imperial cheng ho

china town

national museum of singapore

A rainy day in Singapore and not much on the agenda, so decided I’d spend the day at the National Museum of Singapore. Recently refurbished, they’ve taken an old colonial style house and mixed it with more modern and contemporary architecture. A bit like the MOMA in New York but not as stark and sterile. Has that warmer home quality. They also have these really cool swinging chandeliers. Wish I owned a giant loft because that would be the centerpiece. Wondered through the Singapore History Gallery. Comes with an audio guide, but is most annoying at times because it gives too much information on a majority of the artifacts. I could care less about the gambling problems of the British. The museums Living Galleries on the other hand were more my cup of tea, Fashion, Food, Film and Photography. Take a wild guess which one was my favorite. Takes a step into the last 100 years of Singapore family photos and personal artifacts they’ve collected. Best being a giant camera as big as me! Then there was a special exhibit by Benny Ong, who’s a famous fashion designer and designed for such people like Princess Diana. I’ll have to say all worth the student price of $5.. Met Carrie for lunch. Then we headed over to the Singapore Art Gallery.



After that I walked down the main shopping road, Orchard Street, for a few hours. There’s seriously just mall after mall lining the road and somehow each contain exactly all the same stores. All with heaps of people in each and apparently the mass triples on weekends.

Sentosa Island

Carrie, Bob, the kids, and I went to Sentosa Island today. Took the cable car over. Where is the cable car with the air con when you need it? Upon first arrival my thoughts where wow its like being at Oceans of Fun in August. Then we hop on a bus and head down toward the beach. Carrie and Teddy have to go to Fort Siloso for Teddy’s cub scouts project so Bob, Josie, and I head over to Underwater World. The touch pool is heaps fun. Except the stingrays practically jump out of the water cause they think you have food. Not cool. One thing I wish is that all the little sea creatures had commentary. Like South Park Cartman voices or something. That would be pretty aaamazing. A funny thing about all these little touristy things I’ve noticed is the exit is always through the gift shop. Probably because they know you’ll bring your children. I’ll just make sure my kids are wearing blindfolds when they exit tourist destinations. [Kidding.]

Then we head down to the beach. Lay the beach blanket beneath the palm trees and head to the water. Water is like bath water. LOVING IT! Considering New Zealand’s waters felt like a pool of glacier ice. However paradise is capsized when the million-dollar view isn’t the horizon line, but a horizon line filled with what appears to be an intense game of battle ship. Can’t have everything I guess.

Then we headed up to the Merlion. (The Merlion is Singapore’s enduring symbol of good fortune. Half mermaid half lion, its based from a sea legend when the 11th century Prince Sang Nila Utama set sail to discover a neighboring island and encountered a storm and a lion that inhabited the island…google it.) The pathway leading up is like being in Barcelona, with all the mosaic work and the water that flows through. Love all the vibrant colors as well. Went up to the top of the Merlion and in its mouth to see the wondrous views of Singapore skyline.

Botanical and Orchid Gardens

I can understand why Carrie is sad to leave her paradise. Who wouldn’t want to live here; a live in maid, swimming pool, taxi service, marble floors, etc.? Shoot, even I’ll be sad to leave this paradise and I’ll of only been here 10 days. I sure wish it were customary in America to have a maid in every household.




Decided I’d make the most of the sun while it was out and head over to the Botanical and Orchid Gardens. Wondered around the gardens for a bit and saw some of the most beautiful orchids I’ve ever seen. The colors are to die for.
















Being in Singapore you just accept the fact that you’re going to be hot and sticky all the time. Quite a change for me considering I just came from the ideal temperature of 60’s and no humidity.