Smitten With Singapore

This is a long overdue post, but I wanted to share a few pictures from my Singapore trip last November. It was my first time to visit SG (I know, pathetic!) and I must admit I was smitten by the place--its cleanliness, its architecture, the discipline of the people, and the FOOD! I can live there eating at hawker places! 

During the 3 day trip with my friends, I was able to check out a few notable places.

1. Marina Bay Sands

2. Clark Quay

3. Universal Studios

4. Esplanade

5. Singapore Art Museum

6. Gardens by the Bay

Sad that I wasn't able to go to Sentosa and the Botanical Gardnes and do more shopping, but hey, SG is just a few hours away, I'm sure it would not be my last visit.

Esplanade. Of course we had to go here and take photos with the Merlion!

Singapore Flyer

 Chill afternoon going to Esplanade

Marina Bay Skydeck

Gardens by the Bay! I did not tire from taking photos of these beautiful man-made trees!

More thoughts about this trip

• The Philippines/Manila is still far behind in terms of progress, discipline and government support. I wish I can still live to see the day the Philippine MRT is as organized and beautiful as Singapore MRT.
• I love that Jim is getting the travel bug with me. He didn't seem to love foreign travel all that much since he prefers to see his own country first (he's nationalistic like that), but then he realized how big the world is and there is still so many things to see and experience. I love that this trip opened his eyes to explore and travel more. He even texted me this morning about a plan for a BKK trip next year! 
• I would love to live in a foreign country for 2 years and immerse myself in their culture. Being a tourist is great but you can only experience the surface of the country, unlike when you get into the daily routine of living in it.
• Friends are the best. Trina took care of lodging, Mon took care of getting Universal Studios Tickets, Boss Bert and Ron (Jim's former officemates) took care of showing us around and making sure we experience our first Chili Crab meal, Sherwin took care of our last dinner. Love them.
• I am slowly learning to be a light packer. I am learning to build my travel wardrobe staples for short trips (3 - 4 days) - 2 neutral coloured shirts, a couple of dressy tops, 1 dress, a pair of black pants, 1 pair of PJs, a jacket/blazer, 1 sneakers/loafers, 1  pair pair of slippers, 1 pair of flats, LOTs of accessories & statement necklaces. I need to buy good shoes for walking coz my converse chuck taylors didn't fare well with the endurance test. 
• I still need to learn how take in and be calm during some travel hassles e.g. falling in line, communication breakdowns, getting lost. I'm so glad the travel buddy is calmer and more prepared than I was during this trip.
• Preparation is key. In fairness to Jim, he was more prepared than I was during this trip. So glad he was on roaming or else we wouldn't be able to meet up with our friends.
• I miss traveling with my AIF Friends! 
• I shouldn't be kuripot when buying souvenirs. And if i want to buy something I must seize the moment, because there might not be a next time. I wasn't able to buy lots of pasalubongs (souvenirs) this trip and still have like 180 SG dollars left in my wallet!
• When shopping for clothes in another country, I should really really make sure the brand can't be found in Manila. 
• In any international trip, I will never eat at McDonald's/KFC or Starbucks unless a.) it's free b.) im at the airport.
• Pinoy Community in Singapore is awesome. Got a free pass at the Singapore Art Museum because the receptionist is Pinoy. I can feel the love. 

Jim and I decided we would travel together and all the time. We agreed to take a minimum of 1 domestic and 1 international trip + 1 climb every year. I'm sure it will help us grow individually and as a couple. :) So, where to next?