Singapore Extremes

Marina Bay Sands

You will have to agree that this is one spectacular building and the size of it is truly awesome. What you are looking at is the hotel in this massive hotel/casino/theatre and shopping complex which is still being built. The hotel section pictured below is three towers about 60 storeys joined at the top by this ship like skypark. Yep, it is a park on top of the building, amazing. The park is opening on June 27 you can be assured that it will one hell of a party. This little vegie however will NEVER go up there as just looking at it gives me the hebbie jeevies. However we couldn't pass the opportunity of having lunch (Dim Sum for me and Nasi Goring for him) in the lobby. The atrium rises all the way to the top and they have 83 (no I didn't personally count them, just read it in the blurb) pottery vases about 10ft tall containing full size trees scattered around the foyer. Below is a pic of the entire complex, the casino is open, the hotel is up and running, the shopping centre was just starting to open and the theatre complex is still a work in progress. The design of the whole complex is quiet startling, with the sweeping curve of the skypark and the upended cup shape of the theatres.

Art Deco madness

The Park View tower is an example of Asian madness in a particular style. This Decoish tower has more deco styling than the Rockafeller/Chrylser/Waldof put together. We spotted this building when we were on our way to the hotel when we first arrived and just had to go back for a look see. The statues at the top are 6 or 7 stories high and there are lots of similar "over the top" statues scattered around the base. The truly astounding part is the inside which is overwhelming in bronze/gold deco reliefs and decor. Unfortunately you are not permitted to take pics and even though I tried I didn't succeed. Oh it is a building full of lawyers, who else could afford the rent LOL.

Heritage Singapore

Lastly on one of our many shopping centre trips (how many Rolex/Armani/Omega/Tiffany shops can one city have? ) we stumbled into this little bastion of Ol' Singapore. This beautiful little street running off Orchid Road is lined up both side with these lovely terraces. At the Orchid Rd end they are converted into bars and cafes but as you go further up the street you get into the residential area. As you would expect, nothing parked in the driveway is less than a Merc, so I guess we won't be buying there.

On reflection our trip to Singapore was fun, but it really is one big shopping centre and food hall. Next time a stopover of a day or so will be enough - 5 days is 3 days toooooo long.