After a wonderful 7 weeks exploring our own backyard and catching up with family around New Zealand, our year long adventure finally headed offshore… first stop, Singapore.
Sculpture, Singapore
I had been to Singapore a few times before, but only had layovers at the airport. These were memorable for all the right reasons. I thought the place that had a beautiful butterfly garden at its airport and a swimming pool where the weary traveller half way between home and Europe could be refreshed before their next flight, would be one worth exploring… for longer than the free 2 hour city bus tour that travellers on long layovers can also enjoy.
And indeed I was right. Singapore was an amazing place to explore, and truly diverse. After a good nights sleep, we had 12 hours or so to get a feel for the place. In that time we visited the Arab area, little India, downtown financial district, Chinatown, the National museum and some regular suburbs (when we jumped on a random bus because our feet hurt). We had cheap and delicious Chinese for breakfast, great Indian for lunch, train station pancake things and soya ice-cream for dinner (!)
Sculpture by the river, Singapore
Downtown Singapore
We saw Mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples and various expressions of religious devotion throughout the day. I loved all the neat sculptures around the city too. By chance we came across a great wee cafe right as a huge downpour erupted, and there I discovered the joys of Coco whip! (Vegan, GF ice-cream) amazing on such a hot day!
Islamic buildings
Hindu worship
Buddhist worship
Buddhist Temple door
Thank you Singapore, your diversity is inspiring!
We hope to be back.
