I have very differing memories of Singapore, all good but I guess tinged with the reality that this was our final destination before heading home and all that lay in store for us.
The logistics stuff needed to be done such as getting the bikes cleaned down and boxed up, we decided to fedex our heavier kit home to avoid the crippling excess that had befallen me on my way out here and thanks go to the lady at Fedex who was so helpful and also to Rodalink for sorting out the bikes for us.
I think that Singapore is definitely for you if you love the western/eastern vibe, luxury and indulgence. I used to but found it stifling at times. I think it is because we became more tourist than adventurers and i know now what really appeals to me.
Chinatown on the day before the Chinese New Year was spectacular in sounds, sights and crowds. The night safari was a breathtaking experience especially seeing the flying fox bats in action and I have to recommend this as long as you keep the noise to a minimum and be patient., Little India was the closest I have come to experiencing real India and such a contrast to the rest of Singapore, the MRT did exactly what it said it would in transporting you round the city. Sentosa Island was an experience..more on this one later however in amongst all of this was the opportunity to reflect on what we had achieved together.
I had never cycled toured, I had none of the kit 4 weeks before I left, I have 2 beautiful children, I was away from them for Christmas and my birthday and yet in the space of 3 weeks I told them I was going away, I bought the kit, I bought the bike and set off on the biggest adventure of my life. It was without doubt the maddest, most challenging and awesome thing I have ever done and will require a little thinking about to share my views so more on this and Sentosa to come but here is Singapore in pictures
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| China town gearing up |
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| China town in full flow |
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| Millions of them |
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| Yep converse all stars on a mutt |
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| Now it was the year of the....damn it I forget |
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| Chinatown as was |
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| Look a little closer and you will see they are asleep |
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| The light of my life |
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| Me |
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| The view from the cable car to Sentosa |
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| A massive flower display dedicated to the year of the.... |
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| A pose that is normally eastern led |
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| A water feature we were asked to remove ourselves from |
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| Just to prove we were there |
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| Singapore in a sign |
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| Leaving sentosa |
It was mid way through the afternoon and we were swimming in the lagoon with the sights of the worlds largest port all around us. Suddenly one of the very official looking life guards grabbed his bullhorn and exclaimed in singlese that there was a category 4 lightening storm approaching and everyone, I mean everyone had to leave the sea. Amazing! there were many indian men at the beach in their usual groups of 20 with jeans of varying fits, leather shoes and shirts. Many taking photos ill disguised of the beauties on the beach and not there friends standing to one side of behind them. They also like to swim, in their boxers, also forbidden.
Mr lifeguard had a job on his hands and thank you to my very large friend next to us on the beach who not only was an awesome beat boxer but also could mimic the bullhorn and the guys voice so to much amusement did and corrected the english of the lifegueard and made up some instructions on what people could do. Lifeguard 2 turned up on a segway the chosen vehicle of the troop and after 45 minutes of rule breaking swimmers and no sign of the now category 2 lightening storm we were allowed back in the sea.
On our return to the cable car we decided to experience 4D cinema - very good and very real to the point the rollercoaster ride threw up all sorts of memories. We wandered home and knew that the very next day was to be our final of this adventure.
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