Laundry, S.E.A. and the Quay in Singapore

July 10, 2015

Part of the backpacking code is do laundry whenever you have access. Today was laundry day. Unlike most laundromats which have a separated space, our hotel self-clean station was right in the middle of the car park. Yup, while passengers came and went, Carolyn sat waiting on wash and dry cycles!

Maytag in the middle of the parkade, Singapore, July 10, 2015

Our daily activities started with an MRT metro ride. In the underground tunnels that connect public transit there are thousands of shops. Everything from pharmacies and cell phone shops to eateries and candy stores. Carolyn found a store just for her!

Carolyn at the Candy Empire, Singapore, July 10, 2015

Meanwhile, Sean went off to explore the local technology shop. Only the “Best” for Sean!

The “Best” store for Sean, Singapore, July 10, 2015

However, as we are traveling with backpacks, we passed on the opportunity to make large purchases. Instead, we found an interesting restaurant to eat lunch at. In the Marche, you received a plastic card and choose a food station. When you make your selection, in Carolyn’s case a Cobb Salad, the chef swipes your cards to put the amount of the food onto it. When you are done eating, you give the card to the cashier and pay the total amount. Kind of like a meal card and huge, made to order buffet.

Le vache et nous mange dans le Marche, Singapore, July 10, 2015

After lunch we had hoped to take the monorail across to Sentosa and the S.E.A. Aquarium. However, it was not part of our transit pass so we decided to walk across the boardwalk instead.

Carolyn & Sean on the boardwalk with the S.E.A. Aquarium behind, Singapore, July 10, 2015

The South East Asian (S.E.A.) Aquarium is more than just tanks of fish. The first half is a museum which explains the transportation and shipping routes over the ages, focusing on the Maritime Spice Route. We learned much about how beliefs and routes changed over time and about the tales of explorers and pirates. We experienced a 4D movie about a ship entering into a typhoon and got a little bit wet. We then spent a couple of hours admiring the massive tanks and variety of aquatic life.

Nautical history at S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore, July 10, 2015

Carolyn with the explorers Faxian and Marco Polo, S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore, July 10, 2015

Cross-section of a trading ship, S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore, July 10, 2015

Stingray and entourage, S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore, July 10, 2015

Underwater shipwreck S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore, July 10, 2015

After our adventures at the aquarium, we stopped by the shopping centre to get some lunch. At the grocery store, Carolyn discovered a row of Coca-Cola promoting the 50th Anniversary of Singapore’s independence. We also tasted some Merlion dark chocolates! Yummy!

Singaporean Coke, Singapore, July 10, 2015

After returning to our hotel and freshening up, we caught the train back to the hub of the downtown. We walked along the river toward Clarke Quay and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the night life. Eventually we made our way back to the river mouth near the Merlion for a late dinner. What an incredible city!

Carolyn & Sean at Raffles Place, Singapore, July 10, 2015

Lit up bridge with bum boats passing below, Singapore, July 10, 2015