Singapore…….WOW!!!

16 hours later after a 2 hour stop in Dubai we arrived in Singapore at 1.30pm local time (5.30 am UK), tired but excited. Since arriving we have heeded Matts advice (that's a turnaround) and managed to get out early to pack in as much sighting seeing as possible. We began with a city tour to get our bearings then did what everyone has to do when they visit Singapore; we had two large Singapore slings in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel.

Singapore has so much to offer and we have been amazed at how tastefully they have managed to create the new high rise city skyline amongst the old,typical colonial buildings. We have taken in as much as we can whether it be by bumboat, city flyer (like London eye but probably half the size again), by local metro railway and even by cable car to the Island, Sentosa where we managed to dip our toes in to the ocean for the first time.

Following several recommendations we visited the Marine Sands Hotel which is an iconic building made up of 3 skyscrapers abridged by a boat shaped structure. Needless to say we just had to have a drink up there on top (Sue was decidedly nervous) overlooking the infinity pool and gardens on the 57th floor!!

The food as expected has a lot of Asian and oriental influences and we have had some really delicious meals along with just a few drinks (Tom even tried a green lager!).

Singapore is truly beautiful but it is impossible to visit and not to be reminded of the human suffering that was incurred during the Japanese occupation. Again by way of recommendation (thank you JJ) we visited the Changi prison memorial and were pleased to be able to pay our due respects whilst here.

All in all we have absolutely loved Singapore, it is just as clean, green (and that's not just the lager!) and as safe as we had heard. Without exception everyone has been so very friendly and helpful and we really hope that we shall return some day.

Next stop Auckland, New Zealand - look out you kiwi's

Lots of love from us xxx