Many Worlds, One City

Having previously pinpointed areas we wanted to visit immediately, today we decided to get a feel for the entire city and took a trolley tour. Although the island is only 45 minutes from one side to the other, Singapore packs in many interesting sights including a MerLion (more on that tomorrow), an arts center (Esplanade)shaped like a giant microphone head, extensive Indian, Muslim and Chinese enclaves, and a shopping road to easily rival Magnificent Mile in Chicago or 5th Avenue in New York.

The tour, about an hour in total, deposits us at our first attraction, the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It’s hard to describe with words the lush landscape and rolling hills. It is a visual feast with waterfalls and palms as large as a two story building. One of the main attractions is the National Orchid Garden situated on the highest hill in the Gardens. Stunning! Imagine Orchids in every color and shape. The VIP Garden has specially created hybrid Orchids named after leaders of the world who visit the Garden, such as Kofi Anan, Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana to name a few. Imagine having a unique flower created after you. Maybe one of us will have our name in this garden some day. The Botanical Gardens feature plant life from all over the tropical world and as difficult as it is to leave before exploring every inch; we tear ourselves away and head to another part of the world, India.

You don’t happen upon Little India. Between the decorated streets and the mass of Indian people along Serangoon Road, I am not sure I need to actually visit India now to get a feel for its essence. Authentic comes to mind as we sit down for lunch in the enclave at the Banana Leaf Apolo Restaurant. Tandoori mixed grill, seafood fried rice, and garlic naan all served on a banana leaf for your pleasure. That’s right, no plates just like India. Take your time here because your waiters certainly are! Enjoy the smells, sights and sounds in Little India. As you browse through the main market you can easily forget that you are in Singapore. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple located centrally along the main road is powerful. Look up and see the many dozens of Gods ornately situated on the temples pyramid roof. Bustling with activity, many people are entering the temple to pay their respects and conduct various religious activities - again tank tops and miniskirts are not welcome.

We end our day at the Lau Pa Sat festival market. A bit of a misfire for us, the market, open 24 hours, is a food market! Not hungry, we walked around taking pictures of the various stalls with funny translated western names. Watching the outdoor stall masters basting and grilling meats over open fires we plan to make this market our destination for dinner tomorrow.