We stayed in Singapore an extra day. Kamlesh talked us into an extension of his Singapore Culinary Tour begun the night before (he tempted us with food, what could we do?).
He met us for lunch and took us to an Indonesian / Malay restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Rendevouz Hotel. He ordered a selection of foods, including Chicken Pendang, some beef thing, Chicken Korma, and Eggplant Sembal, chased down by the refreshing desserts Ice Kachang (with strange little white fruits) and Chendol (love those little green worms...).
(for those who haven't worked it out yet, click on 'More' to view the whole entry)
Lured by the promise of a free night's accomodation, we checked out of the delightful Hawaii Hostel (that is a whole other post ;] ) and went back to K-Man's pad on the 13th (and 14th) floor of his building, out by the beach.
We had picked up some chinese dishes for entre on the way home, so we feasted on those while watching the Singapore 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' Miss Universe Special, and the lightning show out over the ocean. It seems in SE Asia every night lightening illuminated clouds decorates the horizon.
Dinner was an Indian dish, Chicken Briyani, prepared by the maid, followed by Gulab Jarman (?) (an delicious Indian dessert), some Turkish pastry dish, and Japanese chocolate.
Kamlesh suggested we needed to give him two more days for the complete tour, so, horrified, we promptly left Singapore the next morning, before we were too fat to walk (But not before he could stuff us full with an Indian breakfast, including Chai (Indian Tea) made by his wife Rhea).
To top it all off he drove us to the bus station at 6am as he wouldn't let us catch a taxi. Many thanks to you and your family for your hospitality, Kamlesh.
The last few days here in Singapore we have been flat out. I think we have visited almost all of the tourist attractions, and caught every bus and train this island has.
We caught the cable car over to Sentosa Island (its like a tame DreamWorld). The cable car provided an awesome view, but it was like being suspended 60m in the air in a bubble glasshouse.
We also went to the night saffari near the zoo (Lions, tigers, big snakes, bats, etc), had dinner at Clarke Quay, browsed Arab St, and went to the Changi War Museum.
Last night we finally caught up with Kamlesh (whom I used to work with in Oz) and his wife. He took us for a beer at a club where he is a member, then to a seafood restaurant and we stuffed ourselves with Chilli Crabs, lobster and butter prawns. Then we went to a waffle shop for dessert, stopping via K-man's house on the 13th and 14th floors of the building where he lives to see his wedding photos.
We are hopefully going to meet him for lunch in Little India today.
This afternoon we are going to attempt to leave Singapore and head up to an Island off Mersing on Malaysia's east coast, to put our feet up for a while...
Dad sent me some pictures (thanks Dad).
(click on the link to view them).
Heading through 'the doors' at the airport.
Flying off into the sunset.
Finally the trip is underway and we are in Singapore. It is about 30 degs C and about 90% humidity, but apparently it is a cool day in Singapore today.
We are staying at the YMCA. It's fun to stay at the YMCA...
At the moment we are doing a quick post from an internet cafe on Orchard Rd, surrounded by 12 year olds playing Jedi Knight on the network.
The flight over on British Airways was great, particularly with the individual small LCD TV screens in the back of each seat.
