(31st Aug) Orchard Road, The Marriott Buffet & Substation

Up until today, the both of us had not really felt like tourists but today we had the ultimate tourist experience (minus the haircut and pedicure at the local market). After what seemed like 5 hours but was actually 1 and having had a gals pamper sesh we went to Orchard Road to meet our cousin, Ruth. 

Orchard Road is the place where one falls in love. With clothes, shoes and handbags. The busy stretch through this shopping hub is buzzing with shoppers and tourists in awe of the size of the shopping malls and how beautiful everything is. The fashion luxury stores are so shiny, tall and look like only people of royalty belong there, the Far East Plaza is a high street shopping haven and is where Adriana and I have decided to make a special trip back, just for the sake of it! 

We later took a little tour round the city centre, past the Formula 1 track, past the Merlion and the Esplanade and towards Ruth's friends' coffee shop called The Plain, which looks so  trendy. A tea and a dark chocolate lemington was ordered which hit the spot perfectly. This particular area of Singapore showed the surreal juxtaposition of the modern Banks of Singapore and the traditional vintage houses and huts that used to populate the city along its riverside. 

5pm cocktails at The Fairmount Hotel where 26 years ago was one of the tallest hotels in the world and where our parents wed. The 10 second journey from the first floor to the seventieth floor made our ears pop and the stunning panoramic view made us nauseous and a lil' emotional (Papa, hope you are reading this!). 

After our Mojito, Cosmo and Shirley Temple, it was on to dinner at The Marriott Hotel on Orchard Road with Mum and Aunty Jane. We almost passed out when we saw the spread. With the choice of everything you can imagine, from sushi and oysters to braised beef and  roast duck, Adriana and I were not short of choice. After conquering mains we moved on to dessert!! This included an unlimited amount of ice cream with wacky toppings (gummy apple rings?!), creme brulee, Eton mess, chocolate fudge ripple, pralines and even bread and butter pudding! YUM. 

After this indulgent feast we rolled out to the MRT to meet the cousins at City Hall where we had planned to enjoy the live band at the Substation Bar. Strawberry mojitos and Lychee slushies combined with a live band had us convinced Singapore's where it's at. 

We reluctantly jumped on the last MRT home and agreed that today was one of the best days so far and that we needed to go on a major diet when we get back home to burn off our muffin tops. 

Night! E+A xxxxxx