Balance in the way we live and eat for a healthy life. This is the underlying premise of Ayurveda - the ancient Indian philosophy and system of medicine. The word “Ayurveda” is Sanskrit, meaning “knowledge of life and longevity”. It is said that Ayurveda traditions practices developed in the mid-first millennium BCE. Over the years it has spread beyond India and has been globalised and modernised as a type of alternative medicine.

In this Explore Singapore! programme we will introduce you briefly to the basic ideas of Ayurveda and then have a hands-on class in Ayurvedic cooking. Ayurvedic diets emphasise balance in the foods consumed, therefore you will gain knowledge about the spices and foods utilised to achieve balance. You will learn to make an appetizer, main course and a dessert. After cooking, you will get to enjoy the dishes.

All ingredients, recipes and methods will be provided.

Today the district of Tiong Bahru is a trendy, hipster enclave.  But do you know that it was one of the first areas to be redeveloped by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) way back in the 1930s?  These iconic blocks of Art Deco flats with rounded balconies, some looking like an aeroplane or boat, tell of days gone by.  Let Explore Singapore take you on a guided walking tour, listen to the stories of the past and discover many different facets of early Singapore.  Discover what is both above and below! the ground, all in this one small area.

Singapore is well known for many positive things, from a superb airport to delicious and cheap street foods and, an excellent education system. Apart from the standard academic, technological and vocational schools and institutions, few people will know that there is also a reputable international school which trains people in state of the art jewellery design.

Join Explore Singapore on this fascinating tour to find out about the school and what it takes to design a unique piece of jewellery and see how a piece of quality jewellery is produced.

We will be able to observe demonstrations of traditional jewellery design on paper and computer aided jewellery design as well as learn about different production techniques, including new technologies like powder metallurgy. To cap it off, we will watch the start-to-finish production of a fine piece of jewellery.

Apart from techniques, our speakers and guides will talk about the wide range of gems available on the market today, the factors which affect their value, how to get the best value for a budget and share some tips on tell-tale signs of imitations.