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Published: June 21st 2017
Geo: 1.28941, 103.85
My flight landed on time in Singapore last night, and I felt like I just got home. Big modern clean airport with signs in English. Orderly taxi line out by baggage claim, talkative efficient taxi driver who knew the hotel. Then a concierge to open the door in the hotel turn-out with a "welcome madam" as he handed me my luggage ticket and said my bag would arrive to my room shortly. Where the heck am I? Feels like I'm back in Manhattan!
I spent the day on Orchard road, which is the thing that everyone says you "must do" in Singapore. And I found a road miles and miles long, covered with 6 story shopping malls on either side. Prada, Gucci, A·X, etc, etc. Wait, where the heck am I? I can't believe my Lonely Planet guide book even said to come see this. But, just like Kuta I adapted and did as the locals. I stocked up at the drugstore on some more shampoo and industrial strength water proof mascara (it's a little humid in SE Asia). Then I found a Marks & Spencer! And then I was hooked. Marks & Sparks, as it's called by local Londoners is a staple shopping store in London. They've got great clothes, home wares and even a small produce market. This one didn't, it was just clothes. And as I went in I said to myself, if you must buy something - one shirt only. There is no room in my suitcase for more. I bought six, and one of them is long sleeve and I can't wear it here, so that'll go into the next package home. It was really cute. I hate that I spent the day shopping. I am going to the cultural sights tomorrow. I did Orchard Road as a dutiful tourist in Singapore and I'm not going back.
I'll read my guide book some more tonight. There is a good night safari here, and I think a cool butterfly park. I'm not going to stay the 5 days I thought I would, I think three might be enough. I'm going to look into taking the train Friday afternoon out of Singapore and continue north into Malaysia. Until then!
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joannesp
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from mom Am not surprised about your thoughts on Singapore, especially coming from those peaceful islands in Indonesia. That's why I will not choose to join you in Tokyo. If I come, it will be the Great Wall or the Taj Mahal. Will ha
ve to look at your itinerary soon if that's to become a possibility. Am off to Medford today to be available to Mimi + Papa while UB is in Vero. Take car. Say hi to Alex for me. Love you! Mom