• Fly like an Eagle!

    Singapore…it’s a daredevil day for us in Asia! This year’s Halloween costumes are going to be skydiver flight suits and a simulated skydive for our ghoulish treat!

    I always wanted to jump from a plane, but I definitely am not brave enough to actually do it! On Sentosa Island in Singapore there is an IFly skydive simulator…so this is finally my chance!

    Friends Shelly and Julie were as excited as I was to try it! It’s a totally fun and much more economically way to experience a jump without all the risk! I think that step off an actual moving plane may just send me into a total panic attack!

    After a lesson and instructions from a certified jumper, we were outfitted in our flight suits, helmets, googles, and ear plugs…minutes later we were flying in the glass dive chamber! Remembering to breathe, relax, and keep your body in good posture allows the high velocity wind to make sure you soar high into the circular chamber!

    What a rush! Totally cool! Its freaky, frightful, and exhilarating at the same time! Afterwards the instructor showed off his in-flight acrobatics and we all said we would love to do it again!

    We all got our certificates and left feeling totally fulfilled! What a memorable day totally out of my comfort zone!

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  • Taking on New Shapes!

    Singapore…This modern Asian city is bursting with state of the art architecture! The skyline is starting to take on a space age look with a futuristic sensibility!

    Marina Bay Sands is the new icon of the waterfront…it’s spaceship top high in the sky holds an incredible cantilevered pool over the city with a disappearing infinity edge!

    All around the Marina Bay you can spot cool new marvels of architectural engineering!

    Standing at the water’s edge feels as if you are looking at a glossy magazine featuring creativity with an eye to the future! It is great to see a city working so hard to remain current and evolve with the times! Singapore is rapidly growing and evolving to reflect what a modern day metropolis should look like!20121030-191204.jpg20121030-191240.jpg20121030-191505.jpg

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  • Artistic Expression!

    Singapore…Esplanade Mall’s Jendela Visual Arts Space hosted an inspiring exhibit: “Celebrating Life-The Best of the Human Spirit through the Arts”.

    This tribute project is meant to recognize Singapore’s pioneers and bring their vision to the forefront of the community’s cultural consciousness! These pioneers have made significant contribution to the growth and development of the arts in Singapore. Their efforts have been consummate expressions of the human spirit!

    These pioneers may have been overlooked by Singapore’s rapidly changing landscape and this exhibit is introducing their thoughts, views, and voice to a new generation through inspired words they have spoken!

    I found many profound and memorable words to live by!

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  • A Grand Hotel!

    Singapore…One of the most famous hotels in history is located right here in Singapore: The Raffles Hotel!

    This colonial gem opened in the late 1800’s and was the first modern building with electricity in Singapore at the time. Originally only 10 rooms, the hotel was named after Singapore’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles and has expanded throughout the years, surviving several wars and even The Great Depression!

    The hotel is located at the corner of Beach Road and Bras Basah Road and has hosted celebrities and dignitaries for over a century. The famous Long Bar is the home of the “Singapore Sling” cocktail and is more than just a British Colonial bar, it’s truly an institution! The decor of dark wood and palm frond fans have set the scene for literary legends Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, and Joseph Conrad as they indulged in the famous “long” drinks and shelled peanuts back in the day!

    I attempted to enter the lobby but the doormen are known for their strict policy of restricting entrance to only residents and I was swiftly turned away in my shorts and flip flops!

    This is a real slice of history and one of the best displays of iconic British Colonial style with its grand porches, sprawling arcade, and incredible fanlike palm trees. This hotel really is a cool piece of history and the definition of Singapore!

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  • Singapore Fling!

    Singapore…Usually the skyscrapers and mega malls define this modern yet tiny Asian country. But as a melting pot of numerous Asian ethnicities; Singapore marries Indian, Malay, and Chinese cultures that have had an extreme impact on this city’s food, architecture, and vibe!

    The modern airport of Chiangi is the welcoming point for most Singapore visitors and its status as the world’s best gives visitors the first glimpse at how Singapore works…well organized and very user friendly!

    The shopping and high rise mania doesn’t excite me, so I wanted to experience the more ethnic and historical heart of Singapore! A walk to the Kamplung Glam introduced me to Arab Street and area surrounding the Sultan Mosque. This Malay area dates back to the turn of the century and is beautifully lined with multi color historical buildings!

    I loved the color combos of the buildings and especially how each shuttered facade is painted in a different unique color combo!

    My first sampling of Singapore revealed a different side of this city and the cultural diversity that this city holds!

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