Day 96 - Singapore

On a plane to Perth - Australia! At last! The excitement of finally reaching it is somewhat eclipsed by the sadness of leaving D, perhaps forever.

It's been a fantastic couple of days. While chilling at the Inn Crowd, I realised I was being a lazy ass, and got off my lazy ass and headed into the city for a wander. Clarke Quay: lots of bars and restaurants. Big skyscrapers, muddy Singapore river, and a huge ship balanced across three buildings - possible the maddest building I have ever seen. The Merlion fountain, symbol of Singapore. Fort Canning Park - an old Catholic cemetery, a wall of headstones. Popped into the National Museum, but only found a gala, no history. Back to Little India to eat at a random little eatery, then bed.

Yep, that's a boat atop three buildings

Singapore's Merlion, symbol of the city

Made my way by Fernloft hostel... little further from the MRI than I realised. Grabbed a much needed shower, then D arrived. Went out to explore Fort Canning Park fully, then the rain started. Pouring down, thunder and lightning. When that let up, went to explore the visitor centre. Bit like the museum, there was a dinner-type thing on, and nothing to see.

Company outing sheltering from the rain

Instead we toured the Battle Box, HQ for the British Army during WWII, and featuring an extremely friendly guide called Dave. Really interesting site - the British in Singapore had to surrender to the Japanses, the first contingent to do so in the 20th Century. Quick taxi to shelter from the rain, and to Chinatown for dinner. Stopped for my Singaporean Guinness, only SG$17, €10 each! Then on to Orchard Road to admire he Christmas lights. Took some random escalators to the top of a building to see the skyline.

Battle Box

The most expensive Guinness I have ever paid for.

Escalator to Heaven

Lazy morning on Sunday, didn't get going until lunchtime. Rented some bikes and went down to the waterfront. Saw some wake-boarding competition, really cool stunts. Commentator was reeling names of moves - "Moby Dick", "tic-tac". Walked out the pier, and the rain started again. Stopped by a food court for lunch, then back to the hostel to warm up with a shower, and change. Out to the Flyer, the giant wheel offering views out over Singapore. Beautiful, just wish I had my camera, but will rob D's.

Grabbed another bite at a food court, then on to a quiet pub where we grabbed a couple of beers. Asked for the price when we ordered the second round - $14 a bottle! Drank up slowly to savour the taste, then went for a beer in Clarke Quay and a wander through the city at night. Got back to the hostel about 3.30am, alarm set for 6am.

Managed to rise early enough this morning to get on to the airport on time. Pastry and coffee for breakfast. Said goodbye to D at the airport, wonder if we'll ever see each other again. She says she'll come to Ireland when she's next home, but that is about five months away. So much time. Will keep in touch though.