The week beginning Monday October 23 saw us receive our first visitors from Canada - Jay and Jackie. They are on an around the world trip starting with WWOFFing on New Zealand's South Island, and culminating with their wedding in Santorini - one of the Greek Islands. On their way to New Zealand the duo booked a two-day stopever for a quick visit. It was great having friends from back home visit but we really must learn to get the dates right as we mistakenly anticipated their arrival on Sunday morning at 1 am instead of Monday morning at 1 am. Fortunately, Singapore had a National Holiday to celebrate Hari Raya (Eid) during their time here so we were able to do a few local attractions with them. Seeing as Singapore was in a very festive mood our first stop was Little India and once again dinner at the Banana Leaf Apollo. This is our third time at this acclaimed restaurant and as expected it did not disappoint. To quote Jay "This is the best meal ever!!!" and to quote Jackie "You say that all the time!" They are the two most enthusiastic individuals and their wonder and awe with Singapore helped to remind us why the occassional homesickness is worth it. Little India was lit up with lights strewn across the streets as Diwali celebrations had just past. Literally, once you arrive in Little India you feel like you are teleported to the streets of Delhi, Mumbai, or some other Indian city.
The next day we decided to take a walking tour of the River and the Quays. For energy we visited our local 
Dim Sum eatery only to find half of Chinatown with the same idea for brunch. We patiently waited to be seated and the food was well worth the wait. As the only non-Asians in the restaurant we were treated very well and served up a delicious assortment of dumplings, seafood and crisp green vegetables (thanks to Angela and Jackie). From Brunch we wandered through Clarke and Boat Quay and into the Theatre District. Because of the Eid Celebration, the area was busy with local Revellers picnicing on the waterfront. Interestingly, Jay and myself were asked repeatedly to be in pictures with a variety of Malay women. One woman actually asked Angela "Can I borrow him (meaning me)?" as she excitedly grabbed my hand and prepared for a picture. We were all laughing so hard. Eventually we made it to Raffles where we celebrated Jay and Jackie's engagement and year long trip with our first Singapore Sling at the Long Bar!!
Definitely a cool vibe, the Raffles Hotel and the Long Bar is a throwback to the colonial era in Singapore. We had one last celebration on a very busy Tuesday as we enjoyed an authentic Thai dinner with Ted and Meghan along with Jay and Jackie. Jay and Jackie departed early Wednesday morning for their nine hour flight to Auckland. We wish them safe travels and are looking forward to spending more time with them in the near future!!!
Dim Sum eatery only to find half of Chinatown with the same idea for brunch. We patiently waited to be seated and the food was well worth the wait. As the only non-Asians in the restaurant we were treated very well and served up a delicious assortment of dumplings, seafood and crisp green vegetables (thanks to Angela and Jackie). From Brunch we wandered through Clarke and Boat Quay and into the Theatre District. Because of the Eid Celebration, the area was busy with local Revellers picnicing on the waterfront. Interestingly, Jay and myself were asked repeatedly to be in pictures with a variety of Malay women. One woman actually asked Angela "Can I borrow him (meaning me)?" as she excitedly grabbed my hand and prepared for a picture. We were all laughing so hard. Eventually we made it to Raffles where we celebrated Jay and Jackie's engagement and year long trip with our first Singapore Sling at the Long Bar!!
Definitely a cool vibe, the Raffles Hotel and the Long Bar is a throwback to the colonial era in Singapore. We had one last celebration on a very busy Tuesday as we enjoyed an authentic Thai dinner with Ted and Meghan along with Jay and Jackie. Jay and Jackie departed early Wednesday morning for their nine hour flight to Auckland. We wish them safe travels and are looking forward to spending more time with them in the near future!!!
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