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Published: December 31st 2009
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I've just made my way to Oz to suprise mum for Christmas and I have had 2 jam packed days in Singapore. The 12 hour flight set the jetlag off and from the moment I arrived I was pretty tired but was determine not to let that interrupt the adventures. I stayed at the Habitat Hostel which promotes itself as a luxury Hostel. In my opinion it was very average. It's location was great, just off Orchard Road but the only good thing in the hostel was the queen size bed. I didn't spend too much time there so it didn't really matter.
First impressions of Singapore were really great. It is soooooooo clean and the streets are covered in christmas lights. The shopping options are incredible. First stop was China Town and I was very torn as to which culinary delight I should try first. I did things back to front and did almond paste for dessert then I did a wander and saw this line outside a shop. The line was full of locals and I figured that even though I didn't know what they were getting I would jump on it and have some as well lol. It
turned out to be a soup with dumplings which I can't believe I ate in the 30 degree heat but it was really yummy. Feeling jetlagged I headed to the hostel for a nap before I headed to the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo. The bus picks you up from Orchard Road and about 40 minutes later I was at the zoo. As ungrateful as this may sound, I found the zoo to be average and guess it has something to do with once you have seen the real thing in Africa nothing else compares. The leopard was overweight and most of the animals were asleep but it was still worth going just to re-confirm what a great lifeI am living. I am sooooo lucky to see so many amazing things.
I could not resist the opportunity to try a massage of a different kind. Special sucker fish called Garra rufa, which look like a cross between goldfish and minnows, can't technically bite because they don't have any teeth. But known as "doctor fish" they are used to treat skin problems and remove unwanted dead skin. Guess this sounds pretty disgusting but it really only felt like they were kissing
my feet. It was actually really relaxing. Now for the reality of the experience, being so small they really weren't as effective as the larger ones that people actually pay $45 per fish.
The following morning I passed on brekkie and made my way to Little India. Although I have not been to India I imagine it to be very much like this small part of singapore. The best place for curry was recommended to me by a local. I had to walk a bit but finally found the place of interest and settled down for some yummy curry. While I was waiting it suddenly dawned on me that everyone was using their hands to eat and I kinda panicked. They only use one hand and it's like they almost shovel it into their mouths. Then it was straight off to the toilet to wash their hands when finished. I opted for the traditional knife and fork and was relieved that the option was there. The lady insisted that I drink rose milk which was a very sweet milkshake which I used to wash the curry down. The streets were covered with cheap and nasty gadgets and electronics with the
occasional celebratory wreath made out of beautiful flowers. The Temples artwork was beautiful and colourful and the men stared at me as I walked by in my shorts and t-shirt. Needless to say I didn't stay long but jumped on the very easy train system and headed to Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling cocktail. The saying does go...... 'You have not experienced Singapore until you've had a singapore sling.' Raffles is a colonial-style hotel, dating from 1887. Upon the start of the Japanese occupation of Singapore on 15 February 1942, it is commonly said that the Japanese soldiers encountered the guests of the Raffles Hotel dancing one final waltz. It has also looked after many of the rich and famous like Ava Gardner, Beyoncé Knowles, Black Eyed Peas, Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor. In the afternoon I spent all my time looking through the shopping centres, dreaming about owning a pair of Jimmy Choos or a Miu Miu bag. I kind of wasted the time away, well thought I did until......... the shuttle bus came to pick me up and take me to the airport.
For some reason I thought the that my plane left at 10pm, so being
picked up at 7pm until I actually got into the shuttle and realised that the plane left at 8.40pm! The driver has 20 minutes to get me across the city and to Changi airport on a trip that would usually take 40 minutes. I initially began to panic but within minutes the sheer panic of the funny driver was enough to make me realise that everything happens for a reason. He promised me he would get me to the airport on time and speed like no tomorrow, His boss even called to tell him to stop speeding! lol. But sure eough with no minutes to spare he got me there, opened the automatic door, threw my bag out and said GOODLUCK. I ran to check in and was the last one to be allowed on the plane PHEW!Think I'm getting a bit too relaxed about all this travel. 8 hours later I landed in a very hot sydney and that evening suprised mum and nan at family get together. The reactions were priceless!
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anonymous
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They look like fish (meat) balls, not dumplings :P