We got a taxi to the Novotel in Clark Quay, checked in, then realized that one of our bags was left unattended at the airport. Thankfully Adam was able to track it down, and after lunch, he and his dad went to recover it while Robin and Matthew explored and the kids and I enjoyed some downtime. Then it was off to the Night Safari!
Despite Singapore's fabulous infrastructure, it still took a long time to get to the zoo, and the rain started falling in buckets while we were on the bus. We decided to take a chance and hopped off at our destination, hoping that it would stop while we grabbed dinner. And it did! We all enjoyed the tram ride past a huge variety of nocturnal animals and afterwards saw an entertaining Creatures of the Night show. Lots of fun!
The next morning, we headed to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a huge oasis of serene beauty in the heart of the city. Rachel started complaining about the heat until she discovered the Children's Garden, built especially to foster a love of science and botany in little people. We played there awhile then had to fashion umbrellas to keep our heads dry as we walked to the Visitor's Center. On the way out, everyone enjoyed the Evolution Garden and the huge petrified wood samples.
After lunch, we wandered along the riverfront and took in various sights, including the historic Fullerton Hotel. Later, some of us sat on pews inside the beautiful St. Andrew's Cathedral and enjoyed the organist practicing some hymns.
That night, we headed to the Marina Bay Sands complex and enjoyed the nightly laser show "Wonderful" over the bay, backed by the amazing city skyline. We also witnessed a parade of uniformed security officers and army troops marching to celebrate Singapore's birthday.
We window-shopped among the high-end stores, but when it was time to makan, it was so crowded that we couldn't find a table anywhere. Plan B was just fine with me: back to Clark Quay to enjoy tasty Tex-Mex (oh, how I've missed you . . . ) at Cafe Iguana.
We spent our last day on Sentosa Island, at Universal Studios. Our first ride, Lights, Camera, Action!, reinacted a Cat 5 hurricane right in front of us. Our kids were all shaking from the loud noises, wind, fire, and water sprays, but they recovered quickly when Robin took them all to Far, Far Away (Shrek). (Meanwhile, Adam, Tim, Matthew, and I got to ride the dueling roller coasters and Revenge of the Mummy with no wait at all!)
Later, we rejoined our family and had fun in Jurassic Park, flying over treetops on the Canopy Flyer and all getting soaked on the river rapids! We ended the day with a ride on the super-cool 3D Transformers ride, which was like no other ride I've ever been on. (Seriously, watch this clip! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FUxZ9edjXA)) All loved it except Rachel, who described it as "stupid!" (she was scared!).
Our busy day ended with Singapore-famous chili crab from Jumbo Seafood--so good! And then we had to say our goodbyes to fly home in the morning--so sad! But what a wonderful time these past two weeks have been--so special!
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