We allowed ourselves a slow start again… though today it veered toward indulgent. By the time we finally emerged, the morning was well advanced. Fortunately, Singapore greeted us with sunshine without suffocating humidity. The perfect morning for the Botanic Gardens.
They are quite something to behold. A sweep of green in the heart of the city, lush, immaculate, UNESCO World Heritage–listed. Locals strolled, jogged beneath trees older than the nation itself. We did what we do best, wandered slowly, marvelling.
After an hour or so we stumbled across the National Orchid Garden which is home to an overwhelming variety of orchids. Orchids are Singapore’s specialty … over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids are cultivated here, and visiting dignitaries are often honoured with orchids named after them.
By the time we had done with all the gardens had to offer, the sun had gotten fiercely hot. However, we left the gardens calmed and impressed… Singapore at its greenest and colourful. However, photographing it wasn’t my favourite. Lizards, flowers, more flowers… all very lovely, yes, but not really my thing.
We finally navigated the extremely busy afternoon streets for a late lunch (salad) and then back to the apartment for a reset. Once again mulling plans for this evening.
This evening we caught the MRT into Kampong Glam. The streets were alive with people… restaurants spilling out onto the pavements, small rug, lamp and bowl hawkers, and the streets buzzing with chatter and clatter. Bustling, noisy, colourful.
We strolled through it all, past Turkish grills and Malay cafés, just taking in the energy of a Sunday night. The Sultan Mosque, with its great gold dome, serves as a reminder that this has been an important area for Singapore’s Malay-Arab community for a long time.
And yes, we finished with (amazing) ice cream (Sea-Salt Hojicha and the Macadamia Butterfly Pea)… because we’re on holiday.
The Obligatory Blog 