Gentlemen, it’s time to stop relying on your sister/mum/girlfriend for style advice; Otwo is here to help find your way through the meandering maze of high street trends and high fashion inspirations. Updating your wardrobe need not be a chore reserved for those panicked moments before a night out or special occasion of some sort. And there’s no need to stick to a uniform; casual dressing doesn’t necessarily mean hoodies and tracksuit bottoms. The high street has much more to offer than your average slogan t-shirt and a pair of runners.

The jeans department of any store may seem overwhelming – hundreds of pairs of seemingly similar looking pairs of denims. What style? What shape? If skinny jeans are too much for you, fear not. Straight styles are a less extreme version and still avoid the baggy nineties look that no one wants to repeat. Stick to darker colours, such as navy blue and maroon, although beige chino-style trousers also work well. Darker denim is generally advisable, as lighter denim does no favours for anyone. In the shoe department, high tops and canvas boat shoes are the more stylish alternative to white runners. Cardigans are a wardrobe stable that don’t have to look like they came out of your granny’s wardrobe, chunky knits in winter colours are a safe bet. They will not only keep you warm through the last of the cold months (well, realistically in this country you’ll be wearing them through until early summer), but they’ll also prove to be a better alternative to your average coloured hoodie. Patterned t-shirts such as the Aztec-style one featured here offer a subtle focal point and are bound to get a compliment or two – assuring you’ll meet those sartorial standards without your clothes screaming out for attention. Cheeky retro-style prints such as this ET one are also an easy way to add interest to what you’re wearing, whether you’re recycling an old favourite or picking it up for a few euro in a bargain basement.

Accessorising can be kept simple with a woollen scarf or a leather belt: the simpler, the more effective. This will set off block colours, simple stripes and layered tops. There’s no need to over-stylise or look too polished by making an effort with your wardrobe; simple polo shirts and well cut jeans are all you need to look like you haven’t just rolled out of bed and thrown on whatever you have on the floor. Well, maybe you have – but the clothes on your floor just happen to be remarkably well co-ordinated and stylish … apart from a few beer stains perhaps.

Sharp. Clean. Minimalist. What better way to start off the New Year than embracing the sleek lines of Celine and Jill Sander’s shows and giving your wardrobe a new beginning? Enough with the festive jumpers and drab winter colours; it’s time for a fashion overthrow and a clean start. Minimalism found itself at the forefront of trends at this year’s Spring/Summer 2012 shows. Celine continued their reign over the modern, minimalist look, prompting clean cuts and straight lines to be a major trend for the high street to follow.

And you don’t have to look far, or take out a loan, to find yourself commanding this trend in an everyday way. In fact, this look can be built from the simplest pieces from your wardrobe, combined with some more structural, tailored items that aren’t easy to miss on the high street. Simply stick to the basics – blazers, t-shirts, skirts. Block colours and geometric patterns help to bring out the individuality of each piece.

Minimalism is as simple to pull off as it looks. Colour-blocking is key, but don’t be afraid to throw in a few geometric shapes here and there. Stripes work well, but basically anything that involves a straight line will do the same job. High-waisted, knee-length pencil skirts are everywhere this season, and with good reason. They elongate the figure and when worn in block colours, they provide an eye-catching statement outfit and a great foundation to base the rest of your look around. They’re versatile too – a cotton or jersey skirt can easily be worn with flats and a cardigan during the day to college, and all you need to do is throw on a pair of chunky heels and some statement jewellery and you’re ready to go at night.

Guys can follow similar rules when it comes to the minimalist look. Geometric t-shirts make a statement and sharp shoulders compliment this. Emphasis on chest pockets is big this season – contrast stripes and t-shirt pockets, and combine with a simple pair of jeans to keep the look clean.

Although accessorising may seem like exactly what you’re not supposed to do with this look, it is crucial if you want to cement the entire look together. Bright clutches and boxy bags are the perfect complement to your outfit. Stack up the bangles too – the chunkier the better. Jewellery in any strong, bold shape and colour will emphasise the look, but just don’t overload accessories; stick either to bracelets or necklaces, both tends to be too much.

Finish off the look with some bright, matt lip colour and a slick high ponytail (boys, only if you want to) and you have the perfect fresh start to 2012.

