Donna and Neil's Big Adventure: Singapore

After a hotel breakfast we discovered the MRT, Singapore's train system. There are only a couple of lines so once you work out the ticketing it's pretty easy. They're so obsessed with being litter free that you even recycle your train ticket, to be used again.

Our frrst stop was Clarke Quay, famous for dining and people watching. We were the only ones around, because it was early and also because it was incred ibly humid.

We walked from there - yes, in the humid ity - to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which has a pool taking up the whole top deck. The prices to stay there are ridiculous, but for $40 each you can go up there, have a drink and admire the view. We, as usual, were too stingy to do that, so thought we would be clever and just go up to the the bar area, which was still on the top, but had restricted views. However what we didn't realise was that two drinks would costs us 40 dollars anyway, and we could only see one half of the view! I guess we're not the frrst ones to try that .

The other thing I wanted to do this time was have a Singapore Sling at Raffies Hotel, so after a bit of a walk again we found it. Lovely looking hotel but, as expected, drinks weren't cheap. I passed on the 20 dollar plus cocktail and just looked around instead.

As usual we did the Red Bus tour, but it was a bit restricted as there were army activities going on for the events leading up to the National Day celebrations. We hopped off somewhere then couldn't find the other bus to hop back on - it actually took off without us. Not unusual in Singapore. They nod and say yes even if they don't have a clue what you just said!

Finally made it back by train to our hotel where we were to meet cousin Kay and daughters, on holidays from Dubai and New Zealand respectively, but it wasn't to be. Caitlin and Anaise's flight was held up because of the fireworks and so didn't get in till late. We ate and drank by ourselves at the hote4 which was fm.e until I ran into a glass door in the bar and got a blood nose!

Went back to the room and collapsed into bed after an exhausting day. I still managed to watch 'Freddy's Dead ' on the telly till 1 am.