Singapore

It amazes me how small the world has become. We left London on a cold, wet winter evening, and 12 hours later we are 10,800 kilometres away in Singapore in 34 degrees of sunshine. The time difference is 8 hours ahead, so by the time we settle in to our hotel it is already early evening. We are here for a 48 hour stop-over which gives our body clocks a chance to adjust. 

It is Chinese New Year and the waterfront is buzzing with entertainers, food stalls, and families enjoying the festivities. The skyline is dominated by the tall towers of the business district, but our eyes keep getting drawn back to a new structure, the Marina Bay Sands. This incredible piece of architecture is actually 3 towers that are joined at the 57th floor by a Skyway that, from the ground looks like an enormous silver fish or zeppelin. You can visit the observation platform, or swim in the infinity pool, drink at the bars, or eat at the restaurants, all offering stunning views over Singapore by day or night.

On New Years Day most shops were closed, but we managed to find an electronics store in the famous Orchard Road offering goods at less than two thirds UK prices, so who can resist? We visited the Gardens by the Bay next to the Bay Sands. Built on re-claimed land, it consists of extensive gardens, two huge glass domes – one containing an exotic tropical rain forest cloud dome and the other an exotic flowers dome. The tropical rain forest is particularly impressive, it's possible to take a lift up 7 levels from where a waterfall cascades to the ground and an aerial walkway allows you to walk in the clouds above the canopy of the rainforest.

It is the year of the Horse and in Chinatown the streets were lit up with gaudy displays to remind us of the opportunities the year has in store. One sign urged me to consider expanding my family to create more good fortune.  I don't think so!

The following day was again a Public Holiday so we headed for the Botanical Gardens. It's a true Garden of Eden, beautifully laid out with some amazing flowers and birds in particular.  The orchid collection was outstanding.