Peace and Tranquility

I have realised it is possible to plan too much for one day and it is possible to eat so much steamed rice over the course of two weeks you have simply had enough!
Today, after sending off 15kg of my luggage and gifts via the efficient Singapore air postal service and indulging in my favourite sushi plates, I went to escape in the grounds of the botanical park.

For a while, an escape from the city was pure bliss. The orchids were simply stunning, particularly the 'Tiger' orchid. I had just bought two new novels so I found a shady spot and read.

Today I must have walked the city twice over (at least that is what it felt like). Singapore is incredibly easy to navigate ... I feel like a local already!

People all over the city are preparing for Singapore's birthday on Wednesday. It is a national holiday, firework displays will light the skies and parades will pour onto the streets. Everywhere you go, people are lighting candles and praying for Singapore and its success.

This afternoon, I had the perfect cure for all this walking... it was my spa booking in the afternoon. For 30 minutes I was kneaded into a relaxed state and every knot was removed. The foot bath brought my feet back to life and the whole experience... the chinese tea, the beautiful oriental music, soothed me into a slumber.

Tonight I took a 'bumboat' with my canadian friends along the harbour quay and had a delicious meal of steamed rice (my last bowl!) and chicken pandan (chicken wrapped in banana leaf and cooked in thai spices ... delicious!)