Coconuts, Sharks and Crabs - Oh My!

My wish of sleeping through the night didn't really pan out.  I woke up at 11 pm, got up and puttered around, then went back to sleep around 1:30am and then got up at 4am.  Everyone else was still asleep so I had some coffee and watched the night slowly turn into day.  It was actually quite lovely seeing the city so still and quiet.  Then around 6am, a crazy bird starting chirping really really loudly.  I had never heard anything like it before - sort of a "walloping" sound.  At first it was funny, but then it got really really annoying.  Nature sounds great - except when it's outside your window keeping you up....  It was quite a long wait before the girls were all up and ready to start the day.  I was determined to make this a full day and stay up until late.

Everyone's still asleep so I munched on some pork jerky - it's pretty famous in Singapore - thick and sweet - I've tried to find something similar in Los Angeles, but failed miserably.  I know some people who try to "smuggle" it in - if you get caught, airport security confiscates it.  One friend's aunt was caught and sat in the airport and ate the entire package of pork jerky, instead of letting the security guards take it.  Impressive!

(Additional note - Amanda read this and reminded me that as i was waiting i just sat on the bed staring at her, willing her to wake up.  I used to do this as a little girl at slumber parties because i was soooo bored when everyone else was asleep.  I guess things haven't changed much.)  Finally, the girls were up!

First off - we went to Killiney Kopitian to get Kaya Toast - a yummy coconut jam spread on white toast with a pat of butter.

  Really delish!  We had it with super strong coffee to kick start our day.  I think it's a popular chain because I see it everywhere.  As I looked around, I was surprised that many people were eating chicken curry or fried rice for lunch.  They must have strong stomachs!  I don't understand the whole eat hot and spicy things to combat the humid heat - I'd prefer to combat it with ice cream  :)

After the energy boost, we headed over to Little India to stroll around.  It was mostly souvenir and jewelry shops, but it was interesting seeing all the different Indian snacks and desserts.  The local temple was quite beautiful and colorful with intricate statues and carvings.  Many people were there praying or giving offerings of flowers and/or food  We quietly walked around but didn't want to disturb anyone.   These little birds, however, didn't share the same feelings and were hopping and flying about, snatching pieces of the sweets the devotees brought.  Yet they seemed so much a part of the activities in the temple - no one even batted an eyelash at them. 

After the pleasant stroll, we drove over to Dempsey Hill - an area filled with trendy restaurants, boutiques and galleries.  We had lunch at Samy's - fish head curry, mutton, chicken served with rice, stewed cabbage, stewed potatoes and little fried crispy tortilla-like things.  It was all quite good and super spicy.  We sat on the porch area overlooking the lush greenery surrounding the restaurant while enjoying our food and the light breezes.   A great experience for about $10 (US) each.  After dinner, we visited some of the galleries and rug shops - quite expensive but lovely.  Then we went to Jones - a high end food shop and cafe (similar to Dean & Deluca).  I had an espresso and a cupcake (super cute with frosting and marshmallows on top).  Amanda wanted a simple iced cappuccino - but they essentially brought her an iced cap with a scoop of gelato in it!  (there goes her attempt to diet - but we are on vacation so no diets allowed!) (Random note - The art in Singapore seemed rather eclectic with quite a range in quality.  The gallery next to Jones in my opinion had the best paintings - a nice mix but all seemingly good.  There was one particular painting that we all liked - with koi in whites and oranges swimming in a shallow pool of clear water above tan pebbles - very serene, with amazing movement and flow, as if they were truly swimming in sunlit waters. )

Afterwards we went to Sentosa Island - an amusement park built on a nearby island.  Most of the amusements are rather cheezy (and everything costs money) but we wanted to check out the views and visit the Underwater World - a small aquarium with an underwater tunnel where you are surrounded by different types of fish.  Sort of cool, but rather expensive ($20 Sin).  We did take lots of cool pics before we realized that no flash photography was allowed (ooops!).  My fav was the "nemo" shot.  :)  There were also giant turtles, leopard sharks and lots of sting rays.  So amazing to see them up close in the tunnel!  The parking lot for it was quite amusing with signs that stated - beware of peacock attacks - park at your own risk.   Never knew peacocks were so dangerous!   Afterwards, we stopped by Siloso Beach - a mini, man-made looking beach (Note - you can swim here but I wouldn't recommend it; you are near the port of Singapore and the water, though suspiciously blue, is sleek with oil spills); and then over to IlLido for drinks (located in a hotel on the island).  We indulged in some champagne while we gazed out onto the water.  We were even able to see Indonesia across the way.  V told us there were often pirates near there.  Cool, huh?  (but we didn't see any)

After the day's adventure we returned to V's for a rest, then walked along the river (Clark Quay) to our dinner spot - Jumbo Seafood - for Singapore's famous chili crab.   It was absolutely phenomenal!!!  Yummy, sweet and spicy.  We had it with these tiny little fried buns - yum!  We also had fried noodles, fried squid paste, cereal shrimp and some spicy stir fried veggies.  The entire meal was fab!  I wasn't even hungry when I arrived but I still managed to clean off my plate.  It's amazing what one can do when one really puts one's mind to it.  :)  After dinner we walked along the quay again to a wine bar  (Tasting Notes or something like that) where some of V's friends were meeting up with her.  Unfortunately Amanda and I were so pooped (it was 10:30pm and we had barely slept) so we had to call it a night early.  The walk back to V's place was quite arduous - I thought I was going to pass out.  But now I'm back and I'm blogging.  Go figure.