Three day weekend due to Merdeka Day (Malaysia Independence Day) and decided to zip down to Singapore just to relax and get away. We have never gone just for fun, seems there is always a conference to attend.

First order of business was to attend the beer brewing competition. One of our teachers is quite the brewmeister and he entered several selections. We got to try some amazing beers and watched our friend earn second place!!! Whoo Hoo!!!

Next day we walked,and walked and walked…. best way to see a city. Headed to an area called Kampung Glam. During the day you walk through quaint streets where carpet shops and fabric stores co-exist with boutique hotels, art galleries, and Arabic Literature bookstores. At night the district comes alive with music, shisha smoking, outdoor eating….a lively spot. Many streets have colorful murals on the walls and there is this amazing Mosque – Masjid Sultan. It was first built in 1824 for the first sultan of Singapore. The current building (in pictures) was completed in 1928 and can accommodate up to 5000 worshippers at once. Quite a sight.

Decided to become really touristy and went to the Gardens by the Bay. Right off the bay is this city garden. You can wander around the grounds and just gaze at the plants, the city skyline, the harbor…lots of walkers, runners, bikers and kite flyers. Also on the grounds are these two ginormous green houses. One is chock-block full of flowers and plants from around the world…baobob trees, orchids, cactus, roses, hibiscus, a real visual sight. We were rather surprised when we entered…thought it would be hot but instead the entire area is cool, almost cold. You wander through different growing zones watching out for all the shutterbugs trying to capture their favorite flower image. The other greenhouse is tall, tall enough to hold an indoor waterfall…you take an elevator to the top and then meander down catwalks extending out over the void. Not a good spot for anyone afraid of heights. Magnificent plants and sculptures everywhere. One could spend hours and hours here.

Waterfall at Gardens by the Bay

Next we walked over the the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and took the elevator to the 56th floor observation deck for a 360 degree view of the city. Breathtaking !!!!

Met up with the Chisholm’s for dinner at Clarke Quay…one of our favorite spots. Grant even got to see some belly dancing!!! What a great day exploring this wonderful city.

Belly Dancing at Clarke Quay

Interesting Signage

And this post we have a sign from the men’s changing room at the spa across the street from where we live in Kuala Lumpur. Never saw one of these signs in Bangkok !!!