On day four, in stark contrast to our last overseas jaunt, we've survived without daylight robbery of any kind. Singapore is safe, friendly and clean. And our hotel had sparkly pink tiles with L'Occitane stuff which made Beth incredibly happy.
We've tried all the Singapore staples. Below – our first breakfast of porridge. If you can imagine rice boiled with meat and stock then you've got it (otherwise, imagine risotto sans cheese for breakfast). Kind of like congee and taste great.
We were advised by Singapore veteran (and Joe to try chicken rice as well. It was chicken, and rice. Better than you'd think 'cause they boil the chicken in a reducing stock to give it loads of flavour. Plus loads of chilli and soy sauces for an extra kick.
Finally we were spoiled by Joe on our last night with Singapore Chilli Prawns (like the famous crab of similar name but without the crab-eating hassle) and peking duck. God it was good.
We also went to the zoo. It thoroughly smashes Taronga in every possible way, even in torrential jungle tropics style rain...
More attractive elephants,
Nicer looking penguins (that rain was ridiculous),
Cuddly lemurs and other free ranging wildlife, including monkeys, mouse deer, sloths, birds and butterflies,
Heavier rain for longer and tropical thunderstorms,
And a fish spa where the “doctor” fish nibble the dead skin off your feet (Beth has been talking about doing this for months).
So with our time in Singapore coming to and end we say goodbye to the land where a beer often costs in excess of $10 due to the Government levied “sin tax”, goodbye to helpful friendly smiling people, goodbye to amazing public transport and hello to London. Yeah!
Don't let the bedbugs bite,
James and Beth.
The chicken rice is a traditional Hainanese dish from Hainan island in China where my dad comes from and he use to cook it sometimes at home. Always a favourite.
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