APEC wives turn bookworms for a day

While their husbands were wrestling with weighty topics and discussions at high-level APEC meetings, the wives turned bibliophiles for a day. Carole Crean, spouse of Australian Minister for Trade, HE Simon Crean, Valorie Day, spouse of Canadian Minister of International Trade, HE Stockwell Day and Chintana Piromya, spouse of Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Kasit Piromya, visited the National Library building. It was a riveting, heart-pumping tour. Or, maybe it wasn't.

Yes, the the National Library building is an iconic structure, being smack in the middle of the arts, cultural, entertainment and civic districts of Singapore, but we can think of far better places to bring guests for a glimpse of Singapore in the raw.

During the visit, the spouses were given a tour of the Central Public Library and previewed highlights of the Singapore, Southeast Asian and Donor Collections. They also attended NLB’s Children’s Programme conducted by kidsREAD participants, where they were treated to a poetry session and shown Asian childhood games, as well as art and dance performances.

Lunch was a heady affair on the top floor of the National Library building, which has one of the best panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline.

We only hope they have more exciting programs lined up for First Ladies Michelle "I give dating advice" Obama and Miyuki "I dream of UFOs" Hatoyama -- the Singapore Flyer for a spin, followed by a trip to Haji Lane, perhaps?