Week Break in Singapore 27 July

I joined Ian in Singapore for his last week. Whilst Malaysia has colour, traffic, character and its associated frustrations, Singapore "works". It is the only airport I have experienced where immigration and customs is a smooth, SHORT process. Whilst Ian spent everyday working (and most of the evenings as well) I had plenty of time to explore, shop and stock up various items I have found difficult to find in Spain (most likely due to my inability to converse in the Spanish language).

Ian and I headed out to my favorite dining spot in Boat Quay which has salt and pepper soft shell crab. I have tried this dish in many countries and it is only in Singapore that they seem to get it just right. We caught the national day firework practise which was very impressive and partially made up for missing the Malaysian fireworks competition being run in September to commemorate their 50th birthday. We also tried out the Thai food on the opposite site of the river this trip, the view was terrific with the old cafes and Asian boats reflected in the river, backed by high rise towers and fireworks against the dark sky.

The Hilton Hotel on the corner of Scotts and Orchard Roads sells the "best" Margarita - see the picture of Ian with his coke spider and the SIZE of the frozen Margarita I was served. From this corner it is possible to just sit and watch the world of Singapore pass by.

It was the end of sale time in Singapore and I was able to pick up a few shirts for Ian as well as some great designer baby clothes for my niece. At sale time some of these lovely little items are as cheap as Target (KMart style store) bits and pieces back home. I was also able to locate some study books that I was having trouble sourcing in Spain.....so a successful week. As we were staying at the Park Hyatt on Scotts Road, getting around the shopping area is very easy, with walking bridges and underground trains within 50 meters of the hotel. The only disappointment was the spa treatment I had whilst there. Malaysian spas are generally very Asian and very good. The Singapore Spa seemed to cater for the Western type of customer and the massage was rather soft and did not leave me with the same sense of well-being usually achieved from an Asian style Spa. Not to worry - I'll make up for it in KL in October