Singapore (2)

 Singapore - London 5/6 Sept
The first days of my travel diary were written in December 2010 so this is a little out of order, after the January 2011 update I wrote yesterday.

Again, there was too much for me to see to have a sleep in so up very early and pushing Chris to hurry up!! It was drizzling with rain and very humid but we still caught the ' hop on - off bus' for a day of exploring Singapore. We met some fantastic people at the bus stop who were from Barcelona. As we were going there later in the month they loved talking to us about Spain and we had lots of laughs on the bus.

                                

We got off at China Town but as it was so early there wasn't a  lot open. Had a wander around and admired all the colour and beauty of the area, even having a McDonald's breakfast in Singapore was lovely. (No different than NZ mind you)!         

We then continued the bus tour to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and got off the bus in the central city, walked for ages then finally decided to get a taxi out to Sentosa Resort Island. Taxis are very cheap on Sunday's in Singapore to encourage people to go out but leave their vehicles at home due to the high volume of traffic on such a small Island.

We arrived at Sentosa Island and thought we would have a look in the casino but as both Chris and I had left our passports at the hotel we were declined entry. In Singapore gambling and drinking alcohol is discouraged in many parts so it is very expensive for locals to get into a casino; they have to pay high entry fees. Tourists, with a passport, can enter for free.                         

It was getting extremely hot so we took time out to have a cold beer and wine at the Hard Rock cafe before heading off to explore Sentosa Resort.

                       

Our first adventure was the Merlion Experience. We walked through a display then went to a movie show. We then ascended through the middle of the giant Merlion to experience amazing views over Singapore and Malaysia. On entering the experience we were given a coin chip which at the end was put into a small Merlion mouth for a 'treasure'. Lucky Chris and Me, we both ended up with fans and Chris's broke as soon as he opened it.
                  
We then walked around the other beautiful attractions at the resort and finally caught the cable car back to the main land.

                          

                                                        

                              

It was amazing going right over the top of a huge cruise liner, Star Virgo, seeing right into the top deck.

It was a great distraction as the ride was very steep and high and I hate heights.Our cable car trip finished at Harbour Shopping Centre where I managed to get some black sandals for s$13.  It was very lively at this shopping centre with a variety of entertainment, including this band.  


After a rest we walked to the Raffles Shopping complex which was full of families out for Sunday Dinner. We found a nice open air restaurant where we had a lovely, traditional Singaporean meal. We loved watching the children fascinated by the water in a beautiful waterfall display, in the middle of the complex. Children are beautifully dressed and so special in Singapore.

Singaporeans love beautiful things and nature.  I loved my fantastic stay in fabulous Singapore!

On Monday 6th September I woke up knowing it was going to be a long, but such an exciting day.  We left the hotel at 9.30a.m and after a short wait at the airport we were off on the big double decker Singapore Airlines plane to London.  We were luck to be on the upper level and it was certainly a glamorous plane.

We had a big delay before taking off but after 14 hours of flying we finally saw Heathrow Airport.  It is enormous and so many different types of planes from all over the world lined up.  I couldn't believe we were actually there after all the months of planning, saving and anticipation.

What an emotional moment to walk out of customs and see Sarah there waiting for us! A memory I will always treasure.

Sarah knew what she was doing and got us out of the airport fast and then we had the fun of getting all our luggage into Sarah's lovely red and black mini minor car.  Chris and Sarah got it sorted out and we were soon in Eastcote at Sarah and Stephen's flat.  It is a nice place and so easy to get to by train, bus or taxi from London Central.

We were all very tired so after some catch up chats we headed off for an early nigh as Sarah and Stephen had work the next day.  Chris and I needed to prepare ourselves for the next month of adventures and special time with Sarah and Stephen.