Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Treetop Walk



Today I we went to the Treetop Walk. I must say that I was beginning to feel my energy lagging as I woke and got ready to leave a bit earlier than usual. At home I am very used to waking up early to get to work by 7am, but here I have become accustomed to rolling out of bed at 9 to leave around 10:30-11. It was good to get out of the house a little earlier today. It began to rain later in the day, so it was good that we had an early start. 

We walked along the tree tops, daring ourselves to look down at the leafy ground. We paused to look at the signs, pointing out the various forms of nature we thought we saw. The signs suggested that there would be frequent monkey sitings, but no.










Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Rainy Day Laksa


Since my arrival in Singapore, it has not rained all that much. The weather in Singapore is very hot and very humid, but it rarely rains. I have discovered though, on the days that it does rain, the climate is relatively cooler. It makes for a much more comfortable environment to walk around in. 

On this rainy Tuesday, we all made our way to Holland Village for some yummy Laksa soup. Of course my first reaction to the name was "Are there a lot of Dutch people living here too?" Nope, just the name. We did a bit of shopping (of course) and I finally found some postcards to send home to my family and friends back in the States. 

I've eaten a lot of food here (and I mean A LOT) but I have to say that one of my favorites has to be the Laksa, which is a coconut-based curry soup with noodles and fish. Depending on where you get it, the broth tends to be very, very spicy. It's so funny - everyone here seems surprised at how much spice I can take. 





Sunday, July 27, 2014

Botanical Gardens


We spent our Sunday wandering around in the Botanical Gardens. I don't think that I've ever seen so many bright-colored flowers in one place before. Of course I have at nurseries and whatnot, but never in such a natural (seeming) setting. It was so beautiful. I know that if Singapore was more of a permanent location, I would spend quite a bit of time here, walking along the Swan Lake or lying in the grass reading a book.











Some creepy-looking catfish




Saturday, July 26, 2014

Catch Up Day

Rings: thrifted, H&M, and Free People

We all have those days. The ones where we feel like doing nothing but lazing around the house. Catch up days. 

I suppose it began on my birthday. I just turned 21 two weeks ago and ever since then all of my friends have wanted to go out with me do things that only the 21+ population can do. I also worked for a week straight before leaving on my trip. So by the time I stepped on to that plane, I was ready for some downtime.

Plane rides are hardly relaxing. So when I arrived I couldn't quite say that I felt well-rested. The very next day I was thrown into a week full of sight-seeing, shopping, and eating. Not that I don't enjoy doing all of these things, but when done in such a short amount of time, it begins to wear you out.

Needless to say, I was in desperate need of a catch up day. I spent the day catching up on some of my favorite blogs, drank some tea, watched a movie, and all-in-all just chilled out.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Ice Cream and Elephant Rides


Yesterday Sarah and I went to the Zoo. The last time I came to Singapore (when I was 6) my Auntie Pat brought me here. I don't really remember it all that much, but I do know that I came home with a pretty awesome snake stuffed animal. Upon arriving at the Singapore Zoo I felt like a 6 year old again - excited to see the animals and eat ice cream. 

I had my heart set on riding an elephant because I was jibbed out of it on my trip to Vietnam. Sarah was introduced to my crazy obsession with these trunk-blowing, peanut-eating, adorable creatures. I can't say that the elephant ride was exactly what I was expecting - we were crowded onto an elephant's back along with two other people. I couldn't even see the elephant as we were riding it. I guess I was imagining myself riding on the elephant majestically through the rainforest. When in reality, we just did a figure 8 in a very small enclosure. I don't know…I guess in my head I'm some kind of awesome sultan-princess who rides elephants.

There is sadly no photographic proof for me to show, seeing as they don't allow you to take personal photos. There is a photographer who goes around taking photos of everyone, but the photos were terrible and cost $25. I decided that I would just live with the memory of my bumpy elephant ride. 

Oh well, at least I can tell people that I rode an elephant in Singapore!

We spent the rest of the day wandering around the exhibits, eating ice cream and sipping on mango slush from ridiculously tall cups with polar bears on it. 

Once the sun went down the two of us got ready for Night Safari, which basically consisted of Sarah and I laughing at all the Chinese tourists pointing, shouting, and taking photographs (with flash.) 



















Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Chinatown Photo Diary



You would think that being in Singapore, where the majority of the population is Chinese, that there wouldn't be a Chinatown. But like any other city, there's a Chinatown. We spent the day browsing the many stands that lined the streets and taking in the scent of delicious food. I got around to buying a few gifts for my friends back home (who wouldn't want a silky kimono straight from Asia?)

We ate yummy Malay food with my aunt and uncle. I don't think I've ever found the name "Fish head" more appetizing than I did today. I swear that I will be returning home a bit heavier...

We even went to a fish spa. In case you're wondering what in the world that is - you pay about $20 to put your feet into a small tub of water full of small fish that feed on dead skin. It's a great way to exfoliate and with the amount of walking I've done in the past few days (not to mention the amount I walk at home) It really did wonders. If you ever have to opportunity to do it - DO IT! My feet have never felt softer. I would do it every week if I could!








Rocking my usual voile and lace trapeze slip