Singapore Day 4

On my last full day in Singapore, Ria and I started it by picking up our cousing from where they were staying to have some breakfast. It was a Sunday, and as it turns out, most of the establishments were either closed or opening late. We ended up having a late breakfast at a nearby Starbucks. Not that filling but at least we had breakfast. As usual, I did not have any hot drinks. Took my pick from the frappuccino menu. From thereabouts, we hiked to the nearest mall which just opened. We did not really stay long at that loaction since we decided to make a trip to Orchard Road.

We took a shuttle to get to Orchard Road, right in front of Tangs. We had Edmund with us so we were really constricted to move around. Ate Tetel decided to get a phone for their duration in Singapore which she can also use when they get home to San Francisco. So while she and Ria were shopping for a phone at Lucky Plaza, I was in charge of keeping little Edmund entertained. When they had finished with their transactions, we were then ready to have lunch. We decided to dine at the Food Republic of Wisma. By the end of the meal, Edmund was more intent to go swimming at the pool of the condominium they were staying than go around Singapore. So off they went back home. That left Ria and I to explore Singapore once more.

We took the tram to visit Vivo City. This mall boasts of having a tram ride to Sentosa.

One does not go to Singapore as a tourist without going to Sentosa. During my previous trip to Singapore I also spent the day going around Sentosa so I had thought it would have been the same attractions. I was surprised to learn that they have improved and they have new rides. What Ria was urging was to ride the luge and skyride. She initially thought that I would not like to do so since *I was afraid of heights. I had vehemently declined doing the bungee jumping in Clarke Quay believing that if I do agree to doing that, I would get a heart attack. At any case, I did agree and we signed up for 3 turns - 3 luge rides and 3 skyride trips. So, we got our helmets and lined up. The luge ride was ok but then it was time for the first skyride trip. I did take pictures while hanging in the air but a little agoraphobia got the better of me. Fortunately my second and third trips were better. All in all, I enjoyed it.

Next on our agenda is visit the other new sights in Sentosa. So we trekked around, taking pictures whenever possible. It rained a bit while we were touring but we were able to get to some spots, particularly the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. I believe it myight be the best beach in Sentosa - but only because I didn't really go round the whole island. As it is, a lot of people were enjoying the area - a lot of whome were pickniking while some were swimming. Would have loved to pose in my trunks. Hehehe.

We ended the day back in Vivo City. Ria and I were to have our at dinner together either dining chilli crabs or at Marche. We decided Marche. We had an assortment of food that were not only enjoyable to the eyes but the stomach as well. It had been a long day and we had a long way to go to get back home. So after a nice dinner, we were off again taking the tram.

When we reached home, we still took the time to drop by a nearby hawker center. Ria had coffee, I, of course, had something cold to drink. We didn't eat anymore since we really were full from dinner. From there, we were finally headed home.

Another full day. Another tiring day. Another enjoyable day.

Singapore Day 3

We've reached day 3 of my adventures in Singapore.


As usual, Ria prepared our breakfast. After a delecious meal, we took our showers and planned our day. Soon we are off to a very busy day.

First in our agenda for the day is visit Chinatown. A prominent structure there is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It is a four-storey structure that not only houses a very grand temple but also a very interesting museum - collecting not just their venerated buddha tooth relic but other relics and offers an insight into Buddhism through a very extensive museum. Each floor offers a unique view of not just the temple but also of the religion through the various buddhas collected from all over. The actual buddha tooth relic is housed in the fourth floor where devotees come to venerate it. We were not able to actually view it because it is only opened to the public at certain times of the day.



While we were in Chinatown, we took the time to go around and check for bargains. We shopped for gifts for our parents and and aunts. I also searched for some trinkets for my bosses. There were a lot to choose from and at one point Ria and I got separated. Luckily, we did found each other and finalized what we were shopping for. We then decided to have lunch at McDonald's. Why there? I saw the limited edition Beijing Olympics Coke Glass which I was not able to get while in Manila. The meal was filling and we were now all set for an adventure at Jurong Bird Park.

