Singapore Botonical Gardens

Spent the morning strolling thru the acres and acres of this amazing Botonical Garden. The showcase of the place is the Orchid Gardens.




And then the perfect place to cool off for lunch on the way back to the bus stop. Apparently this is Singapore's oldest

 McDonald's, opened in 1986

In the late afternoon we went to visit Tina during her visiting hours. She is still in quarantine but seems to be doing well.

Eating and shopping!

Dinner with Doug on Arab Street at Lebanese Restaurant. 
Met up with Tess and Gerry who are here visiting thier kids and grandkids for extended time.
The four of us had lunch at a Peranakan restaurant which is name for old Chinese/Malay fusion culture and foods dating back to Singapores roots as trading hub. This interesting chicken dish made with a particular black nut that is poisonous until fermented. Considered a heritage delicacy. Was quite good and certainly intetesting.
Mosque on Arab Street

Shops with the most beautiful fabrics and laces I have ever seen. The Malaysian traditional dress is amazingly colorful and ornate. I don't know where we'd find fabrics like this in Arizona.

Downtown and Light show

We joined Doug and some friends of he and Tammy for lunch in the Colonial District downtown. After our long hike this morning, we were geared up for hiking some streets to sightsee. We did a local museum plus an hour or so in the National Gallery. When it got dark enough we enjoyed a light show projected on the outside of the National Gallery.





St Andrews Church

Our bus to take our tired bones back home.

Now English is spoken everywhere in Singapore.  However, it is lovingly referred to as Singlish because it really is a mash up of clipped English, with Chinese and Malay. . .and they talk very fast. It isn't always so easy to understand them without really concentrating. But the Singaporeans are so friendly and helpful, they try to help even when I don't want their help!!

All signs, directions, labels, instructions etc are in English so easy to navigate. Plus Google Maps works here and wonderfully!!

Tree Top Walk

There is a huge park reserve close to where we are staying with all kinds of trails thru a tropical rain forest plus a "cloud walk " at tree top level and a pretty cool tall suspension bridge.  We got up early before it heated up for the day to venture out. Was still hot and steamy, everytime I stopped walking my glasses fogged over!
Was truly a jungle with monkeys, giant ants, and orchids in the heart of Singapore. 

Saturday

Doug took us to lunch at Crystal Jade, "his restaurant" .  Was wonderful. There are several here in Singapore, in fact several "versions" in one shopping center each show casing a slightly different menu.

Chinese New Year is coming mid February and this city is all decked out for The Year of the Dog.  This is a popup CNY market in shopping center on Orchard Road
We all went to visit Tina. Doug was finally able to bring her from Shanghai but country rules put her in quarantine for 30 days. Poor baby. She has visiting hours so Doug goes out to see her as often as he can. Today he was able to give her a much needed bath!

Landed in Singapore

We made it! Long and unfortunately turbulent flight to get here but worth it. No choice if we want to be here.

Waiting to board in Tucson.

Took cab to the condo where Doug met us, and moved in, awed by the nice accommodations.

And the view from patio into neighbors
Back yard.
there is a papaya tree with fruit on it down there. Absolutely tropical. And hot and steamy 
Doug got us settled in then went back to work. We unpacked and then walked over to a shopping mall close and walked around looking at stuff, checking out food court and all the yummy things we have to eat while we are here.  Then picked up a few staples at grocery store.  No maid to cook for us this time!!

 Got back to condo just minutes before the sky opened up for a tropical downpour. 

Clay time

I had the fun of bringing a clay experience to Miss Guyot's class of 4th graders who had never worked with clay before. They had a ball.

First project was to just paint on fired clay with acrylic paints. They decorated "helping hands" to give to friends and family just to promote kindness.

And then the real fun began when they each got a hunk of clay and a short lesson on making pinch pots and coil pots.

4th graders first attempt. Next time they will glaze them.

Nissan Rogue

Traded in the white Nissan Ultima for a Nissan Rogue. Not new, 2016 with 9000 miles on it. We actually got it from CarMax, no hassle--no dealing. No silly games. I think I am going to like it.

 Drove immediatly to restaurant for dinner to celebrate the sale.

Raku

my friend Judy and I went to a Raku party last night.  This is Glennda and Ray, our hosts and "Raku Masters."  It's Glennda's kiln in her back yard and Ray is the tech guy.  It's a quick fire technique with special glazes and carbon trapping that produces a unique ceramic finish.
that's my tile glowing red hot thru the top of gas fired kiln. It's almost ready to pull. . .
and drop into a can filled with combustible material, quickly close the lid which starves the oxygen and causes the carbon trapping. 
Judy's piece unfortunately cracked in the shock of coming out of kiln.  Happens.
Glazing our pieces while the kiln is getting ready.

Finished tiles. 

Fun night, everyone eating and drinking and having a good time. Like sitting around a campfire,  except it was a raku kiln.