We are charmed by Singapore!

Singapore is a contrast in all things new and old, Western and Asian. Its lovely and clean city, and despite all my fears about how insane and militaristic I thought it would be, its not. Its casual, laid back -- just full of rules. And the rrules work. The city is clean and orderly -- and for anyone coming from India, A little order is always on the menu!

Jason is standing in front of the National cricket pitch!

The Esplanade. Singapore is often criticized for being sterile and without culture. Hence, the Esplanade. Designed to rival the Sydney's Opera House, its a multi-functional venue with a concert hall, theatre and lots of water front activity. The locals say it looks like a large durian fruit. I thought the architecture was delightful and had to get some close up shots!!

A Taste of Singapore.

Before we are off to bed. This afternoon we headed over to Chinatown in Singapore. There, we stumbled up the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. There are so many more pictures to come from the Temple, but as I say good night, here are the chanting monks and their followers. It is said that if you say the names of the 100 Buddhas you will be rewarded with peace and prosperity. The monks and the followers are doing just that.

Welcome to Singapore.

I had the flash on my camera turned off, and apparently my editing skills aren't what they used to be. But I am running out of internet access so this will have to do! This is what Singapore is all about -- shopping and eating. Its sport here; its the national pastime, say what you will, the Singaporeans excel at both of these things!

Jason hates when I take these pictures, but then always likes how they turn out. Here, we are about to board the MRT to take a ride to Chinatown!

Thr Grounds from the Hotel in Jaipur!

Our hotel used to be a Mughal palace. These are a couple of pictures from the grounds. It was a resort really. There was lots to do in the gardens and its where we swam for the first time. We also took a yoga class on the lawns! Total relaxation!

Because you were curious...

My friend Lauren asked me about the hotels we have been staying at. All have been nice, but there have been (and will be a few) that really stand out. This is our hotel in Jaipur. The room is decorated in traditional Rajasthani decor. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan.

In a traditional greeting we were given flowers and an Indian red ink dot on our foreheads!

This room had a little garden area outside as well!

And of course, the bathroom, as if you were interested!