I'm (maybe) starting to get the hang of this. But bad news for all (well 3...but growing!) you subscribers. I've now set it so you get an automatic update when I publish. That should send you running - no idea how you unsubscribe - sorry! So on with the story - had a night's sleep and now seriously into the jet lag, and wide awake at approaching 1am (so technically day 4).
Not sure I have quite got it right but the idea is that there should be a few pictures in the blog text and any left I will stick in the gallery pages. Let me know if it works - if anyone cares! Onto the boll**ks (or blog as I prefer to call it)...
Imagine my surprise when I woke up and a) England had won their first game at the World Cup and, b) I hadn't had an abusive text/call from someone called Finch or Cornwall in the middle of the night. Go England (in the absence of Scotland or Ireland obviously!). I am interested, honestly. Not exactly a big footballing nation, Singapore, so not overwhelmed with "watch the World Cup here" exhortations.
Anyway I think it is now Tuesday and we have just spent our first full day in Singapore. Full on! We even took the open top bus (please don’t tell anyone).
Raffles is sadly closed for redevelopment so I couldn’t treat Nareesa to a Singapore sling in the beautiful gardens, but very thoughtfully they have set up a pop up bar to fleece the tourists for a “similar to the Long Bar” experience - fancy cocktail, heavy on the gin and cherry liqueur, and the opportunity to throw your peanut shells on the floor … in exchange for $31 each! I think I know who got the better deal. But still not to be missed. Just have to come back when they reopen at the end of the year.
Followed that with an (almost) equally eye wateringly expensive cocktail on the 71st floor of the Swissotel - magnificent views even if they were not impressed with me throwing my nuts all over the place. Man, Singapore is built up!
Before that we had spent the afternoon at the Botanic Gardens - world heritage site and truly worth the accolade. The orchids alone make it a must see, and its free! (oh yeah, apart from the orchids - but worth every bit of the 5 bucks). And who knew that bananas are part of the ginger family - which makes them related to me!
Finished the day with dinner in Chinatown and a late beer at the Prague Microbrewery - a unique fusion of Czech and Singaporean culture (that's what it said on the door). Hmm…but the beer wasn't bad! But not the same as cold Tiger in a food market (at a third of the price).
Trying desperately to feel tired now, so have left Nareesa to read in bed, while I make a nuisance of myself in the hotel lobby. Tomorrow is another day… the Gardens on the Bay await.