A Long Weekend in Singapore

After Tet life changed somewhat and came to a crashing halt as we welcomed our second foster baby and first newborn into our home. She was born on the Friday and came to us on the Tuesday morning at just 4 days old, she still had the umbilical cord attached. I was somewhat nervous receiving such a small baby. A friend stayed with me all of that first day showing me the newborn ropes, I was so thankful and felt slightly more able when she left. The first night was intense but we got to know each other and we became more confident with her small size and caring for her became easier. Fortunately she feeds well and is a good sleeper especially at night. The sleep deprivation is hectic but we coped ok. We didn’t know how long we would have her but in the end it would be 6.5 weeks. 

Baby Hannah

Napping was a firm favourite lol. 

We already had plans to travel to Singapore for a long weekend when Hannah joined us. Justin had a conference there so he invited Bron to join him and we made it into a long weekend. Hannah went to another home nearby for the weekend and we jetted off. Singapore, your airport is a dream! Arriving and leaving, what a pleasure. Super easy check in, immigration, and security. Thank you for making flying and traveling the easy and pleasurable experience it should be. 

We arrived later on Wednesday evening and headed to a popular food court for dinner. Unfortunately we both we got ill with unhappy tummies and pretty sure it was from this meal. We ate at different kiosks to each other so must be a more widespread issue. Very unusual and unexpected from Singapore! Justin was quite a bit worse than Bron sadly, he still had a lot of work commitments. It slowed us down a bit but we still had a nice weekend.

Trying out a popular food court

On the Thursday Justin was in the office and Bron had the day free. The morning was spent roaming the botanic gardens and national orchid garden. Was really lovely, we desperately miss green open spaces. In the afternoon I met up with a SA friend Anita who used to live in HCMC. Thank you for helping me to navigate the Orchard mall! And for the lovely conversation and company all afternoon. 

There are several families of wild otters who live in the river that runs through Singapore. In the late afternoon Anita showed me where to find them at a certain spot of the river and we spent ages watching them play, sleep and swim, was really special. In the evening we had dinner plans with Justin’s Singapore office colleagues. Was really fun! Was lovely to meet you, thank you for the crab dinner! 

The beautiful National Orchid Garden 

On Friday we had a breakfast meet up with a colleague, Justin went to his conference, and Bron went to meet Anita. In the afternoon I met Justin at the Marina area. From there we walked the along the river to go find the otters again. Was a lovely and perfect evening. At that time, HCMC definitely felt hotter than Singapore, the temperature and humidity was much more comfortable, could be different at different times of year though.

The Merlion at the Marina Bay Sands area

Walking around Singapore

Saturday we made plans to meet Stuart and Anita for a long walk on the East Coast Park Promenade, right along the shoreline. Was so nice! We really miss these kind of parks!! And then brunch nearby. The rest of Saturday was pretty chill as Justin still wasn’t feeling well, so it was a nap for Justin and a spot of shopping for Bron. 

On Sunday we checked out and went for a walk in the botanic gardens, and then met Stuart and Anita for lunch before heading to the airport. Was so lovely catching up with you both, thank you for making so much time to see us!! Was so great to see you guys and catch up. 

Otter watching

So many babies! 

On the Monday Bron flew through some laundry and the supermarket before going to fetch baby Hannah. 

Thank you Singapore for a great long weekend! 

See you next time for adventures in Korea!