SINGAPORE

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Arrived groggy and bleary eyed after an overnight flight.I didn't know that was the best i was going to feel for a while.

I think the first thing that hit me here was the humidity. Even at 9am , I was drenched in minutes after getting out the air-conditioned splendour of Singapore airport.

The Backpackers had come highly reccomended and the reality didn't match the mental image I had.Yes, they have free breakfast and internet. They also have 16 beds in a dorm , ill fitting shower doors and a long line for the that internet. Anyway, these are minor moans and were soon forgotten.

Having talked to the lad on the desk , I'm not sure this is a joke
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I had an evening at the zoo (to see the noctornal animals)with new temporary mates Robin and Ruth; a really nice English couple.It was a pleasant evening .It was only when going to bed that night i discovered I had no wallet.

Aaaaaargh!!!

Next to being banged up in a Thai prison, this was my biggest fear. A frantic search only confirmed it really had gone, so mad night of e.mails, phone calls and a trip to the cops.

Thanks to big brother, cards were cancelled in a jiffy. Now had job of getting replacement cards and some hard cash to tide me over.The banks U.K helpline weren't that helpful, refusing to send a card overseas! So big bro had the bright idea of turning up at their office...

Can't believe people still smoke after seeing this
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They were a little surprised to see me when I turned up ; but helpful.I spent an hour on the phone to the U.K before they agreed to send a card to their Singapore office.I don't know why it's such a headache , it must happen all the time.

The plus side of this extended stay is finding places i would have over looked.I've spent a day in Bukit Tamah , Singapores only surviving primal rainforest , and a smaller park, Bukit Batok,. The latter was a real joy as I saw some Malaysian monitor lizards that must have been over 4'. ( they can reach 7')

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I've done some real touristy stuff - theres lot's down at the Harbour. The cable car ride to Santosa island is really high and a little unerving. Whilst there I saw a '4 D' film starring Eric Idle and that guy from the Airplane films in some silly pirate caper.

As well as the excellent 3D effects , the chair shakes at relevent points. You also get sprayed with water when a character gets wet - that kind of thing.all good fun.

Also found a nightmarket that no one told me about. Very busy with a vibrant atmosphere. I really like the stalls selling fresh fruit juices and milkshakes for 30p. I've even found a new t-shirt . Wayhey.