$$$ingapore

Wow, Singapore is expen$ive! Of course, that's to be expected from SE Asia's most modern city, and some even say that it could be the world's most modern city by 2030.  This island city-state is like a fairy tale land.  It's spotlessly clean, safe, and organized, and the entire time I was walking around, I felt like I was in a theme park (a theme park with a $500 fine for chewing gum or bringing it into the country...give me a minute while I throw away that pack of Extra in my purse....).  It's more western than a lot of cities in the US, and the fact that it's an economic giant is evidenced by the fact that there are men in suits (from all over the world) lunching around town as they take a break from their professional conferences.  For a visitor though, Singapore is a mecca for eating, drinking, shopping, and enjoying all things trivial and vacation-related; I loved this place, and going back to Philadelphia after being here is going to feel like a serious downgrade (save the Philly jokes...I'm allowed to make fun of it because I'm from there).

The area along the river is filled with awesome bars and restaurants; I really wished my friends from home were here to experience the scene with me

Some skyline shots

The marina bay waterfront area is probably the most well-known part of Singapore.  It is dominated by the incredible Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino, a 5-star hotel that would put similar hotels to shame http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1289194/Marina-Bay-Sands-resort-opens-Singapore.html

MBS in the background

The Merlion

Had to pay $20 to get up to the top level and couldn't even get into the pool area (for hotel guests only).  No worries; a bunch of businessmen were there for happy hour and I got two free drinks out of the deal.  No pictures though...one guy said, "I don't want any pictures on Facebook."  Ha!

Crazy rooftop infinity pool at MBS

I spent a few days navigating the metro and checking out all of the major parts of the city (Riverwalk, Marina Bay, Orchard Street for shopping, Chinatown, Little India, the Muslim area called Kampong Glam, etc), and then on my last day, I went to Sentosa Island.  Talk about being in a fairy tale land!  The island is one big theme park, complete with man-made beaches, a Universal Studios, a wavepark, an underwater world, and many other money-sucking attractions.  Everything is so ridiculously expensive there, so after exploring the place for a bit and paying $30 to experience two, 15 minute 4-D movies (worth the $; it's a 3-D movie that sprays the audience with water, jerks your chair around, blows wind at you...pretty cool), I hit the beach and then made my way back to the mainland.

So, that's Singapore!  I will definitely be coming back here.  I think it was a good idea to visit Singapore last, just in time to ease me back into the western world!  My plane leaves for the US in a few hours, and it's so hard for me to believe that it's all over.  It's been a surreal experience; I've met some fantastic people, and have been lucky enough to see and do so many amazing things.  It already feels like a dream.  Friends have started to send questions my way, and here are the top 7:

1.  Do you have any regrets about quitting your job to travel?  The only regret I have is not buying a better camera before I started.

2.  What will you miss the most?  Meeting interesting people from interesting places who are doing interesting things, palm trees and beautiful beaches, tropical fruits, endless sunny days, great street food, incredible foot massages, friendly local people, and the adventure and unique experiences that each day brings.

3.  What won't you miss?  Unreliable internet service, the lack of paper products, outrageous humidity levels, squat toilets, showers that get the entire bathroom wet, mosquitos, long bus rides, water bottles filled to the very top so that you can't help but spill them when you open them for the first time, and hearing Rihanna, Adele, Bob Marley, and LMFAO 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The unofficial National Anthem of Thailand and the rest of SE Asia

4.  Have you changed?  Hmm...don't know...maybe a little?  I'm still the same person, but I guess I'm more appreciative of the things I have, a little more laid back, and definitely more spontaneous.

5.  Would you teach English again?  Never say never, but unlikely.  Once is enough I think!

6.  What was your favorite place you visited?  This one is really tough.  I did so many different kinds of things, and it's hard to compare apples to oranges to bananas.  Off the top of my head, some natural highlights were Mt. Bromo in Indonesia, Nangyuan in Thailand, and Sapa in Vietnam.  Some partying highlights were the Full Moon Party for New Year's Eve in Thailand and the Rugby 7s' competition in Hong Kong.

7.  Now what?  Great question.  Know anyone who's hiring, particularly for something starting after Labor Day? 

That's all she wrote!  This blog was hard for me to keep up with at many points, but it was a labor of love, and now I have the best souvenir ever.  I hate to say it, but this time, there will be no next time...so for the last time, let me say.....Sawatdee kaaaaahhhhhh!!!!