Travels...2

Our Singapore visit continued...

Sunday morning saw us returning to the Gardens by the Bay. We had visited these in 2016 when they were still under construction so this time we wanted to visit the parts we did not visit last time, specifically the treetop walk and the super tree observatory.

The latter is a part of a man made forest where there are a series of 18 concrete and steel structures up which orchids, bromeliads and air plants are grown to the height of 50 meters in vertical gardens. Designed to mimic real trees they have solar arrays installed, collect rainwater and supposedly enhance air circulation. They are quite striking and the observatory is located on the highest one, giving a superb view back over the city but more importantly over the garden canopy.

The treetop walk links three or four of the supertrees. We were there nice and early so the place was not all that busy.

As we continued around the gardens the weather turned from sunny to rain and thunder, our decision to go early paid off as both the tree walk and observatory were closed down.

We returned to our apartment for lunch and just after we arrived the rain really came down heavily but eased back an hour or so later so that we could get out again, this time to the Thian Hock Keng Buddhist temple in Chinatown.

There wasn't much open in Chinatown on Sunday afternoon so with the rain beginning to fall again, we headed back to the apartment for a quiet evening.

Monday included a visit to the Singapore Zoo and the Bird Paradise. The former has a good range of well cared for animals in cool forested enclosures.

The Bird Paradise is a fabulous place, a massive improvement on the old Jurlong Bird Park. Gone are 90% of the cages replaced by huge aviaries with hundreds if not thousands of birds.

Then there were more light shows...at the Marina...

...and in the gardens...

There was a walk to Arab Street and the Sultan Mosque.

Followed by a walk to the Hindi Temple.

We spent a peaceful morning at the Botanic Gardens and the superb National Orchid Garden.

Unfortunately I picked up a cold - most likely from going from the hot and humid environment into the seemingly freezing aircon in many of the buildings. So our last full day was spent simply sightseeing near the apartment, around the Marina, and along the river to the eateries at Robinson's and Clarke's Quays. I had a very nice lamb tagine at a Lebanese restaurant at the latter.

Our last day, well half day really, was spent casually around the Marina again for a last lunch and drink before heading to the airport. Now we are sitting in the lounge waiting for our flight to be called. In around eleven or twelve hours we will be home and our equatorial holiday will be done.