Singapore

Singapore is definitely a "fine" city. As we expected, it was very clean and orderly ...very unlike the other countries we'd been in for the past 5 months. We felt out of place with our wrinkled backpacker clothes ...everyone else had nice suites and looked very professional. But ...we were only going to be here for 3 days.

Singapore must be the shopping mall capital of the world. For such a small country and population, it was amazing the number of shopping malls. There was a shopping mall (a whole MALL, not just a department store) dedicated to computer and computer related items. We really didn't tour around as much as we could have, but we did visit Fort Canning, Clarke Quay, and Boat Quay. I'd have to say the most memorable thing about Singapore was the food.

We actually met up with a few friends while we were here. Beh (who also worked at Kelco) took us out for the BEST crab dinner I've ever had! Chilli crab and pepper crab are specialty dishes in Singapore ...a new (and now a favorite dish) for me! It was great to catch up with Beh and see him in his home town. Thanks again for your hospitality, Beh!

The culinary delights didn't end there. We also caught up with Anne, Jez, and Marcus (whom we met in Bali). They invited us over to their home for a relaxing afternoon by the pool . Jez is a chef that was recruited from London to work at a very chic restaurant (Fig Leaf) in the Canning Country Club. Although the restaurant was smart-casual dress, Lon and I felt a bit conspicuous in our "backpacker best". However, we enjoyed a fabulous meal in a very elegant setting. Anne, Jez, and Marcus - we owe you guys a BIG one!!

We look forward to repaying our friends in Singapore with some San Diego hospitality once we return!

region	lodging	$US / night	rating	notes
Singapore	Regalis Court	$55.38		Charming, wood floors, antique furniture.