Brekkie

Nothing beats breakfast in Singapore. There are plenty dining options available; from the local Kopitiam to Toast Box. The sweat smell of Kopi is enough to get me out of bed.  It is strong and when mixed with condensed milk and sugar it becomes the perfect way to start a morning. Kaya is a coconut based jam that is smeared   a thick piece of toast that has been cut in half. It also has a piece of cold butter placed in the middle.  It is heavenly on its own and becomes a breakfast masterpiece when dipped in soft boiled eggs. You will see people break an egg into a small dish and mix a little soy and pepper to their taste. Another favorite is a a thick piece of toast with a sweat peanut butter spread. The great thing about brekkie in Singapore is that it is easy to eat great everyday for cheap! Sure you could get an expensive Starbucks coffee, they are everywhere on the island, but when in S’pore…why not eat like a local?

Brekkie~PB toast,Kaya toast, Soft boiled eggs

Finding my Singapore

The Singapore I love is efficient, clean, safe,  and wondrous.  It draws me in with the smells of ethnic foods not found at home.  It captures my imagination with public works projects that are both practical and beautiful. Technology meshes seamlessly with the old world. Singapore speaks to my soul.

The best way to “find” Singapore is by leaving the map at home and  getting lost.    On my second trip to the island, I stayed in the Marina Bay area. Many of the local attractions were  within easy walking distance.  Not knowing where anything was in relation to the Pan Pacific Hotel, I hopped in a cab and said “Clarke Quay”.  I followed the river and found the Asian Civilizations Museum, Raffles landing, the Fullerton Hotel and the Merlion. Singapore is easy to explore.

Take some time to wander the Asian Civilizations Museum.  With soaring ceilings, the space inside is remarkable on its own, but the exhibits inside are well worth the price of admission. Stunning artifacts are on display and the interactive kiosks are worth a few minutes.  The museum never seems too busy, so you never feel rushed to move on. That being said, the museum is world class.

If you ever get a chance, visit the Merlion at night. The spot chosen for the Singapore icon is incredibly peaceful at night. There are still lots of people around at 10 at night, but it is possible to find a quiet spot to take it all in.   Enjoy the warm evening air and people watch.  Tourist spot? Yes. Uniquely Singapore? Yes!

Merlion at night ~ Find a spot and relax

Dreaming…

In my minds eye, I’m looking through the small window of the plane,  I can see the boats in the straights going about their business.  I know that soon my head will spin, with the sights and smells of the Lion City.  As the plane descends, I’m already salivating thinking about;  Kopi and Kaya toast in the morning, a little chicken rice in the afternoon, and satay and oyster omelets at night.  I can’t wait to get off the plane so that I can pray to the Mall Gods on Orchard . Get me off the plane so I can get in a cab and head for my Hotel! LET ME OFF THE PLANE!

Arriving at Changi is always a joy.  I get off the plane,  down, the corridor, down the escalators, and through customs,  five minutes. Wait for my bag at the carousel, five minutes. Grab a cab at the taxi stand, 30 seconds.  Fast and efficient, just how I like my airport experiences. Changi, I hardly knew ye.

The cab ride is always the same.  Relaxed and comfortable  with a dash of chatty cab driver. Small talk over with, I get to settle in  and enjoy the view  along the ECP.  Its usually around this time that I can feel the stress of travel and life melt away. Settle into the seat a little more and let my heart sing a little ditty.  Singapore is my oasis,  it is my Utopia.