Chapter 12
Eating, drinking and the odd tourist attraction....

We have covered a lot here in Singapore, and the list for weekend activities is shorter now. It still involves the odd tourist attraction but climbing to the top of the list now is finding new eateries and bars, and Singapore has endless options! 
One find was a bar on the 55th floor of the Ion building (an amazing shopping centre on Orchard Rd), attached to the restaurant called Salt.  This is owned and operated by Luke Mangan, an Australian from Sydney.  Fantastic 360 deg views of Singapore. Philip again played James Bond with his choice of Martini, while I had a Kir Royale. We then went to a German restaurant called Brotzeit for a schnitzel and potato salad. 

Gluttons Bay (great name isnt it) is yet another hawker place that we visited. Have lost count now how many we have actually been to!  Much smaller, so less to choose from, but delicious all the same.  Lemon chicken, Prawn omelette, satays and of course, Tiger beer! Shared tables had us sitting with an older man from Switzerland whose partner was a local, and way younger. We tried to figure out their association - but he was peeling off $50 notes to her (for food!), and seemed to smile constantly.  Jury is still out on the actual relationship!

I read a review of a new restaurant that I thought worth trying, so Philip and I went on a date. It was called Fordham and Grand, and was situated in Chinatown. The location, although Asian oriented, did not hint at what was behind the very plain facade (big black door, silver plaque and no windows) of a "shophouse" tucked down a side street. Upon entering,  your senses are tantalised by a dimly lit classy interior full of vases of roses, mirrors, and mellow music. The french food was exceptional!  And the bottle of French Pinot the same.  Knowledgable staff a welcome addition.

The Old Ford Factory at Bukit Batok was so interesting and well worth the long journey by bus. The factory (designed by a French architect) is the site of the historic surrender of the British to the Japanese in 1942 at the end of the Battle of Singapore in WW2. The factory was Ford's first motor car assembly plant in SE Asia, however it was soon used to assemble fighter planes by the RAF during this time. It was then taken over by the Japanese as their headquarters. With the fall of Singapore many Australian, British and colonials became POW's.

The factory resumed production of cars in 1947 until it closed in the 1980's.
"History must take a lesson from these times", was a quote carved in a rock as you leave.
It is now shadowed by high rise apartments.
Very compelling stories and photos.

We ventured down the hill from our apt last weekend, about a ten minute walk, and visited the Singapore Art Museum. We only did a quick lap, as it was 'modern art' and not really our cup of tea. We both said it reminded us of the Tate Modern in London, which was a short tour as well. Bit too left of centre for us!
Examples included......a leather armchair shot with arrows? A two metre pile of old hammers welded together? A suspended sword swinging like a pendulum? An aboriginal montage?

Here's where all leftovers from garage sales end up

On a lighter note, we went on a theatrical journey when we attended a performance of Le Noir, a circus spectacular, (an off shoot of Cirque de Soleil). The performance was a breathtaking display of balance, contortion, stamina and aerial artistry. The MC spoke pseudo-French, and was "Chaplin" like in his delivery. 

There was a great deal of audience participation, which was hilarious, as in this part of the world, it does not come naturally to be funny!  It was an intimate arena with the audience enveloping the stage. Our second row seats were right in the action! 

 

We enjoyed a charcuterie platter and a glass of Pinot prior to the show.

Laura arrived in Darwin after driving for six and a half days. The last leg, Alice Springs to Darwin was 1300km of which Laura drove 900km! Overnight stops on the way from Melbourne included Port Campbell, Mount Gambier, Adelaide, Coober Pedy and Alice. 
She has had an amazing experience, and the photos are equally amazing!
Well done, we are so proud of you!  She has already made a new friend in Darwin (see Pic)...

We're assured its not Prince Charming.  Laura is now 3356kms  and Sasha  6078kms  from us in Singapore. 
Another piece of family news is that Sasha is starting up her own styling business........it is called "Styled by Sasha", and she has a website to follow for those interested.  Will let you know the developments.

That's all for now.

Love Annie.  XX

Also, I saw this quote, and it touched me.........

"We make a living by what we get.
We make a life by what we give".     (do you know who said this?)