[3-jan-2004 till 7-jan-2004]
We arrived in Singapore on Saturday the 3rd of Jan and checked into our hotel around 1430hrs. We mentioned we were on our honeymoon and received a free upgrade to a “junior suite”. So totally worth it – our room was huge, immaculately clean and on the 32nd floor of the 70 storey hotel. We were at the Swissotel Stamford and this is the tallest hotel in the world. We were very impressed. There was also a day spa which I made use of – very indulgent- but pure heaven!
The lobby of the hotel backed into the Raffles Plaza Shopping Mall – really a bit too convenient. The rule was – I could buy it but I had to carry it. We bought Panadol, bottles of water and a box of tissues! The sales were on though – so I am impressed with my restraint! Definitely will be back! Fantastic food, great hotel, great shopping and good value for money! Its all just, sensational really! Dave had some suits made – cashmere silk, two jackets, four pants, two business shirts and two ties for around $1200AUD. The tailor is sending them to Bristol for us – thanks Sam and Jon! So, he should look pretty smart at those job interviews!!
We went to the Singapore zoo – that was our tourist “bit” (apart from walking and walking and walking around of course!)The zoo is highly recommended – in fact – a must see really. It puts our zoo to shame. Wonderful setting – over 44 hectares of parkland, big natural lakes and barely any fences. Big moats stop the animals eating us! I admit to falling in love with the elephants and baby orang-utans! (see pics) The zoo puts on a working elephant show and they are so well trained, gentle and amazing creatures. I bought a bag of feed and was able to pat and feed them. The highlight of my day! They are just lovely!
We ventured up to the 70th floor of the hotel. This is named the Equinox bar and is a cigar lounge. It is very smoky, upper class and highly expensive. But one of those things you just had to do! It cost us 21 Sing dollars for two cocktails (during happy hour!) Very alcoholic – but the view had to be seen! (see pics). Well, leaving Singapore on Wednesday the 7th of Jan – transfer to airport picking us up at 0430am. Yuck! See you in Rome!
Dave & Narelle