Bites, shade and raindrops.

On a sugar high from a breakfast consisting in parts of nutella, cocoa shells and orange juice, we set off on an 'explore the neighbourhood' kind of day. We stepped outside of our hermetically sealed apartment, and into steamy conditions reminiscent of a just-vacated shower. You could break into a sweat just changing your mind.

Our first destination was that of Fort Canning Park, the Martin children not entirely thrilled with the prospect of a day spent on foot. 

Clearly our reputation as
speed-walkers preceded us.

The Singaporeans really don't want you
to muck about with their drinking water.

Wandering past ferns, cocoa trees, frangipanis as well as the occasional free-range rooster (I've no idea either), we were regularly overtaken by heavily-perspiring joggers. We took a break on one of the many timber benches located in the park, Hamish collapsing theatrically. Joshie then bolted up-right, slapping the back of his leg. Turns out some form of fire ant took a liking to him. Through a combination of admiring his stoicism as well as the flagrant promotion of Panadol's apparent ability banish all forms of pain within 30 seconds - he promptly forgot about his encounter.

The Riverwalk - along Singapore River

After a stroll along The Riverwalk (I picked up some Pocari Sweat, while the lesser mortals settled for Magnum icecreams), we took refuge in the air-conditioned comfort of The Asian Civilisations Museum. I was enthralled, and the kids endured. We managed to get through the exhibits without any breakages, although I was somewhat shattered when Lily guessed I was going to say "Why the long face?" as soon as I pointed out a horse-headed deity. I need a new routine!

Golden bowl from the Tang period.

The kids knelt in front of this guy
as if he were a feudal lord.
No, I don't know why.

This guy just screams, "Please Miss,
can I be excused to go to
the bathroom?"

Thunderclouds started rolling in, but we managed to check out the Merlion (think mermaid, but lion instead of, well, the maid part). It was just us, along with a seething mass of tourists and locals, all trying to position themselves in from of the fountain to make it look like they were catching the jet of water in either their hands or mouths. Lily secretly filmed a number of them, as well as their pained expressions as they contorted themselves. Fortunately, the sound of the throng hid her malevolent chuckles.

View of Marina Bay Sands from across the bay.

The Merlion - just imagine someone over
my left shoulder with their face
up-turned and mouth agape.

The rain started coming down more insistently, as we headed for Marina Bay Sands, a fairly up-market shopping mall. Jen was thrown some fairly serious shade by a gent working at a beauty shop, who asked if 'all Australian women wear their nails natural like that'. Hilarious. Lily was lost for words (rare) as we passed iconic store after iconic store. 

Marina Bay Sands

Tropical showers continuing, we donned our ever-so-fashionable emergency ponchos in order to avoid drowning on our way to Gardens at the Bay. From what I could tell, we were in fact the only individuals in the country wearing these garments.

Blending in with the locals...

Gardens by the Bay

We didn't end up staying long, as the observation walks were closed due to the thunderstorm. As our respective Fitbits were telling us to just quit it already, we jumped on a conveniently-located MRT and made quick time back to our apartment. The boys made use of the complex's pool, and we then immersed ourselves in local culture by dining out at a nearby pizza and pasta place...