Blogs from Little India, Singapore, Asia

Had the Little India walking tour today, well in the morning. Again there is a forecast for rain but again only a few spots eventuated. Consequently it was very humid and very sticky but we saw the sights and had some delights. The meeting place was only 800 m from our hotel so we walked rather than take the MRT for just one station. Fascinating district as we sort of knew and sort of assumed. Absolutely ablaze with colour. The buildings, the saris, the flowers, the fruit and vegetables all pop. Couple of interesting facts and figures but not the greatest presentation we’ve had. Happened to be the Indian ‘god’ Gnash (spelling?) and the Singaporean quasi god Lee Quon Yew (spelling) birthday today. Lee Quon Yew would have been 100 today if he were still alive. ... read more

Monday, 19th October 2020 We started day 02 of our staycation with a sumptuous breakfast affair at level 6 of the hotel. Gone were the days where a full buffet spread greeted us in the morning. Instead, we were presented with a rather extensive menu where we could order any items that we fancy. The wait-staffs were welcoming and eager to serve which helped to elevate our dining experience at the Garden Pavilion. From our hotel, we decided to explore the surrounding Pek Kio neighbourhood for more food options. Along 130 Owen Road, we chanced upon Bakehaus, an artisan bakery that served really authentic croissants. Having opened their doors for slightly over a year, Bakehaus had gained its own loyal following judging by the number of likes on their FB page and rave Google reviews. What ... read more

Boracay, a name of a island a good friend told me about back in the 80’s. Supposedly the most beautiful white sand beach on the planet. Since hearing of it I have always wanted to visit but The Philippines really isn’t on the way to anywhere when it comes to cheap airfares so it never popped up on any previous trips as an option. Over the years I have watched and seen the number of hotels, bars and associated environmental impacts make it look less appealing to the point it hasnt been a drawcard. Then this happened. https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/04/26/18/closing-time-in-boracay-as-6-month-shutdown-begins In April the new President of The Philipines, famously known for his war on drugs by literally exterminating the dealers, announced Boracay was shutting so it could be clean... read more

Lovely Lion City Singapore, January 2018 Fun Factoid about Singapore: it’s nickname is "the fine country". That's because you get fined for lots of things like littering, feeding monkeys, spitting on the floor, sticking gum below the chair/table and more. Is this a great country or what? And don’t get me started on their draconian legal system…..these folks do not pussy-foot around. Time for me to head east and stick my tootsies once more into a fish tank…..yes, I did say fish tank. This city-state in southeast Asia is where I first experienced the dubious thrill of fish spas a few years ago, and I’m more than ready for new water sessions. More about this fun stuff later. First, it’s 3 flights across the Pacific via Seattle and Tokyo, before touching down at Changi ... read more

Getting into Singapore should not have been as difficult as it was. After getting fleeced one last time in Australia to the tune of $15 AUD for the 10 minute ride to the airport (no public transport available) I showed up to the ticket counter and heard the dreaded words “Can you show me your onward travel ticket?”. Um, no I can’t because I do not have one. The agent insisted it is Singapore government policy to not let anyone board the craft without a onward or return ticket. Out of options I agreed to buy a “fully refundable” ticket on the spot for $250AUD so I could board the craft. After a two hour flight from Cairns to Darwin my connecting flight to Singapore was promptly canceled for a reason I never could get a ... read more