We have been back for over a week, and I’m just beginning to feel normal. The life was sucked out of me, and I’m still not completely my old self, but getting there.
Other than basic errands, I’ve had little motivation to do much, but I finally managed to upload some pics to share.
I thought since I was holed up for most of the three weeks we were away that I wouldn’t have a lot of photos to share, but I do, so get comfy because I decided to do one long post rather than break them up like I did for Florida.
First let me clear up some common misconceptions about Singapore. Yes, it’s in Asia, but no, it’s not in or very near China.
To give you an idea of how far it is from China, the last time I was there in 2012 I transferred flights in Shanghai and it was a seven hour flight to Singapore. That’s longer than a flight from NY to San Francisco. Singapore is actually very close to Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, and essentially sits on the equator, so there are no ‘seasons’. It’s either hot, or very hot. English is one of four official languages spoken, and due to its English influence, drivers drive on the left side of the road.
And no, dogs are not on the menu, although they are in nearby countries. 🙁
Singapore is an eclectic mix of stunning modern and quaint colonial designs. The iconic Marina Bay Sands, the crown jewel of Singapore, is an architectural masterpiece. Completed in 2010 at an estimated cost of $8 billion, it is the most expensive stand alone resort property ever built. (Rumor has it it will be ‘destroyed’ in this summer’s Independence Day movie.)
The inspiration for the design was a deck of cards. If you look closely you will notice the bottom and top of the structure separates creating an interesting curved design, but it also has a practical purpose…there is a very large, VERY upscale mall located at the bottom.
Interesting side note: in Singapore you can find inexpensive, poorly made clothes (typically in areas like Chinatown) or you can donate an organ and shop at designer shops like Prada and Louis Vuitton. There’s very few, if any, middle-of-the-road places, like a Macy’s or even Bloomingdales.
At 57 stories high, MBS has the world’s highest infinity pool. Although the pool is reserved for hotel guests only, I took a quick dip the last time I was there. It pays to know peeps ;).
Here’s an artist’s rendering. Notice the two small buildings in the water? The one on the right is actually entirely devoted to Louis Vuitton products. Apparently, Louis Vuitton bags are very much a status symbol in Singapore, and it is one of the first items a young woman buys when she begins to work, even if it means blowing her entire paycheck. The other building in the water on the left is what brought Sarissa & Josh to Singapore in the first place. (That was the location of the club they were running).
Next to the MBS are two very large dome shaped structures called Gardens by the Bay. While we were visiting we were fortunate enough to see a fabulous tulip and flower exhibition. (I left my dslr at home and used my GoPro, which is a wide angle/fish eye lens, or phone for all these photos.)
Did you know this about tulips? I didn’t, and found it fascinating.
There were several impressive hand carved wooden sculptures throughout the exhibition. The details were amazing!
We arrived in Singapore on Thursday, May 5th and left for Cambodia on Tuesday the 10th for five days. I told you a little bit about that disastrous trip in this post, but the long and short of it was I was miserable. Being sick in a third world country, when it’s 110 degrees, is not my idea of fun. My head felt like a bowling ball, so I opted out of the second day of our tour. Fisherman went on without me and captured this photo (finger and all lol) of children in a fishing village. These are children, many of whom are still in their single digits, that don’t go to school, and spend their days catching/killing fish by the hundreds.
If you’ve ever been to Asia, you have no doubt seen one of these. You put your feet in a tank, and hundreds of tiny fish have at it and rid you of dead skin. I guess it tickles because these guys were cracking up. Weird, huh?
Of course, no post highlighting our trip would be complete without a snippet about Charlie. We weren’t sure if he would remember us. It had been four years since I had seen him, and five years since Fisherman had, but he did! He liked taking walks with us and shooting back a few bruskys to help battle the heat, but his favorite were belly rubs, and we were happy to oblige. Could he be any cuter???
Every night, twice a night (and three times on weekends), the Marina Bay Sands hosts a fabulous laser light show set to music on the river. I had seen it in the past, but I wanted Fisherman to experience it as well. I took a video of the entire 12 minute event, but it was going to literally take hours to upload to YouTube so I nixed that plan. (We have a VERY slow internet connection). I figured out how to get an image from the filmstrip. Although it doesn’t do the show justice, I hope it provides a bit of an idea of what it’s like.
Notice the vertical lights on the buildings on the far left? That’s where Sarissa & Josh lived up until two years ago, which is very close to the financial district. They now live in a more residential area close to the riverfront, within walking distance to countless stores and restaurants. Think ‘Wall Street vs. West Village’. This area below is steps away from their building. It’s also where I went to get acupuncture to help with my sinuses (it didn’t).
Have you ever been to San Antonio’s River Walk? That’s what this area reminded me of. In September, Sarissa & Josh will most likely be moving to a slightly larger place on this river.
Below was the view from our bedroom. Notice the cranes in the background on the left? There is always construction happening in Singapore. It’s a city growing by leaps and bounds.
This is one of the restaurants Sarissa & Josh own. We didn’t eat there, but we had a quick drink on our last day there with Charlie :).
