Local funnyman and self-proclaimed ah beng giving a tour of the National Museum? As incredulous as this sounds, the Explore Singapore! ambassador conducted not one, but TWO tours on 1 December for a whopping 180 people to much aplomb and success!

To find out just what the eager participants discovered (and what you missed out), you’ll just have to read on!

The first tour was scheduled to start at 10.30am and 101 people showed up instead of the original 90! Folks from all walks of life and across all generations were eagerly awaiting the star of local sitcom Police and Thief.

The tour kicked off under the famous red Suzann Victor swinging chandeliers that hang above the length of the link bridge. Installed at three metres above the floor of the bridge and one and a half metres apart, each chandelier swings across the bridge’s width in sequence or in a staggered pattern. The lights on each chandelier intensify to maximum brightness on the inward arch and dim on the outward arc.

Then it was off to the Film Gallery where Mark shared anecdotes about famous Malaysian actor, director and songwriter P. Ramlee.

Guess how many light bulbs adorn this puppet stage?

100? 200? 600?
It’s actually an amazing 1000 bulbs!

From Film we crossed over to Fashion where Mark walked the participants through fashion icons and styles through the ages and races. Check out the uber old Singer sewing machine!

Next up was the Photography Gallery – Mark’s favourite. In this gallery, he passionately points out the stories behind these black and white photographs, and how several generations ago, inter-racial marriages already existed.

Finally, we end up in a gallery that is close to every Singaporean’s heart – Food! Standing in the middle of the gallery, Mark pointed out the history behind street food sold by hawkers from the 1950s to 1970s, such as laksa, satay and roti prata. In the inner gallery, Mark shared how recipes for certain dishes were written down, accompanied by detailed drawing of spices commissioned by First Resident and Commandant of Malacca (and later Singapore), and sent back to England.

From seeing and smelling food, participants rounded off this celebrity tour with free refreshments and curry puffs courtesy of Old Chang Kee. And of course, the requisite happy snaps as a keepsake. Check out the three generation family of 10 that came for the tour!

Discover More With Mark Lee is part of Explore Singapore! which happens from 10 November 2007 to 31 December 2007. For more information on Explore Singapore!, visit http://www.museums.com.sg/explore or call 62214463.