Exploring Singapore on Hop-On Hop-Off

Aloha Everyone,

The two of us found the Hop-On Hop-Off central terminal located by the Convention Center. After a bit of ingenuity, by showing our Singapore Airlines e-tickets, J.J. and I were able to purchase our one-day Hop-On Hop-Off tickets for nearly 50% off the asking price.

There were a total of 19 stops on the Yellow Route and 16 stops on the Red Route. While a number of stops overlapped, a total of 4 hours sitting on the upper open deck gave us great opportunities to take photos.

Some of the highlights included Singapore Flyer, a Ferris Wheel, several hotels known both for their colonial architecture, historical significance and famous personalities who once occupied their suites. Chinatown and Little India, Clarke Quay with accompanying music and anecdotes were enlightening and informative.

Aloha -- Cathi

Gardens by the Bay

Aloha Everyone,

“Garden City” is a perfectly fitting title for Singapore. All over the city, from the airport to highways, uptown to Chinatown and the  downtown financial center, tall trees, tropical plants and flowers are planted on every available space. One even see plants covering office buildings, apartment complexes and highway supporting pillars. These plants help reduce the carbon emissions and bring down the temperature of the city.

Gardens by the Bay, opened in 2012, epitomizes Singapore’s Garden City reputation.Singapore, during the past 200 years has increased, its land area by approximately 25%. Gardens by the Bay was constructed on reclaimed land. It is poised to increase its size with plans outlined to make this amazing theme park bigger and better.

Entrance to the garden is free, but there is a charge to access the Flower Dome, the world’s largest greenhouse and the Cloud Forest, where one can view the world’s tallest man-made waterfall.

This certainly was not an ordinary garden walk. At times J.J. and I were dizzy with so many colors and shapes, both natural and artificial. The collective creativity of planners, architects and designers impressed us.  

Aloha -- Cathi

Reunion with André & Monette, and Orchard Road

Aloha Everyone,

Taiwanese dim sum lunch was delicious and the company was wonderful. While André and J.J. were catching up with news of their high school classmates, Monette gave me pointers on places to see and foods to try in Singapore.

Our friends were in Singapore for a few days on R&R, but their trip coincided with typhoon Kammuri that devastated Metro Manila. The closure of Ninoy Aquino International Airport delayed their flight until around 4:00 am.

Orchard Road is where the rich and famous go to shop, play and dine, and where tourists overspend their shopping budget. But behind all the glitter and opulence, the area has a rich, diverse and interesting history.

https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/places-to-see/orchard/

Aloha -- Cathi

Welcome to Singapore!

Aloha Everyone,

16 hours ahead of Los Angeles means that we lost a day somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Singapore Airline service is better than most international carriers. On board food service was good especially J.J. and I ordered “special meals” and we were served first. But like other airlines, we noted their shift in the level of “freebies."

We were a little taken aback since we paid for the Premium Economy seats but found out that there are only Business and Premium Economy classes on our flight. Except for roomier, more comfortable seats and larger TV screens, we received Economy Class service. For example, no amenity bags for individual passengers. No disposable slippers or slip-on socks, no eye masks nor earplugs. I did not pack disposable toothbrushes/tooth paste. I chewed my trusted Trident gum. Which brings us to our next topic.

Singapore takes pride in its impeccable cleanliness and strong reputation for being safe. Public discipline and punishment is strictly adhered with no exceptions.

Here is a couple of items which could directly affects us.

1. No chewing gums - the fine can cost up to $1,000 for first time offenders.  Candies are also prohibited. 
2. No jaywalking - cross only where pedestrian lanes are marked. J.J. tends to follow “when in Rome do as the Romans” and many places we visit, including US cities, jay walking is a common practice. Here, we will observe the rules.

Welcome to Singapore!

Aloha -- Cathi

Last Minutes Activities

Aloha Everyone,

We spent a busy day trying to cross off all the items on our list of things to do.

Early start before sunrise gave me an extra hour.

Get my daily walk. (Check). Passport photos for Cambodia and Vietnam visas. (Check) Mail letters to our family. (Check). Daily practice of Spanish via Duolingo. (Check). Play video games. (Check). Write blogs. (Check). And finally, lunch.

Singaporean cuisine has strong Chinese influence with a 75% ethnic Chinese population. Interesting to see how different their dim sum dishes are compared to the Americanized versions.

Our Holiday Inn Hotel room is spacious. Plan to practice yoga before getting a good night’s sleep.

Aloha -- Cathi