Sightseeing in Singapore

From the crazy beach town that is Phuket, Alex and Chrissy hopped on Singapore Air to… Singapore. On the flight, they could already tell that the rules would be stricter as Alex had to keep the window shade up and Chrissy was seated upright for mealtime.

Upon landing, the girls ventured through the airport to find the infamous Jewel and were not disappointed. The Jewel spanned so many stories and created a futuristic or avatar feeling indoors as airport trams glided through the air by the waterfall. The Jewel was surrounded by walkways and restaurants that created an experience that was underrated.

In Singapore, Alex and Chrissy were very obvious tourists and ventured, luggage and all, on the Singapore subway (MRT). The MRT created caricatures like “glide by Glenda”, “bag down Bobby” and “stand up Stacey” to promote good subway behavior (letting people get off the train before you get on, keeping bags on the floor so more people can fit, and giving up seats to those who need them more).

After successfully navigating the subway (that you to the boston T and NYC MBTA) Alex an Chrissy arrived at the Marina Bay Sands. If you have ever seen Crazy Rich Asians and been in awe of the hotel at the end with the rooftop pool, this is that hotel. After a long line and Chrissy’s luck, the girls entered their complimentary upgraded hotel room. Much of the excitement of being in the hotel was turned into shock when the they realized they were walking into a corner hotel room on tower 3. The shock and awe would be hilarious to have filmed because neither Alex nor Chrissy had ever stayed in a room this nice, and may not ever again unless one of them becomes a billionaire. Their room had a foyer, walk in closet, living room separated by a tv/ dresser with a bedroom, a balcony with two entrances overlooking the marina bay garden, and a master bathroom with two sinks, siloed shower and toilet, and lastly a beautiful tub in front of a floor to ceiling window overlooking the city of Singapore.

After the shock of the room wore off, they girls dined with Singapore transplant Nick at level 33, overlooking the Singapore and planned out the next day of sightseeing. Following dinner, they got drinks at Mr. Storks overlooking the city and completed the night wandering through little India. Little India was lined with colored lights, carpet stores, and bright colored buildings that made you feel like you were walking through a movie. They returned to their lavish “turned down” hotel room to already find more water, new slippers, and and updated toiletries.

After a full nights rest, the girls were ready to seize their only full day in Singapore, and they did not waste any time. Alex and Chrissy had breakfast on their balcony and ventured to the infinity pool on the 57th floor. It is a surreal feeling wading through an infinity pool 57stories up. What they don’t tell or show you about the infinity pool is that when you get to the end, there is actually an infrastructure that’s and extra 5 feet that catches the water and has a little pathway for maintenance. It offers a very unique view of the city, and to take pictures you just need to dodge cute kids with goggles who actually use the pool to swim.

The next couple hours were spent exploring the Gardens by the Bay. Their handy Singapore tour guide and photographer friend Nick helped Alex and Chrissy take full advantage and capture of every minute their experience in the city. They ventured through the cherry blossom exhibit in the flower dome, the avatar themed Cloud Forest, the Supertree Grove, and the floral fantasy spring exhibit. All places, other than the super trees were inside and air conditioned which made the experience that much better.

From the gardens by the bay, the group made their way to a Hawker center for food, taking a quick pit stop at the most interesting Apple Store Alex had ever seen. The friends got then contributed their walk to Lau Pa Sat and got a range of foods. A Hawker center like this reminds me of a larger, more ethnic, and circular version of Faneuil hall in Boston. At the starts of each hallway at the center of the circle, there is a picture of what the market looked like in the last. Alex and Chrissy feasted on chicken and rice, friend rice, friend dumplings. Following food, they explored Chinatown, and even got to try a Dorian! This is a fruit that can be banned in hotels and even ok subways because it is so smelly. China town overall was very cute, and it was nice to walk though a street where people didn’t keep coming up to you trying to buy fake bags.

After a long day of walking, they head back to Marina Bay Sands and made it just in time for the light show at the Supertree Grove. It was very cool to watch the light show from under the trees. By now, Alex and Chrissy were exhausted and a nighttime swim at the infinity pool was the perfect want to finish off a great day.

Before their flight the next day, Alex and Chrissy went to Haidilao Hotpot in the mall to see the infamous “giant noodle” and it did not disappoint! The waiter they had was so sweet and realized that Alex and Chrissy were tourists (was it the luggage that gave it away?!). He helped them figure out what sauces to create and how to order and eat the different foods.