SUNDAY MORNING 

Hi everyone!

I'm sorry that I didn't write in last night. I had a whirlwind day and I was absolutely exhausted when I arrived home close to midnight.

Yesterday started at 6am when I got up and went downstairs to chat to some other travellers. I made friends with a couple of people, Alex from Australia, Corey from New Zealand and a husband and wife who were heading to Australia. After eating brekkie together, Corey, Alex and I headed to Orchard Street on the MRT (mass rapid transport - train) to meet Mel and do some shopping. This is supposed to be the shopping centre of Singapore, however we didn't stay for long because everything was just like Australia and we were after something different.

We then headed back to the MRT and got off at City Hall. From here, we walked over to the Esplanade where we had a look at some local artwork and where all of their concerts are held. We then decided that we were very thirsty, and found a shop that sold drinks. After waiting 25 minutes to get served, I finally ordered an orange juice. It was freshly squeezed in a paper cup, about the size of those plastic white ones you get at BBQ's. $6.30!!! That will remind me to ask the price first next time!!!

We then walked downstairs to find another drink stall with OJ for $1.50. Doh!!! After this, we went on a 45 minute boat cruise along the Singapore river. This was really enjoyable and a rest for our tired feet. The driver was quite old and very funny and entertaining. They had cassette tapes playing which told us which way to look and what we were looking at. We then hopped off at Boat Quay, as the boys decided that they wanted crab for lunch.

We went to several shops, crabs were not less than $200!!! So we passed on crab and the boys got duck and I got satay chicken and beef kebabs and stir fried veges. The satay was beautiful, I don't know about the stirfried mushrooms that came out though!

After this, Alex and I headed back to the MRT to go to Sentosa Island. We got off at Harbour Front and caught a cable car to Sentosa Island. Now, this cable car is about 100m off the ground, and goes across the water to the island! I can understand why Mel refused to come, and I smiled when I thought of how Daryn would be on it! We jumped off at Sentosa, bought a magnum for $4.20, and had a quick look around before heading back to the cable car to take us across more water, to Mt Faber. Here, they had magnificent views and a gift shop which I spent a little money in!

After our cable ride adventure, we headed back to the train station to go to the zoo. A combination of peak hour and a train accident (I think a man committed suicide by jumping out in front of a train causing derailment) causing closure of one of the lines didn't help.

We made it to the right station. By this time, Alex had an hour to get to the airport for his flight home, so we cabbed it from the train station to the zoo - $6 each. At the zoo, we bought our tickets for the night safari at 6.15, then realised that it didn't open until 7! And Alex needed to be at the airport by 7.30! So he refunded his ticket and I braved the zoo by myself.

It was so beautiful! THere was no cages or anything, and the animals were literally just metres from us. Most of the animals I hadn't really seen before, as they were from this region, but seeing nocturnal animals compared to the usual day zoo was really interesting. I couldn't get many pics because you weren't allowed flash photography. I did get a little bit of video though. I went on a tram ride, getting off at points to walk around and have a better look at the animals and scenery. You wouldn't believe that such a beautiful place could be smack bang in the middle of Singapore. 

I then went to the night show, which was very funny and interesting. The host lady was comical, making it enjoyable. By this time, 10pm or so, I didn't think I could face 1.5 hours of public transport to get home, so I cabbed it again.

At home, I chatted with some other travellers, before packing and hitting the hay. I had an excellent sleep until the usual singing wake up call at around 4.30 this morning. I got up and showered, talked with another lovely couple who are heading to Aus today, and caught a taxi to the airport. So, here I am, at Changi Airport. It is HUGE!!! I have already walked about 1.5km, and still am 9 gates away from my one. Boarding starts in 5 minutes, so I should head off. I fly into Chennai (Madras) in a couple of hours.

I have really enjoyed my stay in SIngapore, though I am definitely not suited to so many people in such small places! I will write in interesting things I have learned and upload photos today in Madras hopefully.

Hope you are all well!

Love always,

Melody