Singapore

The flight to Singapore was pretty scary, as there was a fair bit of turbulence. Arriving at the airport was lovely. There are orchids everywhere. So pretty and beautiful.

I managed to work out the train successfully to get to the hostel I was staying at. When I arrived, I was unsure if I had the right place. The door was labeled with print outs with the name and address on. So professional. Then the real shock came once I go inside. I think the wonderful hotels in Thailand and Hong Kong had spoiled me. I was shocked, it was sooooo tiny, bunk beds, shared kitchen, no en suit bathroom and back to no hot water!!!!! But actually it is perfectly clean and really comfy. Everyone staying at the hostel are fun and friendly.

I had to get used to the noise again of the dorms. The room I am staying in is next to the TV room, so the noise comes through, but surprisingly I had a great nights sleep. The next morning I did see a lizard creeping into some one's bag trying to get a free ride to Malaysia or Indonesia I guess.

The first day in Singapore it rained, but was still hot. I still went out and had a good look around. I froze in my wet clothes whenever I went inside as they love air con here too. Singapore appears to be more green and lush in the city centre compared to Hong Kong, but I they both celebrate Christmas more than Europe or anywhere else and love to shop. The displays are amazing. There is an ice skating display in one of the shopping malls and huge decorations everywhere. There are thousands of shops to trying to get you to buy.


I had a look around China Town, Little India and the Riverside. They are all great fun. I felt that they were vibrant. The Riverside looks very Dutch to me and also a mix of Sydney Harbour, Melbourne and the South Bank in London. Its definitely very Western over here. Everything is written in English. There are many colonial buildings dotted around too. I had forgotten about the use of squat toilets in South East Asia and the way cockroaches are everywhere in the tropics. Though after my first encounters, I think nothing of them anymore.

Today was wonderfully sunny and hot. I had a closer look at the temples today as there is such a mixture of Muslim, Chinese, Buddhist and more. I return to Singapore in February, so will spend more time looking around. I booked a bus to go to Malaysia. I will hopefully be picked up from the hostel in the morning, I have my fingers crossed at the moment.

Its sad not having company anymore, and having someone to chat to all the time, though I am sure Gemma and Haydn are relieved not to hear my endless chitter chatter; but its also great fun to be on my own again. Its fun trying to work out what to do and where to go. Its also hard to get away from people as the dorms are so full of people wanting to tell you their stories.

Enough from me. Looking forward to moving to Malaysia. Will let you all know how it goes. xxx