After a delicious breakfast, Kim and I were off - suited up for a day of walking through some of the best Singapore has to offer.
Our first stop on the bus was Orchard road. Kim had mentioned that this street was full of high end shopping but I wasn't quite picturing it like this. I expected a street lined with the little chops of Chanel, Prada, etc. but instead it contained these large shopping centers that had huge stores full of Chanel, Prada, etc. In one section, the Prada's were less than 2 blocks apart! We wandered through, drooled a little - or a lot - took pictures and then moved along our merry way.
Hopping on the bus we headed over to Arab street. I should give a bit more context to Arab street - when Kim had first moved to Singapore we knew back then that I would visit; it was just a matter of determining the when. One night shortly after the move I received a text from her telling me how much I was going to love Arab street when I came over. Every time we have chatted since then, Arab street has come into the conversation. So of course I was super excited to see it.
We walked past shop upon shop with beautiful fabric. We wandered through crowds of people and skimmed under the awnings to hide from the heat. Both of us were getting hungry by this point and so we headed to Kim's favorite restaurant for lunch - closed - rats. Oh well - surely we can find another one almost as good. We came upon a lovely little Turkish restaurant and settled in for a salad and dip medley to share - delicious! Now off to do shopping - we wandered through some stops looking at this and that and then went to the perfume shop! Kim has told me about this little place where you can mix your own blend or choose one of their custom blends. I wasn't too sure what I was doing so decided not to mix my own this time but picked out some lovely scents. Next up, a lovely little silk and cotton shop. The shop tender recognized Kim and was quick to bring us a few lovely items. The last of the shops that we 'had' to visit was Kim's that had the most beautiful Singapore art and treasures. He is commissioned by the Singapore government to create custom pieces for visiting dignitaries and you can quickly see why. His work is incredible! It helps when he comes rushing over for the hug and is a wealth of knowledge around Singapore and all it has to offer.
Once we had done Arab street right (including a sketchy little cafe with a Hello Kitty pink sundae that was so artificial tasting - it was crazy) we jetted off to little India. Instantly the feel of the streets changed - the smell of jasmine was heavy in the air, there were more people and the walkways smaller, every other store had incredible gold jewelry on display and the stores in between were selling jeans, bangles or saris. Kim took me into the local department store - Mustafa. It was the most surreal experience I have ever had - 4 or 5 floors of everything you could ever need - make up, clothing, electronics, jewelry, etc. The shelves were really high so you couldn't see around them at all. At one time I wandered away from Kim and quickly realized that it would not be easy to find each other so I better stay close. I tried to take some pictures but it just wasn't doing it justice! Finally it was time for dinner. We wandered to a little restaurant that has come highly recommended.
Oh my mercies our dinner was incredible - pakoras, papadums, mint chutney, palak paneer and more. Sooo delicious. The masala tea was also a tasty treat. Just as we were finishing up, another family came upstairs to eat. The lady looked familiar but really - I am in Singapore - who am I going to know. Then I spotted her son and knew that I recognized them. It was a mom with her son and daughter (daughter is about 30 maybe and the son is maybe 14?) that we had met on our Ubud bicycle tour. Random enough, they had arrived back in Singapore that day and were getting one last dinner in before the mom and son needed to head home to England. It really is a small world everywhere!
Once dinner was over, Kim and I rushed out to catch the subway down to Marina Bay sands. I had wanted to see this light show that had received incredible praise from other travelers to Singapore. We were almost there when we checked the time once more - oops - we were off by half an hour. LOL - of course we were. We carried our packages over and decided what to do. Sit down and wait - that sounds like a great idea as it is beautiful night out, the light show is over the water in the middle of downtown Singapore so we could gaze over the city lights and watch their reflection dance on the canal and it wasn't busy at all down there - very few people in fact.
We were all settled in to what we thought was the perfect spot to watch the lights. As they started - we quickly realized we were not at the right spot at all - Kim and I ran over to where the lights appeared to be to find a small crowd gathered - no wonder it seemed really quiet. Not to worry though - the show was not at all how we imagined. Pretty funny actually with people projected into the mist singing. As Kim has been saying all week - it isn't wrong (how they sing our music or answer our questions or make our western style food) but it isn't really right either.
All to soon, the show was over, Kim and I packed up and walked past the Louis Vuitton store on our way through another high end shopping mall. We stopped at the Ferrari store to check our their gorgeous car on display and then called it a night.
