The Adventurers Return

Saturday 01 September 2018

Today was our last day in Singapore and we went on an unsuccessful mission to find singing cards and Portuguese tarts. An unlikely combination I know!

We had been given directions to possible sources of both but alas, despite finding the stores in both instances the elusive cards and tarts were not to be found.

We actually saw the tarts yesterday and I decided to wait till today to get a fresh one but apparently they aren't baked on Saturday or alternatively they had sold out by the time we got there. I think probably the former.

After our adventure we returned to the hotel for a shower and to pack before late check out at 3pm.

Walked to Chinatown for a visit to the Chiese Heritage Centre which was very interesting and interactive. We then had an early dinner at our favourite restaurant before walking back to the hotel in a tropical downpour. Luckily we were both prepared with our umbrellas.

We checked in and found that the luggage now weighs only 59kgs. If only we had known we could have done some more shopping.

We have also discovered that our flight is only 6.5 hours which doesn't give much opportunity for sleep given that we are leaving at 11.10pm, gaining 1.5hrs and arriving at 7.30am tomorrow.

Well that is it for this adventure. May there be many more!!!

Lights of Singapore

Friday 31 August 2018

Amazingly we slept in until 9.30am. Must be the jetlag.  We were going to go for a River Boat Cruise but decided to go for a swim in the hotel pool instead. Then had lunch with the locals at the indian food court across the road which was about half the price of the food courts in the flasher more touristy places.

We wanted to see the light show at Gardens By the Bay which of course started after the sunset so we didn't want to arrive too early. Left the hotel at 3pm and walked to the Gardens via a very circuitous route because lots of the parks and roads still have barriers in place from the National Day Parade.

Visited both the green houses, one which was full of flowers called the Flower Dome and the second called Cloud Dome was full of mist and waterfalls. We had a break for dinner between the two domes and arrived back at the artificial forest just in time for the light show. The theme was waltzes and the trees lit up in time to the music a bit like a fireworks display. It lasted for about 15 minutes and was very, very enjoyable.

Given that we were so close to the Singapore Flyer we decided to have a night time ride. I have been on the Flyer during the day and it was really good doing it at night.  It was totally different and very pretty. We decided to walk home and once again got caught behind barriers until Kate spotted a sign for an underpass which turned out to be an underground tunnel going all the way back to the shopping center just near our hotel. It got me wondering how many tunnels there are and where you find maps of them so that not just the locals know where they are. Very, very cool.

Late night. In bed by 11pm.

Singapore Zoo

Thursday 30 August 2018

We have been out for nearly twelve hours and are hoping to sleep well tonight.

Both Kate and I had a bit of awake time last night between 1am and 3am and then were fast asleep when the alarm went off. Ahh the joys of jetlag.

We have spent the day at Singapore Zoo (our third zoo in 6 weeks) followed by the River Safari Park.

We really enjoyed the zoo with the Orangutan and the White Tiger being my favourites. By total accident we keep arriving at enclosures when the show or feeding was on. We both got to feed our first White Rhino and a Capybara and to pat a Lemur.

The River Safari Park was much smaller and had two boat rides one of which we saw lots of animals including a cheetah and a cub. Sadly once again the Wolf was hiding although we could smell him. Kate was very pleased to see her first Manatee (actually there were six or maybe seven).

Dinner in the local shopping centre and an early night.

Hit the Ground Running Almost!

Wednesday 29 August 2018

We arrived at the hotel and found that we couldn't get into our room until 12pm so left the bags at concierge and went out for coffee to make a plan.

I have stayed at this hotel before so that is helping somewhat with orientation.  We have a Singapore Airlines stopover deal which includes a number of hop on hop off buses so we decided to head to the orchid garden at the Botanic Gardens.

We enjoyed the flowers and the weather isn't too hot or humid. Headed back to the hotel and had to settle for a king size bed if we wanted our room soon. Kate and I were starting to feel very tired and had a little afternoon nap before heading out to Chinatown .

Had a great dinner of deep fried wontons, followed by noodles with a real lime juice for Kate and a tiger beer for me.

Found the supermarket on the way home under the City Hall MRT station as suggested by mum and dad. Sourced food for breakfast tomorrow and I think we are all set to go.