Sightseeing in Singapore and Jurong Bird Park

Wednesday 23rd January 2013

I woke in the middle of the night and decide to send an update email.

"We must have been running on reserve energy yesterday. 

Had a rest during the afternoon in our room then went to the local supermarket. Some weird vegetables they sell :-)

Needed to eat but had difficulty choosing a suitable restaurant. It’s a typical tourist area. We finally settled on an absolutely packed seafood place with literally hundreds of guests. Most eating huge mud crabs. Ordered Supreme seafood fried rice by image showing chockablock with goodies and received a very plain serving with one piece of a prawn. The crispy baby squid entree serving was yum and the mains of greens with garlic looked fabulous but the rice was not what we expected. We thought the order was incorrect. We are told, "Image is just for advertising!" Roy pointed to image offered then to plain dish we received and then decided to leave. I looked longingly at the greens but we had to stick to principle. Sent it all back and moved on. :-(

Eventually chose a different place and had Spring chicken and vegies. I had Squers, like satay sticks and salad. This was good!

We returned to the hotel and fell into bed at 9pm. Hope to use the fabulous swimming pool this morning.

It is all very clean but a little tired looking too, as if it all needs some ongoing maintenance. This area has some amazing lit up river views with stunning malls and it was quiet during the day but absolutely brimming with strolling people in the evening. The parks, gardens, trees and everything else is manicured and delightful. Very impressed.  It is not cheap, though.

Slept well but awake too early. :-P 

Will stay in bed resting and expect dawn to be much later as we are further north now."

When I wake again at 6am I check the emails. I had to request IT help with connecting as Roy's iPad wouldn't connect. The Samsung Galaxy SII Android works fine. We head down again for breakfast. Although we don't feel particularly hungry when it is put in front of us to select, we manage a decent meal. It is to last us all day. I stick to fruit, bircher muesli and prunes with a quarter waffle to finish with maple syrup. Roy gets a fresh cooked omelet, fried processed ham and tomatoes. So another copied email with the news of the day.

"Have just woken from a long afternoon sleep. 

We had a fantastic day; took it easy in the morning after such a busy day yesterday. The choices for breakfast were so extensive but after fruit, loads of fresh choices, couldn't think about those other yummy things.  Dad went for a hot selection. But in the end full is full. :-)

While Dad rested, I went to the pool and did my exercises. It is so warm and humid but not uncomfortable. Odd really, with a gentle breeze keeping us comfortable.

We headed to the Thieves market, taking a taxi. It was just like a trash and treasure for the underdog. It shows just how little some people have and as they trade in out-of-date electronics, old back packs and real junk one realises how affluent we are. We didn't find anything that we wouldn't have thrown away at home. Except some stone icons refashioned into metal and glass 'key rings'. I liked them but couldn't think of any use for them. 

We tried to walk to Little India just across the road but construction made it impossible to cross the road! We stopped for a rest in an aircon bank, with a bench, another stop for a beer (young coconut pulp in a can for me) then took a taxi to cross the road to the heart of Little India.

It was very colourful and like walking through Bangletown in the East End but much more intensely colourful. The smells and sights are so garish and authentic; fresh flower garlands and the weirdest vegetables. It was amazing; very safe too. We stopped at one of the local vegetarian restaurant which was full of Indian customers. Traditional, excellent food and sooo yummy. Filled breads, curry sauces and yoghurt raita. We ate just like the locals with right hand plus fork. Handwash basin is used by all customers first. Very civilised. Taxi back to hotel for $6. :-)

Despite the rests, I was having back trouble and fell asleep till 8pm. As good as new again; using ball-in-the-bag for massage.

We plan to go early to the Jurong Bird Park tomorrow. Will take metro underground from hotel, then a taxi at the other end. It is a long way outside the town centre. Can buy combined entrance and tram tour and just stay as long as we like. We will take it easy. We just love watching people and it is entertainment everywhere!

We will hear about the taxi to the ship time tomorrow, for the day after, and may use the pool and lounge while keeping our luggage in storage."

It all seemed so simple and is fully pre-arranged.

We slept well and prepared to leave early in the morning.

Thursday 24th January 2013

I wake early and check emails. All seems set and ready for tomorrow night’s boarding of the ship. But, of course, the best laid plans can go astray. We have breakfast as usual and get ready to go out. I ask at the desk about transport to the Jurong Bird Park. 
Next email quote.

"We have just had a fabulous day out. We decided to take a taxi to the Bird Park. It was not much difference in price to taking the train, apparently.

We arrived at the park with the intention of using the tourist tram ride option when Roy spotted the yellow mobility scooters. We hired one each and were able to go wherever we pleased. Not a cheap option but worth every penny. It cost SG$35 each. We arrived before 11am and saw everything. (Stunning entrance way with orchids and decorations) Including the feeding in the waterfall aviary, the flying adventure show with macaws, parrots and toucans followed by the eagles and owls (falconry/hawking display). The 4:30pm monsoon rain came down and we waited 20 minutes until it stopped.

We will not forget such a special day. The birds and park were just amazing. We took lots of pictures. (We did scoot around easily and were less exhausted than even able bodied others. The scooters were definitely worth the money. I lay down on benches provided at rest stops as well as used ball-in-the-bag massage.) 

We took a taxi back to Chinatown for a meal. There was Wi-Fi there and I checked mail.

Unfortunately the boarding of the ship has been put back a day. We just heard this afternoon. This hotel doesn't have any room, for the extra night. So we are searching for an alternative. I shall contact Flight Centre in Aus to see if they can help. They did say this might require a change of hotel because it is at short notice.

Will let you know how this hotel thing pans out. It does add an element of stress too, especially as I am so sore after a very busy day. It will get better."

Click this link below for the YouTube video of our visit.
Sightseeing in Singapore and Jurong Bird Park

Arrival at Bird Park

Hired mobility scooters

Macaws