What a wonderful side of Singapore I was able to experience. Thanks Kim for being a great travel guide!
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 09, 2012
Happy Easter!
Since Easter falls during their holidays, Kim and I didn't do much to celebrate! Her friends are mostly still away on their little trips so we celebrated our way.
First up: McDelivery... I mean really if you can you gotta at least try it. So our Easter lunch consisted of my first pop since lent, with our double cheese burger meals we ordered. The poor delivery man didn't know what to think when I was asking to take his photo and proceeded to follow him downstairs in the elevator!!
After lunch we decided that since we have been go go go it would be a good day to relax a bit. And what better way to do that then a Gold Class movie. So we freshened up and headed down to this cool little area that had a bunch of historical store fronts.
Our first stop was reflexology. This was the first time I had ever gone and even though we chose moderate pressure, there were some spots that were so tender we didn't know if we could last. The motto: no pain no gain was coming out in full force from Kim's therapist as mine just kept smiling and asking if it hurt. There must have been something in it though as we felt fantastic when it was over!!
From there we shopped around and then went for dumplings! Sooo delicious they were! I am hoping I can find a good dumpling spot in Calgary to take Jimmy to. We wandered around a bit more and then it was time for our movie!
I must take a moment to explain Gold class: - it's own ticket line and lounge - assigned seating that you can pre book on line - only 24 lazy boy seats in the theatre - full menu including hot chocolate and ice cream - oh and dinner meals as well - service throughout the movie - blankets Yup, it was so good we decided to stay for another one!
First up: McDelivery... I mean really if you can you gotta at least try it. So our Easter lunch consisted of my first pop since lent, with our double cheese burger meals we ordered. The poor delivery man didn't know what to think when I was asking to take his photo and proceeded to follow him downstairs in the elevator!!
After lunch we decided that since we have been go go go it would be a good day to relax a bit. And what better way to do that then a Gold Class movie. So we freshened up and headed down to this cool little area that had a bunch of historical store fronts.
Our first stop was reflexology. This was the first time I had ever gone and even though we chose moderate pressure, there were some spots that were so tender we didn't know if we could last. The motto: no pain no gain was coming out in full force from Kim's therapist as mine just kept smiling and asking if it hurt. There must have been something in it though as we felt fantastic when it was over!!
From there we shopped around and then went for dumplings! Sooo delicious they were! I am hoping I can find a good dumpling spot in Calgary to take Jimmy to. We wandered around a bit more and then it was time for our movie!
I must take a moment to explain Gold class: - it's own ticket line and lounge - assigned seating that you can pre book on line - only 24 lazy boy seats in the theatre - full menu including hot chocolate and ice cream - oh and dinner meals as well - service throughout the movie - blankets Yup, it was so good we decided to stay for another one!
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Settling back into singapore
sleeping in
coffee
fresh toast and honey
pool
groceries
yummy supper
enjoying outside
arab street
city lights
new friends
old friends
laughs
late night
sleep
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wandering about and a Wicked Night
My first full day in Singapore was absolutely perfect.
It included lounging poolside and a swimming work out (ha rough life I know) - and just enjoying the lush grounds of Kimmie's complex. They have the preetiest little brook filled with gorgeous koi and electric blue fish and neon yellow ones. These beautiful trees that are in full bloom with gorgeous white flowers and others with pink flowers. Coconuts clinging in clumps and lots of green grass.
As it started to cloud over, I was ready for lunch so called it a day at the pool and came in. After a light lunch and freshening up - I went on a walk to explore her neighborhood. Not too sure as to why I 'fresehened' up - within 10 minutes I was glistening with humidity - but it felt delightful all the same.
I started out at my usual brisk Calgary walking style and all was going well until this couple meandered in front of me at a snail's pace. It quickly made me realize - there is no need to hurry - and to enjoy my walk.
As I was recounting the story to Kimmie over supper she was giggling - thinking of all those time's we headed out to client's offices and she would check what kind of shoes I was wearing first - me in flats and her in heels was always a doomed combination - funny!
I find it soo enjoyable to explore new neighborhoods and when you magnify that in a new part of the world - it is that much better. You never know what you will find - an Indian restaurant where the sign promises spicey food and spicey gossip or perhaps an outdoor food court in the middle of the block, a KFC and Pizza Hut are givens, something that I really do not understand, as well as coca cola vending machines. They have 7-elevens but I didn't venture inside to see if they had slurpees too. I did however stop at the Starbucks for a shaken iced lemonade to help relieve the thirst on the walk back. Of course the golden arches were visible.
