Singapore

We are leaving Singapore tonight and will fly to Phuket, Thailand. Can't wait to be on a beach! Our time in Singapore was awesome - basically New York City in a jungle. Shopping is unreal and the cultural mix is really neat to see. We stayed in Little India but visited the Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road (a famous shopping district), East Coast, Arab St. and Chinatown. We somehow ventured into a food complex in Chinatown which was filled with a million food vendors - however we were the only tourists and totally out of place. We did a night safari. Which was unreal - a lot of the animals are able to run free and get so close to you. Alexa was grazed by a Tabir. They had elephants, tigers, lions, etc...the scariest for us was the Hyenas. The only thing separating us was a small ditch which we both thought they could easily jump - so we ran from that exhibit and one of the park workers was highly entertained and asked if "the hyenas laughed at us". While at the safari we ate stingray - it was interesting and who knew they have bones! I think our favorite thing is the coconut juice - which is served straight from the coconut. Last night we went to the famous East Coast Seafood Centre and ate at Long Beach. Not really sure why it is famous - but apparently you have to try to the spicy crab. When we got to the restaurant we didn't have a reservation and it was packed so they sat us basically in a closet, no joke (picture below). Which actually turned out to be a good thing since we have no idea how to eat a crab. But it was yummy!  Before flying out, we plan on taking a cruise down the Singapore river and visiting one of the many observation towers that the city has to offer. 

Orchids at the Botanic Gardens

Night safari!

Swaying bridge

Buddhist temple in Chinatown

We wanted to steal these kids!

Kitchen in our hostel - just kidding, it's the Chinatown Heritage Centre...

Toilet facilities

Awesome view of the city

Famous spicy crab!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Romantic setting for 2

Seriously..we were in a trash closet.

Tokyo / First night in Singapore

We made it! Well to Tokyo - after an 11 hour flight we finally arrived and somehow we managed to explore the city of Tokyo. We were for sure entertaining. Our first stop was Roppongi Hills - we went to the top of Tokyo City View where we were able to see the entire city. It is crazy how big Tokyo is! The people are amazing - so nice despite us being half way asleep / unable to form a sentence. After viewing the city we were lost for about an hour and couldn't figure out how to make it out of an enclosed mall - those Japanese...so tricky! We finally came across an amazing hole in the wall and had the waiter recommend a four course meal. It was amazing and soooo fresh. We tried all sorts of fish and had some dish (compliments of the owner) which we had no idea what it was - but regardless it was so good. After dinner we finally found a hotel which turned out to be perfect! We had a couple amusing moments in the hotel room...Alexa was able to enjoy being in her natural element - basically a kimono. And Kori loved a high bun and being part of the Japanese culture. She always knew socks with shoes was cool. After a negative two hours of sleep and a surprise butt spray from the toilet we were on our way to the fish market at 5 am - which to our disappointment was closed due to a holiday. So we obviously made the best of the situation and made our way to the train station where we indulged in raw fish at 6am. Hey - when in Rome. We finally made it to the airport and despite not knowing what time our flight was or what airline we were on we made it! Sorry parentals - I swear we are more responsible then we sound. Once on the plane, we enjoyed a curry lunch with tea and unbeatable service. Alexa played caveman for 6 hours straight - which we believe she achieved the new high score for Japanese Airlines.  So talented. Kori was reading one of the books out of the library that she brought - who needs clothes. The only regret we both have is that we didn't buy surgical masks to fit in with the natives. After a seven hour flight we finally arrived in Singapore. We are staying in Little India which offers spicy food and a very diverse group of individuals. Our hostel is interesting - staying in a room with 8 other girls - no air conditioning and the bathroom situation is questionable. Matt don't roll your eyes at us! But it is all part of the experience and so far we are having such a great time! We have posted some of the pictures below hope you enjoy! 



On top of Tokyo City View



Roppongi Hills



Roppongi



 







Our first meal!

Yum - sashimi and fried cod

Breakfast in the train station