Forget knitted Aran jumpers and granny cardigans; Irish fashion has come a long way from traditional knitwear to become a melting pot of cutting-edge talent and innovative design. Although renowned for our creativity on most fronts, fashion was never our strongest department. Overshadowed by our British and American counterparts, Irish design talent struggled to be seen through the midst of more vocal fashion hotspots. The Irish fashion and design landscape however, has changed beyond recognition in recent years thanks to the talents of those such as J. W. Anderson, the bright young star of London Fashion Week, and Simone Rocha – the daughter of the household name John Rocha – who is making waves in the fashion scene in her own right. New talent is right around the corner.

Simone Rocha has proved to be an emerging star with the talent to take on her father’s prestige and image, and carve out a name in her own right. The twenty-three year old Dublin-born designer graduated from NCAD with a BA in Fashion, before going on to gain an MA from Central Saint Martins. With these qualifications and success knocking on her door before she had even finished college, it was clear that Simone Rocha was certainly not being shafted as a result of her father’s fame in the same field; she has real talent and the industry is recognising it. From being chosen as one of Selfridge’s “Bright Young Things” of 2011, to Lady Gaga posing in her designs on the January 2012 cover of Elle, it looks like nothing will stop this Irish talent.

Her show at this year’s London Fashion Week, where she debuted her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, was her first solo showing that did not encompass the mentorship and platform of Fashion East, the programme run by Lulu Kennedy which seeks out young, up-and-coming designers and helps them build a solid foundation through a collaborative process under Kennedy’s watchful eye. Graduation from this, and producing a critically acclaimed show proves that the other Rocha is big news for 2012.

Although her father made his name with his affection for traditional Irish fabrics and his distinctly Celtic connections, his daughter appears to be taking that design aesthetic to a new level and a new audience. Her father even stated in a recent interview in The Independent that: “I think Simone’s view of fashion is quite different to mine in that there is a more youthful element, and it’s more edgy,” yet her clean lines and sleek tailoring are a testimony to her father’s aesthetic. In any case, she is showcasing Irish talent to the world, and as her profile soars, so too will Ireland’s design reputation.

J. W. Anderson, although not a household name yet, has become one of the most celebrated talents to come out of Ireland and make one very distinctive mark on the international scene.  Although based in London, Anderson’s origins are something he is clearly proud of.  Born in Magherafelt in Northern Ireland, the twenty-seven-year-old studied at the London College of Fashion and had his first show in London Fashion Week way back in 2007.

Since then he has caught the attention of more than a few industry insiders and become the poster child for raw, young talent on the fashion scene. Although still regarded as being a boy with time to mature and grow in front of him, his success so far has ensured that his name has staying power, as reactions to his most recent collection have proved. A Vogue review highlighted that “Where Anderson is on much surer ground is as a compiler and editor of pure and simple garments with a minimal reference (or two) in the language of street style,” and a solid connection between the brand and its customer. He also aims to make his brand one that is accessible to a greater audience, and not restricted to those with an overflowing pocket. His brand is flying the flag for a new generation of home-grown talent, putting Ireland on the fashion map yet again.

With these two emerging design talents on the road to super-stardom, set against the backdrop of ever-present heavyweight Irish names such as Philip Treacy, Paul Costello and Orla Kiely, Ireland is certainly churning out talent, which is proving impossible to ignore on the international front. With London Fashion Week being invaded by increasing numbers of Irish designers, the future looks good for regaining our reputation for creativity and showmanship.

The collapse of the Celtic Tiger has resulted in Irish designers depending more on the international scene to survive. This is the notable advantage of this economic downturn, as it is making the Irish fashion industry more visible worldwide. Coupled with a new wave of talent, this is exactly what is needed to re-establish confidence in our very worthy national fashion scene.

Adding a splash of colour and texture with these colourful buys is sure to brighten up both your mood and your wardrobe. Not only that, they’ll be kind to your purse too, since a playful scarf and some patterned gloves are wardrobe additions without huge impact on a budget. A background palette of neutrals and darks are the best way to show off your new purchases, and don’t be afraid when it comes to going wild with the patterns. The key this winter is to clash in a matching kind of way – pay no heed to those old-fashioned matching rules your mum insisted on, but make sure the patterns complement each other and ensure they aren’t all fighting for attention, so much that you wind up with a headache from just looking in the mirror. Colour blocking is another good way to approach this – make each piece a clashing colour. Try a brilliant mustard coloured scarf such as the Penneys one featured, along with a vibrant hat, jewel-coloured gloves and any other bright additions you can get your hands on. Making sure each piece is a different colour is an easy way to clash without having to worry about patterns.

