Singapore Revisited

In August just before school started we slipped in another, likely last, trip to Singapore, with an aim to exploring parts of the island we had not seen before.  It made us appreciate the country even more,  while realizing the shocking upheaval and sacrifice it took to make it what it is: modern, efficient, comfortable.

Here, recycle bins at world's #1 airport:

And night scene from our hotel balcony:

They managed to retain/create many parks, and bits of greenery are evident in every area.  We visited the large Botanic Gardens. 

Tom, plotting our course

Every park needs giant lizards

And gentle heroes

On public transport, as everywhere in Singapore, we are told how to behave:

As part of our hotel deal we get a trip on the Hop On Hop Off Bus. Some shots from the bus:

We traveled to the northern coast of the island, to Sembawang Park, and saw a big ship refurbishing operation.

More exploration on foot.  We set out for Henderson Waves, a 275 meter (900 foot) pedestrian bridge along the  9 km (5.6 mile) Southern Ridges Trail, which connects three different Singapore parks. Wonderful for an urban place!

 K sporting umbrella and monkey-scaring stick

 Henderson Waves:

Back at the hotel, we have splurged on a Club Room and enjoy free cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, over a game of Scrabble 

The next day we enjoy touring the neighborhood of Katong where the hotel is located. A great neighborhood--loads of restaurants and small shops. We pass small gardens along high rise apartment buildings.

Papaya tree, in the shadow of a high rise building

Banana tree

T walking along the garden-lined walkway between buildings

In a small neighborhood park:

And at a local market:

the essentials

In a public toilet: