Advertisement
Published: August 6th 2007
First time in Asia and arriving just over 150km from the equator, it really does hit you. Coming off the plane (onto the tarmac - we arrived at the 'budget' terminal because we flwew with Tiger Airways) and into the open air was like nothing I have experienced before, it was 3am and approaching 30 degrees with over 80% humidity! Not something we were used to after an Aussie winter. We took the bus over to T1 and spent the rest of the night there before heading for the city first thing in the morning.
If the nights are hot, the days are hotter! We checked into our first hostel and went out for lunch in Little India. Curry obviously but much hotter than I was expecting. It didn't matter though because it was nice and also welll priced considering what everyone has said about Singapore. After lunch we went back to the hostel to sleep, I hadn't at all since 7am the day before (31 hours!) so it was very welcome, although I did wake up delerious and not knowing what was going on or where we were much to Vicky's amusement. That evening we had our first chicken
First Tiger sighting in Asia
rice (the local specialty) and very nice it was too. We went for a walk after dinner down to the water near where Raffles was meant to have docked when the colony was established. Its all nice and pristine around there and also very bust. There is a really cool mix of new skyscrapers and the old, grand places that were typical of the time. With bub boats chugging down the river, it makes for a very pleasant atmosphere. We had our first Tiger beer in Singapore too, very nice, but I don't think its the same as Guinness, it tastes the same as at home (if a little more frefreshing in the heat).
Day two and a new hostel, from there we walked over to the Arab Quater, not quite as buzzing as Little India but much more organised and there were so many shops selling nice silks and jewelry and also antiques. There was also a rather wierd road just full of fishing shops? After another overly spicy lunch we headed down to Orchard Road. I can see why it is compared to the Champs Elisses (I can't spell!) and 5th Avenue,
its is just hundreds of
Only released on parole
You all knew we were doing this on the cheap!!!shops all the way up both sides. Shopping centres too, I don't know why they need so many?! We also went back today and there was a car show on, so I was much more in my Element. There is also a really cool bakery there where they sell just pastries and you put what you want on a tray and take it all to the till, its much more impressive than it sounds, the food is all intricate and baked on site. Amusingly when new food is brought out, all the staff ahve to do this shouty thing. I would elaborate more but I don't think it was in english.
We have also done a walking tour of the religious buildings and eateries which was really interesting. We went to a mosque, and a buddhist and hindu temples. I got my fortune told by some sticks in the Buddhist temple ( apparently I will succeed in what I want to do as long as I make my own choices) and Vicky got blessed in the Hindu temple. That night was
spiritual in a different way, we went to Raffles hotel for Singapore Slings in the 'Long Bar' (thanks
Enjoying a quick 'sling'
Singapore Slings in Raffles barfor picking up the tab mum!) and very nice they are too. They even have their own glasses. The bar has a great atmosphere, with live music upstairs and actual fans on the roof (they move back and forth). There are also nuts on the table and yes, you do throw the shells onto the floor. Apparently thats how they clean up spillages too, turn a bowl of nuts out over it and stamp on them.
Yesterday we went to the zoo here, apparently affiliated with Australia zoo (Steve Irwin had alot to do with the exibits, making them better for the animals. There were all the usual there plus a polar bear which was in a refrigerated area (but still didn't look happy) and a walk in place with monkeys and birds all around you. There were also Mouse dear, which are tiny looking dear (6 inches high) everywhere. The best part though was the Night Safari. The only night zoo in the world. It was really interesting too because you got
to see all of the nocturnal animals when they were active under soft spotlights. The tram was the best part which gave you a guided tour
Its meant to be good luck to rub his belly
of the park. I think the giant ant eaters were the best, or the elephants of giraffes. Kinda got myself into something on the way into the park though. There was a fire eating tribal dance thing going on and guess who got yanked out of the audience to join in. I got grabbed by the arm and before I knew it I was on stage and being asked to take my shirt off (I wish I went to the gym more...or at all). I had to put the fire stick into one guys mouth and then they made me kneel down and close my eyes and pretended to dothe same to me. It was all quite a shock at first and I was very nervous, but it was quite fun in the end (except the shirt off part). Have our bus tickets to Malaysia now, we're going to Melakka then to Kuala Lumpur so untill next time...
Advertisement
Tot: 0.076s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 10; qc: 55; dbt: 0.0473s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
mum
non-member comment
Raffles yeh!!
Sooo glad you took the plunge and went into the Raffles hotel for a Singapore Sling - very happy to have picked up the tab, as I said you're worth it!! At the same time we were in Liverpool at a graduation ceremony at the cathedral and the fellowship was bestowed on Brian May, guitarist from Queen- and he gave a speech, we were thrilled. Abby tried to send you a picture of her and Brian May, don't know if you receied it. Hope Vicky has some good pictures of your fire eating trick - I'm sure you must have been very uncomfortable being centre of attention - but I'm also sure you enjoyed every moment of it!! Love and miss you loads. xxxxxx