Week 32: Mac & Singapore

  View from Level 33

We ate, we drank and looked fabulous the entire weekend. This became the catch phrase that I adopted for my wonderful long-weekend visit to Singapore. I was incredibly happy I got to reconnect and see one of my dearest friends and former study abroad roomie, Mac, after nearly seven months. Our long-distance friendship although not new, is not ideal. I was floored to have another great friend move to Asia. It was the end of Mac's first month in Singapore, and of course I jumped at the opportunity to visit! In classic Mac fashion, she planned such a well-thought out and food-drink related weekend that far exceeded my expectations!

To further document the trip, I edited and made a video using clips from my GoPro camera. It's my first video and it's definitely amateur. I am not sure why the text is super shackey in it either! However, I hope you enjoy it. I was told recently it may be taken down, due to copyright violation of the song (oops). I didn't realize how strict YouTube is with their rules. But, for now enjoy!

GoPro Video: Adrienne and Mac Asian Adventures #1



 Level 33 Flight

Craft Beer in Asia!

It took me about seven hours to fly down to Singapore. Immediately upon departing the plane, a wave of heat hit my entire body like an electric shock. Contrary to the constant numbing feeling that I struggle with in Niigata-ken, Singapore was quite the opposite! The weather was humid and up in the 80's, but overall pretty comfortable to be in. I ended up wearing shorts and dresses the entire weekend! Something I haven't done since first arriving in Japan last July.

In turn, Singapore is meticulous! I thought Japan was clean, but Singapore brings cleanliness to a new level. Additionally, English is the national langauge followed by Singlish, so the ease and comfort I felt in this country was overwhelming during my entire visit.



Night Views from 1-Altitude

 

I arrived bright and early Friday after taking a red-eye from Japan. Wearing too many layers and in desperate need for some coffee, Mac treated me to Starbucks and we chatted on her balcony in her amazing corporate housing suite. After a needed nap, I headed to her LinkedIn offices where I met some of her awesome co-workers and enjoyed the luxury of dining in their cafe. Post-LinkedIn we adventured up to Level 33 a rooftop brewery where we were both mesmerized by the views and captilized on the perfect photo opportunity.

In the evening we adventured up to the tallest bar in Singapore called 1-Altitude. We sipped our Singapore Slings, which were far too sweet, but easily made up for by the panoramic views and hilarious encounters with other foreigners adventuring in the city.

 Saturday Strolling

What continually amazed me about this country is the enormous diversity it possesses. At 50 years old, Singapore is truly an anomly in Asia. There were countless moments when I felt that I had been transported back to California, specifically San Francisco. It was refershing for me to not be stared at wherever I went, and not to mention that there were rarely any language barriers and almost too many types of cuisines to choose from (not that I was complaining...).

We got up early Saturday to capitalize on my time in Singapore. Our first stop was of course brunch at a wonderful cafe. I was floored to have such a western meal in a truly "hipster," coffee shop that exuded California vibes. My savory chive waffles were topped with bacon and eggs. I was beyond satisfied. Maybe too much so, since after failing to be served at a spa we adventured back to Mac's apartment to re-group and both took long cat naps. Rest assured, this didn't stop us too long and we opted for a more active and touristy outing at Gardens By The Bay.

 Gardens By The Bay Adventures

Gardens By the Bay is a very modern establishment. Apparently Singapore government held a contest to design the futuristic structures that are centered around  various vegetation and greenery. We spent all afternoon frolicking in and out of various planetariums and green houses, specifically the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome and Cloud Dome. It was fun to admire the various flora for Chinese New Year and get some fresh air while enjoying more unique and spectacular views.


 Afternoon Tea at The Marmalade Pantry

In pursuit of continuing to try as many places on Mac's list as possible, we freshened up and adventured out to the middle of Singapore with the intention of having afternoon tea at The Marmalade Pantry. We got the times for tea mixed up, and instead enjoyed their highly reviewed cupcakes and of course a glass of bubbly. It was a continuous celebration after all! The cupcakes were delicious and yet again, probably too much food. But, I couldn't resist either the coconut or chocolatey options so we both opted for two a piece.


 Saturday Night Dining
Mulled Wine at Operation Dagger

The bucket list continued into the evening where we hit another stellar restaurant. Mac was gracious enough to tell them it was my birthday and brought me out a candle adorned dessert and a free glass of bubbly (a huge gift in itself since Singapore prices their alcohol incredibly high). We enjoyed family style small plates, and were quite satisfied with the fresh and high quality ingredients. We finished the night at a secret bar that was almost impossible to find, called Operation Dagger. Only recognizable by a faintly sprayed upside-down crown icon on top of their door, it probably was one of my favorite places we went to due to its unique drink menu and underground location. Mac's mulled wine was made on the spot in front of us! Talk about getting bang for your buck just with the the preparation.



 Tanjong Beach Club
Sentosa Island



Sunday was spent primarily in Sentosa. We spent our late morning and early afternoon at Tanjong Beach Club sipping frozen margaritas and eating very classic brunch items. The beach was pristine and the water was incredibly clear. I was lame and didn't go all the way in for fear of getting sun burnt (which my "used to snow," skin did get anyway!), but regardless it was fantastic to be outside. I haven't lounged on the beach since graduating from UCSD, so it was both nostalgic and a relaxing experience.

Local Grub at Por Khee

For my last night we went local! Mac took me to a traditional restaurant called Por Khee that her coworkers took her when she initially came. Of course we ordered too much food, but it was absolutely delicious! These baby pork ribs were fall off the bone material, and not to mention all of our side dishes were delicious seasoned veggies that I couldn't stop snacking on.

Dynamic Duo at Our Finest

Least to say, it was a fantastic trip. I couldn't have asked for a better host to show me this wonderful country. I highly recommend Singapore to anyone who wants a very smooth transition into seeing Asia, or frankly a very easy country to navigate. We did a whole lot of activities, but what I cherished the most was our continuous conversations. It's refreshing to see an old friend and feel like no time has passed, and I am very grateful to have not only my ultimate travel partner, but a best friend in the same continent as me. After all, there are not many friends that have lived in three different continents together! I look forward to future Adrienne&Mac Asian adventures.

Thank you Mac, for sending me all the fabulous photos of us from our visit. About 1/2 of the photographs are credit to her.