The Merlion City!

Ladies Night!
see all photos »

Singapore is a country that completely exceeded every expectation that I had! It is a young country of 41 years filled with people of diverse cultures (specifically Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian). We stayed with our friend Marc who was an exceptional host! The country is known by the symbol of the Merlion which is a lion with a fish tail.

Chinatown is an awesome part of the city center that is filled with beautiful colors and lots of food! It used to be a part of the country filled with Chinese immigrants, but now it is very clean and full of shops/stands. But I must say that there was nothing like Little India! Yum Yum Yum! We ate at this delicious Indian restaurant where they made sure to stuff us good and full. Even when we pleaded that we had eaten too much...they'd bring out more and insist. Little India had the smells of spices like curry and incense. We even went into two mosques. Of course we were required to wear special robes. No chance at flashing a little thigh here!

Downtown Chinatown!
see all photos »

Singapore is also known for its shopping! Over 70 shopping centers just in the main city!!! Designer brands everywhere. Granted everything is extremely cheap. You can get a great meal for $2-3 US dollars!!! Orchard Road can be described as the Rodeo Drive of Singapore. The country prides itself on its etiquette, cleanliness, trade supremacy, and very very low crime. It is very westernized but does not have the hasty and rude character flaws often found in the Western world. There was something comforting about just watching the locals practice karate outdoors or old men sitting about chatting in the warm evenings.

Amazing fifty cent icecreams!
see all photos »

A highlight was the night safari. With its jurassic park like feel, we were able to explore lions and tigers....and bears oh my (actually no bears but i couldn't resist).  Throughout the safari you could hear the beating of drums and dancing. Men and woman did tricks with fire along with tribal dances. Very mystical if you ask me.  Another great attribute to the trip was ladies night! Every wednesday is free drinks and entry for ladies everywhere!!! Let me tell you...we danced the night away. I even got offered a job as a dancer/club promoter. Hmmm...

Water fun in Singapore City.
see all photos »

Our last day was spent on Sentosa Island. It is a huge tourist trap and actually rained most of the day. Supposedly, the main attraction is the evening light show, but the rain prevented us from experiencing it. The luge/cart ride down Mount Faber was fun. Its like a go cart/sled. Actually the best part was watching the storm. The rain is incredible! I've never experienced rain like in South East Asia! Just listening to my music and staring out into the sea as it pours is a small way to cherish nature. Loved every second.

see all photos »

I suppose in many ways Singapore feels a bit like home. There is not much at home that you can't find here.  I even found great ice tea! The financial district and all its towers and buildings reminds you that this is a very successful country. It is much more organized, transit is awesome, and the food is great! Well thats all for now. Back to island life here in the Philippines! i'll post pictures soon.

I just tried posting pictures but with no luck. I suppose I should just be greatful to find internet on the island of Siquijor! I'll try to post pictures when I get to Thailand.