Singapore
We disembarked from the Diamond Princess, took a taxi to our hotel, the Holiday Inn Express in Clarke Quay, and spent most of our morning at Gardens by the Bay, a 250 acre nature park. We visited both of the huge shell-shaped glass conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. There are several other attractions, much more than can be explored in one day.
The Cloud Forest is a gigantic biodome showcasing nine unique zones and recreating the environment and climate of a seven-story high mountaintop forest. It replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical highland regions.
The world’s tallest indoor waterfall pours down water and mist from 115 feet above.
The Hindu Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, is regarded as one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Singapore. Its distinctive gopuram, or tower, is intricately decorated with sculptures of deities and mythological beasts.
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The Sultan Mosque is considered the national mosque of Singapore and was designated a national monument in 1975. The most striking features of the mosque are its two gold onion domes above the east and west facades, each topped by a crescent moon and star.
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We wanted to end our Singapore adventures with dinner at another hawker centre, this time at Newton Food Centre, where we shared dumplings from one food stall and satay from another. The following morning we'd be flying home.
Yes, we will miss the food on our Southeast Asia trip! But even more than that, we will hold memories of the vibrant culture, the history, both ancient and more recent, and above all, the people we met and interacted with along our journey.
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