Singapore - day 1

Our flight from Sri Lanka departed about 1.30 am and arrived in Singapore 3.5 hours later. This meant we arrived at our hotel many hours before check-in time, but despite almost no sleep we set off to explore Singapore. Hop-on, hop- off buses are a real bonus on such occasions as we circled around the city in the big red buses without getting any more tired. 

Kel and I have not been to Singapore since 1985 and we can't believe the changes. The beautiful British colonial buildings are protected but there is a massive amount of super modern architecture too. We felt that the old areas of Bugis Street, Arab St and Chinatown have lost their old world charm in their 'glammed up' form. More investigation on foot might prove us wrong. There is lots of colour, lots of art features and lots of modern design in the city now.

The gardens and nature strips are incredibly beautiful here, artistically planned and lush.

As much as we have loved the buffet meals and the wide variety of Sri Lankan spicy foods, a change was very welcome today. Sue was excited about her Singapore meatball broth for lunch!

This evening we all went our different ways to eat. Kelly and I were thrilled with our Singapore dishes which were served with genuine kindness and advice.

Later we explored the city by night - a clean and safe experience. The locals were dining and shopping and we enjoyed the weather which surprisingly has not been humid today.

Back at the Peninsular Excelsior we went to the 22nd floor viewing deck. What a view!

As the saying goes - no-one will need rocking tonight!