Monday, December 17, 2012

SINGAPORE SLING - DAY 1


It was an impulsive decision to go down south for a short break.  Sarah had finished her year end exams, Esther was under stress at work and myself was bored to tears at work, so we all were ready to go for a restorative and revitalising break to recharge ourselves. It had been almost 3 years since we were there and with the new attractions, it was definitely worth a trip down!

Yet we came home "dead tired" instead, thanks to the wonderful time we had in Singapore!
With all the links and a very accessible transportation system, getting around should be a piece of cake yet just a word of advice, be prepare to walk and we did walk a lot on this trip because some of the places are just too far to walk and too near to take a cab!.

Day 1
We took the First Coach from Bangsar and it was right on the dot that the bus departed from the station.
The journey was relaxing and we slept almost throughout as we have been up early.
Arrived at the customs in just around 4 hours. Getting past the immigration was no hassle.

Crossing over to Singapore

The coach dropped us at the Novena Square and from here we took MRT to Doby Ghaut station where we were informed is the nearest station to our hotel in Bencoollen Street. This was the beginning of our walk expedition!
After checking in, we went over to the Bugis street for lunch. 

School of the Arts, Singapore - SOTA- nearby our hotel

another beautiful building nearby

We saw the  Little Red Dot cafe where they  are selling  authentic Japanese Ramen and authentic Italian Pasta. I ordered the plain ramen while Sarah took the Kimchi ramen and Esther ordered the Bento.  We ordered the chef's recommendation - Mushroom soup and Tomato Pasta.
Esther just cannot resist the mushroom soup

Plain ramen in miso soup

the creamy and aromatic mushroom soup served with a splash of EVolive oil


After lunch, we decided to walk off the calories and visited the Raffles Hotel- where the cocktail Singapore Sling was created from their Long Bar.
The colonial style Hotel Raffles
Ah Teng's Bakery at the Hotel 

the courtyard in the hotel- so peaceful and serene

There is a mini Museum on level 3 free admission to the public.  Here you can read about the history of the hotel and see the  artefacts and antiques of the hotel.
 
Next we walk over to The Chijmes - formerly a church and now a haven of shops, pubs and bars.

the church building

The main sanctuary is available  for rental  for wedding ceremonies- wow how  romantic and memorable  that will be!.

The fountain Courtyards -

We were looking around for Mint Museum of Toys without realising that we have  actually walked the place itself!

The entrance has been obscured by the Christmas decoration. This is a 5 storey building of massive collection of toys imaginable. We were delighted to find our favourite cartoons and toys here.    

Yes, I want to travel around the world!
.
These are limited editions of collectibles for the Queen E coronation-

Childhood games 

Cats collection

Wonder how this taste like


Ohhh... food glorious food... for Popeye! 

The Dark Knight or Blue Knight?

By the time we finished walking through the times, it is almost dinner  time and we were ready for the next excitement- Singapore Flyer and the Gardens at the Bay.  
However by the time we reached the Singapore Flyer, it had started to rain. We were dismayed because the "flight" has been closed temporarily due to the thunderstorm. We decided to have our dinner at the food court to wait out the storm and hopefully the flight will resume soon.


Big bouncy Teochew handmade fish balls.

Finally by the time we finished our dinner, it was just a drizzle and the flight was resumed.

Journey of Dreams - a mini exhibition

one of the exhibits 

Up Up and away  into the night!

The night skylights - beautiful

one of the capsule 


Soon we were "down to earth" again.
As it started to drizzle again, we decided to give the Gardens at the Bay a miss and headed back to the hotel instead.
Sarah and Esther  ended the night with more shopping before calling it a day.

3 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Yes, I did very much esp USS! Thanks. Bless Christmas to you and your family!

      Delete
  2. Merry Christmas to you and your family too!!!

    ReplyDelete