Two become six!

Our last destination in Asia was Singapore. We were welcomed by Alix and Shaun, experiencing our first home-made dinner and being spoiled rotten in their beautiful city apartment.

On the 41st floor of the apartment

We spent our first day wandering the pristine streets, starting with Bugis Market and Arab Street. As the day went on, we both began to get excited as two more Lawns neared Changi Airport.

It was really quite exciting waiting at arrivals (even though they managed to be the last people off the plane) and they soon clocked us waving like mad and soon we were celebrating their arrival with some good old nosh and a pint.

Our week in Singapore began as our wonderful guide Alix took us to all the best spots in the city. We walked for miles taking in the sights, stopping only when James’s stomach made the cry for food!

At the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens

First on the list was the botanical gardens where we saw hundreds of orchids and spotted a couple of flying squirrels. We walked along the bustling Orchard Road, taking in the Christmas decorations against a bright blue sky – it just didn’t look right!

We visited the famous Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore Sling was invented, although ended up sampling the drink at a bar across the road, for $12 less – we are Scottish! Later, Shaun joined us for some al fresco dining after work and we took in the sights and sounds along the river at Robertson Quay.

Riding the subway

Also on our itenary was Sentosa Island – Singapore’s beach resort and a place I had fond memories of from my first visit a decade ago. The island has changed so much. It was unrecognisable to us all however, we did enjoy relaxing on the beach and having lunch by the sea before returning for, what James has rightly decided, were the best fajitas he has ever eaten!

Mum and Alix gradually caught up on eight years of conversation on our third day as we headed towards Chinatown. Dad and James found the perfect street bar to enjoy the sights with a cold beer, leaving us girls a little time for some retail therapy. As always, the cry for lunch was made from a certain Mr Tulloch. He was not left disappointed as Alix took us to a wonderful local cafe where we watched a showman of a chef make our noodles.

Noodle chef

After pounding the market streets in the heat of the day, James and Dad felt it was time for some Friday night boy time – cue the Singapore Turf Club Racecourse... and my unfortunate bet.

Now, trying to place a bet is confusing enough for me in Scotland so you can imagine my trouble in Singapore. After watching the locals, I gave it a go and was chuffed when presented with my ticket. 

Wondering which horse to bet on

Unfortunately, I soon realised I had been given a coupon for a European race instead of the local. The girl was apologetic and soon changed my ticket however, I then realised I had been given horse number 5 instead of 4 – another ‘lost in translation’ moment. Once Dad arrived, I explained my dilemma and said I was just going to leave it but was soon persuaded I should get it changed as horse 5 was a big outsider. So, embarrased I once again went to the till and had my ticket changed. Can you see where this is going?! Yup, that’s right, the outsider won, grrr!

Our trip in the Asian equivalent of New York was only just beginning as we moved into the weekend. We spent the morning on a river cruise, sharing the water with the dragon boats at the annual competition. Following a short rain burst, we walked along to the esplanade for our first close up glimpse of the brand new Marina Bay Sands Hotel. To top off the day, we joined the crowds at Boat Quay and added another food type to our list with a delicious Indian meal.

After a non-stop schedule, we opted for a lazy Sunday to round off the trip and enjoyed some chill time at the pool and a lovely picnic lunch from Alix. In the afternoon, we returned to Chinatown for some last minute shopping – leaving the boys at their favourite bar for their farewell beer.

The last supper!

We said our goodbyes to Mum and Dad as they left for home and we then prepared for our onward travels in the opposite direction towards Brisbane in Australia. The two separate journeys would cover so many time zones that, in the end, we gave up on working out who would arrive where first!

A big thank you to Alix, Shaun, Mum and Dad for making Singapore a great week!

Pam