Cloud forests, Flower Domes, Futuristic trees and Marine Bay 57th floor

 April 21st

There was one hell of a storm in the wee hours, we stood watching as the sky was constantly lit up, it  was really spectacular and went on for quite a while. At one point the rain obscured the Marine Bay Hotel completely, almost as if a fog had suddenly descended and swallowed it up. As the storm abated we once again retired for bed and thankfully the rain had all but gone when we awoke.

Today we took the open top bus tour around the city and into the old part of Singapore. T'was fascinating to see little India and China town and some of the temples against the new high rise looked totally out of place. 

Hope the washing is well pegged!

 

Our first place to alight was just before the Gardens by the Bay. Ian fancied a coffee and for me a hot cup of breakfast tea. Could we get either? Nop, beers, wine, cold teas a plenty but getting a coffee or ordinary tea was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Back and forth we went and having almost giving up hope, found a posh place on the waterfront that did have have what we wanted. Cost an arm and a leg mind but a necessary requirement in the 30+ temperatures.

We finally made it to the Gardens by the Bay. It's a futuristic park with huge Super tree structures. A tree walk could be had, we decided to do this after going into the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. 

 

We never did do that tree walk. Paying for two attractions, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, they both took up most of the afternoon. An Avatar display was being themed at the Forest and was not to be rushed. It had been very well put together with characters and creatures from the film.

 

The next few pictures show sculptures all made from gnarled old tree wood.  Amazing talent.

And at the Flower Dome

The last hop on hop off bus left at the Bay stop at 5.30pm and the one thing we really wanted to do was to go up the Marine Bay Hotel to the upper deck and see the view. It had already gone 4 pm so it was decided then to forgo that tree walk for the upper deck of the hotel. First we had to get into the lift. We were stopped from going by the concierge. There was two choices, either pay $25 each or buy a drink which would give us access to the deck.. We decided on the second option although on hindsight it would have been cheaper with the first option. Deciding to treat ourselves we went for a cheap bubbly. At $28 per class that was acceptable. But tax hadn't been put on or the surcharge so in the end those two drinks cost nearly $80! We won't be doing that again in a hurry. But wow, what a view. The question was asked on how much a room was for the night. How does $795 sound. There are some very rich people about. A dress code was in place after 5pm so with us wearing shorts and open toed sandals, we had to be away from there by that given time or escorted out. We made sure to leave before 5.

Back at the hotel and the first thing to do was take the view from our window with the sun shinning on the Marine Hotel. Still can't believe how lucky we are to get this room.