Contrasts as the adventure begins...Elmira to Singapore

It was a snowy, blowing, cold evening when we set out from home on our latest adventure.  We were grateful to David for driving us to the airport hotel, in preparation for a morning flight.

The first leg of the journey was from Toronto to Chicago – not too bad once we got to the plane.  It seems that cutbacks on U.S. boarder personnel have changed the procedures, and now people can only go through as the flight time approaches.  There is no point in being the prescribed three hours early.  After a two hour layover, Chicago to Hong Kong, squished into a small space for 14 and a half hours was not the most desirable.  We did fly over the North Pole, though, so there was lots of ice and snow to see out the window.  After landing in Hong Kong and barely able to walk after so much sitting, we found our next gate for the flight to Singapore.  The free internet access was great, as we had more than two hours to catch up while we waited to fly again.  Three and a half hours later, we arrived at the magnificent city of Singapore, and actually enjoyed the whole baggage pick- up, customs and immigration procedure even though it was 2 A.M.  The airport was efficient, and the atmosphere was pleasant, with lovely plants and nice music.  Perhaps we were just so bagged after that long on planes, that being anywhere on solid ground could only be pleasant!

 

Off we went, to the Hotel Miramar and finally a nice bed, at three in the morning.  It was surprising that we actually woke up about eight o’clock and were able to get down for the extensive buffet breakfast.  There was everything from Asian to English breakfast.  We had one day to explore, so like in most big cities, the “Hop On, Hop Off” bus was the way to go.  

Singapore Skylines

 

We couldn’t believe how hot it was (over 40 C) when we stepped out of the air conditioned hotel, and humid too, but we are not complaining!  At first we were up in the open top of the bus, which was a good vantage point for taking pictures, but fortunately the inside was air conditioned, and the balance of the exploration was done from there.

 

Impressive skyscrapers are everywhere you look in Singapore, with hundreds of cranes busily building even more.  Amid the concrete and steel are fabulous lush plants and trees.  There are even plants climbing up the bridge supports!  It is truly an international place, and has been for a great deal of its history.  The British influence is obvious, including driving on the left side of the road.  China town and Little India, however, make you feel like you are actually in those countries.  There is even a whole area of Muslim mosques and schools.  

Singapore Flyer (5 m taller than London Eye)

Marina Bay Sands (5.5 billion$ resort/Casino)

Raffles Hotel

 

A fun stop was the Raffles Hotel, where the famous Singapore Sling was created.  They are indeed delicious, as is the Tiger beer on such a hot day.  After a light lunch there, we visited one of the numerous shopping malls that are everywhere in the city before returning to the hotel.  We are trying to stay up so that we will be adjusted to the right time when we head for the ship tomorrow.

Raflles Hotel Courtyard

A cold one on a very hot day

Singapore Sling ... cheers