We arrived in Singapore after a long tip. A stop over in Darwin increased the length of the trip by 2 hours but it was okay. Shame we didn’t get to visit Darwin for a few days. It was about 9pm Singapore time when we arrived (12midnight EST). We then caught a train to Bugis station and it was a short walk to our Hotel. It was great to have a shower an go to bed!
Jenny (Jenny and Karl are old friends who now live in Berlin for part of the year and just happened to be on their way home and having a stopover in Singapore for a few days). We decided to meet at our hotel and then travel to Changi War Memorial by the MRI rail system and bus. We purchased a 3 day pass for $8 per day-great value and a very efficient system. The travel pass also covers bus travel. Singapore is very clean and organised, quite different to other Asian Countries I have visited. There is a definite English feel.
The War Memorial at Changi was well worth the effort. My Uncle was a POW and so I found the stories of the imprisonment of Australians gave me some insight into what my uncle must have experienced.
We then traveled to the Civic Centre and to the Raffles Hotel for High Tea. Got a bit lost but this only added to the adventure of the day and gave us the opportunity to walk through the Civic Centre and along the river. You need to book beforehand and not only do you get scones, cakes, sandwiches and as much tea or coffee you can drink but there is a variety of other foods, fruits and desserts. Its expenive-$91 for the 2 of us but well worth the money. The Hotel is amazing and so resonant of a bygone era. The architecture is wonderful and in such good condition. The gardens are enticing with many varieties of plants that catch your eye. Although I have no idea what they were! except of course the ferns and some orchids. I need to do something about my knowledge of plants. I suggested a night there but Robert thought $1500 a night a bit too expensive.
Jenny (Jenny and Karl are old friends who now live in Berlin for part of the year and just happened to be on their way home and having a stopover in Singapore for a few days). We decided to meet at our hotel and then travel to Changi War Memorial by the MRI rail system and bus. We purchased a 3 day pass for $8 per day-great value and a very efficient system. The travel pass also covers bus travel. Singapore is very clean and organised, quite different to other Asian Countries I have visited. There is a definite English feel.
The War Memorial at Changi was well worth the effort. My Uncle was a POW and so I found the stories of the imprisonment of Australians gave me some insight into what my uncle must have experienced.
We then traveled to the Civic Centre and to the Raffles Hotel for High Tea. Got a bit lost but this only added to the adventure of the day and gave us the opportunity to walk through the Civic Centre and along the river. You need to book beforehand and not only do you get scones, cakes, sandwiches and as much tea or coffee you can drink but there is a variety of other foods, fruits and desserts. Its expenive-$91 for the 2 of us but well worth the money. The Hotel is amazing and so resonant of a bygone era. The architecture is wonderful and in such good condition. The gardens are enticing with many varieties of plants that catch your eye. Although I have no idea what they were! except of course the ferns and some orchids. I need to do something about my knowledge of plants. I suggested a night there but Robert thought $1500 a night a bit too expensive.
After Raffles we went to Little India (on the MRA) and did a free guided walk. We learnt something about the history of Indian people in Singapore, their culture and the meaning of the Festival of Lights. We all thought it was a great and the guide was excellent. I loved Little India and can’t wait to go back and visit. It is only a short walk from our hotel. We finished off the day with a beer and some more lively conversation. Tomorrow is a walk down Arab Street, Chinatown and the museum. Tired now its been a big day but great
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