singapore - a perspective beyond imagination
Singapore, your energy is electric in all the best ways. We arrive before sunrise and the humidity is lush. I ready myself for our arrival at an ungodly hour and race up to the highest deck, a stage with unobstructed views.
From every angle this Republic is stunning! Structures along the coast shoot up in wild shapes, this is an architect’s playground. As I snap shots a sudden gust raises the hemline of my dress far too high. Securing extra material into makeshift pants, I continue my photoshoot of Singapore.
An early breakfast on the outdoor patio awaits and Trevor is there with mimosas. To my delight, our ship has new stores of fruit from our previous port and my plate is fresh with jambu, tamarind, rambutan, and figs. Each looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland. Memories of a past Malaysian visit come rushing forward in the form of taste.
Looking to get acquainted with Singapore, we pass through intense port security and take a leisurely stroll that melts us into puddle form. I am grateful for my dress and Trevor is now open to wearing one. I must introduce him to the sarong.
A swift return to Silver Dawn to relax and we also find new guests wandering the decks. Memories of embarking in Tokyo with wide-eyed wonder return as we now give directions like old hands.
Another invitation arrived in our cabin last night to a private party for 200 on the Skypark at Marina Bay Sands. A once in a lifetime event and one that has been on my bucket list since watching Crazy Rich Asians.
We ready ourselves for a night of delicious magic!
Driving through downtown Singapore gives the feeling of a very high-end and tropical Vancouver. One can feel the care in creating such a beautiful and thoughtful metropolis. As we near our destination, I see beautiful and sexy attire arriving in luxury transportation. All spill into the lobby. Trevor and I mix in with the crowd and in the name of a private experience, we steal an elevator up to the top floor. Yes, we are supposed to wait for everyone else to join but we’re subversive.
In a mere 30 seconds, we are shot up to the Skypark and dislodge the pressure from our ears. The doors part to reveal a red carpet lined with hospitality. Drummers, photographers, and white-gloved servers encircle us presenting silver trays filled with the Singapore Sling and lucky New Year treats.
This feels like a movie, wait, is that Kevin Kwan? My imagination is playing tricks on me weaving its golden threads into reality.
By now my senses are engulfed and are about to be taken to new heights. Strolling towards the edge of this platform a view spreads out before us that makes me question my sight.
Far below gardens spread out in a kaleidoscope of color. Orchids defy gravity as they wind up spires resembling massive upside-down trees. Conservatories filled with flowers look like the ribcages of whales and all taper off to a harbour filled with hundreds of behemoth ships. The opposing viewpoint reveals buildings in unique and futuristic shapes all glittering in lights and generously garnished in nature.
Our night unfolds suspended between the stars. Tonight street food has come to us, dancing dragons summon an army of food hawkers of Michelin star level who have created a spread fit for a queen. Satay, roti canai, ice plant salad, laksa - small nibbles are needed to taste as much as possible.
A dessert table filled with the most beautiful pandan cakes, mochi, ais kacang ( ice-KA-kang ), and sweets I’ve never seen before tempt the strongest of wills.
Unable to put any more into my tummy, my eyes feast on the beauty of what has been lovingly prepared.
Fireworks, light shows and, music all follow and we are both full in every sense of the word. In this mike-drop moment, we bow out to digest one of the most memorable nights imaginable.
One thing is for sure - we will be back to spend quality time with Singapore, for she is brimming with imagination!