Kim got home from her second last work day (yay) before her 2 week vacation, we grabbed a lovely dinner on the patio and then realized we were running late for our show. Kim had booked us Wicked tickets - yay - my first Broadway show ever!
After dashing around the apartment - we were looking as delightful as always - ran downstairs and grabbed the cab that was waiting for us. Whew - the timing was perfect. He dropped us off at our location and we started walking towards the theater in the building. As we are walking we are noticing there seems to be a lot of young tweens around. And I mean a lot. And very few adults - hmmm - okay - maybe they are all gathered enjoying cocktails before the show starts. The next thing I know I can here Kim muttering under her breath. We were at the wrong theater. OOPS.
Off we take running - yes not walking fast but dashing through the crowd back towards the taxi queue. Kim's shoes won't stay on so she sends me on ahead to grab a taxi. One comes by and whisks us off to our correct location. Kim calls her friend to find out exactly 'where' in Marina Bay Sands he should drop us off (as it is 3 huge towers that have a big 'ship' shaped top that joins them together spanning over a block).
The taxi driver was great - sensing our urgency he is whipping us through the streets - tossing Kim around in the back seat (since she was not holding on) as he screeches to a halt at the theater. We get into the building and have a fairly long ways to go (at least a couple of blocks in distance) - it is 7 minutes and counting - and if you are late - you are not allowed in until an appropriate break in the scene. Kim pulls her shoes off and we take off running through the mall. I am sure we looked extra chic - Kim barefoot, Me holding onto my pants (as they don't have a belt or tie and were falling down) sprinting past Hermes, Coach and Prada. The ushers again sensing our urgency were running us from place to place - telling us to go see Philipe or oops - actually the lift - mercies but we sit in our seats breathless and sweaty with 3 minutes to spare.
And Wicked was more than worth it. It is about the wicked witch from the Land of Oz. They did a fantastic job - the costumes were incredible, the humor was cute and the singers were amazing. Thanks Kim for booking that for us - it was a true delight!
And now I am off to the pool for a couple hours before heading out to visit Kim at work, meet her students and see her school. Cannot wait.
Oh and tonight - we fly to Thailand. Yeah - not a big deal really!! Just a typical weekend in Singapore?!?!
It included lounging poolside and a swimming work out (ha rough life I know) - and just enjoying the lush grounds of Kimmie's complex. They have the preetiest little brook filled with gorgeous koi and electric blue fish and neon yellow ones. These beautiful trees that are in full bloom with gorgeous white flowers and others with pink flowers. Coconuts clinging in clumps and lots of green grass.
As it started to cloud over, I was ready for lunch so called it a day at the pool and came in. After a light lunch and freshening up - I went on a walk to explore her neighborhood. Not too sure as to why I 'fresehened' up - within 10 minutes I was glistening with humidity - but it felt delightful all the same.
I started out at my usual brisk Calgary walking style and all was going well until this couple meandered in front of me at a snail's pace. It quickly made me realize - there is no need to hurry - and to enjoy my walk.
As I was recounting the story to Kimmie over supper she was giggling - thinking of all those time's we headed out to client's offices and she would check what kind of shoes I was wearing first - me in flats and her in heels was always a doomed combination - funny!
I find it soo enjoyable to explore new neighborhoods and when you magnify that in a new part of the world - it is that much better. You never know what you will find - an Indian restaurant where the sign promises spicey food and spicey gossip or perhaps an outdoor food court in the middle of the block, a KFC and Pizza Hut are givens, something that I really do not understand, as well as coca cola vending machines. They have 7-elevens but I didn't venture inside to see if they had slurpees too. I did however stop at the Starbucks for a shaken iced lemonade to help relieve the thirst on the walk back. Of course the golden arches were visible.
Kim got home from her second last work day (yay) before her 2 week vacation, we grabbed a lovely dinner on the patio and then realized we were running late for our show. Kim had booked us Wicked tickets - yay - my first Broadway show ever!
After dashing around the apartment - we were looking as delightful as always - ran downstairs and grabbed the cab that was waiting for us. Whew - the timing was perfect. He dropped us off at our location and we started walking towards the theater in the building. As we are walking we are noticing there seems to be a lot of young tweens around. And I mean a lot. And very few adults - hmmm - okay - maybe they are all gathered enjoying cocktails before the show starts. The next thing I know I can here Kim muttering under her breath. We were at the wrong theater. OOPS.
