3,200 Pieces of Candy

We live right near the Singapore American School and it is a tradition to invite people to trick or treat here. Our neighborhood is the only one on the island to do this. I was warned that there would be lots of people. I had no idea!

We, the Smith family, handed candy out to 3,200 people and that wasn't even close to how many people were in our neighborhood!

At times there were as many 15 bags shoved towards me with cheerful "trick or treats!" or "happy Halloween!" and everyone said "thank you" and seemed so excited to be there. Singaporeans are polite trick or treaters.

 Bryce, Nadeen, and Ike. Ike is throwing up a partial gang sign because he is really cool that way.

I had to bring in a special helper from California. Annette was delightful helping me hand out candy and I think we each said "Happy Halloween" 1,500 times.

In the states you just don't see little boys dressed like witches. 

Lots of adults go trick or treating. These "girls" were so giggly and happy and thrilled when I took their photo. They sang "Trick or Treat" all together and that made them laugh and laugh. I would say about 10% of my trick or treaters were full grown Singaporeans. They were happy to stop and visit a moment, and all seem sincerely appreciative of the little Tootsie Roll we gave them. Quite a few asked what kind of candy it was and if it was good.

There was such a feeling of happiness and joy, even parents dressed up to take their children. We saw great costumes and most of them were quite modest compared to what was happening in the states last year!

That's Ike (red shorts) climbing up our neighbor's house to get above the 

hordes of trick or treaters pictured below. Hoodlums.

 Really, pictures just don't do it justice. 

This is not a costume. You can see her Halloween wig at the side, that was what she was using as a trick or treat bag. She was flattered that I wanted her picture and tried to hide the wig/bag behind her but I talked her into letting it stay by her side. Her son was proud to tell me that it was her very first Halloween and they had come all the way from Tampines for this (about a 30 minute train ride).

Can't wait for next year!