SingaporeSights: Little India and Chinatown

Saturday, November 19

Koz and I spent the day in Singapore going around to the different neighborhoods.

We started with lunch, and just bought a few different things to try and sample - Korean Cheese and Bacon Sausage, Chicken Satay, Beef Satay, Hot Dog breaded with potatoes. It was quite the lunch! We went to the MRT (the subway), and bought Koz an MRT card, so we wouldn't have to take taxi's everywhere. It's so convenient, and pretty close to most of the things you want to do.

We then headed to Little India. Koz doesn't like Indian food, so we didn't actually eat in Little India. We did go to the Hawker Center to order a few drinks - Sugar Cane Juice and Coconut milk. I drink the Sugar Cane juice at lunch often, but had never had Coconut milk, so it was fun trying something new for both of us. We walked around the Wet Market and it was fun to see all the different produce, meat and seafood. I was surprised to see shark, and sting ray and so many other exotic types of sea food. We walked on the streets, and just explored Little India that are still decorated for Depavali. There are temples everywhere, and you can't wear your shoes inside, so there are literally sandals all over the sidewalks. Little India is one of the most "cultured" areas in Singapore. You don't feel like you are in Singapore at all. It's great to be a subway stop away, and still get a totally different experience.

We then took the MRT to China Town. China Town is not as "cultured" as Little India, but still really cool, and there is a lot to do. We walked around China Town, did some window shopping, and then decided that we had to do Reflexology. We went to a few places, and decided on one that was quiet, could take us both at the same time, and the price was right. They are all over China Town, so it's not hard to find one. We had to walk up a very dark, long set of steps until we reached the top. We did 45 minutes of reflexology (foot massage), and 15 minutes of a neck and back massage.

Koz's original reflexology man couldn't believe how big his feet were. He kept calling him Big Foot, and laughing. He asked him what size his feet were, and was shocked when he said 11. He ended up calling someone else in to work because that person would do a better job then the man that was there. The whole experience was really funny, but typical of Singapore.

Reflexology is really big in Chinese culture, and you can find them everywhere in China Town, for really inexpensive. I had to talk Koz into the reflexology over a full body massage, and he definitely protested until it was over. He also now agrees that reflexology is just as good or maybe even better then a full body massage. It is extremely painful, but amazing all at the same time.

After reflexology we went for dinner in China Town to a Chinese Seafood restaurant. I ordered crocodile, and Koz ordered sting ray. It was really good, but we both liked the crocodile better. It honestly tasted just liked Chicken.

After a long day, I decided I need to make a Starbucks run for myself..... guess who ordered something at the last minute and now loves Frappuccinos??!! I placed my order, and then an order for Brian, and he loved them both. Sometimes I wonder if he is the same person I started dating nearly a decade ago!

We then went to Mary's apartment to hang out for a little while. She had 2 friends who were passing by Singapore coming from an Indian wedding. It was really cool hearing about their experience, and the extravagance that goes into an Indian wedding - 4 day party in Thailand, everything paid for even hotel. My goal while I am here is to become friends with a single Indian girl!

After hanging out at Mary's apartment, we went to a few bars in Clark Quay. The first stop was for a Singapore Sling at a bar called Singapore Sling. There was a great live band, and the Sling's were really good. We then went to Senor Taco for a margarita. It was a really fun night, and great to be out in Clark Quay!

Lunch - Cheese Bacon Sausage