First of all, I turn 32 today. I had a conversation with a friend a couple of weeks back about what this year's birthday's about. I told him that it's great passing down all that wisdom.
Which is meant as a joke.
I want to thank those who remember and sent their lovely wishes (the text messages, the Facebook posts, the cards, the letters, the calls....more text messages!), they mean a lot. Overall, it's an uneventful day today (objective met!). I chose not to work. It's my right to do so on my birthday-lah and partly because I just got back from a short holiday in Singapore, which is what I'd like to talk about.
Needless to say, I had a wonderful time.
Day 1
Our journey starts at 6.15 in the morning, the cab is already waiting downstairs. He's early and that's good, shows that KLIA Airport Limo is reliable. For those who are unaware, you can call them at least 5 hours in advance to pick you up from your residence; the fare is not bad and the service is good. My travel buddies this time around are Deb and Billy, Hemant couldn't make it due to complication in obtaining his Visa. We managed to get the 0 fare with JetStar, amounting to RM120 (airport tax) for a return ticket.
We arrived in Singapore at around 10.00 and took the MRT to Little India, where we'll be staying at the InnCrowd Hostel. It's very similar to Singgahsana Lodge in Kuching although personally I find Singgahsana more adorable. We checked in and breakfast was still open but we couldn't wait to dump our backpacks and check out the city (By the way, it's a unisex bathroom). We had lunch at a nearby mamak and the waiter seemed to be smitten with Deb. Then he asked her if she's from India. Ah....the nose piercing!
....73, Dunlop Street, home for the next 4 days....
That afternoon we took a stroll all the way from Little India to Clarke Quay to catch the boat ride. We passed Raffles Hotel on the way but felt a little bit underdressed to try out their famous Singapore Sling....next time perhaps.
....Raffles Hotel....
....backdrop....
We had a satisfying first day (we rewarded ourselves Turkish ice cream!) and rested early for tomorrow.
....entertained by the ice-cream man....
Day 2
Sentosa Island! Fine, it's a touristy thing to do but hey, we are tourists this time around. We made our way to the MRT station and was greeted by a colourful spectacle down the street. It's a Thaipusam procession! This is such a pleasant surprise eventhough we know that it is a holiday, we didn't expect we'd catch it! I never even thought of going to Batu Caves for Thaipusam. It was one of the most enlightening and memorable experience to see up close.
....a day of colours....
....navigating Sentosa Island....
Sentosa was awesome, I just love the beach. I'm already planning to stay at the Siloso Beach Resort the next time around.
Later in the evening we walked around Little India some more and man, everything is so alive!
Like how Billy simply put it, "I've never seen so many Indians in my life!". Billy lives in Klang.
To close Day 2 after exploring Bugis Street, we had drinks at the tapas bar just opposite the hostel.
Day 3
Time to hit Orchard Road! By now, at least we know how much we have left to spend. The only shopping I had in mind, as always, is for those hard to come by CDs. But I was out of luck, every single one is out of stock. We also didn't manage to find the bicycle rental booth in Marina Bay, such a bummer.
To get over today's disappointment, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner at Clarke Quay. The day coming to a close, we wished we wouldn't have to go back to the classes, work, everything that's waiting for us in KL. We quietly sat there at the river bank taking in the cool breeze, the bright lights and the intertwining smell coming from the restaurants around us.
....didgeridoo dude....
....from across the river....
Our trip to Singapore is kept in the one souvenir I bring back: The ezLink card I use to get around Singapore with Deb and Billy.
Fun fact: - Getting on buses has become such an unthinkable feat for me after a rather bad experience on KL's minibus. I've gone on a few hours of journey several times before on a cowboy bus, no aircon, in ulu Sarawak but the big city's minibus just puts me off this mode of transport forever. Or so I thought. Convincing myself to get on that freaking bus in Singapore I take as an achievement.
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