This week in Singapore was about a few different things, but for Alex and I together, it was about celebrating our 16th Wedding Anniversary. Instead of choosing just one hotel, we decided to hotel-hop around the city to stay in different areas and see different things within walking distance of each hotel.
Our first couple days were spent near Bugis Junction. I'd read about the Raffles Hotel being the originator of the Singapore Sling, so we went to check it out. That was our first introduction to how expensive things can be in Singapore. Let's just say it was a very splurgy week, and we justified it heavily as celebrating our anniversary.
Our first couple days were spent near Bugis Junction. I'd read about the Raffles Hotel being the originator of the Singapore Sling, so we went to check it out. That was our first introduction to how expensive things can be in Singapore. Let's just say it was a very splurgy week, and we justified it heavily as celebrating our anniversary.
While at the Raffles Hotel, we noticed they were having an upcoming promotional event for their Grand Reopening Celebration after 2 years of extended renovations. I've often looked at Historic Hotel Menus and Celebrations of the past featured in the display cabinets of hotels and wondered what it would be like to attend one, and here was a chance to experience that fabulous night when the cocktails, food, and entertainment are unlike any other. The event was also happening on our wedding anniversary so it seemed like a perfect way to celebrate! The Grand Reopening festivities did not disappoint, and we enjoyed every minute of it, including a special intimate performance by the Singapore National theme song icon, Kit Chan. There was magic in the air, and I hope that magic continues to foster even more special celebrations at the historic Raffles Hotel.
By complete chance, we also ended up wandering into an escalator that led into the Parkview Square building, and led us into one of the most amazing Art Deco grand lobbies I think I've ever seen. Wow, just, wow. (Also pricey cocktails - but the bartender let us sample a few unique gins!)
After that kind of over-the-top introduction to Singapore, we needed to ground ourselves a bit, so we made sure to take time to wander through the cultural streets and hawker centers. We ended up in Kampong Glam during the call to prayer, in Chinatown during the opening festivities of Deepavali (Diwali), and along the Esplanade and Merlion fountain during the Cultural Dance festival- all by chance. We tried so many delicious foods from all over South East Asia, and were led by fantastic Singapore hosts who made sure we got to try things we might not otherwise go out of our way to try. We are both so grateful for the local guidance and generosity.
We also got to wander through the National Botanical Garden and National Orchid Gardens. Even though every day we spent outside left us both covered in sweat from the warm humid air, we eventually just got used to this just being the new normal and just pressed on with being half drenched most of the time.
The best way to stay cool during the day was either to stay in the air conditioning, or to hit the pool, and there is probably no more famous pool in Singapore than the infinity pool on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. It overlooks the city and feels surreal to be floating in a pool above everything else. Of course I took excessive pool selfies, as was everyone else!
Singapore was very good to us for our 16th Wedding Anniversary and is now my favorite city in Asia. Everyone speaks English to help negotiate common ground between all of the different heritage languages, which makes it easier to navigate for English speakers, even while there are actually 4 official languages of Singapore, not just one, which is very inclusive and embracing of diversity. It's a melting pot of Asian trade between India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China, and the population is reflective of this. There is room for all religions to practice, with peaceful recognition of all celebrations - much like New York City handles multiple religious celebrations happening at once. The internet is fast and mostly unfiltered and unrestricted, which makes it easier to do business internationally. Most places take nearly all forms of payment, so we really didn't even need to take out cash anywhere. The city is full of plant life and hasn't been completely drown out by excessively tall buildings. I do sense a lot of economic concern in Singapore with regard to the future, but because the city is so diverse, inclusive, and adaptive to change, I think that it will bounce back from anything the world might throw its way, much like New York does.
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