October 2019

Singapore Without the Sling

As my traveling adventures were beginning to branch out, I knew I had to get beyond Europe. My travel partner and girlfriend, Edmi was chock full of ideas. She told me about her journeys to India, Thailand and Japan. In fact it was my seeing her posts on Facebook about those trips, that inspired me to want to get together with her for lunch. I wanted to hear about her travels, hoping it would inspire me.

Well, boy did I hit the jackpot. I discovered my passion for travel as well as my passion for another person. So this is another example of how travel has changed my life for the better.

Back to the trip. We frequently watch travel shows from anywhere around the world to see what inspires or interests us as our next possible destination. For whatever reason, it seemed that videos about Singapore kept showing up and I was certainly intrigued by this beautiful city that was a classic blend of old and new. Edmi, being more traveled than I, suggested we go somewhere in Indonesia as well, considering we were going that far. Why not?! So where to?

Bali Ha’i!!!!!!! We decided on a Singapore – Bali excursion. To think this Italian kid from Ozone Park, Queens was now going on a journey to Asia, was a little heady to say the least. I had been bitten by the travel bug and now I had a partner who was bitten earlier to push me along.

The bigger challenge for me approaching this trip, how was I going to make it for 16 hours straight in this little metal tube flying through the sky? The longest flights I had taken before were about 8-9 hours, this was nearly twice as long. On top of that, I was a virgin when it came to using an airplane restroom(no, it’s not what some of you might be thinking) but I knew I wasn’t going to make it for 16 hours. This was indeed going to be a trip of many firsts for me.

Our first stop on the trip was Hong Kong International Airport. Now I can say I’ve been to China. After a short layover we were on our way to Singapore. Just another mere 2 hours or so of flying.

Upon our arrival in Singapore we made our way to a really cool boutique hotel. The Indigo Hotel properties are each unique according to their locations and surroundings.

They can be found throughout the US and the rest of the world. http://hotel indigo

The combination of beauty, modern technology and architecture along with music, made for an amazing sensory experience at the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

I will warn anyone going to Singapore about one thing. The heat. I was told it was very hot and humid before going. So as a meteorologist I researched and crunched the numbers. Sure it was near the Equator, I got the idea. The normal high temperatures ranged from 92-96 in late August. Yes, hot, but not anything I had certainly not encountered in any NYC summer.

Wellllllllllllllll……..let me tell you the heat and humidity combination is stifling. I think the fact that the air never seems to move makes it feel like a warm wet blanket is draped over your entire body day and night.

That being said, I don’t want that to discourage you from going to this country. After the first day you get used to the fact that you will shower 2-3 times a day and drench through your clothing. It’s worth it. Of course everything is comfortably air conditioned indoors so you can always escape the heat.

The other eye-opening part of the Singapore experience is visiting and exploring the various religious and cultural temples and mosques. Edmi is fascinated by the beauty of the peacefulness and earthly connection that these spiritual houses can convey.

The first temple we entered was holding a very special ceremony. I remember it involved offerings of food, also smoke and fire were involved, along with some very strange sounding music to my ears. I began to feel uncomfortable. I felt like I was intruding on this special occasion for the Hindu people observing their holy day.

I was about to bail out the side door when I saw some writing on the wall in English. It said, and I’m paraphrasing, “all are welcome here. It does not matter your religious background or level of faith. This a place to feel safe and welcome and to help get in touch with your inner soul.” Wow. That stopped me in my tracks. I began to relax and get somewhat better connected to the spirit of what was happening in the ceremony, even without knowing its particulars.

Next stop…..Little India.

We couldn’t leave out Chinatown where we came across a gorgeous Buddhist temple which also had a very special ceremony underway.

The final stop on our cultural religious tour was through a really cool area with lots of trendy clubs and bars and a beautiful mosque, Little Arab town and Arab street.

Something I haven’t spoken of, and probably was near the top of my list in great things about Singapore, is the food!!! It’s created from such a multicultural background that every place we went and every meal we had was something unique.

From the simple but mouth-watering chicken and rice at one of the hawker centers, like Maxwell Road or Old Airport Road Food Center, to the many international restaurants, the food in Singapore can make your toes curl.

I should mention what a hawker center is, in case you’re not familiar. They are areas with a collection of many stalls that sell a variety of delicious but inexpensive food. They were set up as a more sanitary option to street side vendors. Everything in Singapore is extremely sanitary. A cleaner city and country you will not find as it is safe to eat everywhere. Even off the floor of their subway. I wouldn’t try that however, as no food or drinks are allowed.

However among all the interesting and wonderful things we ate, nothing, and I mean nothing, topped the chili crab at No Signboard Seafood Restaurant. This was recommended to me by my wonderful friend of travel and food knowledge, my weather and traffic buddy, Lauren Scala.

It’s messy and it’s not cheap. Depending on the crab you choose and the season, the price per crab could range from $125 to $250 US dollars. It’s still worth it! Make sure the first time you order, choose the white pepper chili crab. That’s No Signboard’s signature style.

This was not just the best dish in Singapore, it has been the best dish I’ve eaten anywhere in the world so far. I’m hoping something else comes along to knock it out of the number slot, but it’s not going to be easy.

Of course, you must also explore the downtown area and all of the beautiful tourist spots. Take a stroll along the water and stop for a picture with the Merlion fountain.

Stroll through The Fullerton Hotel, a beautiful building that was a former 1920’s post office. Of course a stop at Raffles Hotel Bar for the a Singapore Sling is a tradition. Unfortunately, we were in Singapore in August 2018 and the hotel was closed for renovation. Hence the reason for the title of this blog. “Singapore Without the Sling.”

I will close with a gallery of some other beautiful photos from our time in Singapore. We really needed more time to see several other attractions and just enjoy the food and culture further. However, we were on a schedule with limited time, so off we went to Bali. More on that in another blog.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the photos. If you have any questions about what you see here that I didn’t fully explain, feel free to leave me something in the comment section and I will do my best to get back to you.

Once again, if you’ve come this far I thank you. Until next time, sunshine always!!!