Off we take running - yes not walking fast but dashing through the crowd back towards the taxi queue. Kim's shoes won't stay on so she sends me on ahead to grab a taxi. One comes by and whisks us off to our correct location. Kim calls her friend to find out exactly 'where' in Marina Bay Sands he should drop us off (as it is 3 huge towers that have a big 'ship' shaped top that joins them together spanning over a block).
The taxi driver was great - sensing our urgency he is whipping us through the streets - tossing Kim around in the back seat (since she was not holding on) as he screeches to a halt at the theater. We get into the building and have a fairly long ways to go (at least a couple of blocks in distance) - it is 7 minutes and counting - and if you are late - you are not allowed in until an appropriate break in the scene. Kim pulls her shoes off and we take off running through the mall. I am sure we looked extra chic - Kim barefoot, Me holding onto my pants (as they don't have a belt or tie and were falling down) sprinting past Hermes, Coach and Prada. The ushers again sensing our urgency were running us from place to place - telling us to go see Philipe or oops - actually the lift - mercies but we sit in our seats breathless and sweaty with 3 minutes to spare.
And Wicked was more than worth it. It is about the wicked witch from the Land of Oz. They did a fantastic job - the costumes were incredible, the humor was cute and the singers were amazing. Thanks Kim for booking that for us - it was a true delight!
And now I am off to the pool for a couple hours before heading out to visit Kim at work, meet her students and see her school. Cannot wait.
Oh and tonight - we fly to Thailand. Yeah - not a big deal really!! Just a typical weekend in Singapore?!?!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Flight NQ 901
My last leg of the journey started in Tokyo on Air Japan whisking me another 7 hours south to Singapore. Went from 12 degrees and raining in Tokyo to 32 degrees and lovely humidity. Just what the doctor ordered after the 24 hour dry out plan that is common to airports and planes. When I landed in Tokyo - my first stop was for 1.5 litres of water - lol.
I lucked out with great seat mates the entire journey - but the last seat mate ranks as my favorite stranger of all time.
She was the cutest little Japanese lady who was going to visit her daughter (I learned this through broken english and lots of hand gestures!). The moment she sat down - I instantly liked her. (The book Blink is still on my reading list - the premise is that within 2 seconds we pass our first conclusion against someone/thing). Then when she did a series of pokes, pointing and pink sky to show me one of the most incredible sunsets that I think I have ever missed (we were on the non-sunset side of the window and by the time we took off, it was gone) through the airplane windows my reaction was affirmed.
By the time our meal had arrived, she had fed me Japanese sweets, communicated that she was visiting her daughter and laughed - head tilted back giggling kind of laugh - about 15 times over our struggle to talk to each other. I have never wished so much I knew another language!
Our meals arrived and we had both ordered the Japanese bento box. Unfortunately they only had one left so she insisted I take it and she ate the 'western' menu option of Paella. Scared of offending her as I don't fully appreciate the culture - I accepted.
No worries though - she got her share of both meals as she ate off my plate - lol! And laughed at me as I tried to trim the extra fat from my beef.
This sweet lady tried each of my dishes and told me what they were in Japanese. My swollen canadian tongue tried to wrap it's way around the unfamiliar words and we laughed more. I even got a double thumbs up for my chopstick use - lol - she was quite impressed that I knew how to hold them.
She then proceeded to break bread with me (literally) and insisted I try some of her Japanese cheese that she got with her meal. After sharing our desserts we settled in with our green tea and enjoyed the silence of a special soul - it is amazing the connection you can have with barely a word being spoken.
I turned on a movie only to find her leaning over and watching it with me as she read the subtitles. We checked out the map. She poked me lots to make sure I was using her garbage bag she had started and we laughed - a lot.
As is usually the case at the airport you never say goodbye to someone you have met once - you see them again at customs - waiting for luggage - and finally Kim and I got the chance to meet her daughter in the taxi queue. What a delightful soul she is!
Kimmie brought me home to her lovely home. We soon settled in with a glass of water and chit chat before we couldn't delay bed any longer as Kim has to work today.
Now here I am, lounging on her deck, drinking delicious coffee and planning my next move to the shower before a little walk? and then some pool time - or maybe pool first, a walk and more pool. Need to swim some laps to work off that Japanese cheese.
