singapore

singapore is very nice and clean. i arrived at changi airport and was amazed by grandness of what was available at the airport...they have everything you would need to endure a very long layover. but i decided to go visit my high school friend, jojo! 

one great thing about fb and traveling is that i was able to connect with friends that either traveled to the places i'm going to or those who moved there, the expats. i'm excited to meet up with friends throughout my trip...friends who i haven't seen in such a looong time!

jojo was nice enough to wait up for me and even take me out for a quick bite to eat when i arrived at his doorsteps passed midnight. i felt completely safe taking a cab by myself. this is one thing i feared most, getting from one place to the next without being harrassed or taken advantage of. but this was easily done in singapore. one thing to remember to do is to take a screenshot of the directions you would need to take to get to your location. also, talk to locals to make sure you're not paying more than you need to during transit. there are always hidden fees and extra charges that might make you feel like you're getting ripped off. so it's nice to know ahead of time what you're are expected to pay. like for example, if you catch a cab after midnight: extra charge, use a credit card: extra charge. 

after another long night of barely any sleep (jetlaged and super excited), i started the day out with jojo. as he headed to work, i headed to the city.

first stop was the statue of the merlion

it was so hot, i had to drink lots of water ;)

the gardens by the bay was so pretty...i felt like i was in bug's life! 

i walked the ocbc skyway at the supertree grove to see spectacular view of the gardens! it was funny asking a stranger to take my jumping pic, especially since she didn't speak any english! i just gave her my phone and started jumping! 

this was my fav part of the trip! i found out the airport had many hidden gems and this was one of them. those who know me well, can atest to the fact how much i love sunflowers and how long i've been wanting to visit a field of sunflowers! this came pretty close! it was absolutely gorgeous!

love it can't get over it!

i wasn't able to do too much since i was not in singapore for too long but i did find respect for this young country for keeping up with amazing architecture and keeping the positive future alive with forward thinking laws and regulations. (singapore is turning 50 next month!) singapore is a great country to travel solo. it was easy to get around. i felt safe at all times. 

now onward to thailand!!!