October 30th - Singapore

Went someplace new today - Little India was not one of Singapore's defined
quarters, but sprang from a community that gravitated here.

To see the crowds, shops and temples it is hard to believe that ranchers
raised cattle in this part of town in the early days.

Walked up Serangoon Road, stopping here and there to look at the groceries,
ceremonial items and colorful fabrics and jewelry sold here.

Went to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, constructed for the worship of Kali, a
divine mother figure. This temple was very busy, with worshippers coming to
pray and make their offerings.

Headed on up the road to Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple built for the worship
of Vishnu, with its impressive figurines decorating the rooflines of the
temple. This temple is the starting point Thaipusam and Thimithi Hindu
Thanksgiving. Festivals.

If it is possible, it was even hotter today and a few raindrops were
starting to come down; so since we had an early all-aboard time, I headed
back to the ship to cool down and start going through all the photos I had
taken during my adventure her in Singapore.

October 29th - Singapore Part 2

Walked around to the other side of the bay and on the boardwalk around
Dragonfly Lake to look up in wonder at the dramatic "SuperTrees" at the
Gardens by the Bay, before going to two of my favorite places here. The
Flower Dome and Cloud Forest attractions are filled with plants from all
over the world - cacti, succulents, thousand year old olive trees, the
strange looking boobab trees, orchids and flowers, flowers, flowers. I might
also add that both of the attractions provided an escape from the heat and
some very much appreciated cool air!

Had some time to kill before meeting some friends, so headed over to Funan
DigitaLife Mall - billed as Asia's leading IT shopping mall, offering the
latest and widest range of IT and electronic gadgets. Found that most items
here were at least 30% higher than back home in the states - no sale!

Headed back to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to visit and get some premium
night time views of the skyline and light shows with it's' floor to ceiling
glass windows. They had been upgraded to a suite that was bigger than most
people's homes - especially here in Singapore.

A great day, covering more than 18 miles of it on foot in oppressing heat
and humidity, so I was glad to head back to the ship for a short rest to
prepare for day two!