The First Day of a New Resolution

So I'm finally in Singapore and it feels a little surreal that after over a years worth of work, it's finally starting to happen! I started my first full day the best way - with a sleep in! The bed in this hotel is so comfortable so it was a little difficult to get out of. When I did make myself presentable, I headed down to the hotel restaurant providing a buffet breakfast. 

With breakfast, I started with some fruit and mango yoghurt (my sister would be so proud). I think the white one with black seeds is called dragonfruit which I know we have in Australia but I thought I'd try it again (I still didn't like it). Also for the first time I think I had canned lychees? They were really sweet, and although they had a slightly weird texture, I enjoyed them. The coffee was terrible and not worth mentioning again. 

 Then I tried some of the naughtier stuff! The hash browns and waffle were really nice although I wish I could've found some berries to have with the waffle. The pancakes were really dry and I decided I much prefer the buckwheat ones we make at home! Still I enjoyed breakfast and it filled me up for the big day ahead. 

Some interesting masks at breakfast

 Following breakfast, I made a list of everything I needed to accomplish before being a tourist, starting with setting up a bank account. Unfortunately I had to come back later so I just had to do some exploring - that was fine with me! 

They still have some Christmas decorations up! 

Playing around in Marks and Spencer 

Found a Kate Spade store! 

Being a sci-fi nerd in Forever 21 

Dodgy photo but I found the Sephora!!

 

 Show your passport at any concierge desk at Ion Orchard to receive this ION 'travel passport'. Inside you can get fantastic discounts, as well as complimentary makeovers and other awesome stuff. It also gives you recommendations on iconic foods/drinks to try. Further down you'll see a picture of a drink named 'Chendol' recommended in the local delights. Apparently it's a "coconut milk drink mixed with palm sugar, Chendol (green, pandan flavoured starch strips) and shaved ice". Once I mixed it all together, it was quite enjoyable if not a little sweet (I think my dad would love it). The Chendol strips had a funny texture but once you got used to it, the drink was really nice. The dumplings I had on the other hand - yuck! I was glad there were only three!

Coffee break before going back to the bank 

Chendol 

 After lunch I did some damage, crossing a few things off the list and treating myself to some nice items from Sephora!

They see me haulin'...

I also went into Muji (an organised person's dream store) and crossed a few things off the list including bath towel, a pillow (For $16!!) I also picked up a few snacks, including dark chocolate covered blueberries (yum!), almonds and some mints. 

 After escaping the mad rush that had suddenly appeared in Ion, I freshened up before heading off to explore Marina Bay Sands, a pretty touristy spot but gorgeous none the less! The SMRT was so easy to use, and cheap as well - $2.90 for a round trip. It wasn't too busy and I was impressed by the cleanliness of it, especially compared to Sydney trains. I would say that its more like the American subway than Australian trains. 

This shopping centre has a gondola ride in the middle of it - it wasn't very popular when I walked past though! This centre screams money as it has stores like Chanel, Cartier, Prada, Louis Vutton, Mulberry and any other luxury brand you can think of. Not quite in my price range but it was interesting to wander around. Eventually I found the Gardens by the Bay, seemingly a rooftop garden with great views out across Singapore. 

After an hour long walk around the harbour, I finally reached the Merlion lion, the mascot of Singapore. The one handed selfies failed me slightly here, and everyone around me seemed eager to get their own pictures so I shall return when I have a camera assistant. 

Where are the blotting tissues when you need them?!

Baby lion! 

Light show at Marina Bay sands

 By the end, I had multiple blisters and was pretty tired but it was worth it! I had a great time and can't wait to show it to any Aussies that may visit. I couldn't help but wonder though - why would anyone ever travel on their own if they didn't have to? I enjoyed today, exploring a new country and everything it had to offer. I couldn't help but think that if I didn't have this blog to share my experiences on, it would be pretty lonely (not sure if that's the right word). 

On a side note, I couldn't help but notice all the people running around Marina Bay Sands. There were so many groups of them that I think there were more people running than walking! Is that what I have to do to fit in here? If so, I'm booking my seat on a plane home. Immediately.