Singapore Sling Part 1

Thurs. Nov 15

@ sea

Today, as I was washing my clothes in the ships laundry room, I meet a woman (Meridith) and her husband (coincidentally named Brian) who were from Bartlett, Illinois.

Friday Nov 16

Ship docked in Singapore.

Warning!!! Death for Drug Traffickers Under Singapore Law. (this was the document left for all passengers in our rooms the day before our shore excursion). Remember, this is where they were going to cane that American teen for keying people cars. No problem with drugs and gangs here. Also stiff penalties for spitting on the sidewalk, littering, and chewing gum. (just kidding but these are frowned upon).

A Singapore Sling is mixed alcoholic drink that is supposed to be very good.

Singapore is the largest shipping port in the world and as our bus left the dock for our tour, I was struck by how clean, lush and green with vegetation the city was.

A major underground mass rapid project.

"Oh Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy"

Our first stop on the tour was "The Singapore Botanical Gardens"

Singapore has a tropical climate and gets a substantial amount of rain. I had in mind to take as many pictures as I could for my friends in "Roadside Development" at IDOT. Particularly for Rick Wanner, who last time I was on vacation oversees, asked me to take lots of pictures of native vegetation and landscaping. Well Rick, I think I hit the jackpot this time. Hope you and your group enjoy these. Maybe you can get some ideas for our highways although I sure Illinois climate won't support these plants year round.

There was a very popular song a few years back by the R&B girl group "TLC". The song had the verse "Don't go chasing waterfalls" in it. I'm still trying to figure out what that means.

Fido says "So many trees, so little time."

This is the area of the Botanical Garden where we spent most of our time. There was every type of orchid known to man. (over 12,000)

My Aunt Doris. A rose among orchids.

Some video I shot of the Orchid Garden.

Its workers like this, who constantly weed and maintain the garden that keep it looking so beautiful. (Job Requirements- Must have green thumb)

The Nelson Mandela Orchid. There are numerous types of orchids named after famous people.

Hear no evil, see no evil, sspeak no evil. (words to live by)

This is the cool room. That's not fog but a cool mist spray which was a relief from the warm muggy weather.

Next stop on the tour is Faber Point which over looks the city.