Singapore Summary

 

We only had three days in Singapore and we waited until the last minute to book a hotel, specifically just before we boarded the flight from Sydney.  Our resulting accommodations were a third floor walk-up called the Inn at Temple Street.  The rooms were small and the air conditioning did not work well (it struggled), but the location was terrific, right in the heart of Chinatown.  We explored the markets, bought too many souvenirs and watched a huge parade one evening, part of Chinese New Year festivities.  We also took the exciting cable car to Sentosa Island that leaves from the top of a building; braved the old and quaint Malaysian-owned train station to purchase our tickets to Thailand; and took a duck boat tour of the city and harbor.   Our main mode of transport was the very modern subway and an occasional taxi.  The city is orderly and clean, although it was humid when we were there, so the underground shopping centers provided cool relief.

Kona Moment:  We got caught in a tropical downpour on Sentosa Island.

Starbucks:  Yes, and many imitators.

Weird McDonalds Menu Item:  Pineapple milkshakes

Cultural Moment:  Eating the best mango pudding ever at the Yum Cha Dim Sum restaurant across the street from our inn.