We took a fishing boat trip after we got back from Cambodia. I wasn’t feeling great, but I did miraculously get a bit of a reprieve for a few hours. Charlie parked himself on my lap for almost the entire trip, which lasted four hours. Maybe it had something to do with the watermelon ;).
I didn’t cast a line, but Fisherman did (of course). It took a couple of hours and a few guys to reel this baby in, but it was totally worth it. We feasted for days. 😉
In other news…
Other than a weekend RV trip in September, we don’t have any travel plans until December when we go to Florida, and that’s just fine with me for now. Being away four out of the last five months is enough. We do hope to take the grands on a weekend trip though, but haven’t figured out when/where yet.
I’ve done a little bit of gardening (translation…weeding) and I’m excited that the seeds I planted in our raised bed before we left have all done well (we had friends water for us while we were away) and we’re enjoying bibb lettuce, romaine and chard. The beets and carrots aren’t ready yet, but they seem to be doing well. This is the first time in recent memory I’ve planted veggies so I’m excited my efforts are successful so far. Sometimes planting from seeds can be tricky. I’ll share more garden tidbits next week.
Cyn says
I loved all the photos and your commentary, but you lost me at 110 degrees and hot or very hot! Good thing I can enjoy things through your lens, since the heat alone would make us cross visiting there off our list. 🙂
I do hope you feel better soon! Being sick while away couldn’t have been much fun.
Welcome home!
Donna says
Welcome back. U were sick. Great commentary. No pix Sarissa but Charlie is a cutie pie. Feel better soon.
Donna says
All the emoticons didn’t post. Sad sickiepoooo. Nice fish Juan.
denise says
Glad you’re starting to feel better! How sad to be sick on such a wonderful trip. Charlie looks more than pleased to spend time with you! Great photos! xxDenise
AnnMarie says
You are a trooper! Great pictures and commentary. It so stinks to be sick during a trip. Singapore is not a place I would think to visit but it looks very intriguing. The fish picture is fabulous!!!
kim says
Thanks for the map, Doreen, I now know where Singapore is truly located!
Just lay low, rest and restore this summer. Then you’ll be ready to roll come September!
Emily says
Wow, enjoyed the photos Doreen. What an amazing part of the world to explore and I’m so sorry you sick and missed out. Nothing worse than being sick away from home. I’m afraid I would have wilted like a noodle in those temps, ugh. Sounds like you are getting better and back in the swing of things at home. I look forward to seeing how your garden grows:)
Kim says
You seemed to have made the most of your trip even with your nasty cold. You certainly are a trooper! I am glad you were able to enjoy some of it. That’s a really long way to go to stay in bed! I love reading your stuff, Doreen, because your sense of humor always make me see the lighter side of life, no matter what gets thrown at you. Thanks for the geometry lesson…and the giggles! 🙂 Rest up!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Doreen,
You are a trooper to enjoy your trip even with not feeling well. Loved reading through the post and seeing the beautiful pictures. So happy you had such a great trip. Love the whimsy and humor you add to your writing.
So enjoyed this.
Hugs,
Kris
Jemma says
You had a fascinating and intriguing visit! The infinity pool is awesome! But do you know I would be afraid I’d swim over the edge…I know ridiculous.
The flowers, oh goodness, they are breathtaking.
The developmental side of Singapore I find so interesting as well.
Gorgeous photos-I am glad you are home!!
xxx
Jemma
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I thought I recalled this tidbit, but looked it up before commenting. Singapore, which I’m sure you already know, is the most expensive city in the world. Wow!
Brenda
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Wonderful photos and story! You made it all very very fun and interesting. I would never ever go overseas… have never been to Hawaii or out of the US, except for a couple of short jaunts into Canada from Oregon! I’m totally happy to stay here… but am thoroughly enjoying your travels and seeing the world through your eyes! You WERE a trooper for managing to enjoy some parts of your trip, though sick the entire time. The flower photos are amazing as are all the others.. and so glad your garden fared well while you were gone. I’m working hard on mine and it’s a ton of work! It’s 100 degrees here this weekend and maybe instead of going outside, I’ll manage to do a couple of blog posts… I’m so behind in those… sigh. I hope you start feeling “normal” very soon!
Cindi says
Oh wow! Loved seeing these photos!
I’m one of those who thought Singapore was in China. LOL!
That pool would scare me! I can’t do heights.
Loved the flowers!
It was great to see Charlie! I bet that was so bittersweet.
I’m so so sorry that you were so ill.
I hope you are back to 100% soon.
xoxoxo
handmade by amalia says
Looks like an amazing place to visit. Welcome back!
Amalia
xo
Al says
Wow Doreen. Despite being sick you took many beautiful photos. I hope you at least were able to enjoy some of the time with your family. Also, I’d be happy to give that dog some belly rubs too. He’s beautiful.
susan says
It sounds like a wonderful trip, but I can tell you were happy to come home, Doreen. I’m so sorry that you were sick most of the time you were away – those hot temperatures didn’t help any, I’m sure. Try to take it easy until you’re back to normal. Good to have you back!
