Singapore – Friends and Flowers

Back to Singapore again after the end of our cruise – I know it quite well but always great to see new things and catch up with friends as well.

We visited the Botanical Gardens and I think I was last there in the 80s. It’s so wonderful – an oasis in the centre of a busy city. We spent three hours there wandering from one end to the other. And it’s free with only a small payment to visit the orchid garden.

Orchids at the Botanical Gardens

More stunning orchids

Even the leaves are beautiful here

The bigger picture as you walk around the Botanical Gardens

Singapore reinvents itself every year -I never get bored of the skyline and like finding new spots for taking photos.

Singapore in black and white around Marina Bay

More enjoyment of plants and flowers at the Gardens by the Bay – never get bored of these – although we couldn’t do the skywalk due to maintenance which was a shame. Next time.

Inside at the domes at the Gardens by the Bay

And always good to catch up with friends like Tareq and June – and to watch Chris getting her daily sugar rush after a massive Sunday brunch.

Little India, friends and another lunar new year rat!

Chris, Luisa, June and I enjoying a Steamboat dinner.

Happy Lunar New Year of the Rat!

Singapore- a brief visit

So nice to be in Singapore for pleasure rather than business for a change. I had the opportunity to work here for two months about 5 years ago and always love to visit as it is such an easy place to get around and it was fun to enjoy nightly fireworks for Chinese New Year – year of the Piggy 🐷

This time I stayed at the JW Marriott, South Beach which was nothing like a typical Marriott but a much more funky and psychedelic place than I’m used to but which I really liked – see below. Also a great gin bar, great views and fab swimming pools. Will stay again

I spent time walking around Kampung Glam and Arab Street

And hanging around looking at the modern architecture

even my bank has great local contemporary art

And visited the National Museum of Singapore – quite interesting and lovely building

Best of all I got to catch up with old friends – Mel, Anouk, and Danny, Chandrani and Vishal, Rona and John, Pippa, Sreeram and June.