Part 19: Relaxing, and eating...again..
I had a day to kill until my brother arrived with supplies and decided on heading to Marina Bay sands.
This was one of Singapore's most recognisable and famous landmarks.
The Plateau like flat roof and 'infinity' pool stacked on top of three huge towers was an amazing piece of modern architecture, which stood proudly overlooking the bay.
Only when you are standing directly underneath it, do you get the sheer scale of this iconic building dominating the skyline.
It was opened only 3 years ago costing a staggering 5.7 billion dollars.
State of the art shopping malls and museums line the bay at the base of this building of an absolute shoppers paradise.
Walking through on a backpackers budget would hardly endear me to the enthusiastic shopping assistants doing their very best to sell you their products.
I was pounced on by an assistant trying to charm me with compliments, before attempting to sell me gold leaf facial moisturiser of all things - she was rubbing it under my eyes before I even knew it, now this would be fun I thought as she bundled me into her chair.
'You look better already' she said.
Then proceeding with her well rehearsed sales pitch, telling me all the benefits of the product before hitting me with the price of 400sg dollars!!!!
Not sure she fully understood irony and sarcasm as I replied 'thats a bargain'.
The pretty assistant was laying on compliment after compliment, but It did not make me budge, before she finally admitted defeat - this despite her best efforts and charms, but sadly she earned no commission from me today before making my escape.
There was a wonderful breeze strolling along the bay front late afternoon, and it made me think of the last time I was in Singapore, just before heading into the unknown - feeling apprehension and nerves at travelling alone.
I could not have felt more opposite right now, daydreaming of more places I wanted to visit to extend my stay in Asia. Stepping out of the everyday comfort zone back in Swindon was the best thing I ever did in my life.
Being on my own so far from home makes you see things in a completely different perspective. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but oh how I wish I did this earlier in my life - right now my head had never been clearer and my bucket list was growing bigger and bigger. Sat sipping iced tea on the bay, watching the sun disappear behind the financial district, as outdoor speakers were playing mellow mood music was a wonderful moment.
Next I visited the easily distinguishable Art science museum on the waterfront.
A unique and beautifully designed piece of architecture, built to resemble a huge lotus flower in bloom, sitting nicely next to the Marina bay sands building on a pool of water.
Inside was a full celebration of creativity and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
There were an array of interactive activities, short films and an amazing 'art of lego' exhibit, I felt truly inspired.
It was time to head back to China town and freshen up for the evening where my friends planned on taking me to Singapore's famous outdoor 'Night Safari'. The taxi ride took about 40 minutes to the worlds only night time zoological safari which was set in the middle of a rain forest.
We took the slow guided train ride around the hot, and incredibly sticky tropical jungle for a quite unique trip.
There were tigers, monkeys, rhino's, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos and other jungle giants set amongst the stunning lush dense greenery, with the lighting intricately set as to not disturb the creatures nightly habits.
It gave visitors a unique opportunity to study this twilight world up close.
The animals have plenty of freedom of movement and expression without being a danger to anyone and I found to be this a really enjoyable experience - very different to any of the zoo's back home.
We walked around the last part on foot, getting even closer to the animals, but with all cameras and flash photography strictly banned I was unable to capture any pictures.
The overly friendly, happy and enthusiastic guide, instantly changed, snarling at a passenger who accidentally ignored her repeated warnings of not to disturb the animals.
We then watched an animal show in a beautiful out door amphi theatre over looking a powerful lightning storm in the distance.
I was profusely perspiring in the late evening humidity and after a relaxed and enjoyable evening, I was quite ready to retreat back to my ice cold cocoon at the hostel.
There are always interesting travellers to meet in the evening at the bar.
I had a great conversation with a guy from Tel Aviv, exchanging travel experiences, he recommended me a river trip and trek in Northern Vietnam where he had just come from, and in turn I told him about the Mayan Volcano trail in Philippines before finally retiring for the night.
The next day It was time to check out of my hostel and make my way to where my brother was staying at the 70 storey high and luxury 5 star Stanford Swiss Hotel.
It was Singapore's highest building, right in the heart of the business district at the city hall, and could not have been more centrally located.
Boasting over 1700 rooms, luxury spas, saunas, jacuzzi's 2 out door pools a roof top night club, several restaurants, its own shopping mall and a gym, the complete opposite to any of my budget hostels.
The cost of one nights accommodation here would have lasted me more than month on my travel budget!
When I reached the plush Hotel, I got message from my brother that he would be delayed till the evening, plus he had to make his way here from just inside the Malaysian border, a long wait beckoned. Looking around the area it was predominantly sky scrapers and expensive restaurants.
Although I noticed that the famous Raffles building was just opposite so I decided to take a closer look.
Its considered a piece of history in Singapore, and known world wide for its beautiful colonial white Architecture.
Both opulent and grandeur it stood out amongst the other buildings near by.
But again, like most things in this area, completely out of my price range.
A trusty Starbucks was near by so I spent a few hours there waiting, taking advantage of the free wifi and my favourite pass time of people watching.
Finally when my brother arrived, he gave me a big warm bear hug.
It was great to see him but I wasted no time in checking out my large parcel of snacks, pasta, soups, english tea, treats and chocolates from home.
This would be a great help and really serve me well on my travels, of course I was throughly grateful to my family.
We spoke about my travels and the kids back home, whilst enjoying a cup of English tea on the balcony, 50 floors up.
Later I arranged for us to go out with my Singapore friends at another huge food hawker Center.
Thats what everyone seems to do here is eat, although I wasn't complaining.
The conversation was flowing as we again munched our way around the court, eating and talking, covering many topics, religion, conspiracy, politics and food were being discussed.
This was an argument we could not win, with Asian cuisine being crowned the tastiest food in the world of course.
It was time to head back to the hotel where I would be sharing my brothers luxury room for a couple of days for a good nights sleep.
The next day we both made the most of the Jacuzzi, steam room and Sauna, with several visits to the Spa and Gym, even going for Thai massage in China town. This was perfect for both of us really, as he was covering some air miles of late, being extremely busy with his stressful job
And me, well I would hardly compare it, or call it work, but all the travelling, trekking, and exploring was tiring me out all the same. This was the first time in years we hung out like this, reminiscing the good old days, it was a blast. Even hitting the nightclub 70 floors up later that evening for a few drinks.
What a fantastic set up, with a panoramic view of Singapore, although the DJ's mixing skills left a lot to be desired.
We had a great weekend together but sadly the thought of my basic accommodation in Manila would bring me back down to Earth.
The flight back to base was 6am on monday morning.
So it was a bright early start for me.
We said our goodbyes again and went our separate ways - he jumped in a taxi, and I got a cheap bus. That just about summed the difference up.
Oh the life of a budget traveller!
I don't think I would have it any other way....