50 SHADES OF GREY

The haze is back, and with a vengeance too.  I'm all teary eyed.

PSI: 260.  Will it breach 400 like it did back in 2013?

It's a holiday and I'm keen to have my parents to try out the still fairly new London Fat Duck.  This morning they took one look outside the window and needed no convincing to remain indoors.  So I strapped on my mask and dived into the smog.  

The restaurant opened at 11AM.  I waddled in at 11:05AM to find the place packed, and a gaggle waiting to be let it.  Despite the bustle, the service was pretty decent.  I managed to place my order for takeaway at 11:11, picked it up at 11:41 and arrived home at 12PM sharp.   Mission accomplished.

It was exceptionally tasty London Roast Duck Noodle (S$7.80) and crackling on the Pork Belly (S$13.80) was to die for.  Well worth the dive into the haze earlier on.

PSI 323

Some time ago, I posted photos of the views from my apartment windows.  Here's what I'm seeing this morning.

It's a sad state of affairs. Frankly, I'm all choked up.

EPIC SMOG

For those of us who live to tell the tale, the last few days have been rather dramatic for Singapore.  Fast-food deliveries have been cancelled, the army has suspended field training, and face masks, air purifiers and eye drops are flying off the shelves. The smog, caused by the illegal burning of forests on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, is a persistent problem for us every year.

This year's smoke haze, however, might well be chronicalized.  Yesterday at 1PM, our pollution standards index (PSI) soared to a smothering 371. We all held our breaths and wonder if the number will rise further.  Today at 12PM the reading breached 400. If the air quality value is considered hazardous at 300, then what of 401?

It is time to shop for important things.