it just ain't singapore without some chilli crab

It was not a trip to Singapore for us without a trip to the Hawkers Market to get a fill of Chilli Crab. We also managed to have the biggest prawns I have ever seen - I think they were actually bigger than the crab. And with all of that garlic on top we were maintaining a fair distance from each other the following morning. Eating delicious food was a main focus of the trip to Singapore, indulging in some western treats and finding delicious Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and Singaporean in the food courts. 

 

With all of the eating, walking be it the botanic gardens, along the quays or in the shopping centres was critical. With the rain largely held at bay for the afternoon, Mr Lonely Planet guided us from Robertson quays, around, about and finally finishing up at the famous Merlion on the esplanade in time for the torrential rain to arrive and us to jump in a taxi to ride back to the hotel. 

 

There is an intriguing architectural vibe in Singapore that was mixed with art installations and Christmas elephants throughout the town. Well no specifically for Christmas, the Elephant Parade (two of featured below) is supposed to help save the Asian elephant, but seems to coincide with all of the Christmas decorations plastering the city streets and store fronts.

There are many well preserved and stunning colonial buildings of old, some spectacular high rises, and then there is the other side of the coin. The flying submarine as our Taxi Driver fondly referred to it, something rather bizarre that looks a lot like it belongs in Dubai (I don't think you will have any trouble spotting this in the photos below), and tourist Disney crossed with Las Vegas along the water front, complete with rides and themed bars. A very interesting place indeed.

roaming the gardens.

Last weekend we had a weekend rendezvous in Singapore. It was quite a shock to find it such a blissful reprieve from the relentless hustle, bustle and pollution of Hanoi. In large part, I think it was the day spent wandering the Botanic Gardens that really accentuated how magnificent clean, green spaces are. The gardens were a pure delight (until it started throwing down with rain and then it was a touch less pleasant...)

Whilst the gardens are not huge, they were well set up with small surprises when you looked closely, such as the hundreds of turtles in the lakes, of orchids growing on sculpted moss covered wood. The orchard garden was quite spectacular, the flowers coming in more shapes, sizes and colours than I had ever imagined. Although I do not think we appreciated it quite as much as those in the garden at the same time who happened to be in town for the world orchid show. Who knew!?

Some more photos to come of our time in Singapore, although we did spend quite a bit of time in the shops, eating magnificent food, relaxing poolside and drinking some champagne. There are not so many photos of these events...