Sentosa Island and a Singapore Sling

 April 25th

Today we fly back to the UK but not until 23.30 tonight. Ian paid for a late check out, meant we could have showers and repack the bags later this afternoon. In the meantime we took ourselves off to Sentosa Island. First by taxi to Mount Faber Peak and then cable car across to the island.

The $28 tickets allowed us to ride on the Mt Faber line and the Sentosa line. A real bargain although for us the Faber line was only the means to getting to Sentosa to do a bit of exploring and not to do all the attractions at the theme parks. We saw the sea life centre as we glided over.

 

Cable cars to the Luge track

The Sentosa line took us to the beach, a real treat to see the lovely golden sands almost devoid of people. Here we stopped for a drink. A cocktail made from Peroni. Sounds weird but was delightful and very refreshing.

Mid afternoon and we headed back to the hotel. A quick change into smart casual gear and off to Raffles for a Singapore Sling. Ian's claim to fame was that he was once escorted out of Raffles for wearing the wrong footwear. It was back in 1983 but he was determined this time to get the drink he was denied all those years ago. So I wore a long skirt and Ian changed into trousers and closed shoes. We needn't have bothered because it appears that they are so much more relaxed than they were. In fact several men went in wearing shorts and thongs (Jandals for you Kiwi's) and some ladies with tank tops revealing their midriff and very short shorts! A queue was outside the Long Room bar. Took a good 15 minutes before we could be seated. 

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Peanut shells littered the floor and old fashioned ceiling fans swayed in unison from above. Small sacks of peanuts were on the table and you were encouraged to help yourselves, crack open the shells and throw them on the floor. There they stayed for the rest of the day. All very strange that the shells were left without being cleared up but a sign was on the wall stating,

Quite possible the one place in Singapore where littering is actually encouraged. Never would we suggest you break the law. But at the Long Bar at Raffles, feel free to brush your peanut shells onto the floor…

We ordered the drinks, didn't get a chance to see what price they were, got a shock when Ian went to pay the bill though. $37 each and tax still had to be put onto that! Wow, now that was one very pricey cocktail!

Not sure what to make of the drink. It had the taste of a liquid fruit cake. Not really my cup of tea and probably won't ever want to try it again. Ian thought it delicious, but he would seeing as spirits are his thing. For me, it was much too strong but glad I tried it anyway.

So I am writing this at Changi Airport. We are sitting in one of the lounges enjoying a drink or two. The flight isn't for another three hours. It's going to be a long, long trip home.

Qantas flight to London not the BA flight