Singapore

If Koh Samui, Thailand is the paradise of beaches, then Singapore is the pradise of cities! Imagine no trash, no graffiti, no crime, manicured green spaces everywhere. Having the feeling of security to the point that you save a table space with your cell phone and walk away to pickup your food. That's Singapore. The question, of course, is at what cost.

We really lucked out that Hamid (Morris's hiking buddy in San Jose, CA) was here visiting his daughter, and offered to give us the grand tour of Singapore.

First stop: Gardens by the Bay! What a network of modern greenhouses and waterfront parks. Super Tree structures lined w solar cells that light up at night.
Walked through the Flower Dome, a huge greenhouse with plants from different regions of the world. Then to the adjacent building called the Cloud Forest with cascading waterfall and plants among a 6 story high Skywalk. What a visionary to design this space!

Then we walked through the park hosting "Love the Last March Sculpture" by Gille and Marc. Largest sculpture at 192 m long, depicting 62 of the world's most endangered animals. Amazing!

Loved the view of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Sands Skypark that looks like a surfboard on top as a backdrop. Had lovely dinner at Yard Birds Resturant - best Chicken-and-Waffles with an Asian hot spiciness.

Then off for a night walk with fountains and light show, and to check out the Helix Bridge. Ended the night at our hotel on Arab Street, and all the lively shops opened at night during Ramadan.

Thanks again to Semi, Hamid's daughter, for putting together the itinerary and making us feel at home. There's nothing like a local's touch.Read more