Stores are full to the brim with chunky cardigans and kitsch jumpers, which are perfect for layering and keeping that much-needed heat in. Fake fur is also set to be a big winter trend, particularly in the form of detachable collars such as the one shown here. These are a versatile and practical buy – they can provide a twist for a plain jacket during the day or even jazz up an evening outfit to add a touch of class to your favourite LBD. Fur has also found its way onto a multitude of scarves and hats, so if you aren’t brave enough for the drama of a fur coat or collar, stick to these more subtle nods to the trend.

So have fun with these winter buys, and throw out the rulebook. Pile it on. Layer it up. You’ll be warm and toasty right through the season.

Vintage? Second-hand? What’s the difference? It is true that there is an unexplainable void between the two terms, and what may cost €5 in a charity shop is likely to be hiked up to €15 in a so-called “vintage” shop for no apparent reason. Generally speaking however, vintage items are individually sourced by the shop or stall owner, and are of a higher quality than something you’d find lying on the floor in a charity shop. However, it is possible to pick up some high-quality stuff in your local charity shop; you just need to look that bit harder. Oxfam are catching on to the trend, and many stores are now identifying items as vintage and labelling and arranging them together in the store as such, making the vintage-lover’s life that bit easier.

Many reasons can be pointed to for the rise in popularity for vintage clothing and the recession isn’t exactly a subtle one. These days, hunting for a bargain is everyone’s objective and the fashion world is no exception. Stylish dressers still want to portray a certain look or show their take on the latest trend, and shopping vintage is the perfect way to do just that.

The environmentally conscious members of society today are also avid vintage fans, since re-using and recycling items is the perfect way to do your bit to help the world around us. Trawling through the attic or a second hand shop may seem like hard work, but being environmentally and economically conscious is vital in today’s fast-paced, wasteful, and consumer-driven world.

Vintage shopping is catering for all who crave the fantasy and excitement of the fashion world, but are still mindful of their pockets, the environment, and the world’s rather precarious financial situation at the moment. It seems the perfect compromise; a fashion fix without the guilt – it’s the conscientious shopper’s dream.

1. Little black dress – push the versatility of that old reliable party outfit to the limit. All you need is an old black cardigan or cheap cape, which the shops are full of at this time of year. Cut bat-shaped wings into the material, pop some black lipstick on and don’t forget to flap your wings!
2. A Breton top - a wardrobe staple for everyone, a navy and white striped top can serve as the perfect sailors outfit. Just throw on some shorts, white shoes and anything nautical looking. You could even fashion yourself an anchor out of some tinfoil from your kitchen if you have the time. Use some file paper as the outline and then cover with foil and hang from your neck – a sailor’s necklace in no time.
3. A boy’s t-shirt- whether it’s your boyfriend’s or your brother’s, steal an over-sized t-shirt and hoodie without them noticing, and you’ve got the basis of an excellent rapper or sports costume. Style with some chunky gold jewellery and a pair of headphones and you could be the next Fresh Prince. Alternatively, wear some Converse and grab a baseball bat or glove, if you have one lying around, and you’ve got yourself an American sports costume.
4. A plain white tee - test out your artistic skills by grabbing some black paint and drawing a skeleton on a white t-shirt. It’s not as hard as it looks – just copy a cartoon image and keep it simple. If you’re a medical student you could always dig out your textbook and be that bit more anatomically correct. To give your costume an edge, throw some neon paint over the top and you’re ready to go.
5. A vintage dress - You may need to raid your mum’s (or granny’s) wardrobe for this one. Give a dramatic, vintage-style dress a corpse-bride twist with blood-red lips and as much black eyeshadow as you can for a gothic, ethereal, Jane Eyre-inspired costume.

So there’s no need to panic, the perfect Halloween costume is already hiding in your wardrobe. Just be sure to wash out the fake blood and black lipstick stains before you wear them again!

Take your favourite maxi-dress, team it with a comfy, woolen jumper and it is instantly wearable through the winter. In fact, suddenly you have the most sought-after skirt length of the season, right there in your summer wardrobe. The dramatic length screams high fashion, when really you’ve just recycled your favourite summer piece, which you thought only belonged on the sunny beaches ofBarcelona.

