Chapter 5

International roamings.......

We decided to visit the Kranji War Cemetery.  We have visited a few war cemeteries over the years, including Italy and France.  I find reading the ages of the fallen soldiers quite disturbing - 21, 22, 23 and so on.  So much that these brave young soldiers have missed out on.  And to see gravestones with "Unknown Soldier" is also so sad.  Their families do not know where they now sleep.  Lives cut too short.  I think of my gorgeous nephews, and how they are filling their lives with new experiences, and with so much more to do. We are fortunate that they are not put in situations like this.  As with the other cemeteries, they are immaculately maintained.  It feels as though Mother Nature is caring for and cradling these boys now (but well done to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission!).

We stopped off at the Chinese and Japanese Gardens on our way back. Beautifully laid out with pagodas and lakes and of course the positioned rocks.
Unfortunately our stay there was cut short with a Singapore downpour. We will return.

Now Arab Street was a great haunt to explore.  Quite lively and colourful.  Full of textiles, leather and caneware. Many good food stalls and restaurants as well. 

This area is the focal point of Muslim life here. Some wonderful architecture too. Many of the original buildings have been restored, which gives the area that sense of history and connection.
We enjoyed a wonderful meal here, at a restaurant called Bumbu.  Our new taste sensation was Kang Kong. A delicate water spinach that was deep fried and served with lime, shrimp and minced chicken. Yum!  This was washed down with lime juice on this occasion.

After this we decided to walk up Orchard Rd to see the Christmas Lights,  as it was a beautiful evening. Yes, we previously did this by cab, but so much to take in, we had to do the snail version.  Some accompanying photos will do it more justice than me!  Let them speak for themselves.

I plan our weekends outings, so as a part of this research,  I have "Googled" the top things to do in Singapore.  As you know with "Google", you get many variations, and the game is to find the right one to suit.
One took particular interest!
Number #4 on a list of 10, was to have Plastic Surgery with a knife being wealded by Dr Woffles Wu................  Oh dear!
When I looked at the source, it was an American site.
I suppose the great food, architecture, history, gardens etc,  are not what are important.
Philip and I will look in the mirror and see what needs nipping and tucking. The "Woffles Lift" may be a consideration, while we are here.

Well, we had our day out to see Jersey Boys, and had a wonderful time.  It really is great music and the theatre at Marina Bay Sands was another masterpiece.
After the show we indulged ourselves with an English style afternoon tea, sitting amongst potted palms and orchids.  Fine china, white linen and silverware added to the atmosphere. 
Problem was, how do we choose from over 800 types of tea? They brought a thick book to the table which named all the different types of tea. Help!

We steered away from one variety, which was $85 per pot!  This tea is apparently harvested on one mountain, on one day a year with gold scissors!  It sells in the loose form for SGD$150  for 50 gms.  If not all true, makes a good tea time chat.
With advice from the waiter, (and after discussing our likes and dislikes),  I chose " Heart of Happiness",  and Philip had "1837 White China Tea".  Good choices, and a change from Dilmah.


We took a Bumboat ride down the river to Clark Quay after this, to wander and find somewhere for dinner, later.  We decided to walk a bit further on to Robertson Quay as it is a bit quieter.  Had a great dinner at a place called "Brussels Sprouts"?

We walked back to Marina Bay after this to see a water and light show called "Water Full", all choreographed to music.  Amazing again!  Pics below

Thanks to all of you who have brightened our Apt with Christmas cards. The cards are being slid under our door, and it's a nice surprise!  Much appreciated.
So now we have a Christmas tree, with battery operated lights, and presents underneath and cards!  How does that song go............"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas........"

Till the next blog

Annie
Xxxxxx