Singapore! Day 2 - China Town, Little India and Robertson Quay

As impressed as I was with myself, (and Steve was too), for staying up last night until 11:30 or so, I was as much surprised that I awoke at 6AM this morning and stayed up pretty much all night again.

"Pretty much".  I did take another cat nap on Steve's couch before we set out for a late dinner. But, more about that later...

After leisurely enjoying fresh fruit on the patio for breakfast, I wrote the last blog post, caught some rays by the pool, got up to date on email, and watched a few "Friday Night Lights" episodes (highly recommended by friends) - all while Steve went into work for a few hours. My mind told me that I should have gone back to bed, but my body just wasn't tired enough to do so.

When he got home, we set out (on foot) toward Dhoby Ghaut (a short walk), through the beautiful artists' park, Istana Park.

We hopped the MRT over to China Town.  Please let it be known that Steve enjoys testing me, and I am becoming well-versed about the train routes already, as I'm confident Steve will confirm, and I'm equally confident that my friend Dennis will, rightfully, question - DT, I'm getting MUCH better these days! We then hit the town, so to speak.

I have been to China Town in Manhattan many times, and I was anticipating something similar.  While the concept is the same, Singapore's China Town was much more grand in scale, in my opinion. Beautiful architecture, not only in the temples, but in the buildings in general. Still very "touristy", but with a bit more Chinese influence in the surrounding areas...IMO.

We walked the streets and checked out the shops; I bought my friend the obligatory "cheesy [insert city] magnets I always buy him, as well as a couple of other carefully chosen trinkets for friends and family.

And, go figure, in China Town, Steve and I stopped for Bratwurst sandwiches for lunch.  This stand is legendary in Singapore.

The Austrian gentleman, Erich, who owns the place, seen in the center of the picture, has quite the loyal customer base, and is always busy. It was he, himself, who cooked and served us our food. He is a rightfully proud man!

I regret to admit that we dug into our sandwiches so quickly that I forgot to take a photo. The brat was fantastic, though there was too much bun, IMO. Between the bun and the mustard, I felt the brat flavor was a bit lost.  Still, I'd go back there anytime I visit Singapore's China Town!

Then...the rain set in.  Luckily, Steve and I were near the "yellow chairs".  I don't even know what restaurant that officially is, but it has yellow chairs outside, thus, the name. We sat down in said yellow chairs and ordered Tiger beers (my call - it was, after all, 4PM on a weekday. Let's be scandalous!). Two (large) beers

turned into four,

turned into five beers

as the rain continued coming down.  We had a great time people watching and chatting with each other whilst drinking our afternoon "dessert". If I do say so myself, it was a good call on my part!

We then set out toward Little India to stop by Mustafa's - the local equivalent of a Walmart meets a Marshall's meets a TJMaxx, etc.  Thirty-eight doors and four floors of ANYTHING you need/want/didn't know you needed/wanted.

In other words, my personal hell.  Steve knows I hate to shop, but he's a deal freak, so he "had" to show me this gem of Singapore (mostly so he could do his  own shopping).

This is two days straight he has used the "it's a must-see" excuse to make me shop with him.  Note to Steve: my shopping fuse is short right now! :)

We had planned to go out to eat after coming home from Little India, but that plan got delayed as I played on my computer and Steve fiddled with the new toy he bought in China Town. And, then as he got sucked into a movie and I got sucked into a nap. Fast-forward to 8:45PM, and we're ready to go.

We decided on Bella Pizza in Robertson Quay. I still wasn't very hungry, but the menu was expansive and everything looked delicious.  Steve advised me not to do the "She Ordered What?!?" method, but rather to trust my gut. Although, everything is good, according to Steve, it's best to choose what you really want.

Given that guidance, I chose the Antipasto Bella Pizza, which is the "chef's selection of cheeses with salami, Parma ham and fresh arugula".

Oh. My. Goodness...the selection was decadent!  Although...I will say that the arugula was a bit overpowering in comparison to the rest of the salad.  I couldn't eat too much of it.  Nor could Steve.

Steve chose the Calzone Napoletana, which is described as "a folded pizza with mozzarella, ricotta, salami, and Parmesan". Can you tell that we're cheese lovers?? (and, btw, this calzone was enormous!)

His too, was delicious.  I stole a few bites (which he had gladly offered up), and I can only say that I'd have liked some crushed red pepper to add spice to the meal. Apparently, that's not common in Singapore, so I didn't press the issue.

Despite the earlier rain, we lucked out again with gorgeous weather and had a fun day of hanging out in Singapore's "ethnic districts".  I wish I would have had some of the regional food, but Steve has promised me that we'll indulge later in my trip.  (I think he's trying to ease me into the local fair - a kind gesture!)

Day two score: Steve = alive, Ker = alive

Therefore, success!! :)

Just teasing...Steve and I have a ball together, but we're two hard-headed, smart-mouthed, highly intelligent, quick-witted people.  That's a recipe for disaster! So far, we've averted disaster. I hope we continue to do so!

Cheers!

Ker