A Minister, a tourist and an Island

Sunday

Sunday was a relaxed day which was a welcome break. After church in the morning Adrian and I went into the CBD and lunched with Adrian Chan (another college friend for those of you who don't know) who was working nearby. My original plan was actually to stay with Adrian for a couple of nights but unfortunately he got caught up in a Coke campaign (he works in advertising) and has been working flat out.

After lunch we went shoe shopping and I bought a pair of running shoes then returned to the apartment for a swim at the pool (did I mention there is a pool here!) then out for dinner on the West Coast.

Monday

After testing out my running shoes (the best shoes ever) in 60 degree heat and 250% humidity, and seeing a monitor (huge lizard - like a Goanna) along the way, I donned the camera, water bottle and cash and headed into real tourist territory - the Jurong Bird Park, the Chinese Garden (ok not so touristy there) and then the Night Safari (it's at the zoo, it's like the zoo, but it's at night - all the nocturnal creatures come out to play). A good day, but I didn't feel like I was experiencing the real Singapore as much as I had on other days.

Tuesday

After some domestic chores (ie laundry) went with Adrian to Palau Ubin ("Palau" meaning "Island" - I think it's Malay). This is "rustic" Singapore - Lonely Planet tells me this is what Singapore was like in the 50's and 60's. It's a beautiful place with mangrove flats, forest, wild animals and huts. After taking the Bumboat (really, that's what it's called) across to the island we hired a tandem bike (much fun and fear!!) and traversed the island, even catching a rare sighting of a couple of wild boars!!

Back on the mainland we went out for dinner with Adrian's dad - as good as, if not better than, any meal I've ever had - a marinated, local spinach like vegetable, boiled vegetables, prawns in rolled in oatmeal and deep fried, all topped off with Chilli Crabs!!!

Monday's Highlights




















The tallest man-made waterfall on the planet - still doesn't match the real thing!! (Jurong Bird Park)















Signs about signs - gets me every time















Pretty in pink - a flock of frolicking Flamingos - this one's for you Aiden (aka Mr Pink)















The penguin enclosure















A hawk swooping in at the Birds of Prey show, Jurong Bird Park




















7 Storey Pagoda, Chinese Garden




















The Twin Pagodas, Chinese Garden




















Entrance and spiral staircase of one of the twin pagodas




















Who says wildlife can't enjoy the Chinese Gardens? (Monitor)




















Adjacent religious symbols
















Bridge to the Japanese Garden (which was closed unfortunately)