Our second day in Singapore started out going to breakfast with George and Vanessa. We then took the MRT to Gardens by the Bay. This is all on reclaimed land. The cruise ship piers have been moved to the seaward side of the new island, and the landward side of the island is now a freshwater reservoir where the Singapore River flows into the marina area. Something else that’s new since the last time we visited is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The way it’s often described is that it has a “cruise ship on top”  connecting the three towers. There is an observation deck on the “bow of the ship.”  The elevator goes up 56 floors to reach it. We had great views of the financial district, marina area, and harbors. The rest of the elevated platform is used for hotel guests which includes an infinity pool plus bars and restaurants.

We got back on the MRT headed to Arab Street. We were able to go inside the Sultan Mosque. I was okay to go in when I put on my wrap skirt and long sleeves. But Neil had to put on a skirt! It was sized to fit someone at least 6’8″ tall. Look at Neil’s face to see how happy he was to be honored in such a way. We ate a delicious lunch at a Turkish restaurant nearby. 

We then walked to the Little India area and through colorful market shops. Neil was looking for a shirt he could bring home and wear on Maui but everything the merchant pulled out was nothing like Neil was describing to him. They were fine quality, suitable for wearing to a Hindu wedding or ceremonial events. We arrived back at the flat ready for a shower after a full day. Vanessa served a wonderful salmon dinner with quinoa and baked vegetables. Yum

We washed all of our clothes in the Spencers’ nice new washer. We should have taken a picture of the drying process; we hung them on hangers and then lifted them with a pole up to the bamboo bars overhead to hang to dry in an open-air alcove. It’s very efficient. It was nice to pack clean clothes as we headed to Bali.

Friday morning, George and Vanessa took Juno for her morning walk at 6:30 am and we left with them towing our luggage to the MRT for the return journey to Singapore airport. I love rolling suitcases!  For breakfast at the airport, we had what Neil called Singapore comfort food (seafood noodle soup). Off we flew to our last destination, the island of Bali.