Short Sweet Singapore Trip

I made a quick trip to Singapore last weekend to see my bedridden aunt. I got a good offer from Air Asia and everything fell into place and so flew down and back. It was sad to see my aunt in such a helpless state, slipping in and out of consciousness. Life is such, I guess. There are some things which are out of our control and it is best to accept the circumstances, make the best of it and go on.

But, I was glad that my aunt recognised me! And, she asked in blurred speech if I had had a drink. I enthusiastically said "yes!" It was also good to see that she is well taken care of with my cousins there for her.

It was a short trip, but I managed to see some things that I wanted to see in Singapore. I took in the night safari and that was a real treat! I don't know if the animals saw us because they looked very sleepy except for the biggest elephant who kept swinging its trunk and the energetic otters! The animal pens were located along a weaving walkway. It was cool and enjoyable going on the walking trails. Flashes are not allowed, so I didn't get many good pictures except for the few I have uploaded here. This is a picture of the Malaysian porcupine.

I also took in the Underwater Marine Park, which was also worth visiting, especially the part where you stand on the travellator and it takes you through the aquarium and you are able to see the fishes swim around and above you. You get to see their gills and fins, too! Some of them are truly quite ugly! But, here's a sweaty picture of me with one of the bigger fishes. The fish looks good, though!

Then, I walked about The Sands Singapore! That is an amazing pieces of architecture. It has three hotel towers of 50 floors on top of which is a rooftop restaurant. I wanted to get to the top to get a good view of the sea and the nearby islands but couldn't because the rooftop restaurant opens only in mid-July!

Time was running short, otherwise, I would have got into the casino -- free to foreigners but Singaporeans have to pay S$100 to enter! -- and tried my hand at the one-arm bandit! I just wanted to see what it is like in a casino. I am not a gambler and don't support the activity but I just like to know what is its attraction to people who don't mind risking so much for a shot at a win. I like to know about other lifestyles. Sorry! No pictures! The building was too big for me to get pictures to capture its size and character!

What was best about the trip was catching up with my cousins after so long. I have here a picture of three of them and myself having dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel. People always make the difference!