Managed to get going a little earlier this morning, after gym, swim and breakfast. Back on the Yellow city route bus to the Botanical Gardens, this time stopping for a wander around. Although we only saw a small portion it was really beautiful. Amazing tropical plants, stunning and unusual flowers - all so lush and green with ponds, massive lily pads and waterfalls.
Continued our journey back down Orchard Road getting off at famous Raffles Hotel, checking out the venue for this afternoons get together. Iconic colonial architecture so well maintained. Crossed the street to visit Chijmes, previously a church, convent and school but has been maintained and restored in spectacular form and now houses shops, restaurants and bars. (Thanks for the recommendation Barry!)
After some retail therapy at Charles & Keith in the Raffles Centre we walked the block or so to Suntec Mall and caught the red route bus to Little India. What a fascinating area! Colourfully decorated streets lined with all things Indian - restaurants, jewellery shops with the most ornate gold wares, beauticians plus of course an abundance of silk and saris. We had lunch in a hawker food area - chicken tikka, tandoori and biryani....yum and cheap! Walked on before completing the red route around the Arab quarter, back down through the city centre and around Chinatown. By the time we were back there was just enough time for a quick swim before us girls had to get ready to meet everyone in the Long Bar at Raffles. Liz, Carol and I caught a cab and were there not long after 530pm. Sue, Vanessa, the bridal party and family had been to a high tea as their pre-wedding celebration. Was great catch up with everyone and great to meet some new faces. Venue great though ridiculously busy, understaffed and over priced. Naturally had to have a Singapore Sling - but at $34 it was definitely only one!!
Liz, Carol, Jenny and I decided to have a wander around some shops nearby then moved on to Chijmes where we spent a really pleasant couple of hours in a restaurant called "Highlander" .Cocktails, wine and some share plates! Was great!
Caught a cab back to hotel. Raym and Jim had a more low key night as they both had slight tummy upsets during the afternoon.