The trick to making your summer wardrobe last you as long as possible is layering. Summery shirts and blouses are perfect for brightening up your winter basics. Throw a thick, cosy jumper over a summery skirt, layer tights and socks with your favourite pair of denim shorts for an instant wardrobe update.

Silky, spring-like scarves are perfect for lifting a dreary winter’s day and can be contrasted with your new knitted buys to ease you into autumn. Twist a woolen scarf around a silk one to keep your outfit from being stuck in a wintery rut.

Penneys have nailed the trans-seasonal problem with their new denim range, which can be used to warm up any summery favourite. The super-skinnies look great layered with chucky knit socks, while the new-season 70’s flares are a refreshing break from the skinnies. They’re also high-waisted, so you can wear those summer crop tops without worrying about showing too much skin.

So as the henna tattoos fade, the hair braids gradually come unraveled and we all slowly resort back to using Sun Shimmer – the real tans only existing in those sun-drenched holiday snaps – there’s no need to let go of the summer in its entirety. With a bit of layering and some inventive summer recycling you can hold on to it for that little bit longer.

Electric Picnic

With this year’s remarkable lineup, Electric Picnic has proven itself to be Ireland’s true alternative festival. Since its inception in 2004, the event has developed a comfortable little niche for itself in the Irish music calendar.

What started out as an obscure one-day event has rapidly spread across a three-day weekend, and is now a legitimate contender for Oxegen’s crown as Ireland’s biggest and best festival. However, it’s an entirely different beast to that Punchestown bash, and for those seeking something beyond the 2fm playlist, Electric Picnic is the festival for you this summer.

One term that perfectly encapsulates this year’s line up is strength in depth. Whilst the top of the bill is jaw droppingly impressive, there are many delights to be discovered at its foot.

For instance, we have a trio of Choice Prize nominees – Adebisi Shank, O Emperor and the Cast of Cheers – giving a timely reminder of the wealth of young Irish talent about and acts such as The Walkmen and Twin Shadow from across the pond.

In the cases of Lisbon and Forget, the two Brooklynite bands have respectively produced a couple of the past year’s better albums, and will be assured of a warm reception. Micah P Hinson is sure to be an incendiary figure this year. The Texan folk singer’s post-Obama material has spiritually anointed him the musical wing of the Tea Party. He will be a talking point, to say the least.

The middle order presents a diverse range of acts well matched to a lazy, sunny afternoon spent lying on the grass, drink in hand. DJ Shadow and Flying Lotus will provide some memorable mixes, and are not to be missed, while Reggae legends Jimmy Cliff and Toots & the Maytals are sure to bring a smile to your face. And for those with energy for dancing, The Go! Team will be endowed with ample funkiness to go around.

Though Interpol have something to prove after the muted reception that awaited their self-titled fourth album and the departure of bassist – and all-round Renaissance man – Carlos D, we can be sure of them being one of the weekend’s high points. The Chemical Brothers will not disappoint; an audio-visual feast is virtually guaranteed and a revitalised PJ Harvey will bring her latest album, Let England Shake, to life, in what will be one of this year’s most anticipated sets.

Finally, the prospective returns of a newly reformed Pulp and Canadian titans, Arcade Fire, to Irish shores have left O-two salivating. Arcade Fire are coming to the end of their world tour in support of The Suburbs. The triumphant energy surrounding the Montreal eight-piece combined with the excitement for the revival of Jarvis Cocker’s Britpop legends is going to make Electric Picnic 2011 something unforgettable.

Electric Picnic 2011 takes place from September 2nd-4th at Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois. Weekend tickets are €240, Sunday day tickets are €99.50.

- George Morahan

Oxegen

Foo Fighters, The Strokes and My Chemical Romance playing alongside Swedish House Mafia, Bloody Beetroots and Crystal Castles? Only at Oxegen 2011. This year, the organisers have managed to secure one of the most impressive and varied lineups in recent years. You could be a glow-paint splattered rave enthusiast or an overgrown emo kid and you’d still manage to find exactly what you’re looking for at this year’s festival, which takes place, as usual, at Punchestown Racecourse in Naas from July 8-10th.

There has been a slight reversion back towards more traditional guitar acts, such as the veteran likes of Arctic Monkeys and Coldplay after Eminem and Jay-Z significantly raised the hip-hop presence at the top of last year’s bill. However, the urban influence of recent years hasn’t been entirely lost, with artists such as Tine Tempah, Bruno Mars and the Black Eyed Peas still holding strong.

