Singapore

Ignore the text of you like, it's a message to myself ;-)

Today is my second full day in Singapore, and mean FULL. I started being a tourist at 11am (after doing some work) and got back to the hotel at midnight!

Let me say right up, that I really like Singapore. My wife and other people who know me well would be surprised ? I normally hate cities. There's nothing particularly natural about Singapore, it's manufactured in some respects, but therein lies the beauty. It's a city that while Asian at heart, it appeals to European cultures (possibly historically). You don't feel out of place or unsafe here - even at 11pm in hawkers markets.

So, today, a brief synopsis. MRT to harbour Vivo City Mall. I have to say, very poor directions, then onto the Monorail to Sentosa Island. Up the "Sky Tower" which isn't very sky towerish, then the Butterfly Park and then finally back on the cable car. All very good, but all a little "old" and all VERY touristy. Still good. I also walked down to Siloso Beach which is well worth a visit, despite the $15 beer and the fact there are dozens of ship and an oil refinery not far offshore ... ;-)

Then, back to VivoCity (a big mail) where (somewhat unbelievably) I bought an LCD TV. It weights 18kg and how/if it will get on a place to NZ I have no idea. Truly, this is crazy!

I then lugged it back to my hotel on the subway and set off to Orchard Rd. To be honest, I wasn't really looking forward to Orchard - too touristy, but in fact it was pretty cool, and if you go to Lucky Plaza; electronics (and iPhone) and cheaper than anywhere else.

Than at 7pm I jumped on the "Zoo Hopper" bus to see the famous Night Safari. Cutting along story short, 5 hours later I got home and risking being blasphemous, it was OK, but not great. The tram I didn't really enjoy, it would have been better (as I did also) to have walked the paths. However, my feet are hating me!

Having said that, another great day. I love Singapore ;-)