Day 9 - China Town and Gardens by the Bay!

The Singapore MRT is unlike anything I have seen before. Apart from anything else, the platforms, stations, and trains were virtually empty, as we made our way to Marina Sands. The system its self is orderly, exceptionally clean and above all safe. There is one aspect of it I find particularly strange, and it is the lack of advertising. In any other public transport system across the World, you will see posters on every wall and train - in Singapore, none! There is no advertising whatsoever; I don't know if that is part of the Singaporean culture, but the walls of the MRT system are empty, and it makes for a very dystopian and eerie feel.

Our first stop was Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion. Now, so far I haven't been particularly impressed by Singapore. It isn't my usual destination of choice and I do find it just a little boring, for want of a better word. Bangkok is the complete opposite of this place. It is manic, disorganised, and full of history, heritage, and people — lots and lots of people. In Singapore, the streets are empty; perfectly sanitised, but completely empty.

This isn't what I expected of Singapore — I really thought it would be busier than this. It was a bit of a culture shock going from Thailand to here, and Singapore appears to be completely different to any other South East Asian country we have visited. I don't dislike it, I am just finding it rather difficult to adjust to!

Marina Bay Sands did look impressive if I am honest, but in the end it was just another large modern building in a sea of other modern buildings. I sound a little downbeat about Singapore, don't I? But it does get more positive throughout the day, I promise, and it is somewhere to tick off my bucket list. It was possibly an anti climax coming here after Bangkok; If we had done it the other way around, it may well have been different!

Photo opportunities over, we walked along the front and headed into the city, where we had a quick coffee before heading to China Town!

China Town was my sort of place. It was colourful, vibrant, and full of life. This is what city life should be about and a thoroughly enjoyed walking around the streets, markets, and shops in this popular area of Singapore. Where the city was quiet, China Town was heaving with people and tourists, and it's easy to see why. 

Singapore is such an expensive place, that the sad reality is, it only caters for the rich and more affluent members of society. This is especially the case in the CBD itself, where there are mainly high-end designer shops. China Town offers an alternative vision of the city and even though prices are still relatively high, by Asian standards, bargains can still be found.

Darrell and I bought a lot of stuff, but then we always do on holiday. I have been wanting to buy a small jade pendant for a long time and found one for S$160. It wasn't cheap, but it was perfect and certified real Jade. You certainly get what you pay for. 

The market stalls also has their fair share of tat, which I absolutely love. The more kitsch and retro the better, and in China Town there was plenty to choose from. S$800 later, I was completely shopped out and ready for some lunch!

Darrell wanted McDonald's, but I persuaded him to stay in China Town, where we had authentic Chinese food from a small family run restaurant. We had plenty to eat and drink for the reasonable price of S$75. I am actually enjoying Chinese food over here. It is unlike the western style food you get back in Australia and has a real depth of taste. I think Darrell has had enough of it, however, demanding a western food day today. All good, I can't completely eat Chinese food every day myself, and I did spy a Pizza Express, while walking around the city after my trip to hospital a few days ago!

Finally, we made our way to Gardens by the Bay, a destination I have wanted to see for years. This amazing structure was out of this world, with the backdrop of Marina Bay Sands Hotel behind.  The gardens have other attractions, but in the heat of the day, neither of us wanted to explore too much. Instead, we had a bite to eat, ice cream and refreshments before the light show at 7.45pm in the evening.

There was great anticipation as we were waiting for the light show to start. Thousands of people had by now arrived, setting up their cameras for what is advertised as the best light show in the World. To be honest, I never expected it to be as good as it was.

At 7.45, the lights in the park dimmed and the spectacular display of light and music began. I was absolutely awe struck by the whole event and judging by the gasps from the audience, they were also. It's not often I can say I am overwhelmed by something, but on this occasion I was. The light show hasn't changed my views on Singapore, as an overrated destination for the rich, but it has allowed me to look at it in a more positive light. It is worth coming to Singapore to see China Town and the light show alone. Leave the rich to do their thing in the fancy air-conditioned malls, and instead, explore the more down to earth places like us. We are all different, and as hard as it is for me to admit, Singapore does have something for everyone, whoever you are, you just have to look hard to find it!