Relative newcomers from across the musical spectrum are also well represented. Recent breakthrough acts such as Two Door Cinema Club and Jessie J, who have only just exploded into the musical conscience of those even vaguely attuned to today’s pop scene, are sure to be welcomed by a typically fervent crowd.

Another new name, which cannot be ignored, is UCD’s very own Madisun. After successfully gigging around the Dublin circuit, the band have built up quite a following and were only recently named the winners of Captain America’s Battle of the Bands. The former Campus Band interviewees are showing signs of real potential; who knows what Oxegen could bring. This time next year they could have made their way from the back pages, to gracing the front cover of the O-two.

Despite the undoubtedly strong lineup, there has been some controversy over the absence of Blink 182. Originally billed as a headliner, and one which would be the sole reason to attend Oxegen for many a ticketholder, their unexplained disappearance from the confirmed lineup is disappointing to say the least. There is speculation that they have cancelled all of their summer tour, which include a number of UK dates, but these rumours are as yet unconfirmed.

On a more positive note, Oxegen-goers can look forward to enjoying home grown talent such as The Script, Fight Like Apes and Imelda May. Judging by The Script’s epic performance at Oxegen 2009, the crowds like nothing more than waving a few tricolours and being told that we were the reason behind everything that band has achieved. It’s nice to be loved.

So for the Oxegen virgin or veteran, this year promises to be an unforgettable one; so be sure to bring enough beer, perhaps some sunscreen, definitely a pair of wellies and enjoy.

Tickets for Oxygen can be bought for €99.50 for a day ticket, €199.50 for a three-day ticket and €244.50 for a four-day camping ticket.

- Sophie Lioe

Album of the fortnight

Artist: Bibio

Album: Mind Bokeh

Rating: 4/5

Although his name may sound like that of a character from a kid’s TV show, Bibio’s wholly electronic, yet somehow genre-defying musical offerings are far from juvenile; and his sixth album, Mind Bokeh, is no exception.

It is a departure from his recent records, such as the acclaimed Ambivalence Avenue, as it heads in a far more hip-hop inspired direction as witnessed on one of the album’s stand-out tracks, ‘Anything New’.

A few pop touches are thrown in as well to lighten things up a bit – which may not go down well with his original fans. However, for O-two it all comes together in an inspiring mixtape sort of way. For those of you who enjoy a synth-twist to some laid-back beats, check this out.

In a nutshell: You don’t have to be a hipster to listen to this, but it helps.

- Sophie Lioe

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Artist: The Chapman Family

Album: Burn Your Town

Rating: 3/5

Burn Your Town is something of a violent assault on your eardrums the first time you listen to it. Intense is not the word. Eerie vocals and heavy use of the glockenspiel create some semblance of suspense in opening track ‘A Certain Degree’, before a thoroughly angst-ridden punk-metal follow-up in ‘All Fall’.

The album starts to suffer a little in the middle with ‘1000 lies’ and ‘She Didn’t Know’, which just seem somewhat lacking. The penultimate track ‘Million Dollars’ is the standout on the album; Suitably dark (considering it’s about killing children) and full of rhythmic guitars and pounding drums with a slight synth overload, it would be an excellent close to the album. Unfortunately the actual closing track, ‘Virgins (Reprise)’ just can’t follow it, resulting in a somewhat anticlimactic end.

In a Nutshell: Needs a couple of listens before it stops feeling like an attack on your senses.

- Aoife Valentine

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Artist: Young Knives

Album: Ornaments from the Silver Arcade

Rating: 3/5

Young Knives may have a reputation as the musical equivalent of Mark from Peep Show, but on their third album, Ornaments from the Silver Arcade, the Ashby-de-la-Zouch trio have branched out more than ever.

With its nifty staccato guitar and steel drums, ‘Woman’ is an ironic, lavish novelty that audaciously toys with Young Knives’ buttoned-down image. Whilst the smorgasbord of tones and styles presented by ‘Silver Tongue’ and ‘Storm Clouds’ present a brilliant digression from their usual palette.

A raft of more characteristic indie-pop songs tempers the album’s experimental moments. Although ‘Love My Name’ and ‘Human Again’ evolve into alert and memorable tunes, ‘Vision in Rags’ numbers among a few tracks that fail to transcend generic indie disco fodder.

