Sorry about the location - we are definitely in Singapore and have never been or are likely to be in Samoa!

To the job in hand: The M3 was blocked when we aimed for the airport but we weren't bothered because our taxi driver had a GPS - which got us lost. We made departure gate with about 15 minutes to spare - a little bit nerve racking - thank good ness for the temazepan. However, after that everything just got better and better. The flight was brilliant, if tedious and long and Singapore is even better second time around.

Neil is in his element! We have been to Little India and Arab Street where we were amazed at the innovative way the population find to earn a living. The Singaporeans are really lovely, chatty and friendly and the city feels so buzzy and safe. We did the Raffles bit last night and loads of window shopping in Orchard Road. They really take Christmas decorations here seriously - the centre of the city is full of lights that would put London to shame. Neil has found a tailor to make him some trousers so he is a happy bunny.

When we were shopped out we took the MRT to the Jurong Bird Park - we saw tropical birds there in the flesh that we had only seen in pictures before. will try to post these when we get to Simon's.

Today we went to Clarks Quay - the ultimate riverside development of restaurants and shops, more Disney than traditional! and then on to Chinatown - an onslaught of sights and sounds and wonderful to see religions living side by side. in 1/2 a mile we visited an incredible Hindu temple Sri Mariammen and a Buddhist temple dedicated to the future buddah - complicated religions both, but the beauty and imagery of is amazing.

Off now to get ready to have another meal at the local hawker stalls. Very basic but the food is great and very cheap. Tomorrow its an early start - back to Changi Airport en route to Perth. We will miss Singapore and are really glad to be coming back in January. for anyone who wants to experience the orient in a safe and clean place this is it!