Diamond Head Road

Celebrating in Singapore  

Everything you've heard about the island of Singapore is absolutely true: impeccably clean and modern, everyday citizens walking around dressed to the nines. a subway system that is unbelievably enjoyable and entertaining, the epitome of a shopper's paradise.

Let's start with Changi Airport: a tourist destination in and of itself: catch the latest movie, enjoy a massage, take a swim or peruse the stunning collection of indoor orchids and sunflowers; or in our case since we are here during "festive season"; gawk at over the top Christmas decorations: cherry red ornaments taller than Stanley, oversized and beautifully wrapped gifts lining the baggage claim luggage belt, pine trimmings and wreaths everywhere you turn.

Our first day in Singapore was marred only by the taxi drivers as they don't know a thing about where places are located. As it was our first day, we did not have an exact address of the restaurant where we planned to meet a friend. Of course, I assumed the taxi driver would know where P.S. Cafe is located since it seems to be a pretty well-known spot. Boy, was I wrong. Luckily, we all shared the most delectable (and huge!) wedge of chocolate cake in history, so the ill-fated taxi experience soon faded away.

The best way to get around Singapore is the subway system. Again, you would be hard-pressed to find even a candy wrapper on the ground. People just don't litter here. There is a S$500 fine imposed on anyone caught drinking or eating in most areas of the subway and there are video cameras everywhere. (Although Bristow has had his sippy cup in hand several times and no one looked at us twice.)  

I'm sure all the rules and regulations must drive the local teenagers batty, but as a mom of two young children, the clean atmosphere is a dream. Not only is the subway easy to maneuver, air-conditioned and safe; the shopping is nothing short of sensational. We're talking Bobbi Brown underground, European bakeries and Japanese pastry shops at every turn, handmade spa products by Lemongrass House and every other wonderful food and product concoction you can think of. 

On New Year's Eve, we woke the kids up at 9 p.m. and headed to Swissotel The Stamford near the Marina District which boasts the highest restaurant in Asia at 70 stories tall.  The atmosphere was cozy, elegant, conducive to bringing the kids and incredibly festive. The streets were so jam packed after the fireworks with thousands of revelers that we jumped in a ric shaw home to top off the night.

Happy New Year - we wish you the very best in 2010! xoxo