Chapter 3

Peeling away the layers of Singapore

We are beginning to explore further afield, and going to train stations we have not been before. Zipping around with ease. We use trains nearly all the time, and only use a cab if there is no train station near our destination.

A new discovery is a Hawker Centre on the East Coast, ( a suggestion from a cab driver) and  about a 15 minute drive away from the Apt.
These places are always buzzing with people consuming a wide range of dishes. Some we are not game to try! After doing a lap of the 60 plus stalls, we settled on a pretty mainstream menu.
10 satays for $6, a plate of BBQ Calamari $8, and a plate of BBQ pork noodles for $4. Washed down with a Tiger beer.
It is situated next to the beach, so quite family oriented.
They have a  waterski/wakeboard lagoon beside the Hawker centre which was fascinating to watch. This is a 360deg cable system that pulls the skier along. No need for a boat!  ( Thought of all the Fordhams and how much they would love it)

We did a reconnaissance trip to Sentosa, so when the girls come, we can allow enough time for the travel from the Apt to the island, for them to play.
They both want to go to Universal Studios!  Hope the partners do as well.
Philip and I raised the adrenalin bar while there, by going on a chairlift up Faber Hill, and then raced to the bottom on a Luge.  It was fun, and quite daring for me.

 

We visited Sentosa 8 years ago when we had a stopover on our way to India.  It is certainly a different place today.  They have done a complete overhaul. Many luxury hotels, white sandy beaches, restaurants, bars, an indoor flying centre and activities, as well as Universal Studios.   We thought about going on a Segway around the island, but one adrenalin rush for the day was enough!
You can get to the island via Monorail, cable car, or a lush boardwalk.  The Monorail (which was our choice this time) leaves from yet another shopping centre called VivoCity.  We came back to the food court here to consume a Char Kway Teow and a Prawn Noodle dish for $4 each after our exhausting day!

We headed into Clark Quay to absorb the atmosphere one evening. A vibrant precinct on the river,  full of restaurants, bars, and of course another couple of shopping centres. This will definitely be a destination for all visitors.
After a long walk we sat and enjoyed a chilled white from Chile, while watching the boats and people come and go.  Quite convivial. 

Temp sits at about 26 at night.
We jumped into a cab after this and headed to Orchard Rd to cruise from one end to the other to see the Christmas lights.  They are switched on mid November till early Jan each year.
The effort is amazing, as it is well over 2 km, and each year a different colour theme. We will do this on foot as well, as it is a sight.

Chinatown proved an interesting destination. Many old temples and buildings and markets.
One temple, Sri Mariamman was amazing. A Hindu temple built in 1827.

Next door to that was another temple - a Buddhist one called Buddha Tooth Relic temple.

Our guest list is growing, with confirmed dates from Laura and Trent, and Sasha and Tim.
Our friends from Sydney, whom we have shared holidays with in France and Portugal, are joining us as well, for 10 days over Christmas/NewYear. I have booked a very special Christmas lunch with them. 

Thought I would splash some cash, as we now have set up a local bank account, with credit card attached!
Shoes are out, as my feet are bigger than the main bulk of buyers here.  Philip thought this was great.  I will keep searching though, it's  my duty as a female!

As the family knows, and I will now share with you, Philip is allergic to Marks and Spencer's. This is an English store, where he spent many hours as a child. His allergy causes nausea and palpitations. (so he says).  Well, I got him into one here, and he has lived to tell the tale!  He did not avert his eyes though, just walked through.....in one door straight through to the other. 

When we shop at home, he always asks for the " husbands" chair. Not a shopper.
I will return on my own, it's better that way.

Birthday celebrations tonight, so will report back with the extravaganza we have planned!

LOVE ANNIE XX


FYI.........


Postal address
P & A Clewlow
27 Lorong 41 Geylang
#602 Redwood@Central 
Singapore
387828