A Brief Visit of Singapore

Singapore, a city-state about the size of Manhattan, is perfect for a quick stopover. Being spontaneous, I showed up with no itinerary. Everything is super efficient here, so I got loads done.

15. Fitted right in as a local. I actually helped 4 people with direction and a family find their way around the MRT.

14. Squinted at the Buddha's tooth at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. It’s the newest and biggest temple in Chinatown, resplendent with Tang Dynasty style.

13. Gave thanks for a safe journey like new arrivals did in the 19th century at the Thian Hock Keng Temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Singapore, and it was built without a single nail, which is about as different from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple as you can imagine. 

12. Learned about Singapore's past at the Asian Civilisation Museum.

11. Envisioned the future city planning for Singapore at the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

10. Watched Gone Girl at movie theatre literally just after finishing reading the book. It's been awhile since I've had TV or movie entertainment.

9. Strolled along the river bank as Singapore lit up in the evening. Christmas must be right around the corner with many Christmas trees and holiday decorations, though it doesn't feel like winter at a balmy and humid 20+ Celsius.

8. Got driven around for a grand tour of Singapore. (Thanks Kai-Lik!) Did you know that the cost of obtaining permit to drive in Singapore (e.g. upwards of $50k) is higher than the price of the car? 

7. Stocked up on energy bars and snacks (as well as Starbucks coffee) for the upcoming Everest trek. I may have overdid it a bit....

6. Bought good drugs that we can't get in US: paracetamol, strepsil and the red tiger balm!

5. Waited forever for a waitor/waitress to come take my order before I figured out that food is ordered via an iPad that slides out of the table drawer.

4. Tried to determine who makes better kaya bread? Ka Yun versus Killiney.

3. Topped up on my caffeine after weeks of no coffee (both Chile and Bhutan only have instant Nescafé in a pouch).

2. Grabbed lunch at a traditional Singaporean eatery with Sunshine and Kai-Lik.

1. Indulged at Din Tai Fung, my favourite restaurant, with Laura.

Great to see you all!!