Day 1

So here we go again. This time a week long trip to Singapore. First we needed to get through security, no worries with the needles and Ryan had to walk through the metal detector on his own after Zuz made the machine go beep. Quite a funny site seeing a toddler walk through a metal detector. Dangerous creatures, those kiddies. On to the BA 747 to an empty row and a car seat for Ryan. Ryan fell asleep on me the second we left the ground and slept most of the way, even though he fought it. That was in between laps of the cabin and dodging the other parents also doing laps with their bubs.

Unfortunately we found out where airline food got its reputation. After landing in Singapore we travelled about 2 kms on travelators before going straight through immigration, not even looking twice at Zuz who was told to get special clearance as she was over 6 months pregnant. No one there to declare anything to and out to find a nice man holding a sign with our name. All too easy. Then out of the air conditioning. Not nearly as bad as we had expected, although it was 11PM. Checked into our nice hotel, The Phoenix Hotel with an upgraded room after Ryan enjoyed the ride in the car. He then wanted to explore every nook and cranny of the hotel room before finally going to bed at 1AM.

Day 2

Unfortunately woke at 6:00am (4:00am Oz time) and watched Ryan explore the room some more. We scored a very nice room with a great shower. Plan A – find some breakfast, finally locating a little place that not many tourists would probably frequent. I had roti prata, fried bread with curry sauce. Yep you read right, curry sauce for breaky. Followed up with strawberry milk. It was extremely nice, and cheap too. Zuz had crunchy prata with peppermint ice cream. It looks like the taste buds are in for an interesting time. We strolled up Orchard road and into one of the shopping malls for a look. It was pretty dead with most of the shops still closed. So we popped into the visitors centre to get info for the week’s itinerary. Boy you notice the air conditioners when you walk inside…. and conversely more when you walk back outside. This place is real neat and tidy and the bathrooms are something else.

We met Marketa and Jirka (From Czech) back at the hotel. Had a chat for a while and then went to the 7/11 to try something else new. Tried these warm little fruit dumpling like things, not for me and the shopkeeper gave Ryan some mocha cotton candy. We ate in the park before being accosted by a fortuneteller who said I have a very lucky face. Of coarse he wanted some $$. Next was lunch, in a food court. I decided to go that store and order a No 1. Turned out to be a “Kway teow”. Eggs, squid, noodles and washed it down with as mango milk tea (yum).

Now it was, time for the pre-arranged city tour. We went past the iconic durian shaped theatres on our way to the famous Mer-lion landmark. Click, click. Next stop. Chinatown and walked through the Thian Hock Keng Temple. Very nice, but the heat had turned it on now. It was great to get back on the bus with air conditioners. An unknown gem picture-making place was next on the agenda. Some beautiful works of art, if a little over the top. The World map made from gemstones was very impressive. Then through the orchid garden in the botanic gardens, followed by a very quick walk through Little India. Both venues were very colourful and aromatic. Basically a great intro tour into Singapore.

Back in the lobby waiting for Marketa and Jirka, meanwhile Ryan was going off. He had a huge mirror to play with and he liked what he saw when he looked at himself. Having the time of his life. A hawker centre was the choice for dinner. Fish head curry for me sir. The meal was a tad spicy, but beautiful. Highly recommended. Zuz had ………..Spag Bol. The limejuice and fresh coconut were a good choice of beverages.