Yesterday was pretty wet but the temperature was far more pleasant. Not the promised storm from the previous day, but pretty wetting. Part of our Singapore costs included 2 days’ “free” rides on the “hope on/hop off” two storey open topped bus. Not many people braved the top deck - but the drivers handed out “attractive” yellow plastic capes with hoods to folk as they embarked. We were already soaked by the time we got on, so neither of us used ours - I’ll keep it for a special occasion at home, instead!!
Because we COULD, we hopped off at one stop and had a look around. With an hour between buses, and with the onset of the rain, perhaps it wasn’t our best decision of the week but all part of the experience. I’ve been keeping my eye open for a (cheaper than home) mahjong set on my travels, but have only found one place selling them - for $100+ - with a few “different” symbols, so have decided not to bother.
In the evening, we went into China Town for dinner and retraced our steps past a few of the stalls. We had dinner in a “restaurant” there - with no after effects - and wandered back to our hotel … past 2 gentlemen who:
asked us where we’re from and proceeded to invite us in to see their beautiful fabrics. Fortunately (for me, anyway) they picked on Julie and were very keen for her to buy some “beautiful linen” which they would tailor make into trousers, overnight … for collection in the morning. I stayed the whole time, but it was quite unsettling for her - however, eventually we left and she spent the rest of our walk back to the hotel, looking over her shoulder. And no … she didn’t allow a tape measure anywhere near her and we both left, cash intact.
And so today, there was absolutely no chance we were going back in that direction, but instead (as planned) we made our way, via the underground train, to the Skypark observation deck, on the 56th floor of the Marina Bay Sands hotel. The lift took much less than a minute to get us to the top and made our ears pop - and the minute we alighted, I’ve never heard anyone say “oh … wow” so many times in the (possibly) hour we were up there, as Julie did. For some unknown reason, both of us were asked to have our photos taken (separately and together) with a family from India …probably talent scouts in disguise, I would guess. They wouldn’t take no for an answer … nothing much else would or could explain why!
As mentioned previously, heights aren’t really “my thing” but even so, it was well worth the effort. We looked across (and down) at the
Singapore Flyer (Ferris wheel) from one vantage point and it seemed very small from where we stood.
We certainly got the best of the day because now back at our hotel, it has again become overcast with a bit of thunder around, but no rain - and Julie is down cooling off in the outside pool, while I do the same thing minus the pool, on my bed, in our air conditioned room.
THURSDAY
It’s 4 hours until take off and awaiting the taxi to take us to the airport. We spent a couple of hours travelling the underground because we had to vacate our room at 11.00 am and it is pouring with rain above ground. No of COURSE I didn’t have my beautiful yellow rain poncho … that was already packed! Interesting sights from babies in prams to the elderly (including me) who sat in THESE seats.
Me? Old? Nowhere near!
