THE KIDS MAKE IT TO SINGAPORE

6/6/2012

Finally this May, the stars and schedules aligned and the kids were both able to come out to Singapore to see where the "rents" have been hanging. It was so great to have them here and get to show them around Singapore. They were impressed by our little apartment and thankfully Martin's first job was to set up our wireless internet which had proven to be a "pain" in Graham's side!

It was the first time to Asia for both of them, although Singapore is known as "Asia for beginners" as it is such a modern and multicultural Country. Whilst they were here we took a short trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia - some real Asia. That trip will be covered in a separate post.

Both kids were not so keen on the long flights needed to get here. Twenty five hours of travel time is no joke but I think they gained a little bit of appreciation for what poor old Dad has been doing for the last twenty odd years ha ha!!

Heather actually came to Singapore a couple of days before Martin. We went out for dinner at Indochine at Clarke Quay, a nice bustling spot on the Singapore River for some Thai food. We ordered Sea Bass done in lemongrass, ginger and chillies. If you order fish in Singapore, unless you order it in a curry or stew you are going to get the whole fish! It was delicious!

The central fountain at Clarke Quay with it's multicolored lights.

Once Martin arrived we headed back to Clarke Quay again. This bustling area around a fountain and along the Singpaore River comes alive at night with every imaginable type of food restaurant you could wish for. Makes choosing what you want for dinner pretty difficult. Years ago when I first came to Singapore this area was completely open air. Recent years have seen it become covered with these huge umbrella like canopies that shield from the rain and also offer some airconditioning. A very welcome addition in my book.
We decided to go low quay (get it?!) the second time and ended up at Shiraz Mezzeh, a Persian "fast food" joint. They also have a more elegant dining restaurant across the way from the fast food counter, complete with nightly belly dancer.

COOL PLACE FOR A DRINK - GOT YOUR WALLET DAD?!

We did some pretty cool stuff whilst the kids were here. A "must" was a trip to the Skypark on top of The Marina Bay Sands Hotel, now probably the most iconic building here in Singapore. We watched the sun go down over Singapore with amazing views and once it was dark took in the light display that happens every night in the bay. Then we spent an arm and a leg buying a round of drinks in the Khu De Ta open air bar right at the top. Box ticked!

WE GOT TO EXPERIENCE I-FLY

Heather in flight

Think this was the thing the kids enjoyed the most, apart from their numerous trips to the chippy ha ha! On Sentosa Island you can experience skydiving without having to actually jump out of a plane. Heather and Martin were looking a little bit pensive here waiting for our turn. We all did it, yes even me - well it's nothing for a woman who has climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge right?!

WE PACKED IT IN

Rounding off with trips to The Jurong Bird Park, The Night Safari, The Singapore Zoo, The Singapore Flyer and the iconic Long Bar at The Raffles Hotel, we did a lot of stuff. As mentioned before, the kids especially loved going to the chippy. Our greatest discovery is Smiths Fish and Chips, an authentic British chip shop with a couple of branches here in Singapore. The kids had to have their fix - too funny!