Day 20 - Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Today is our final day in Singapore. We caught a train today to a shopping plaza called Vivo. Their train system over here is very impressive and so clean. We had to get a little help to purchase a return train ticket which is a similar system to what we have at home. Upon entry on the train, it looks like you are entering a shopping store, where one door slides open before another door to the train opens. (refer to the pictures). The ground is also painted, indicating where you need to stand, allowing passengers to leave the train easily before you can enter and wow, do their trains travel fast!!!!! The trains were very clean, very fast and very sophisticated with advanced technology. Our train system is so out of date and behind the times. Our politicians - especially the transport minister should take ideas from the system here.

We headed back to the hotel to collect our now very HEAVY luggage and to do our final excursion to see the Gardens by the Bay before we head to the airport to catch our plane home. The

Gardens by the Bay is made of up of three distinctive waterfront gardens - Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central.

Bay South, is the largest of the three gardens, opened in 2012. With its award-winning cooled conservatories and iconic Supertrees. Within the Flower Dome, the ever-changing floral displays which had a Cinderella and Australian theme and getting in the spirit of the upcoming festivities of Halloween.

Bay East, the second largest, offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city and a stunning view of the Singapore skyline. This green space is well known for its waterfront garden.

And lastly, the Bay Central is the garden which will serve as a link between Bay South to Bay East when developed, with a 3km waterfront promenade boasting stunning views of the city. Many of the students soon discovered that they didn't like this experience as the bridge moved and many were afraid of heights.

As the evening approached, we found a patch of green grass, where we lay down to experience the Garden Rhapsody. This was a beautiful experience as the students were dazzled by the lights in the Supertrees and were entertained by the music.

We then made a quick dash back to the Singapore Airport, where we quickly checked-in for our final trip home to Sydney.

To finish up, what can I say?????

What a wonderful group of students to travel with for the past twenty-one days. We are so proud of them and it has been a fantastic experience. The students and staff have not only had a memorable experience touring as a group through Europe and Singapore but we also established a supportive and caring relationship that will be treasured and will never be forgotten.

"We are Mitchell!!!!"