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Everything was completely opposite to Bangkok in Singapore. It was the most amazing city I have ever visited and is a serious contender for somewhere to live in the future.
I took a shuttle bus from the airport which was so organised and to my shock everyone stayed in their own lanes and I didn't even hear a car horn the whole journey. The city was so green with beautiful landscaping everywhere and every building was immaculate. The sun was shining and as I sat in the bus I felt myself relax. As much as I loved Thailand, Bangkok was such a stressful polluted place but you don't realise how much until you leave.
I was dropped off at my hostel in the centre of the city and greeted by friendly receptionists. I took my bag to my room and was just amazed. Each bed was so clean and comfortable with it's own locker and hanging space plus a spacious en suite bathroom. The hostel also boasted free internet, free tea and a roof top terrace. The terrace looked over the whole city and was filled with plenty of seating.
I made friends with a girl in the room and asked if she wanted to walk around the park opposite the hostel. We had a stroll around before she accompanied me to a restaurant. I just couldn't believe how clean everything was, how cosmopolitan the city was and finally how friendly people were. I expected the city to be full of busy serious people but it was so friendly and culturally diverse.
Following the advice of a fellow backpacker, the next day I decided to get a map and use the MRT (Tube) system to navigate my way around the city by myself instead of using the hop on/hop off bus. With my ipod as company, I saw lots of different sights from amazing Hindu Temples in Little India to the busy markets of China Town. I also walked along the quay and saw all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures in restaurant tanks including toads - yuk. I also had my lunch at a trendy little cafe called Han - well I couldn't not could I?
This was the first day I felt properly liberated and like a proper backpacker. I was on my own and enjoyed every second just seeing things for myself and navigating myself around. I even treated myself to facial by a lovely Singapore lady who made my skin glow even if she did feed me a hideous sweet and bullied me into buying a product.
That evening I went to top of the three towers to see the view over Singapore. The view was just breathtaking and the city looked stunning. However, this was the first moment where I felt lonely. As I saw amazing buildings and views I looked round and realised I had no one to share it with. This is all part and parcel of travelling the world solo - onwards and upwards.
I walked back to the hostel and went to the cafe on the ground floor in my walking shoes looking pretty in need of a good wash. Well, no one told my that it was a 5* award winning restaurant where fancy people in suits were dining clients. By the time I realised this I was already sat down at a table with a very confused waitress staring at my rather shabby attire. I ordered the most plain looking dish which was much too fancy for my taste buds..I left a bit of it. The head waiter comes over to me and asks what was wrong with the meal - well I panicked and just said I was really full up. I think he realised I had come in the wrong place and kindly only charged my for a starter. How embarrassing.
The next day I walked an incredibly long distance to the Botanical Gardens - again by myself. What a fantastic day. The flowers, trees, everything was just gorgeous! I saw orchids of every colour, swans and even people getting married. I would have loved my Dad to have been there as he loves plants and flowers more than I do. Thank God for my Ipod though, I think I would be more lonely if I didn't have Dave Grohl, Kurt Cobain and the members of Incubus to be the soundtrack to my trip not forgetting her majesty Dolly Parton aswell.
Regrettably, that evening I had to leave Singapore and go to my next destination Australia!!
to be continued...
- comments
Mum Singapore sounds like the place to go!