Singapore - first impressions

I've only ever used Singapore as a quick stopover- place to walk round the airport or shower and have a quick kip before heading off to the next spot. So its pretty awesome to stop, breathe and actually see some of the city.

First impressions have been very favourable. I've always understood it to be a clean and tidy city.. But far out! Pristine would be closer to the truth. I know our driver took us around the beautiful parts of the city first- the parklands near the sea didn't have a leaf out of place. The entire way to our hotel on Sentosa was lined with beautiful flowering shrubs and hanging baskets bursting with flowers.

I do know enough to understand there is a much seedier and grimmer part of Singapore, but was delighted to be shown its gorgeous side all the same.

Our hotel is on the resort and pretty lush. I'm glad we took a longer stop over, but am still faced with an ugly flight time of 6 am.. Just means we have a comfy bed for those night hours rather than to hang out at the airport for an 8 hour layover.

We are off to the zoo on a night safari shortly.... And then spending the day at Universal studios - a huge theme park I am imagining to be like MovieWorld.. But on steroids..

For those of you with iphones and imessage, I'll be able to exchange sms with you a fair bit..as my phone still works here.

The kids and I are doing great.. Thanks..

oh - go an check out instagram for heaps of photos I took today of our wanders.