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In a Land Far Far Away …


As I continue on my Singapore Adventure, there are so many things to do each day ... including exploring the many food options!   The choices are extensive from every culture imaginable; and ranging in price from $5 to $150 USD per person.   You have to do your homework to get the best possible experience, but that is part of the journey and satisfaction of finding the perfect spot to fit your mood, palette and budget! 
 
Most good hotels offer free cell phones for calling, texting, data plans with google search and apps with tour recommendations already loaded and waiting for your inquiries.   It’s wonderfully easy!

I was most impressed that Singapore Zoo and Wildlife Reserves are committed to ensure their animals receive world class welfare and care through conservation, biodiversity and education to each staff member and visitor.   It is evident at all stations that they are adopting sustainable consumption and practices reminding everyone of all ages to reduce their impact on the environment.   The 4-Park Pass is about $63 USD, which is great value and good for all ages. 

Singapore Zoo’s Open Concept is home to more than 2400 specimens of over 300 species, 34% of which are threatened.   This year I will be among the 1.9 million visitors who will wander through the 26 hectares (64 acres) of open pens where the animals wander about to get close up and personal to all the various visitors of all shapes, sizes and cultures … Singapore Zoo does live up to the hype!    There are lions, white tigers, zebras, hippos, and lots of different monkeys from baboons to orangutans … swinging freely over our heads … its hard to wonder why they don’t escape or climb down to the ground where the people are??  It’s all a bit overwhelming.  
River Safari is over 12 hectares (29 acres) and developed at S$160 million ($118MM USD).   It aims to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect the fragile freshwater ecosystems and is home to many threatened species.   This was high on my To Do list because I have never seen a real Giant Panda and they did not disappoint.   Much larger than I imagined … these cuddy teddy like creatures can be quite fierce.

Jurong Bird Park was included in my package and aviaries are not something I am generally excited about … but I must say it was impressive.   Waterfall Aviary is the park’s largest Walk-In Aviary, housing over 600 free flying birds from 50 species.  This open enclosure includes the first and tallest man made waterfall of 100 feet where all these crazy birds are flying past your head at lightening speeds and roaming along the pathways almost under your feet.  They are all squawking and incredibly noisy!  I am on their turf now!  There is a net up above to keep them in.  It feels quite surreal to be walking around the lush tropical jungle … stunning yet a little creepy.  
The S.E.A. Aquarium lived up to the high expectations … even when I live in Loreto and see dolphins, manta rays, dorado, etc. up close and personal.  This experience is truly being under the sea with large tanks housing these creatures and it is amazing, if not surprising, how many different species all live together in harmony.   We have a lot to learn from them.  There are 1000 species across 50 different habitats … so much to explore!   Watching the scuba divers swimming with the sharks was close enough for me to ever get!  
I visited Arab Street and Haji Street with many bars and boutiques.  My friends introduced me to Malay food for the first time, and it was very yummy!   I enjoy the mussels in coconut broth that was sweet yet savory.   The lamb was spicy and the beef ribs fell off the bone.   So much food!!!   No beer to wash it down with … sorry no alcohol at many restaurants.   
We went to Indian town with all the colorful shops and food choices everywhere.   Like most ethnic food, it is best to have a large group and share family style.   Even though the dishes are a normal size… there are so many different breads as well as gravies for dipping.  Don’t forget the almond paste ice cream for dessert… not as sweet as normal ice cream… yet very rich and yummy.   The flavors of the spices were so much more vibrant and exciting than most Indian Buffets I have in Vancouver or Seattle.  
Chinatown has too many restaurants and food stalls … it is hard to travel a few yards without finding a place to get a bowl of noodles or snacks.   Dim Sum, which is often steamed buns, or meat / shrimp dumplings are very common even with street kiosks.   Grab a hot onion cake or meat on a stick … and continue to shop and haggle with the vendors for the very best deals.   Shops with roasted pork, chicken and ducks hanging in the window are difficult to walk past without salivating profusely … at least for me.  Sometimes I find myself staring in wonder at the all the delicious roasted meats … akin to Oliver Twist … with so much yearning, but in my case … sadly no appetite left.    
We had to go to Asia’s #1 rated bar in 2018, The Manhattan in The Regency Hotel.  Bartender @cedriccallenmendoza has quite a following!   Cedric made me a special Old Fashioned with bitters and dry ice for a real show!   Cost of 2 drinks with appetizer … $100 USD.  Needless to say, I have eaten every temptation and never had a bad meal.   I have adopted eating smaller portions every 2 hours to fit in all the snacks and tidbits I want to taste and remember of my Asia Adventure!  
Singapore is a marathon of sights, walking and food!!

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