Debbie from MountainMama says
I love when you take us on a tour of the amazing places you visit! Glad you are starting to feel better, sweet friend, and can’t wait to see some pix of your garden progress! xo
Sue says
Wonderful post about Singapore. I loved all the details and great photos. It is just not somewhere I would think to visit, but now that you’ve shared, it seems a wonderful place to go except for the high heat – LOL. Just looking at the infinity pool gave me the willies since I am afraid of heights.
Sydney says
Doreen: Great recap of Singapore. Makes me feel like I was JUST there (oh yeah, I was!) So many people told me they hate Singapore, too sterile, not the “real” Asia, etc. etc. Aside from the trek it takes to get there, I would SO go there again. I loved it and barely scratched the surface. I’ve never really been somewhere with such a big brother government, and I found that really interesting too. Pros and cons for sure.
Since I don’t know anyone, I may have to splurge for one night at the Sands just to swim in that pool. The scene is too much for me to stay there longer, but I think it would be worth it for that swim. I think I would just spend the day there that day!
Anyway, I identified with every little bit of your post. And nothing more healing than a dog in your lap I say!
Karen says
So glad you are on our way to feeling better. So many interesting things to see, and the flowers are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your pics with us Doreen 🙂
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, what a great trip you had! Now, are these daisies cause they look different than the daisies here? Aahh, there’s the Birds Of Paradise. We see these alot in Southern California. They look like they have their own little personalities haha.
So glad I got to see pictures of Singapore. Such an interesting post. And I love that last picture of you.
~Sheri
Dewena says
I had to call my husband in to look at these pictures. He’s a brave gutsy guy and I’m sure would swim to the edge of that pool but I got butterflies in my stomach just looking at the pictures. What a building! I’ve read about Singapore in many of the old novels set during the days of the British Empire and remember thinking that I would just die of the heat there. Have Sarissa and Josh adapted to the weather there? And dear Charlie? Isn’t that pink tongue adorable!
Doreen, I can only imagine what wonderful pictures you would have captured if you had been well on this trip because what you did get gives no clue to how sick you felt. Just really rotten luck, and you must get back 100% soon. You and our dear friend Tam. No fooling, put your health first.
kelly says
Oh what a treat this post was! I learned so much about Singapore that I never knew. What an interesting city! I don’t think I would want to live there though. Looks very crowded and hot! But, obviously a lot of wonderful sights and things to do. I shared this info with my husband since neither of us will probably get the chance to visit it. Glad they didn’t serve dogs there! Ha!
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
This was so cool and interesting Doreen!! Just fascinating to me- different places and cultures. And Charlie- oh sweet Charlie!! He’s adorable and I think Ruby would fall in love with him in a heartbeat if he ever needs a wife. 😉 And the photo of Fisherman with this big “catch”!! haha!! that’s the best. 😛
I still feel so awful for you that you were so sick!! Ugh!! I hope you feel completely 100% soon.
I would love to know more about planting from seeds – as I have never really attempted that. I’ve always thought there were probably some tricky steps involved?
Blessings on the rest of your week and thanks for sharing your family and photos with us! xoxo
Cecilia says
The flowers are beautiful! I didn’t know that about tulips. Interesting. Wow, the wood sculptures are something else. I think that pool would scare me – I don’t like heights…lol. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Had to laugh at the “big” fish your husband caught. 🙂
Julie says
Hi Doreen,
You are a trooper and seemed to have done the best you could even though you didn’t feel well!
I loved reading and seeing your photos of the trip! I love that pool! Charlie is a cutie! I remember how hot it was there and I guess you get used to the heat! I’m so glad your garden is doing well.
Enjoy the week and weekend.
Hugs Julie
Vashti Q says
Hi Doreen! Lovely pictures and information. Charlie is so cute! The flowers are gorgeous! I’m happy you had a great time, and I hope you are yourself soon. 🙂
Karen Frost says
Hi Doreen, I really enjoyed this tour of your trip! Such fabulous photos of the city and flowers and everything. Your commentary was very interesting, too. The architecture is amazing there…..the infinity pool gave me vertigo, though! It’s too bad that you weren’t feeling well, but it looks like you made the best of things. It’s so sweet that Charlie remembered you, too. Too funny about the ‘big fish’! Take care xo Karen
Feral Turtle says
I am glad you are feeling better! What great pics. Love that dog…OMG he is adorable!! I am glad that none of you starved thanks to some amazing fishing……bahahahaha! Cheers.
Vicky Hunt says
Oh my gosh! You have me wanting to visit Singapore now! What a fascinating city! That building is absolutely amazing and that infinity pool is just…WOW! I bet it costs a small fortune to stay there! It definitely looks like a place you would never get “bored” in! I’m sorry to hear you were sick during the Cambodia trip. How long was your flight over? I’m off to read about Cambodia now.
Hugs, Vicky
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Wonderful pictures
Amy says
How did I miss this post, Doreen? I remember seeing the first couple of pictures, so I think I started reading and got distracted. Anyway, loved seeing your photos of your trip! I’d love to get to Singapore one day.