Ornaments from the Silver Arcade proves that while their angular, uptight stylings are growing old, Young Knives can still excel when they venture outside their template.

In a nutshell: Not quite Super Hans, but adventurous enough to entertain.

- George Morahan

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Artist: The Strokes

Album: Angles

Rating: 2/5

Until recently, O-two had assumed that The Strokes had forever retreated to their achingly cool Manhattan apartments and become mythical creatures that would only ever be seen on T-shirts and old MTV clips. Alas, after a five-year hiatus, they have indeed returned with Angles, an album that only continues the creative decline that began with 2006’s First Impressions of Earth.

While the band’s debut album, Is This It, may have instantly cemented The Strokes’ status as indie darlings, Angles fails to add anything new or exciting to the band’s repertoire. Songs such as ‘Call Me Back’ and ‘Gratisfaction’ will leave the listener baffled as to how it all went so wrong.

While the album contains semblances of the old magic, they are difficult to find, hidden amongst obscure guitar solos and barely comprehensible lyrics. ‘Games’ is sadly one of the few reminders of the New Yorkers former brilliance.

Angles gets better with further listening. Whether this improvement warrants your time is highly doubtful.

In a nutshell: A disappointment from a once-iconic band.

- Anna Burzlaff

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Artist: Matt & Kim

Album: Sidewalks

Rating: 3/5

Pop music used to be made to be popular: that was the point. But Brooklyn synth-pop duo Matt & Kim are a new type of independent pop musician. Whereas independent acts once made brave sounds that had no hope of cracking the mainstream, they are now just creating slightly more complex versions of Top 40 music, fetishising and improving on pop.

There’s not a lot to hate on Matt & Kim’s third album. Maybe that’s why there’s so little to like. The songs all have the sugar-rush melodies of a pop-punk track, with all the rhythm of a hip-hop track. Yet, they lack the immediacy that makes pop music so great. The lyrics are often too wordy and cerebral. The synth work, while inventive, doesn’t sit too comfortably here. Still, it’s a solid effort at creating pop that doesn’t dumb itself to down to sell, despite its flaws.

In a nutshell: Pop for people who don’t like pop.

- Cormac Duffy

Singapore is a real-life Disneyland. Picture this: streets so clean you could probably eat your dinner off them if you were so inclined, each building lining the harbour painted a different colour – think Balamory, but Eastern – and each tree trimmed to perfection. All that’s missing is deranged happy people in ridiculous costumes.

Getting into the country itself, however, is a less delightful process due to the strict border control and the fear that you might accidentally be smuggling banned chewing gum in your back pocket from months ago. The four-hour bus ride from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur crosses the connecting causeway between the two countries but you may as well be hopping on a long-haul flight to the other side of the globe: the difference between the two on a cultural level is extraordinary.

After Singapore gained independence from Malaysia in 1965, the country developed unrecognisably and is now considered one of the economic and academic leaders of the world. It’s also one of the wealthiest countries in the world, attracting huge businesses and ever-present tourists alike. Not bad for a country which measures just 25km by 48km.

However, the city itself initially gives off a slightly strange impression, appearing somewhat fake. In its attempt at being a cultural, historical place, this eventually gives way to a sense of security and ease. The longer you stay there, the more you never want to leave. Who wouldn’t want to live in a beautiful, safe, clean city?

Although Singapore’s crazy laws such as no chewing gum and no eating or drinking on or near public transport may indicate a country so obsessed with perfection that you’re scared to put a foot wrong, you’re soon distracted by the extraordinary architecture, charming streets and numerous tourist attractions, such as its very own Universal Studios.

The main harbour area, Marina Bay, and the affluent Orchard Road (Singapore’s answer to Fifth Avenue) offer not only traditional Chinese and Malay food, but any Western delight you could want – from Hooters to fine Italian cuisine.

After travelling around China and Malaysia for the weeks leading up to this, a bit of a reminder of home was somewhat of a welcome relief. The harbour’s nightlife area (such as Clarke Quay) is buzzing with Latino bars where you can Salsa dance into the night, to Irish pubs to try out how well Guinness travels.

You can even see what it’s like to sit in a fake wheelchair and drink brightly coloured cocktails through a drip, surrounded by hospital screens and being served by staff in scrubs and masks in the Clinic Bar. Slightly bizarre, I know. But in a word, that’s just what Singapore is.