Hi,

Just a quick update on our latest adventures! We are now in Singapore, although we are leaving tomorrow for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is our shortest stop in Asia, but we have made the most of our time here. The first thing that stikes you about Singapore is the amazing heat. I don't think I have ever been anywhere as constantly humid as here...thank goodness for air conditioning!! I think its only going to get worse too.

Our hotel is in a very traditional old style street, and we are right next door to a beautiful Buddist temple. Everyday, there are many people outside with incense and flowers praying and rubbing the gaint golden Buddah that is near our front door. The energy is almost electric at times. There is also a huge street market, right outside the door which is always buzzing!

On our first full day here, we checked out the famous Raffles hotel and complex. We also braved a pretty intense thunder storm to the Theatres of the Bay, which is apparently Singapore's answer to the Sydney Opera House. I think its an interesting building, but having seen both, I don't think it quite compares. We also walked around some old buildings and walked to the river to the Raffles landing site. On the second day we caught the MRT (like the tube but smaller and MUCH cleaner), to Chinatown, where we spent some time walking through bustleing markets and saw some more ornate temples. Today we went on the Singapore flyer, which is almost exactly the same as the London Eye, but taller. The tallest in the world now since it opened in March of this year. The ride was great and gave us some spectacular views, and you can see all the way to Malaysia and Indonesia. We were very lucky and had the entire capsule to ourselves, something which would have cost us over $1000 to request...I like a bargain! Later in the day we went on an amphibious Duck tour, which is basically in a vehicle that can drive on land and rivers. Our 'Duck' was an old Vietnam war vessel. The cruise part was fun, and we saw the Merlion, the symbol of Singapore.

During our time here we have also done lots of window shopping as there are so many malls...which we mainly go in to escape the sauna like heat! Today, we went in Tiffany's, where I asked to see the most gorgeous ring...it was $41,000 and the woman let me try it on!!! Unfortunately my budget would not quite stretch!!

Anyway, we have had a fantastic time here, and have loved staying in a hotel rather than a hostel! Looking forward to Malaysia, where we will be for about a week. Take care xxx