My First Overseas Trip Part 6

If you’ve missed the first five installments in My First Overseas Trip you can find them here. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5

After feasting on Hong Kong for a few days it was time to serve up dessert in the way of Singapore. Girlfriend was more excited than I, but then she had of course been there before and wanted to play tour guide of sorts. Little old me was still reeling from all the excitement of Hong Kong and another less than fun plane flight.

All that fatigue faded after a train ride to Somerset station and a short stop into our Hotel on Orchard Rd, I was as keen as mustard to explore once more. Our first day there and it was wet and humid like I’ve never experienced before. Walking down Orchard Rd that first night looking for food had me expelling liquid quicker than I could consume it.

It was not long before I settled into the temperature and the abundance of shopping centres at our doorstep. While not as big as the ones I got lost at in Hong Kong, each had its own allure. The one above Dhoby Ghaut train station had my new food love of octopus balls and another showed me that Starbucks is terrible when stacked up against The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

It wasn’t all shopping though, not when the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo was calling me. If you happen to be in Singapore and are short for something to do one night I think its worth a visit. Yes there will be crowds, and the foods expensive but hey some tourist things you gotta try.

The other main attraction for our Singapore visit was to head to Sentosa Island. Probably my least exciting moment on our trip, made worse by the fact it was a rather wet day. The Carlsberg Sky Tower (Now the Tiger Sky Tower) was the most interesting attraction. We also checked out the 37 meter high Merlion replica after deciding the Sky Tower while cool didn’t warrant the cost when this gave great views as well.

Being the computer nerd that I am, a trip to Sim Lim Square was a requirement. Wandering the floors of gadgets, I managed to escape with only an additional SD card for the camera, which is quite an achievement if you ask me.

Little India lurked up next with its plethora of sights’s smells and sounds. Just walking the streets and visiting the small shops was a great experience.

This then brings me to New Years Eve and our second last day in Singapore. Previously I’ve spent new years with my family, drunk at too many places remember and one time in a night club that I’d rather forget. This year though was just a peaceful all round great night. It was one of those moments that just feels good, like the smell of fresh rain or the joy of finding 10 bucks in your jacket pocket.

It started with a wander around Boat Quay. There we ate THE most awesome chilli prawns I’ve ever had the ability to put in my mouth. To this day I still can’t beat them and I’ve tried quite a few times since, they melted in your mouth before exploding with flavour. Afterwards was a couple of drinks at a nearby pub before making for home to watch the fireworks from the hotel room. Sounds boring but trust me I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

The final day was spent getting a few gifts for home before making our way to the airport for what would be a tired flight home.

Next week will be some video footage from my trip so don’t miss it.