Kathy visits Singapore
28 July - 10 August 2003 - Singapore
Gerri's sister Kathy flew over from the USA for a two week visit. They had a non-stop schedule that went something like this...
Tuesday was off to Holland Village to see the Dressmaker. Three new suits for Kathy and skirts for Alexis and vests for Gerri. They sampled laksa and glass noodles at the Thai Express. After an afternoon of shopping they met Joe for drinks in the Union Bar at the American Club.
Wednesday was their day for pampering with a trip to Bellissima for manicures and pedicures. They moved on to Arab Street to idle over the beautiful textiles. The last item for the day was movie night at Great World City Shopping Centre. They saw Lara Croft Tomb Raider, The Cradle of Life in the Golden Classic theatre. While sitting in Barcaloungers, they had popcorn and sodas delivered by a waiter.
Thursday they hit the museums, first at the Ming Village Museum where they saw how they still make the blue and white Ming Vases. After a quick stop at a local noodle shop they went to the Asian Civilizations Museum on Armenian Street. They have a fantastic exhibit on the Peranakan Culture. Later that evening after quickly packing an overnight bag they crossed over the Causeway into Malaysia. They spent the night at Palm Resort.
Thursday they hit the museums, first at the Ming Village Museum where they saw how they still make the blue and white Ming Vases. After a quick stop at a local noodle shop they went to the Asian Civilizations Museum on Armenian Street. They have a fantastic exhibit on the Peranakan Culture. Later that evening after quickly packing an overnight bag they crossed over the Causeway into Malaysia. They spent the night at Palm Resort.
Friday saw them out on the golf course by 9 am. After six months of no golf they did amazingly well. Kathy was a terror in the cart and on her short game. They lunched at Swee Kee on chicken rice. Making the loop they stopped in Johor Bahru for a bit of movie shopping. They had all the latest and greatest movies.....such a deal. By the time they reached home they were ready to relax and have a movie night.
Saturday they toddled off to see the Merlion, the symbol of Singapore. They lunched at the Fullerton Hotel on satay and crab cakes. They walked across the Singapore River on Cavenaugh Bridge. On the other side they went to the Empress Place Museum which had fabulous exhibits on all the Southeast Asian Cultures. There were many interactive exhibits to enjoy. They spent several hours in the museum, not really doing it justice, but they were forced to leave at closing. Then it was off to dine at the Amara Hotel for Thai food.
Saturday they toddled off to see the Merlion, the symbol of Singapore. They lunched at the Fullerton Hotel on satay and crab cakes. They walked across the Singapore River on Cavenaugh Bridge. On the other side they went to the Empress Place Museum which had fabulous exhibits on all the Southeast Asian Cultures. There were many interactive exhibits to enjoy. They spent several hours in the museum, not really doing it justice, but they were forced to leave at closing. Then it was off to dine at the Amara Hotel for Thai food.
Sunday the gang got up and had 'brunch' at Lei Gardens dim sum style. After trying to get Kathy to eat chicken feet which she would not do, they settled for char siew bau and har gau. Joe did a bit of grocery shopping at Tanglin Marketplace while Kathy and Gerri ogled all the things she doesn't get in California. Then they took off for the Malay Village. There was a cultural museum and shops; fortunately it was the only disappointing outing of their time together. Then they drove out to visit Changi Prison and the Chapel museum.
Monday saw Gerri and Kathy back at Holland Village for a fitting of Kathy's outfits at the Dressmaker. They did a bit of souvenir shopping at the shops in Holland Village. After a quick lunch at Deli France they shot off to Chjimes to do some more souvenir shopping there. They crossed the street in search of a soda and ended up at Raffles City Shopping centre. They enjoyed a soda there while watching the water fountain which surprisingly was designed by a firm in California. They raced back to pick up Joe at his office and had dinner at the Japanese Tonkatsu restaurant in Takashimaya. After dinner they dropped Joe off at home and they headed out to the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo. They saw lots of nocturnal animals. They especially enjoyed listening to the hyenas howling at the moon.
Tuesday Kathy and Gerri were back up bright and early for a day on Sentosa Island. They drove the car across onto the island, where they parked in one lot and then rode the monorail around to all the attractions. They saw Fort Siloso which was where the British tried to protect Singapore from the Japanese. They enjoyed the Underwater World, Dolphin Lagoon, going up in the Merlion that they have on the island, and last but not least the Images of Singapore which is their very own historical wax museum. The Dolphin Lagoon was charming in their attempt to be like a Sea World wannna be, but truly the best part was that a storm whipped up while they were sitting on the beach in plastic patio chairs under canvas tents. The wind blew so hard that their hair was blown straight back from their faces. They dragged themselves home at the end of the day to collapse on our Lazy Boy recliners.
Wednesday and Thursday the girls spent on Bintan, an Indonesian Island. They took the ferry (hydra-foil) for a one hour trip to the island. They were bussed to Angsana Resort where they proceeded to do absolutely nothing, but had a blast doing it. They spent time by the pool, sitting on the balcony, and eating in the one and only restaurant at the resort. Pool time on Thursday was interrupted by ANOTHER storm whipping up. It got so dark and windy, that it chased all the guests away from the pool. Kathy and Gerri spent the rest of the day filling out their family tree books that they got at Borders and laughed themselves silly reminiscing over family stories.
Friday morning they took the Ferry back to Singapore in time to race to Holland Village for one final fitting of our outfits. Then they taxied to Orchard to have one last go at souvenir shopping. They cruised Lucky Plaza for the best bargains and found a few interesting items for the family. Later that evening they dragged Joe out for Chinese in the Pacific Room at the American Club.
Saturday, being National Day - Singapore Independence Day, they stayed home enjoying the pool and bumming around.
Sunday they rode Bumboats on Singapore River for a different look at Singapore. They had lunch at Clark Quay. In the afternoon Joe whipped up his famous Cosmopolitans for them to sip while enjoying the sunset. They met Joe’s colleagues at Jumbo Seafood Restaurant on the East Coast to enjoy a delicious meal of chilli crab and drunken prawn.
Sunday they rode Bumboats on Singapore River for a different look at Singapore. They had lunch at Clark Quay. In the afternoon Joe whipped up his famous Cosmopolitans for them to sip while enjoying the sunset. They met Joe’s colleagues at Jumbo Seafood Restaurant on the East Coast to enjoy a delicious meal of chilli crab and drunken prawn.
There are lots more pictures but seems they are missing the cable for the digital camera... They should be able to download and add more pictures very soon...
Thanksgiving was made special this year with a visit to Singapore from long time friend Jacky Kerner from the USA. Shopping, dining a bit of sightseeing and Canasta were the main activities. They managed to set aside enough time to fix a complete Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.
Thanksgiving was made special this year with a visit to Singapore from long time friend Jacky Kerner from the USA. Shopping, dining a bit of sightseeing and Canasta were the main activities. They managed to set aside enough time to fix a complete Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.
In spite of what Jacky may tell you... Joe was the clear Canasta champion!!! And yes this is actually how Jacky looks at the card table!
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