Luxury in Southeast Asia

Where to begin...arriving in Singapore was rather easy. It's just leaving that I can't seem to do without problems!

Chinatown

I arrived bright and early, 7am into Singapore. This was the first destination that I had company to travel with. Joe, a friend from home, was waiting my arrival. These two weeks would definitely be a different style of travel for me! We headed off to the Fours Seasons, where we stayed for two nights, and immediately went to the Sunday brunch. Multiple martinis, crab, lobster, king prawns, oysters, every breakfast extra you can think of, pasta bar, chinese area, sushi counter, bbq outside - to say the least, I was so full afterwards, most of the day was spent in a napping daze.

Chinatown 2

When we managed to pull ourselves out of it, we headed to the nearby shopping streets for a stroll around the big city, Singapore. If you could diversify the people a little, and reduce the extreme humidity by about 90%, you would swear you were wandering New York city. I have never seen so much shopping in my life! I think it has to be the city's largest economic main stay. Every block, over and over, were malls. Esprit stores were scattered like Starbucks in America. Prices were decent, not overly fantastic, but still a good deal. The second day was nearly all devoted to this phenomenon - I couldn't resist. In the evening we went to check out the Raffles Hotel, not without a Singapore Sling and nice dinner.

Indian Temple celebrating festival of lights

Day three, feeling a little more revived, we ventured into Chinatown for a little culture and some gifts. It was the Indian holiday, Festival of Lights, so everyone was in the streets, celebrating and worshiping. The Hindi Temple was full of activity. Having sweat enough for one day, we headed back to the Raffles hotel for lunch. Having enjoyed our time the night before at the outdoor bar, we decided to stop for one drink...6 hours later we finally left for the Night Safari. The first zoo with no bars, fences or wires to hold the animals in. As in the name, it was dark (night) and we hopped a tram, train, bus-like open vehicle and rode around the zoo! There were bat rooms you could walk through, monkeys and other odd flying creatures. It was interesting - but then again I'm more easily amused than others. :)

Indian Temple in Chinatown

After brunch the next morning we left for the airport - thinking we'd have an easy departure to Langkawi, Maylasia...

Inside Infamous Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel outdoor bar