Oh and I had pink grapefruit yogurt for breakfast - delicious! Wish we could get that flavor back home.
I lucked out with great seat mates the entire journey - but the last seat mate ranks as my favorite stranger of all time.
She was the cutest little Japanese lady who was going to visit her daughter (I learned this through broken english and lots of hand gestures!). The moment she sat down - I instantly liked her. (The book Blink is still on my reading list - the premise is that within 2 seconds we pass our first conclusion against someone/thing). Then when she did a series of pokes, pointing and pink sky to show me one of the most incredible sunsets that I think I have ever missed (we were on the non-sunset side of the window and by the time we took off, it was gone) through the airplane windows my reaction was affirmed.
By the time our meal had arrived, she had fed me Japanese sweets, communicated that she was visiting her daughter and laughed - head tilted back giggling kind of laugh - about 15 times over our struggle to talk to each other. I have never wished so much I knew another language!
Our meals arrived and we had both ordered the Japanese bento box. Unfortunately they only had one left so she insisted I take it and she ate the 'western' menu option of Paella. Scared of offending her as I don't fully appreciate the culture - I accepted.
No worries though - she got her share of both meals as she ate off my plate - lol! And laughed at me as I tried to trim the extra fat from my beef.
This sweet lady tried each of my dishes and told me what they were in Japanese. My swollen canadian tongue tried to wrap it's way around the unfamiliar words and we laughed more. I even got a double thumbs up for my chopstick use - lol - she was quite impressed that I knew how to hold them.
She then proceeded to break bread with me (literally) and insisted I try some of her Japanese cheese that she got with her meal. After sharing our desserts we settled in with our green tea and enjoyed the silence of a special soul - it is amazing the connection you can have with barely a word being spoken.
I turned on a movie only to find her leaning over and watching it with me as she read the subtitles. We checked out the map. She poked me lots to make sure I was using her garbage bag she had started and we laughed - a lot.
As is usually the case at the airport you never say goodbye to someone you have met once - you see them again at customs - waiting for luggage - and finally Kim and I got the chance to meet her daughter in the taxi queue. What a delightful soul she is!
Kimmie brought me home to her lovely home. We soon settled in with a glass of water and chit chat before we couldn't delay bed any longer as Kim has to work today.
Now here I am, lounging on her deck, drinking delicious coffee and planning my next move to the shower before a little walk? and then some pool time - or maybe pool first, a walk and more pool. Need to swim some laps to work off that Japanese cheese.
Oh and I had pink grapefruit yogurt for breakfast - delicious! Wish we could get that flavor back home.
Singapore!
I made it. The flight was a delight and will write more about that later but wanted to quickly update now as I'm sure mom will be checking!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Singapore
So you can get as excited as I am . . .
Let's look at a couple of things that Kim and I have on our list
Let's look at a couple of things that Kim and I have on our list
- Wonder Full Light and Water Show
- A new Oriental Carpet along Arab Street
- Visit to Kim's school
- Little India for a delicious supper
- Wicked the broadway show
- Chinatown of course
- Dinner and a Movie complete with blankets
- And the vacation would not be complete without lounging by Kim's pool (in 2 weeks you will see another set of pretty toes in this pic)
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
On my way
Well after 6 months of incredibly stressful work, seeing more of my corner on the couch than I have of bed, the beautiful sunny days or of my fabulous husband, I am finally about to log some hours in the air and go visit my beautiful and funny friend Kim!
In just 19 short sleeps I will be on my way! Doesn't the temperature look fantastic?
So here is the agenda:
Stay tuned to hear the adventures as they unravel. I am sure they will be entertaining. Especially with Kim in on the stories!
In just 19 short sleeps I will be on my way! Doesn't the temperature look fantastic?
So here is the agenda:
- Arrive in Singapore and spend a couple days getting aclimatized and recovering from the jetlag.
- Fly to Koh Samui, Thailand to attend a wedding, check out the beaches and eat some delicious Thai good.
- Tootle around Singapore a little more.
- Fly to Ubud, Bali to enjoy delightful massages, check out the monkeys in the sacred monkey forest, and do a little shopping.
- Enjoy all that Singapore has to offer including Arab street, the broadway show Wicked, poolside reading and of course a little shopping
Stay tuned to hear the adventures as they unravel. I am sure they will be entertaining. Especially with Kim in on the stories!
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