Sentosa Island

Sunday, October 23

My coworker Carrie asked me if I wanted to go to the Singapore National Museum and Sentosa Island with her and her daughter (Bernice) today.  They picked me up from my apartment, and off we went!

The first stop - the Singapore National Museum.  The whole tour was "automated" and the history was based on the the different nationalities that comprise Singapore.  Singapore was at one time British, then Chinese, and now it's own country.  There are many Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Indian people here.  (Pictures below)

After the museum, Carrie, Bernice and I went to Chinatown for lunch.  We went to the Hawker Center in Chinatown.  We ate pork pourage, carrot cake and pork dumplings.  The pourage was rice with water, and pork.  It was very thick, and was not bad.  It was a different consistency, but the flavor was good. The carrot cake was an egg dish with potatoes and onions.  I didn't see or taste any carrots, but it reminded me of tortilla de patata that we ate often in Spain.  It was really good.  The fried pork dumplings are exactly like we would eat in the states in a Chinese Restaurant.  The only difference is the sauce - it is not soy or sweet, but a "ginger" sauce.  We shared everything, and ate everything with chopsticks.

We left Chinatown for Sentosa Island.  Singapore consists of 60 islands.  Many are not developed, but Sentosa is a tourist island with many touristy things to do.  There is a  Universal Studios, a casino, many restaurants, beaches, animal exhibits, animal shows, water and lazer show, etc.  There is also the biggest candy store I have ever seen here.  I thought I was in heaven.... Bernice bought some chocolate, I didn't buy anything, I had to leave, as my will power was being tested.  Sentosa is very busy, with a lot to do and see.  We went to 2 of the beaches on the island. walked around and went to a bird show.  There is also a Garrett's on Sentosa, and I found out there are 12 Garrett's in Singapore!  I can't believe I haven't gone yet.... still 2 more months here, so there is time :) 

The funniest thing that happened at Sentosa:   I was taking a picture of a water fall, when some people asked if I would take a picture.  I thought they wanted me to take a picture of their group.  Turns out, they wanted to take a picture with me.  They were from the Philippines and I wasn't sure if they wanted my picture because I was 2 feet taller then them, had blond hair, or was American.  They asked if I was American, and were very excited when I said yes.  Then proceeded to ask if they could touch my yellow hair.  They were super nice, and very appreciative of me taking a picture with them.  It was cute, and very funny :)  Carrie was very amused by this.

After Sentosa, Carrie wanted to take me to the grocery store so I could buy a water bottle.  She is worried I am not drinking enough water in the office :)  So we went to one of the malls to eat.  The malls consist of food courts, carry out, fast food as well as fine dining.  We ate Thai food, and the meal was really good.  We shared chili chicken and pork curry. 

After a long day, Carrie and Bernice dropped me off at my apartment.  It was a very fun day!

Pictures of the Museum

Pictures of Sentosa

One of the many Singapore Ports

The Largest Candy Store I have ever been in.

This is for Jen - the most Chewy Frutys I have ever seen!

For Mom :)

Universal Studios

Halloween Decorations at Sentosa

Carrie and  Bernice

Tiger Tower - for Tony Wedl :)

I didn't realize how tall I was until this picture with my friends from the Phillipines

A bridge on Sentosa from one island to another.

Went to a bird show, where they brought out a huge snake after.  Everyone was aloud to touch it at the end of the show, and it is not at all what you would think it would feel like.  This is a special "albino" species with rare coloring.

Singpore = Singapura = Lion