireworks, I am bombarded with horrendous crowds everywhere. Today, the quintessential Singaporean character is out in full force as I witness more than one of my countrymen queuing to get something they don’t even know. But since we are given coupons, everyone knows that what awaits us at the end of our turn is something FREE.

Honestly, I think it’s a bit sad that our national character is predicated so much on getting free stuff, but who am I to judge. I was queueing like the best of them - and thank goodness I did. For the spread of snacks and beverages exceeded my wildest expectations. For the sake of truffle potato chips, I will put aside my skepticism and embrace our national hobby. Queue for a better tomorrow!