Singapore 2

So today, I totally slept in!!  Woke up at about 10 to 10 with a fright.  I was worried I might have missed breakfast, so I scrambled to dress and raced downstairs within 5 minutes.  It must've been obvious I just got out of bed, cos I had a few odd looks.  When I looked in a mirror I wasn't sure who was looking back at me!  Needless to say, I didn't miss breakfast.  I had had big plans for today.  I'd planned to go to the old botanic gardens and Sentosa Island.  By the time I went back to the room, showered and spoke to Ken and Mitch it was midday.  I decided to forego the gardens & caught a cab to Sentosa! 

It really did feel like a holiday destination/resort over there.  So much to do on Sentosa and I didn't think I would have enough time to see everything that I did.  First things first though, after having a quick look at the map, was the Aquarium.  OMG, that aquarium is amazing.  It goes on and on and on.  The displays are incredible and it really must be seen to be fully appreciated.  You could lose yourself in there for half a day I reckon, but I didn't have that long, so I moved through at a good pace, but made sure I saw everything. 

When I got out I seriously considered going to Universal Studios and probably would've gone if I had Emily with me, but as it turns out I got to see most of Sentosa instead.  I walked a long way this afternoon and my feet didn't let me forget it!  I saw the Merlion, but didn't go inside or up to the viewing platform and I went up to the lookout (where the cable car leaves), and I walked to the beaches.  First beach was Siloso.  Lots of beach bars, beach volleyball courts and a mega zip adventure park (giant flying fox).  Next stop was Palawan Beach.  Much of the same with a bridge walkway over to the southernmost point of Continental Asia.

By now, time was running short so I made my way back to Imbiah Lookout, where the cable car goes.  Whilst walking back I saw a man with a baboon.  He was making the baboon do things like, sit, lie down, stand up, etc using peanuts as treats.  Someone asked for a photo with the baboon so I jumped on the bandwagon and the baboon actually stood on my shoulders with his hands on my head.  Luckily there was a very nice lady near who I asked to take a photo for me.

It's a shame their butts are so gross!!

Finally I made it to the cable car and managed to get one to myself as there was no line up.  The ride back to the mainland took maybe 15 minutes and was nice and relaxing.  Then I had to line up for a taxi - not so relaxing!  I got back to the hotel at about 5.45 and had planned a quiet night in with an early morning for the zoo.  I rang home and talked with mum and dad who were at home with Ken & Mitch and they talked me into going to China Town at night or going to Clarke Quay and doing a river cruise.  So, back in the cab I got and the cabbie very kindly showed me how close Clarke Quay is to China Town so I could walk back there when I finished at the markets.  Well, I didn't end up spending much time at the markets at all, mainly because I couldn't move anywhere fast as there were sooooooooo many people there.  Took me about 15 minutes to walk back to Clarke Quay and I have to say I felt pretty safe walking by myself - just made sure I stayed on the main road.  The river cruise was nice, but would've been better if I could've had a window seat.  I couldn't even stand out the back of the boat as it was full of people and there just wasn't any room.  The cruise went for 40 minutes and had a running commentary all the way explaining landmarks and the history behind them.  It was very informative. 

Off to the Zoo tomorrow - looking forward to that.  Have heard many  great things about the zoo, so we'll see....