25. Singapore

The last day at sea for the 1,000 or so passengers who were disembarking at Singapore was a mixed blessing; hopeless for those wishing to top up their tans but great for everyone who had to spend time packing their suitcases. It rained...rain of monsoonal proportions complete with spectacular lighting and rolling thunder. However, by the time we were docked in the morning, the skies had cleared and the heat was rising, although the humidity remained.

Unfortunately, due to the time it took to get off the ship, get through customs and immigration, and get some local money we decided that it would be best to curtail our original plans for the day. So, out went a visit to the Botanical Gardens and off we headed to the Gardens on the Bay, a lovely green area of lakes and parkland but including spectacular man made trees. We ascended the skywalk and took in wonderful views of the city skyscrapers, the Flyer and Marina Bay Sands. This was particularly poignant for us as last year when we tried to get to the skywalk we were caught in a torrential downpour and had to give it a miss.

Getting back on to the MTR we headed more into the centre of city with the aim of getting to Raffles Hotel. Somehow we miscalculated and got off at the wrong stop, so had to get our bearings from street level and go back down into the station. Second time lucky, we got to the Hotel but both the Long Room bar and Billiards Room were closed so we could only have a look around and browse the gift shop.

By now the heat was getting to us so the air conditioned sanctuary of the nearby mall beckoned. We had a wander around and then joined the throngs in the food court....although deciding not to have anything too exotic for lunch. The hours had flown by and after finding a couple of essential supplies (like chocolate), it was time to get the MTR back to the ship as we all had to be aboard by 4.30pm. We met the deadline by half an hour. Third Officer Susan was more than happy. 

As we climbed the gangway, the daily thunder clouds were gathering but luckily we were all inside doing the mandatory safety drill when the skies opened. Unfortunately there was another medical evacuation before we left and sailaway was delayed until 8pm, but that gave us a chance to see the skyline lit up with many vibrant colours.

I do like Singapore. I like the courtesy and friendliness of the cosmopolitan population, the cleanliness, the ease of getting around and, of course, it's very safe. It's a young city too, and while busy, it never appears frantic. It's just a shame that it's so incredibly hot, sticky and steamy!