Chapter 15

Farewell Singapore......

During our final week here we tried to soak up all we could of this wonderful place. We have grown to love everything about Singapore  (as have all our guests over our stay). A surprise package. Clean, safe and forward thinking in everything they do.
Years ago, whilst on a stopover here, we both said  "we could live in Singapore", not even dreaming that it would/could happen. We are so glad it did.
Philips shoulders have lifted visibly, now that he has handed over the control of this extremely challenging project. If he knew he was the fifth Project Manager here in as many months, on this particular job,  he may have not come.  (His position has now been divided into three roles!)  But he has put it down to another chapter in his book of life, and some wonderful emails from work colleagues speaking glowingly about his direction, pulling the job together, his calming nature, that they are sorry to see him leave, have been warming.  There was a generous offer to stay, but in the end his work visa expires two days after we go. So not an option. The company invited us out for a "last supper" which for me was good, as the names I have heard for 6 months now I could put a face to. 

Our apartment at Regency House in Penang Rd was like a home away from home, and everything we needed was at our doorstep. The staff  were just wonderful and would  do anything for you.  Doors opened by Seve, smiles from Ginley and Joyce at reception, as well as Alice in the breakfast room. It is a nice small place, so a feeling of family envelopes you.

View of Regency House from Orchard Road

I have had my last art class and I will share with you one piece.
It is an ink drawing, and I feared it would look like Richard Gere, but I am happy it resembles the subject. Do you think it looks like Philip?  
Just kidding!

Philip and I have had some amazing meals here, but have also managed to lose a couple of kilos as well!   Mind you, you still feel huge compared to the fine slim people that live here.
We are now ready for France and the UK, and their culinary offerings!
Mmmmmmm, what are we craving ?  I can see those kilos will be back on in no time at all. 
We have consumed copious quantities of rice, as you can imagine in this part of the globe, but maybe not as much as this person does. Saw this at the supermarket. Trolley packed full on its way to the checkout.

We did manage to drink a Singapore Sling here at Raffles, for old times' sake. Our first sling was 26 years ago and the 2013 version was just as  delicious!
I am sure a lot of you have tried it as well!  

Our last evening in Singapore was one that had to be memorable so we headed to a restaurant called Flutes at the Fort. Strangely, the entrance is through a car park, but once you start climbing the steps up through the lush garden, (and there were many) you are confronted with a black and white bungalow built in 1908 clinging to a hill.  It is the old fire chief's house situated in Fort Canning park. It is a lovely natural, unspoilt spot, and our table on the verandah was perfect. Our meal was wonderful as well, as was the wine from the Yarra Valley!

My walk in the mornings in our next location,  will be hugely different from Singapore I am sure, and I will miss all my senses being tested. No Hindi temples, free range chickens scratching in the grass or people eating curry for breakfast on the street at the local eateries.

I must sat thank you to my Mum who diligently calls Laura every weekend to see how she is going. I know Laura really appreciates it, as it has been a big change for her. Thanks Mum!

We fly out tonight for a weeks R and R in Paris (in the Marais district), then off to London.

Till then
Much love
Annie
Xxxxxx