Day 85 – Saturday 5th
April 2014 – Singapore
We had an
early breakfast in the Lido Restaurant and from the panoramic windows, watched
the persistent rain block out the ships on the opposite container quays.
As the rain
began to ease off, we headed for the shuttle bus which dropped us off at a
shopping mall.
Closed by, the Promenade
station, so into the underground and travelled one stop to Bugis Street.
This used to
be the area of all bars and night, life but not anymore. It is now a shopping precinct with stalls and
shops covering the area. A walk around
here gave an insight into all of the clothes which were on offer, and where the
young ones especially, shop for the latest fashions and accessories, as the
prices were very reasonable. Needless to
say, in Singapore there are no shabbily dressed people to be seen.
Back to the
underground station, and one stop in another direction to City Hall, and a
short walk to the Funan Digital Life Mall.
 |
| Funan |
This was more to my
liking with an array of electronic shops stretching eight floors up. I was in and out of these, trying to get
information on my smart phone which I had bought in China. They all tried to be helpful, but would not
touch a dodgy Samsung bought in China, but I have not given up. Still managed to purchase other items and
Colin bought a replacement umbrella, only to find when we left the Mall, it had
stopped raining.
 |
| Fire Station |
Leaving the shopping
mall at the rear is this wonderful building which was once the fire station, no
longer in use but still kept in very good condition.
Back into the
underground City Hall station to another line to take us two stations to
Somerset station.
 |
| Underground station |
Within the City Hall
rail complex there are three different lines which converge here, and the
platforms are at three different levels, one on top of the other.
The world down here is amazing, everything
of course is spotless; ticket barriers are no problem with the pass. The fast, driverless trains run frequently,
and you are kept away from the tracks by screen doors, which only open when the
train arrives.
 |
| Orchard Street |
Somerset
station is not too far from the main street in Singapore, Orchard Road.
This is where the
upmarket shops are, with all of the big names in the many shopping malls. Being a Saturday afternoon, the whole place
was full of shoppers and onlookers.
After wandering around some the malls and plazas we were shopped out,
and found a first floor bar to cool off, have something to eat, and watch the
rest of the world go by below.
It was time
to leave and headed back to the station, and the journey to the Promenade, but
we had our times wrong for the last shuttle bus which we missed, and headed off
to the taxi arriving back on board for 18.30, and we sailed at 20.00.
 |
| Farewell |
Singapore
was an absolute pleasure to come back to, although the city is expanding and
building quickly, it has not lost its charm.
The old established buildings and its history have all been retained.
Its people are very friendly and helpful.
There is not the hustle and bustle of other major cities but this may be
down to the hot humid conditions, and life is taken at a more leisurely place. The transport system is second to none, and a
pleasure to use. Although we saw a lot
in the two days available, there is still; lots more to explore, and if
possible, I would very much like to come back.
Cannot leave
this city; without more pictures of orchids.
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