Singapore - Sunday 22 May 2016

Today I wanted to check out a trendy area I had read about - Tiong Bahru.

I caught a Grab taxi (now my favourite form of transport) and had a wander around.

Quite nice residential area with 30s style architecture.

There's a wet market as well.

The area was quite quiet as it was Sunday morning, although I was there at about 10am so not too early.

I wanted to try a cafe called Open Door Policy but it didn't open until 11am so I skipped it.

I then caught a Grab back to Fort Canning Park and walked around. Nice park right behind Clarke Quay.

Looking back to Clarke Quay...

Raffles House...

Then walked back to hotel, had a swim and packed. Spent the last hour in the Executive Lounge before catching a Grab to the airport. Cost $20.

Changi is an amazing airport and I was through security and immigration in about 3 minutes. I don't know how they do it.

My plane was delayed about 1.5 hours but had a quick flight back to HK in 3 hours 20 minutes.

Airport Express into town and home to crash.

Singapore - Saturday 21 May 2016

Today I wanted to hike around MacRitchie Reservoir. Caught MRT to Caldecott and there were no taxis so I got an Uber. About $5.

Walked a few km heading for the Treetop Walk. There was a huge queue. I should have got up earlier !

Finally got on the walk. It's a one way suspension bridge above the treetops about 250 metres long. Lots of monkeys. Worth doing. Finished and walked back to the start. About 7km the way I did it but there are many options.

Queue for the tree top walk...well I've come this far...

No cabs or uber available so I caught the bus back to MRT. I should have downloaded a bus app but was helped by a friendly local. Caught train to Raffles Place and went back to Lau Pa Sat for lunch. Laksa today. Very nice. 

Had a swim at the hotel then met a colleague, Henno at Clarke Quay. Went for coffee at a place at Mandarin Orchard which is where I stayed on my first trip here in 1987. Then went to a Japanese Cafe and had Matcha Latte which is a green tea latte and it was surprisingly good.

Caught the bus back to the hotel and caught the last half hour of free drinks.

Then caught a Grab taxi (Uber alternative) to Arab Street, an area I hadn't been to before. Quite interesting area dominated by a large mosque. I ate Lebanese food which was only average (salad and bruschetta). I've been spoiled by the great local food and arab type food cannot compete, at least for me. I'd have rather had another laksa !

Walked back to hotel and on the way passed Raffles which I haven't been to for years and wasn't really sure where it was. Went into the famous Long Bar, but didn't drink anything.

Singapore - Friday 20 May 2016

Walked to work along the river through Boat Quay. About 20 minutes and easier to maintain your bearings.

Had lunch at Lau Pa Sat in town. Nice Kway Du.

After work I went to Ce La Vie (formerly Ku De Ta) on top of Marina Bay Sands. On Level 57.

Truly spectacular view. Free to get up and no pressure to buy anything. I did have a $25 beer and spent an hour or so there.

The $25 beer that was worth it...

View looking across to my office...

Walked back to the hotel on the other side of the river. It is a public holiday tomorrow for Buddha's birthday. So people were out celebrating.

The Art Science museum...

Looking back to Marina Bay...it certainly dominates the skyline...

It's uncomfortable walking in jeans so changed back into shorts and a 15 minute walk to Smith Street (also known as Food Street) in Chinatown for dinner. More expensive and touristy than I remember but still cheap. 

Had a fried oyster omelette at the same place I went 2 years ago. Only because I know it's good.

Maxwell Street Hawker centre close by is meant to be less touristy. I went there last time but didn't make it this time.

After dinner I walked through Ann Siang Hill which is the area with lots of bars and restaurants. Friday night and it was busy.

Had a drink at a rooftop bar. Cost me $18 with tax so made the one at Ce La Vie look like good value. 

Walked back to hotel and went to bed.

Singapore - Thursday 19 May 2016

Woke up and went to the hotel gym which is really nice. The hardest thing about travel is maintaining your fitness regime.

Then to the Executive Lounge for breakfast.

I was expecting coffee and pastries but it was full on hot buffet with eggs cooked to order. Wow.

Was going to walk to work but as I walked out of the hotel and the humidity hit me, I caught a cab.

Office is well located on Collyer Quay. I have been here enough to know where I am most of the time.

Small office and very friendly. The usual mix of Poms, Aussies and locals, with a South African thrown in.

They all took me to lunch at the Fullerton Hotel. Beautiful hotel and the buffet lunch was incredible. Ate too much. Hainese chicken rice, pork, duck, pork soup, rendang, oysters, etc etc

After work I walked back to my hotel. It's not far but I have a terrible sense of direction. Even with my phone !

Up to the Executive Lounge for free drinks and enough snacks to cover dinner.

Clarke Quay...

Boat Quay...

Singapore - Wednesday 18 May 2016

Off to Singapore today to work in our office for the rest of the week.

Flew Cathay for the first time. Flight time is just under 4 hours but due to air traffic it was closer to 5 hours. Watched How To Be Single with Rebel Wilson which was good.

HK airport is so big, there's a train to take you to the gate...

Changi Airport never ceases to impress. Straight through immigration, I hardly broke stride and straight into a taxi $23 to hotel in super clean car down super clean roads.

So different to HK as it is clean and attractive and ordered.

Checked into Swissotel Merchant Court where I stayed in 2004 when I came for work with Deloitte.

I had emailed the hotel and requested a river view room. On arrival, I was upgraded to the Executive Club which means I got a beautiful room and use of the Executive Lounge.

View from my balcony...

The room...

View...

Went for a walk down to Clarke Quay and had some dinner. Clarke Quay is party central and there was a lot going on for a Wednesday night. I later found out that it was ladies night hence all the young guys.

Hong Kong - Saturday 14 May 2016

Woke up not really knowing what to do with myself.

Did an advanced yoga class at the gym and then caught the tram to Wan Chai to get my hair cut and do some shopping. Ventured through Wan Chai markets and found soap ! Cussons what's more ! All I can get at the pharmacy is liquid soap.

In the afternoon I caught the ferry to TST and ventured into Harbour City Shopping Mall. It is massive and was packed. Found a nice short in uniqlo but the queue was so long for the change rooms that I gave up. Tried to find American Eagle but couldn't.

Left and caught MTR back. Long walk underground to TST station. Love the ferry but it's also a fair walk out to the pier.

Went to the gym and did some weights.

Cooked prawn risotto for dinner.

Opened the balcony door to soak up the noise from Elgin Street. I love living there.

This is my street...

This is an electronics shop...crazy...

Pimp shoes...

Hong Kong - May 2016

Thursday went to see Olivia Newton-John at the Convention Centre. Huge venue - lots of different events. Olivia was awesome ! My seat was quite near the front.

Friday had dinner with a colleague at Torimen in SOHO. In fact it is in Elgin St where I live !

Nice Japanese food. Over ordered though and blew my food budget again !

Bank of China building...

Trams...it's lunchtime...where's the traffic...

Supreme Court...

Found a new bakery...near my gym 😬. I love egg tarts...