Our long journey transports us to this dazzling sophisticated metropolis. Michael is here , we are delighted to visit his temporary home. Late morning we head to La Pau Sat a hawkers market- close by. It was originally on the beach, but landfill has made that coastline disappear. Filled with small restaurants of numerous cuisines, whatever you desire to eat is here.
First impressions, a city of contrasts. Majestic skyscrapers are ever present but turn a corner and you are confronted with an ancient temple. These highrisers all have a green element, one even has its insides emptied for a “forest”. Meandering through the streets you are either on a smooth paved surface or a jumble of uneven stones. Opulent restaurants sit proudly beside small intimate gems. Our stay is at the colonial Raffles Hotel but will end at the extraordinary Marina Sands which hovers like a sentinel over the river.
Contrast for us Young &Old.. We search for the RMT stop,he walks. We take the elevator, he climbs the stairs…. Huge vs. tiny, new vs.ancient, green vs. concrete, smooth vs. rocky- these parallels surround us. We meet at Awesome Cafe, on the way, viewing Ngore Dargah, oldest religious monument, and Thia Hock Ken’s- a humble joss home for Chinese morphed into a temple. We meet at Awesome Cafe, in a culturally vibrant area on Telok Ayer Street. Small eateries in two story buildings, busy, quaint. We have unusual drinks and wrapped sandwiches and salads- all delicious and different. Our son is a perfect fit for this food crazy culture, a hawker stand environment- food could be your pastime here. We visit BuddaTooth the relic’s possession gives a divine right to rule. It is a golden place, visually delightful, we hear the monks chanting.
At night we head to Chinatown, jammed with restaurants, stores and people. We pass Little India, bedecked for the Festival of Diwali. We take the metro to the Marina Sands area. The mall there is overwhelming- so big, so beautiful. We head outside just missing a rainstorm, and go to Skytop Trees for a light display. It is so spectacular, you feel so joyful watching. Fireflies of light accompanied with retro music. Sharing it with Charles and Michael is so special!!
Dawn
2023-10-25
Thanks for sharing Singapore with us, your pictures are beautiful. I viewed the light show several times, never seen anything quite like it. You have given me a huge desire to visit Singapore. Enjoy your time there with Michael.
Chuck
2023-10-25
Are those trees growing on the roof of Marina Sands?
Annie
2023-10-25
Spectacular photos of a beautiful city.... hugs and kisses to Michael and Charles. my love to you always, girlfriend!
Susan Pollard
2023-10-25
It’s been 25 years since we were in Singapore and so happy to see it through your eyes. We did so many nice things there as well. The food market and much more. So glad you are having a great time, Susan
Anna
2023-10-25
What a fascinating place! I’ll have to hear all about this trip over a glass of wine:)
Stephen
2023-10-25
I saw a show where they were building the tree tops, it came out better then I imagined. What a cool city.
Barb Engh
2023-10-27
I picture you & Charles sipping Singapore Slings on the patio of the Raffles Hotel 😎. I got to do that in 1981 and it was wonderful!
Susan
2023-10-29
wow! That must be really something to see! I watched the gardens in Singapore on U-Tube. Spent the day yesterday working in my back yard cutting back bushes and air-laying crotons.