The Weekender: Stamps in Singapore + SG50

Howdy guys! Sorry I haven't recapped the last couple weekends - we didn't do much in that time, but boy did we make up for it over the last week and a half. As I previously mentioned, my parents touched down in Singapore for their much-anticipated journey to Asia. They were here equal parts to spend time with Michael and me, check out our quirky little island and celebrate their 40th(!) wedding anniversary.  Suffice to say we pretty much saw and ate everything in Singapore - meaning the trip was a total success. A recap below: 

Their first day in Singapore started, like all our guests' trips, with a walk along the river until you die of heat exhaustion in order to fight off jet lag :)

Cheese! Happy. Happy. (Disclaimer: most all of these photos were taken from my dads camera. I was happy to pass the torch of resident family biographer for the weekend). 

I did however take this one... ;)

Fresh seafood-lah! 

Many of our tourist stops were centered around some of the local fare that we enjoy. British-style breakfast at ColBar. 

We also hit up shopping hot spots (much to the dismay of my dad and Michael) Haji Lane and China Town.  

How can one resist $3 purses and various trinkets!? Pro tip: China Town is a great area to spend time in while it's raining. A vast majority of the streets and shops are covered and it's less crowded when raining. The rain also decreases the smell of the durian stalls if you are particularly wimpy. 

One cannot visit Singapore without a lunch at Din Tai Fung...

...or the Raffles Hotel. 

Views from Gardens by the Bay...

...and Maxwell Hawker Center for lunch. 

It was so wonderful to show my parents our home and little life on our little island. It was such an incredible joy to have them out here. 

During their stay we were also fortunate enough to enjoy the much anticipated SG50 celebration together - Singapore's Golden Jubilee celebrating 50 years of independence. WOO! 

The island has been ramping up, practicing, celebrating and practicing some more for what seems like the past year for the big weekend. 

We ventured out early, pushed through the crowds and made our way to the marina for the big show - Catalunya to be exact. Minus the chaos of getting into the restaurant and the perplexing difficulty of obtaining a drink, we all had a wonderful time and enjoyed the airshow and fireworks from the roof deck. 

The big 5-0 flyover. 

Lights, camera, action. Fireworks, lazers and red and white at every turn. 

Happy birthday Singapore! 

What a fun, special weekend with the ones we love. 

Next up: recapping our hot, sweaty, amazing, rustic side trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia! 

XO,

CD

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The Weekender: Beerfest

Hey all. We are back in the groove after another great weekend. It was equal parts fun and relaxing - we did something old and something new. A recap below: 

The main event of the weekend was attending Beerfest Asia 2015. The festival housed tons of great and unique beers from all around the world (hello tequila beer) and stellar musical talent (I'm looking at you Lez Zeppelin). And in true Singapore fashion, it was all very organized and efficient. The place was packed but there was never a queue to get tokens, beer or use the restroom (little known fact: the cleanest port-a-potties are found in Singapore). 

Our group was noting that this was a very hip and happening event for Singapore. A definite return-to festival next summer. 

Only at a beerfest in Asia is it okay to indulge in an exotic, rare Miller Light. 

There was a rotation of really talented cover bands, playing a wide variety of music, on two different stages. 

My friend Jenna texted me this photo the next day. Clearly Michael was star-struck by the lead guitarist for the Singapore-based Beatles tribute band, The Day Trippers. LOLZ  

Lez Zepplin FTW on the main stage. 

Good times. Cold beer. Fun friends. 

I closed out the weekend with a Sunday ladies brunch at Basilico while Michael rocked on the guitar for most of the afternoon. 

Michael is currently working in Shanghai this week while I am holding down the fort back in Singapore. Cheers to a swift week! Only a few days until the 4th of July :)

XO,

CD

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The Weekender: Niki in Singapore

Good day y'all! Back with an extra-special weekend recap as my sister Niki is currently visiting us in Singapore - woohoo! We have had an action-packed 3 days walking, running, shopping, sweating(!), taking selfies and eating our way around the island. A recap below:

Niki landed late on Friday night and Saturday morning we were up early to hit the streets on foot for our classic tour-de-Singapore a la Duvall. It's a beautiful long walk up the river to the sites around the Marina. Quick stop in Clarke Quay for our first photo op. Cheeeese!

Welcome to Singapore :) 

After a breezy water taxi back to our apartment we enjoyed a light lunch before heading to check out the nearby China town. It was considerably less crowded since the last time we visited during the new year celebrations. Not pictured: our matching $4 aviators we scored. They will make their debut on the next post for sure. 

Niki has been a master anti-jet lag champion so we were up and about most of the day on Saturday. After China Town and a small nap we ended the day with a beautiful walk around the Botanical Gardens (crazy, Michael and I had never been before) and an at-home pizza party. I was excited to take photos at the gardens, but sadly we were too late to get into the main orchid exhibit.  The Botanical Gardens are such a beautiful, relaxing space. We are certainly looking forward to going back soon - possibly with a picnic or bottle of wine in tow ;)   

Lots of little ponds at every turn.

Omg, we walked by various groups of people feeding THE biggest and grossest koi and cat fish in the this pond. Michael had to practically drag me off - I couldn't look away!  

Two of my most favorite people... :)

Michael, out of my shot! 

Sunday we were all excited to complete the much anticipated Green Run. The run was 10.5 kilometers along a historical rail line running North/South through the island. After standing in the sun for an extra 20min before we were allowed to start, we were off and had a wonderful time. Michael and Niki were nice and ran a touch slower than normal to keep pace with me ;)  

Pre-race selfie.

We did it!

After the run we treated ourselves to an awesome brunch at Artichoke. A touch hipster, a touch Middle Eastern - the food and ambiance are excellent. We've been once before, but have not been back in awhile and I have no idea why. Yum, yum. 

Love this pic. 

Feta barrata FTW.

Lamb shakshuka FTW x2! 

Monday we sent Michael off to the office and the Stamp gals headed out to explore more of the city. Our afternoon was spent dodging the rains and checking out the views up top. We started out at the Flyer and then moved onto classic drinks at Ku De Ta and Gardens by the Bay. 

TGI-Monday ;)

What's up Singapore! 

While at Gardens by the Bay we strolled along all the beautiful flowers and checked out the Skyway.  The trees are essentially large art installations with greens and flowers growing up them. The 'trees' light up in a goergeous variety of colors and patterns at night.  

The view of the back of the Sands hotel. 

Deep in Singapore thought. 

I was feeling the reflection of the Flyer in the Flower Dome.

And our last big adventure before we head out to BALI tomorrow - we ran around the MacRitchie Reservoir amongst the monkeys, lizards and birds. Much fun was had. 

I had the absolute best time showing my sister our little island and life out East. Tomorrow bright and early we are headed to Bali for a girls only trip. We can't wait!! 

XO,

CD

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