Slinging about in Singapore

Morning All,

We have spent the last couple of days wandering the sights of Singapore and I must say that after a dodgey start we have had a lovely couple of days here. Maybe it was false expectations but when we booked two first class tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore we were hoping for eight hours of comfort as we knew Singapore has a reputation for cleanliness and efficiency. The train was the first let down, it was an old and battered diesel engine pulling old and battered carriages with old and battered seats. Credit where it's due though, the air con was certainly new and man enough for the job. I know I'm not renowned for coping with extremes of temperature but I've never needed to unpack and sit in a sleeping bag for a train journey before! It was over 30 degrees outside and about -5 inside!

On arrival at Singapore the train station was old and battered too, it didn't even have an ATM so we were cashless. We both wondered if we were in the right Singapore! Once we figured everything out and got in a cab it all became clear, the train service from KL to Singapore is closing this summer and they are knocking down the station and redeveloping the land, that explains the lack of investment for at least 20 yrs.

The next morning we were up bright and breezy for a days hardcore sightseeing. The underground trains turned out to live up to expectations of supreme efficiency but as you know you don't get to see much between stops so we plumped for the ultimate mode of transport for a tourist . . . . . . . . . the open deck bus! By the end of an action packed day we had soaked up the botanical gardens, Marina Bay, Orchard Rd shopping area, had a late lunch and a couple of Singapore slings in Raffles Hotel Long Bar, before finishing on the riverside in Clarke Quay for more food and drinks.

Yesterday we took it slightly easier with a very late start followed by a wander around Chinatown, did a bit of shopping and headed back to the riverside for dinner. We have decided that cities are exhausting and we are not very good at them as all we do is look for places to eat, drink or just sit! It is only the ridiculous air con that moves us on!

Talking of moving on, we are just killing a bit of time before heading to the airport for our flight home. We have that feeling of it being an age since we touched down in Bangkok but still we can't believe that it's time to go home already. But I think we're ready to unpack for a while and cook for ourselves (for about a week anyway!) and I'm ready to finally become Mrs McKeown which, as I'm travelling on my old passport, I haven't had the homour yet! (although we have been Mr and Mrs Morris twice!).

See you all very soon indeed.

Love Mr and Mrs McK xxxxxx