Today’s daytime adventure involved exploring the Little India area of Singapore. Andy and I ventured out in the heat and used the Metro to travel to Little India. When we got there we meandered through the various streets which were crammed with fruit and vegetable stalls, fabric shops, clothes shops, flower stalls and restaurants. It was a happy assault on the senses, the sounds, the smells and all the different things to see amongst the hustle and bustle of Little India on a Sunday.
After much sweltering in the heat, we stopped for a cooling drink at a restaurant which seemed to have a nice breeze blowing through it. What initially was “just stopping for a drink” turned into us both deciding we were in fact a bit peckish and the smells coming from the restaurant kitchen were too tempting. It was of course an Indian restaurant that we had stopped in (being in Little India!) so we shared the most delicious curry we’ve had in a long time and sat and watched the world go by. We could have been in India, all the local people going about their business on a Sunday were Indian and many were dressed up to the nines - the ladies all wearing the most beautifully coloured Saris and hair adorned with flowers and little garlands.
Once we had summoned up some energy, we set off to an area called Arab street which had lots of wonderful textile shops. The colours of silk were just beautiful - so vibrant. I was being very indecisive so didn’t buy any but loved looking at them all.
In Singapore, there are all sorts of vending machines you pass as you walk along the pavements, which sell all sorts of things including freshly pressed orange juice (it squeezes the oranges in front of you), freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, and even Mr Whippy ice cream! It would have been rude not to give them a go so on the way home Andy opted for some fresh orange juice whilst I used the machine next to his to have a scrummy Mr Whippy!
In the evening, Andy, Dougal, Chloe and I went down to the Garden by the Bay (the big seafront area) and watched the famous huge trees light up to the sound of music - the show was called Garden Rhapsody. I had seen pictures of these huge man made tree structures which vary in size - the biggest being 50m tall, but nothing quite prepares you for seeing them in real life. They are incredible. As the music played (this month it was famous waltzes) the trees lit up in a dramatic light show timed with the music. I stood watching in amazement and absolutely loved it. The colours were magical, twinkly, electric, dazzling and whole host of other words that mean fabulous! I can highly recommend visiting the Garden by the Bay if you ever get the chance.
We went out for tea afterwards then once back at the hotel around 11pm the dominoes competition ensued, much to the amusement of the barman who was putting his money on Andy winning!
It was a magical night, with Dougal, Chloe and Andy and I’d do it again in a heart beat.
Garden Rhapsody light show
The trees changed colour to the music
Dougal, Chloe and me
Dougal and Chloe
Little India flower stall
Garlands
The Sultans Mosque near Arab street
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