Much like my trip to Avilon Zoo and to Zoobic, the Jurong Bird Park requires a lot of walking. It was tiring but nevertheless, it was enjoyable. Our first stop was the penguins. It was their feeding time so a lot of people were watching as these cute birds are fed by their caretaker. Next stop for us was the Fuji Hawk Walk. We had to get in early since there would be a show. Predators are the focus of the show and one by one their trainors show off these birds' abilities - from flying to catching food. The birds even fly so near that you can touch them as they pass by. However, we were warned not to do so because, as predators, they might think that your hand is their meal. Once the show was over, we spent some time trekking the park and visiting the various birds that make their home there. One of our last stops is the Lory Loft where we were able to interact with birds by feeding them.

It was a tiring day but that was not the end because we still had to fetch our cousin at the airport. Ate Tetel and Edmund arrived around midnight and we escorted them to the condominium where they would be staying in Singapore. Once they were settled in, it was time for Ria and I to call it a day.

Singapore Day 2

My second day in Singapore is really my first full day.

My day started with a delicious breakfast cooked by my dear sister. With a full stomach, we were off to the Singapore Flyer. We took the bus to our destination. All I can say is I still admire Singapore's bus and tram service. Efficient. What's new with their service? You can text them to find out how much more time you will be waiting for the bus to arrive at the bus stop you are in. What I also found new is that the same card you are using for the bus and the tram, you can also use to pay in McDonald's! What convenience!

Before Ria and I rode the Singapore Flyer, we took a short detour to Kenko. Well it was not really a detour since they are also located on the same building that houses the Singapore Flyer. We took the opportunity to try the fish spa Kenko was offering. It truly was a different experience I can say. These small fish, the Garra Rufa imported from Turkey, are like nibbling at your feet the whole time. It feels strange, with thoughts of a pirahnas attacking me. It felt ticklish as they seem to be nibbling your skin. They say that these fish are like massaging your feet, stimulating circulation, and at the same time feeding on your dead skin cells. It was definitely a different kind of foot spa.


Now, we are ready to take a ride on the Singapore Flyer. Ria and I were privileged to get a capsule on our own. I had problems with heights but with the Flyer, you can hardly feel that you are over a hundred meters from the ground. From the flyer, you can view the Esplanade, the Merlion and the Marina Barrage. You can see their preparation oThe carriage was spacious and would fit more than 10 people. One can also sip cocktail and even eat in those capsules. You can also see the preparations for the Formula 1 race slated to happen in September.

Where do we go from there? Since we were able to see the Esplanade from the Flyer, we trekked to it's location. We were able to get in and view the history of Arts and Culture in Singapore as well as the development of the Esplanade. We then proceeded to be camera-happy by taking a lot of pictures from there to the Merlion Park. Ria had a job fair to go to in the afternoon so we had to find a place to have lunch but the nearest dining spot from where we were was the Boat Quay, which was also in the vicinity of the Asian Civilization Musuem where her job fair would be held. We had a taste of Thai Cuisine when we had our meal at Reamnam Thai.

While Ria was at the job fair, I had the opportunity to visit a nearby mall - the Funan DigitaLife Mall. On the way there, I was able to pass by the Supreme Court and the Parliament of Singapore. The mall is definitely a fiesta for electronics enthusiasts. Of course, I browsed throught the book store but shops here cater to those looking for bargains for thir computer and electronics needs. A unique store I saw here was the triple-store that offers the menu offerings of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.

After the job fair, I met Ria and her friend in front of the Asian Civilizations Museum. There I had my first taste of the $1 ice cream. From then on, whenever I see a $1 ice cream stand, I had to try a different flavor. Crossing the Cavenagh bridge, we were tempted to go inside the Fullerton Hotel. Of course, we gave in to the temptation. We posed in the lobby as well as the basement of the hotel before we decided to meet Allie, another of Ria's friends in Singapore, to find a place to eat for dinner. Considering it was previously the General Post Office, The Fullerton Hotel has come a long way and has distinguished itself as a 4 star hotel.

We decided on settling with eating at the Lau Pa Sat, a former market turned into a food center. Food choices are aplenty and affordable. An addition is the live band playing at the middle of the center, right above the beverage stall - which by the way refuses to sell a glass of ice, you have to but a canned drink to get a glass of ice. At any case, it was a good experience. Had time to spend with Ria's friends too.

Wait. There's more. To cap off our day, we had some cold beverages from the nearby Far East Square's Teh Tarik Cartel. I got a lemon juice drink. But he night did not end there. Before we went our separate ways, we passed by the Boat Quay to take some pictures. The end.