Friday, 7 Oct. 2016 - Singapore
   We woke early, about 4:30 am.  Still not time adjusted. It was raining and continued past noon.  The included buffet breakfast was great with both local and western cuisine.  We both ate a large breakfast, figuring on a light lunch. 
   At 9 am we boarded the bus and headed for the National Orchid Garden.  By this time the rain was quite light and it was only later we needed an umbrella.  The garden hosts over 1000 species with 2000 hybrids and their program began in1928.  This garden hosts the largest display of orchids in the world and is 1 of 3gardens in the world that ate UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

   Next was a short cruise on a bumboat on the Singapore River.  This is a fresh water river and the source of drinking water for the city. Therefore only electrically powered boats are allowed.  The boats, former garbage scows, have all been converted and put to use servicing tourists.

   We then went by bus to the Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown which features both Buddhist and a Taoist Temple.  I found it interesting that it was originally built on the shoreline but due to land fill, it now faces a busy street with shops on the other side.
   We met again at 5pm and after a beverage in the lobby we went for a ride in a trishaw for about 30 minutes.  These vehicles are propelled by a bicycle beside the passengers.

 From there it was on to the famous Raffles Hotel and the ‘Long Bar’ for a Singapore Sling in the place where they were first invented so ladies could enjoy an alcoholic beverage in public that didn’t look naughty.  Then it was off to the dining room at the Raffles Hotel for a delicious buffet dinner of Indian cuisine.  After dinner we explored the public areas of the hotel until it was time to return to our “Hotel Jen”.

Have a good day.     Eva and Dick