Day 28: The old and the new

I set out just before lunch to catch the bus to Orchard Road. I needed to change some money, and I’ve been told that Lucky Plaza is the place to go. Since I was already in the area, I thought I’d have some fried prawn noodle at Wistma Atria, and check out the Kinokuniya bookstore inside Takashimaya.

From Orchard road, I rode the North-South MRT line to Raffles Place interchange. The thing I love most about Singapore’s MRT is that at each station, there’s a map of the area, so you get an idea where you are and how to go to where you want to go. My destination was the Starbucks under the bridge near the Fullerton hotel. I was able to find it without getting lost (whee).

I was there to meet Marvin, a reader who turns out to be Mikoy’s brother, who I met during the CS tour of Manila cemeteries and met up with in Bangkok two weeks ago. He’s currently working and living in Singapore with his girlfriend, and they’re taking advantage of the cheap travel options from the city state. Travel stories and plans were shared, and my god, they have four more trips lined up these coming months! Envy!

After the brief meet, I walked over to the Merlion to take photos. As I was checking the angles around the boardwalk, I noticed the kiosk for the Singapore River cruise. In all my trips to the country, I’ve yet to try this tour. I walked over and ended up buying a ticket, since the boat was about to leave. It was a traditional bum boat, though modified to carry passengers, rather than cargo. The boat is also equipped with a recorded commentary on the sights along the Singapore River.

It was a pleasant ride upstream, and as always, looking and hearing the water relaxed me. Unfortunately, the only way to go up and down the river is through the organizes tours, and at SG$18 per person, it be pretty expensive if you want to do it often. Still, it’s a pleasant way to spend 45 minutes.

Back on dry land, I made my way to the Asian Civilization Museum. Marvin and Del told me that there’s an exhibit of Steve McCurry’s works in the museum, and that was motivation enough to go. It was spectacular. The pictures on display were beyond impressive. Each one evoke different kinds of emotion. Simply amazing. If you’re interested to view the photos, they will be on exhibit until July 19th. Admission to the museum is SG$8 for adults.

After looking at the other galleries, I make my way back to the street and to Raffles Hotel to catch my bus. I love how I can check the bus’ arrival on my phone (via mobile Internet), and time my own arrival at the bus stop so I wouldn’t have to wait too long. I had thirty minutes to spare, so I killed some time at the Marketplace at Raffles Place. There were a couple of interesting food kiosks, but the one that caught my fancy was this stall selling taiyaki, Japanese fish-shaped cake with filling. They sell the traditional red bean, with other sweet options like kaya, chocolate, and even durian. I bought one red bean and one kaya to take home (or take away).

I’ve been home for more than three hours already, and have spent most of that time trying to write this entry. Damn those picspams, such a distraction! I was supposed to research where to go tomorrow, but eh. I’ll just figure that out in the morning.

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