Tuesday, February 17 – Singapore

Happy (Chinese/Lunar) New Year!!

Sadly, it’s kind of a miserable day here (it ended up raining throughout the day), and most places are closed; seems like a perfect time to continue some travel planning and work on a massive Journal Entry.

Singapore Facts for Travelers

• Vehicles operate on the left side of the road (like in the UK)
• Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. English serves as the primary language for business, administration, and education. Everyone I’ve interacted with has spoken English.
• Electrical outlets are the same as the United Kingdom
• There are no issues drinking the tap water here. In addition, my hotel also offers a filtered water faucet in the bathroom.
• It is noted on the immigration form that visitors are required to complete upon entry into Singapore that the following items are banned from entering the country: chewing gum and smokeless tobacco products (such as chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes)

Travel Note: I mentioned previously that my Spectrum Mobile Plan includes international coverage. Well, it’s been working great, with no connection issues…

It did stop raining by early evening, so I just walked across the street to the mall and roamed around a bit.

A cute display outside the mall…

…I think it may be related to Valentine’s Day.

The mall was surprisingly crowded for a New Year’s night! Many of the shops were closed, but this frozen yogurt place was hoppin’!

Oh, and I came across another fresh-squeezed orange juice vending machine! Of course I went for it!

Sidenote: This article in The New York Times caught my attention…

This is bad news for Japan, but great news for me! Hopefully tensions will remain in place until my Japan departure in early May.

Wednesday, February 18 – Singapore

Later this afternoon I’m going to walk over to Gardens By The Bay (adjacent to Marina Bay) to attend the New Year’s River Hongbao Festival.

But first, I made a final push to complete the remainder of my trip itinerary. And I think I’ve succeeded! Finally! All I have left to book is a two-week window of accommodation in Chiang Mai in early April, and the trains in Japan. I’m in no rush on the former, as there will be plenty of options. And the earliest I can make reservations for the latter is one month before departure (not there yet). The final itinerary is not the most efficient, but that’s what happens when you’re lazy and you wing it!

Okay, it’s about a one hour walk to Gardens By The Bay. I headed out around 4:30pm.

The Gardens by the Bay is an urban park spanning 260 acres. It consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden in Marina South, Bay East Garden with the Founders’ Memorial in Marina East and Bay Central Garden in the Downtown Core. The largest of the gardens is the Bay South Garden, where I’m going. Its Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world.

Here are a few views as I made my way to the Gardens…

I’m back in the area where I visited on Monday – Marina Bay.

Looking across the harbor, with the Esplanade on the middle left.

Unfortunately, not a very picturesque day. A light rain would eventually arrive.

Looking across to Merlion Park and the Esplanade. (with St. Andrew’s white steeple in between)

On the boardwalk in front of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

This mall is located in the lower levels of the hotel. Many high-end stores and restaurants. I didn’t spend a lot of time here!

My favorite word!

River Hongbao has been a part of Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations since 1987. Originally held along the Singapore River to promote Chinese culture, the annual event has evolved into a major 10 day carnival.

The festival features massive, hand-crafted lanterns.

This lantern conveys a wish of Good Fortune and Great Wealth.

Prosperity

Blessing – two large carps leaping joyfully beside a cheerful boy.

The festival also has some rides for the children.

Galloping Into The Year of the Horse

The God of Fortune. He holds a Ruyi Scepter in his left hand – a symbol of power and the granting of wishes. In his right, a Cabbage, representing abundance.

Fireworks were slated for later in the evening, but I’m not a huge fan, and with the rain, I decided to make my way back to the hotel. Boring, I know!

Here are a couple views from along the way on the River Walk…

Sidenote: Now that I’m aware of them, it turns out the squeezed orange juice vending machines are pretty common around Singapore. I didn’t partake today though!