Singapore, one of the most modern cities in the world, and I would say, the most advanced in terms of science, technology and modern architecture over the South East Asia region.
I have been here many times before. In fact, this is where my first out of country trip happened! I was very young then, and was more concerned and busy comparing my Manila to this brilliant city, that I failed to truly appreciate its beauty. Other trips had different agenda so I can say that this recent trip was when I felt that I am really a tourist. (And please, let's stop that tourist vs traveler debate!)
Let me share with you some of my "firsts" experienced in Singapore recently:
1. Took photos inside Changi Airport
Shame on me. But it was my first time to take pictures inside the magnificent Changi Airport. Really the best airport I've been to all my life! On our flight back home, we were at the airport 5 hours before our boarding time, and never, never did we ever get bored!
2. Walked around Little India like a tourist.
I remember going to this area because of Mustafa. Being a 24 hour shopping center, my friend and I went here to buy last minute "pasalubongs" for a flight just hours away.
During this recent trip though, I got the chance to walked around the area a little longer. And I was not disappointed! The little colorful houses/shops are such a beauty to look at!
It was the day after Diwali when we went there so the place looked even more festive.
3. See the much talked about Gardens by the Bay
I am not a big fan of things artificial, but this amazing place is truly an exceptional example of mankind's brilliance at its finest.
4. Visited 2 of Singapore's world class museums: National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum.
Not as spectacular as Louvre nor the Academia, but definitely worth your time. They're not as crowded as the 2 mentioned museums too, so really, why not do it?
I particularly enjoyed our visit to Singapore Art Museum (SAM). We stayed there for almost 3 hours and loved every minute inside.
Inside National Museum of Singapore
And my new favorite SAM
Even these benches outside SAM are beautiful!
5. Just roam around and appreciate these marvelous things done by mankind during 'our era.'
A little bit of a story. As I mentioned above, many times I've come here with different agenda. First and second time - I walked around the streets with long envelope, in corporate dress, crossing from one building to another with hopes that I can land a job here. Third, and the rest - I've come here to spend time with friends, to catch up with each other and party. And when I say party, we really partied hard which makes us asleep until early afternoon, with no time to explore the city anymore.
During this recent trip, not that I deliberately planned it (I have another agenda too), I was just glad to really pause and look around. To see and experience. My friend and I were seldom in a hurry to go from one place to another. We even spent a couple of hours each sitting in Merlion area, Marina bay and Orchard to just watch the people walk around. To observe and live the moment.
And this experience made me feel that this is the first time I'm visiting Singapore again. And because of that, I would love to come back for more.
Under the Bridge near the Merlion
View of Chinatown from the footbridge above MRT
Subway entrance along Orchard Rd
PS:
You might be wondering why I came back. :)
My agenda for coming here this time:
