Singapore Part Two

 Saturday in Singapore was a little less exciting, mainly because of the showers that persisted throughout the day. I don't know why I insist on forgetting to bring my umbrella/rain gear when I travel. However, even with the rain I had a fun morning at the zoo. First was breakfast with the Orangutans. This means you eat breakfast while watching the orangutans and then get to take an overpriced photo with them. After breakfast I speed walked through the zoo so I could catch sights of most of the animals before I needed to catch the bus back at noon. Below are some of the zoo highlights:

 

 

 

 

 

 After the zoo I went to the Art and Science Museum for Andy Warhol and Harry Potter. Unfortunately no photography was allowed inside of the exhibits.

Having rained throughout the day Saturday, Singapore decided Sunday deserved perfectly clear blue skies. I decided to walk from my hotel down the river to the marina and visit the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore's newest park. Below is the photo journey from start to finish.

Clarke Quay - Starting Point

Boat Quay

Statue of Sir Raffles

Outside Asian Civilization Museum

Pedestrian Bridge

 

Obelisk outside Victoria Theater

Arts and Science Museum

Singapore Flyer - taller than the London Eye

Gardens by the Bay - End

Cross over into the Gardens. The large structures are super trees - they generate solar power.

Singapore was a successful weekend, except for the flying out part. My flight was about 2 hours delayed. There were some funny moments at the airport as Singapore efficiency met Indonesian lack of efficiency. 

Time to get back to work as I only have 20 more days left in Indonesia.

Singapore Sights

This morning I grabbed an early (5:40 am) flight from Jakarta to Singapore. I am exhausted after my early morning and day walking the city so I will let my pictures do the talking. 

War memorial

One of the many signs that enforce Singapore's efficiency.

Little India

Little Indida

China Town

First meal in Singapore: delicious strawberry and mango shaved ice.

Fun pedestrian bridge.

My hotel.

Fountain on Orchard Road.

Weird mermaid statue on Orchard Road.

This reminded me of an avocado.

One of Singapore's tributes to the upcoming Olympics.

Art on the marina.

View from dinner at Level 33, a microbrewery on the 33rd floor.

The most interesting fish and chips I have eaten.

Is it a bench or is it art?

Another bench.

Don't worry the cows are under surveillance.

War memorial to the Indian soldiers. 

 I don't know if it just because I am coming from Jakarta, but I am loving Singapore. It has public transportation, sidewalks, people are not allowed to smoke most places, and there is no trash!!! Hopefully it continues to get better as the weekend goes on.

Hump Day

Today is hump day in more than one way. It is Wednesday. It also the middle of my time in Indonesia. Starting tomorrow I will have been in Indonesia for more days than I have remaining. It is hard to believe that time has gone by so quickly.

The count down begins, 38 days until I return to - my apartment complete with its little kitchen (it has been almost two months since I have baked cookies), the Very Versatile Versa (my car) and my ability to negotiate traffic free Little Rock (never again will I complain about traffic), reliable internet (I will enjoy being able to stream television and having my smart phone back), and of course me friends and family (Aunt MissE - I never doubted that you would remember to pick me up at the airport on August 6).

Muffins

Carmelita Bars

There are also many things that I will miss from my time in Indonesia - fresh juices (pineapple, mango, avocado which I still have to try), the foods (especially the Tahu Kari from my favorite dinner restaurant and tempe and green beans from my favorite lunch spot), and my Indonesian friends.

Nasi Campur

Pineapple Juice at Tanah Lot

Today was also a day for goodbyes. Before coming into work this morning I put my mom in a taxi to head to the airport and then back to the states. She was a little apprehensive about actually making it to the airport. We did have a little mix-up on our way to Bali. I assured her that I had no special ability to ensure that the taxi driver dropped her off at the International Terminal. As I have learned, it is not that the taxi driver is trying to drop you off in the wrong place, they genuinely do not know where they are going. I will miss my mom and travel partner, she has traveled 5 of the 7 continents with me. Though she claims to have traveled to all 7 before me, I still discount a day trip to Morocco as Africa.

Australia

Asia

Antartica